Connector assembly

Abstract

The present application provides a connector assembly which can easily fit a first connector and a second connector, and can improve contact reliability of a first contact and a second contact. When a lever member (22) is rotated from an initial rotation position to a first rotation position in a state where a second insulator (23) is positioned at a fitting start position relative to a first insulator (13), the second insulator is moved to a fitting position in a fitting direction by a first cam mechanism; when the lever member is further rotated from the first rotation position to a second rotation position, a pressing member (15) is moved by a second cam mechanism in a state where the second insulator is held at the fitting position, and the first contact (14) and the second contact (24) are brought into contact with each other with a prescribed contact pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly in which a first connector and a second connector are engaged by rotating a rod member. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a connector assembly was known that utilized the rotation of a rod component to facilitate the mating action of a pair of connectors. For example, such as... Figure 58 As shown, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly comprising a first connector 1 and a second connector 2 that engages with the first connector 1 along an engagement direction D. A protrusion 1B is formed on the first housing 1A of the first connector 1 in a direction orthogonal to the engagement direction D. A rod member 3 is mounted on the outside of the second housing 2A of the second connector 2 in a manner that allows it to rotate around a pivot point 2B.

[0003] The rod component 3 has a guide groove (not shown) that is opposite to the outer side of the second housing 2A. The second connector 2 approaches the first connector 1 along the mating direction D. The rod component 3 is rotated while the protrusion 1B of the first connector 1 is inserted into the guide groove of the rod component 3, thereby mating the first connector 1 and the second connector 2.

[0004] Through the mating of the first connector 1 and the second connector 2, such as Figure 59 As shown, the first contact 1C disposed within the first housing 1A is electrically connected to the second contact 2D inserted into the contact insertion port 2C of the second connector 2.

[0005] The second contact 2D is connected to the front end of the wire 4. For example, by mounting the first connector 1 on an electrical device (not shown), current can flow through the electrical device via the wire 4.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-152265

[0009] When using this connector assembly to allow current to flow through electrical equipment, the larger the current, the thicker the wire 4 connected to the second contact 2D needs to be.

[0010] However, if the electrical equipment, such as that mounted in a vehicle, is placed in an environment subject to external forces such as vibration, the external forces are transmitted through the thick wire 4 to the contact point between the first contact 1C and the second contact 2D, which can cause poor contact.

[0011] Therefore, increasing the contact force between the first contact 1C and the second contact 2D can improve contact reliability. However, this also increases the insertion force required to engage the second connector 2 with the first connector 1, making it difficult to easily engage the first connector 1 with the second connector 2 even with the rotation of the rod member 3. Furthermore, increasing the contact force may damage the surfaces of the first contact 1C and the second contact 2D, reducing contact reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention was made to solve such existing problems, and its object is to provide a connector assembly that can easily fit a first connector and a second connector, and can improve the contact reliability between the first contact and the second contact.

[0013] The connector assembly of the present invention comprises:

[0014] A first connector has a first insulator and a first contact held in the first insulator;

[0015] The second connector has a second insulator and a second contact held in the second insulator, and is engaged with the first connector in the mating direction;

[0016] The rod component is rotatably held in one of the first insulator and the second insulator;

[0017] The pressing component is used to press the first contact and the second contact together;

[0018] The first cam mechanism, in conjunction with the rotation of the lever component, causes the first insulator and the second insulator to move relative to each other along the engagement direction; and

[0019] The second cam mechanism, in conjunction with the rotation of the lever component, causes the pressing component to move.

[0020] When the rod component is rotated from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position with the second insulator in the engagement start position relative to the first insulator, the second insulator moves to the engagement position along the engagement direction via the first cam mechanism; when the rod component is further rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, while the second insulator is held in the engagement position, the pressing component moves via the second cam mechanism, and the first contact and the second contact come into contact with each other with a specified contact pressure.

[0021] Preferably, the first contact and the second contact extend along the engagement direction,

[0022] One of the first and second contacts is composed of a spring contact, and the other is composed of a fixed-side contact.

[0023] The pressing component, which moves via the second cam mechanism, presses the spring contact toward the fixed side contact in a direction intersecting the engagement direction, causing the first and second contacts to come into contact with each other.

[0024] Preferably, the spring contact has: a force point portion that contacts the pressing member and receives pressing force from the pressing member; a fulcrum portion that serves as a fulcrum for the elastic deformation of the spring contact when the force point portion is subjected to pressing force; and a contact portion disposed between the force point portion and the fulcrum portion and in contact with the fixed-side contact.

[0025] The distance from the fulcrum to the force point is longer than the distance from the fulcrum to the contact point.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the pressing member can be configured to be movable relative to the first insulator in the engagement direction between an initial position and a retracted position, and has a pressing surface for pressing the first and second contacts against each other when in the initial position.

[0027] When the lever component is rotated from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the pressing component moves from the initial position to the retracted position via the second cam mechanism; when the lever component is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the pressing component moves from the retracted position to the initial position via the second cam mechanism, and the pressing surfaces press the first contact and the second contact against each other.

[0028] In this case, preferably, the second contact is a spring contact, and the pressing member moves from the initial position to the retracted position via the second cam mechanism when the rod member rotates from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position; when the rod member rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, it moves from the retracted position to the initial position via the second cam mechanism, and the pressing surface presses the second contact against the first contact.

[0029] Alternatively, the rod member can be rotatably held in the second insulator, the first cam mechanism has a first cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the first insulator and inserted into the first cam groove, and the second cam mechanism has a second cam groove formed in the rod member and a second pin protruding from the pressing member and inserted into the second cam groove.

[0030] Furthermore, preferably, the first connector has a spring for holding the pressing member in the initial position, and the pressing member moves from the initial position to the retracted position by the second cam mechanism overcoming the elastic force of the spring when the rod member rotates from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position.

[0031] In the second embodiment, the pressing member can be configured to be movable relative to the first insulator in the engagement direction between an initial position and a retracted position, and has a pressing surface for pressing the first and second contacts together when in the retracted position.

[0032] During the rotation of the lever component from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the pressing component is held in the initial position; when the lever component is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the pressing component moves from the initial position to the retracted position via the second cam mechanism, and presses the first contact and the second contact against each other through the pressing surfaces.

[0033] In this case, preferably, the first contact is made of a spring contact, and the pressing member is held in the initial position during the rotation of the rod member from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position. When the rod member rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the pressing member moves from the initial position to the retracted position through the second cam mechanism, and presses the first contact against the second contact through the pressing surface.

[0034] Alternatively, the rod member can be rotatably held in the second insulator, the first cam mechanism has a cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the first insulator and inserted into the cam groove, and the second cam mechanism has an outer peripheral cam surface formed in the rod member and a second pin protruding from the pressing member and in contact with the outer peripheral cam surface.

[0035] Furthermore, preferably, the first connector has a spring for holding the pressing member in an initial position, the pressing member being held in the initial position by the spring during the rotation of the rod member from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position; when the rod member rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the pressing member moves from the initial position to the retracted position by overcoming the elastic force of the spring through the second cam mechanism.

[0036] In the third embodiment, the pressing member may also be configured to include: a first pressing member, which is held movable relative to the first insulator in a direction intersecting the engagement direction between a first initial position and a push-out position; and a second pressing member, which is held movable relative to the second insulator in a engagement direction between a second initial position and a forward position.

[0037] The first pressing component has pressing surfaces for pressing the first and second contacts together when in the extended position.

[0038] The second pressing member has a push-out surface for pushing the first pressing member to the push-out position when it is in the forward position.

[0039] During the rotation of the lever component from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the first pressing component is held in the first initial position and the second pressing component is held in the second initial position; when the lever component is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the second pressing component moves from the second initial position to the forward position via the second cam mechanism, and the first pressing component moves from the first initial position to the push-out position via the push-out surface, and the pressing surfaces of the first pressing component press the first contact and the second contact against each other.

[0040] In this case, it is preferable that the first contact is made of a spring contact, and the first pressing member moves from the first initial position to the push-out position when the rod member rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, and presses the first contact toward the second contact through the pressing surface.

[0041] Alternatively, the rod member can be rotatably held in the second insulator, the first cam mechanism has a first cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the first insulator and inserted into the first cam groove, and the second cam mechanism has a second cam groove formed in the rod member and a second pin protruding from the second pressing member and inserted into the second cam groove.

[0042] Furthermore, preferably, the second pressing member has a front portion located in the mating direction closer to the first connector than the second pin, and a rear portion located in the mating direction closer to the opposite side of the first connector than the second pin; the first insulator has a concave front portion receiving portion whose front portion is accommodated and movable in the mating direction; and the second insulator has a concave rear portion receiving portion whose rear portion is accommodated and movable in the mating direction. The connector assembly includes: a front waterproof seal disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and the inner peripheral surface of the front portion receiving portion; and a rear waterproof seal disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear portion and sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the rear portion and the inner peripheral surface of the rear portion receiving portion.

[0043] Alternatively, in a fourth embodiment, the rod member can be rotatably held in relation to a first insulator, the first cam mechanism having a first cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the second insulator and inserted into the first cam groove, and the second cam mechanism having a second cam groove formed in the rod member and a second pin protruding from the pressing member and inserted into the second cam groove.

[0044] Preferably, the pressing member has a front portion located in the engagement direction closer to the second connector than the second pin, and a rear portion located in the engagement direction closer to the opposite side of the second connector than the second pin; the second insulator has a concave front portion receiving portion whose front portion is accommodated and movable in the engagement direction; and the first insulator has an abutting surface that abuts against the rear end face of the rear portion when the pressing member is in the retracted position. The connector assembly includes: a front waterproof seal disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and the inner peripheral surface of the front portion receiving portion; and a rear waterproof seal disposed on the rear end face of the rear portion and sealing between the rear end face of the rear portion and the abutting surface when the pressing member is in the retracted position.

[0045] In the fifth embodiment, the connector assembly may include: an auxiliary rod member rotatably held in a first insulator; and a rod linkage mechanism that is linked to the rotation of the rod member to rotate the auxiliary rod member in the opposite direction to the rod member, wherein a second contact is connected to the front end of a wire, and the wire is clamped and held by the rod member and the auxiliary rod member when the rod member is in a second rotation position.

[0046] Preferably, the linkage mechanism has a first gear formed on the lever member and a second gear formed on the auxiliary lever member and rotating with the rotation of the first gear. In this case, the linkage mechanism may also have an intermediate gear, which is rotatably disposed on the lever member and meshes with both the first gear and the second gear.

[0047] The effects of the invention:

[0048] According to the present invention, when the rod member is rotated from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position with the second insulator in the engagement start position relative to the first insulator, the second insulator moves to the engagement position along the engagement direction via the first cam mechanism; when the rod member is further rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, while the second insulator is held in the engagement position, the pressing member moves via the second cam mechanism, and the first contact and the second contact come into contact with each other with a predetermined contact pressure, thus enabling easy engagement of the first connector and the second connector, and improving the contact reliability between the first contact and the second contact. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the state of the connector assembly before fitting according to Embodiment 1.

[0050] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the first connector used in Embodiment 1.

[0051] Figure 3This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector used in Embodiment 1.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 before mating.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a side view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a front view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0055] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A sectional view along line AA.

[0056] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0057] Figure 9 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component at 45 degrees during the engagement action, and... Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, with the cut surface corresponding to the AA line.

[0058] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 when the rod component is rotated at a 45-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0059] Figure 11 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component during the engagement action at 90 degrees, and... Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1, with the cut surface corresponding to the AA line.

[0060] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 when the rod component rotates 90 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0061] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the state of the connector assembly before fitting according to Embodiment 2.

[0062] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of the first connector used in Embodiment 2.

[0063] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector used in Embodiment 2.

[0064] Figure 16This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 2 before mating.

[0065] Figure 17 This is a side view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 2, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0066] Figure 18 This is a front view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 2, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0067] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 BB line section view.

[0068] Figure 20 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 2, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0069] Figure 21 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component at 45 degrees during the engagement action, and... Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 2, with the BB line corresponding to the cut surface.

[0070] Figure 22 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 2, showing the rod component rotating at a 45-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0071] Figure 23 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component during the engagement action at 90 degrees, and... Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 2, with the BB line corresponding to the cut surface.

[0072] Figure 24 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 2, showing the rod component rotating at a 90-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0073] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing the state of the connector assembly before fitting according to Embodiment 3.

[0074] Figure 26 This is an exploded perspective view of the first connector used in Embodiment 3.

[0075] Figure 27 This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector used in Embodiment 3.

[0076] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 3 before mating.

[0077] Figure 29 yes Figure 28A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0078] Figure 30 This is a side view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 3, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0079] Figure 31 This is a front view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 3, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0080] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 CC-line sectional view.

[0081] Figure 33 yes Figure 31 DD-line sectional view.

[0082] Figure 34 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 3, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0083] Figure 35 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component at 45 degrees during the engagement action, and... Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 3, with the CC line corresponding to the cut surface.

[0084] Figure 36 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component at 45 degrees during the engagement action, and... Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 3, corresponding to the cut surface of the DD line.

[0085] Figure 37 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 3, showing the rod component rotating at a 45-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0086] Figure 38 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component during the engagement action at 90 degrees, and... Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 3, with the CC line corresponding to the cut surface.

[0087] Figure 39 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component during the engagement action at 90 degrees, and... Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 3, corresponding to the cut surface of the DD line.

[0088] Figure 40 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 3, showing the rod component rotating at a 90-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0089] Figure 41This is a perspective view showing the state of the connector assembly before fitting according to embodiment 4.

[0090] Figure 42 This is an exploded perspective view of the first connector used in Embodiment 4.

[0091] Figure 43 This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector used in embodiment 4.

[0092] Figure 44 This is a side view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 4, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0093] Figure 45 This is a front view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 4, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0094] Figure 46 yes Figure 45 EE line section view.

[0095] Figure 47 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 4, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0096] Figure 48 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component at 45 degrees during the engagement action, and... Figure 45 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 4, with the EE line corresponding to the cut surface.

[0097] Figure 49 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 4, showing the rod component rotating at a 45-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0098] Figure 50 It refers to the rotation angle of the lever component during the engagement action at 90 degrees, and... Figure 45 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of embodiment 4, with the EE line corresponding to the cut surface.

[0099] Figure 51 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 4, showing the rod component rotating at a 90-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0100] Figure 52 This is a perspective view showing the first connector used in the connector assembly of embodiment 5.

[0101] Figure 53 This is a perspective view showing the rod component used in the first connector in embodiment 5.

[0102] Figure 54This is a perspective view showing the auxiliary rod component used in the first connector in embodiment 5.

[0103] Figure 55 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the first connector in embodiment 5.

[0104] Figure 56 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 5, showing the rod component rotating at 0 degrees during the engagement operation.

[0105] Figure 57 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of Embodiment 5, showing the rod component rotating at a 90-degree angle during the engagement operation.

[0106] Figure 58 This is a perspective view showing the existing connector assembly before mating.

[0107] Figure 59 This is a cross-sectional view showing an existing connector assembly in a mated state.

[0108] Figure Labels

[0109] 1. First connector, 1A. First housing, 1B. Protrusion, 1C. First contact, 2. Second connector, 2A. Second housing, 2B. Rotating fulcrum, 2C. Contact insertion port, 2D. Second contact, 3. Rod assembly, 4. Wire, 11, 31, 51, 71, 91. First connector, 13, 33, 53, 73. First insulator, 13A, 33A, 53C, 83A. First pin, 13B, 83B. Second contact receiving portion, 13C, 33C. Pressing component receiving portion, 14, 34, 54, 74. First contact, 15, 35, 75. Pressing component, 15A, 35A. Base, 15B, 35B. Pressing plate, 15C, 35C, 65A, 75A. Second pin, 15D, 35D, 55A, 75D Pressing surface, 16, 36 upper housing, 17, 37 lower housing, 18, 38 springs, 19, 39, 57, 77 waterproof seals, 21, 41, 61, 81 second connectors, 22, 42, 62, 72, 92 rod components, 22A, 42A, 62A, 72A, 92A, 94A handles, 22B, 42B, 62B, 72B, 92B, 94B circular plates, 22C, 42C, 62C, 72C, 92C, 94C central recesses, 22D, 62D, 72D first cam grooves, 22E, 62E, 72E second cam grooves, 22F step, 23, 43, 63, 83 second insulators, 23A, 43A, 63A, 73C shaft components. 23B First connector receiving part; 23C, 43B, 63C Second contact holding part; 24, 44, 64, 84 Second contact; 24A, 34A, 54A, 74A Support part; 24B, 34B, 54B, 74B Contact part; 24C, 34C, 54C, 74C Force point part; 25, 45, 66, 85 Inner insulator; 26, 46, 56, 67, 76, 86 Housing; 33B, 53G, 73F First contact receiving part; 33C Pressing component receiving part; 33D Pressing plate receiving part; 33E, 53H, 73E Through hole; 42D Cam groove; 42E Outer peripheral cam surface; 53A, 73A Base; 53B, 73B, 93B Support part; 53D... 63B notch, 53E, 83D front portion receiving part, 53F first pressing part receiving part, 53L, 73L, 93L lower insulator, 53U, 73U upper insulator, 55 first pressing part, 63D rear portion receiving part, 63E, 83C first insulator receiving part, 65 second pressing part, 65B, 75B front portion, 65C, 75C rear portion, 65D push-out surface, 68, 78 front waterproof seal, 69, 79 rear waterproof seal, 73D abutting surface, 73G outer peripheral surface, 92F first gear, 92G, 94G wire holding part, 94 auxiliary rod part, 94F second gear, 95 intermediate gear, D engagement direction, C wire, L1 to L8 distance. Detailed Implementation

[0110] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] Implementation Method 1

[0112] Figure 1 The diagram shows the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 before mating. The connector assembly includes a first connector 11 and a second connector 21 that mats with the first connector 11 in the mating direction. For example, the first connector 11 is mounted on an electrical device (not shown), and the second connector 21 is mounted on the ends of two wires C, thereby enabling the two wires C to be detachably connected to the electrical device via the connector assembly.

[0113] The engagement and disengagement of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are performed by operating the rod member 22 that is rotatably mounted on the second connector 21.

[0114] For convenience, the mating direction of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 is referred to as the Z direction, the rotation axis direction of the rod component 22 mounted on the second connector 21 is referred to as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z and X directions is referred to as the Y direction.

[0115] The second connector 21 moves from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction to engage with the first connector 11.

[0116] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the first connector 11 is shown. The first connector 11 has: a first insulator 13 having a generally cuboid shape; a pair of first contacts 14 respectively held in the first insulator 13 and extending in the Z direction; and a pressing member 15 held within the first insulator 13 so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0117] A pair of first pins 13A protruding in the +X and -X directions, respectively, are formed on the outer surface of the first insulator 13. Figure 2 The diagram shows only the first pin 13A formed on the outer surface of the first insulator 13 in the +X direction, but the same first pin 13A is also formed on the outer surface of the first insulator 13 in the -X direction. These two first pins 13A are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0118] The pressing member 15 has a cuboid-shaped base 15A and a pair of pressing plates 15B protruding in the +Y and -Y directions from the base 15A into the +Z direction, respectively. Furthermore, a pair of second pins 15C protruding in the +X and -X directions, respectively, are formed on the outer surface of the base 15A. The pair of second pins 15C are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0119] Furthermore, the first connector 11 has: a pair of upper housings 16 fixed within the first insulator 13 and configured to respectively surround the periphery of a pair of first contacts 14; and a lower housing 17 fixed within the first insulator 13 and covering the bottom of the first insulator 13. Additionally, a pair of springs 18 are disposed between the pressing member 15 and the lower housing 17, and a waterproof seal 19 is disposed on the outer periphery of the +Z direction end of the first insulator 13.

[0120] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the second connector 21 is shown. The second connector 21 includes: a second insulator 23 having a generally cuboid shape; a rod member 22 rotatably mounted on the second insulator 23; a pair of second contacts 24 connected to the ends of two wires C; and a pair of inner insulators 25, each accommodating a pair of second contacts 24. Furthermore, the second connector 21 has two sets of housings 26 surrounding each pair of inner insulators 25.

[0121] A pair of shaft members 23A protruding in the +X and -X directions, respectively, are formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 23. Figure 3 Only the shaft member 23A formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 23 in the +X direction is shown, but the same shaft member 23A is also formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 23 in the -X direction. These two shaft members 23A are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0122] The rod member 22 has: a handle portion 22A bent into a U-shape; and a pair of circular plate portions 22B connected to both ends of the handle portion 22A, facing each other in the X direction and extending along the YZ plane respectively. On the opposing surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 22B are respectively formed: a central recess 22C; a first cam groove 22D located outside the central recess 22C and bent into a generally arc shape; a second cam groove 22E located outside the first cam groove 22D and bent into a generally arc shape; and a stepped portion 22F at the entrance of the first cam groove 22D.

[0123] The rod member 22 is held so as to be able to rotate relative to the second insulator 23 by inserting a pair of shaft members 23A of the second insulator 23 into the central recess 22C of a pair of circular plate portions 22B.

[0124] Furthermore, a pair of first pins 13A of the first insulator 13 are inserted into the first cam grooves 22D of a pair of circular plate portions 22B. These first cam grooves 22D and the first pins 13A constitute a first cam mechanism. This first cam mechanism is linked to the rotation of the rod member 22, causing the first insulator 13 and the second insulator 23 to move relative to each other in the Z direction.

[0125] Furthermore, a pair of second pins 15C of the pressing member 15 are inserted into the second cam grooves 22E of a pair of circular plate portions 22B. These second cam grooves 22E and the second pins 15C constitute a second cam mechanism, which is linked with the rotation of the rod member 22 to move the pressing member 15 in the Z direction.

[0126] Furthermore, the stepped portion 22F of the pair of circular plate portions 22B is used to contact the pair of second pins 15C of the pressing member 15 when the engagement of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 begins, thereby pushing the pressing member 15 in the -Z direction.

[0127] like Figure 4 As shown, a pair of concave second contact receiving portions 13B are formed on the +Z direction side portion of the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction and open to the +Z direction respectively, and a concave pressing member receiving portion 13C is formed on the -Z direction side portion of the first insulator 13, which is open to the -Z direction.

[0128] A pair of first contacts 14 have a flat plate shape and are fixed to the first insulator 13 in a state of penetrating the first insulator 13 in the Z direction. The +Z direction end of each first contact 14 is exposed inside the corresponding second contact receiving portion 13B and protrudes in the +Z direction.

[0129] Furthermore, the base 15A of the pressing member 15 is movably accommodated within the pressing member receiving portion 13C in the Z direction, and a pair of pressing plates 15B of the pressing member 15 protrude into the interior of the corresponding second contact receiving portion 13B. Each pair of pressing plates 15B has a pressing surface 15D opposite to the corresponding first contact 14. The -Z direction end of the pressing member receiving portion 13C is closed by the lower housing 17, and the pressing member 15 is pressed in the +Z direction by a spring 18 disposed between the base 15A and the lower housing 17. The Z direction position of the pressing member 15 relative to the first insulator 13 at this time is referred to as the "initial position".

[0130] The second insulator 23 of the second connector 21 has a concave first connector receiving portion 23B that opens in the -Z direction. In addition, a pair of concave second contact holding portions 23C are formed on the +Z direction side of the first connector receiving portion 23B. The pair of second contact holding portions 23C are adjacent to each other in the Y direction and communicate with the first connector receiving portion 23B.

[0131] A pair of second contacts 24, which are connected to the ends of the two wires C, are held in a pair of second contact holding portions 23C, respectively housed in the inner insulator 25 and surrounded by the housing 26. Furthermore, the +Z direction portion of each second contact 24 is housed and held in the second contact holding portion 23C, while the -Z direction portion of the second contact 24 protrudes in the -Z direction within the first connector receiving portion 23B.

[0132] Each second contact 24 is composed of a U-shaped spring contact that opens in the -Z direction, having a fulcrum portion 24A formed in the bend of the U-shape, a contact portion 24B located on the -Z direction side of the fulcrum portion 24A, and a force point portion 24C located on the -Z direction side of the contact portion 24B and forming a free end. The contact portion 24B and the force point portion 24C are configured to be elastically displaced in the Y direction relative to the fulcrum portion 24A. When the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are engaged, the contact portion 24B contacts the first contact 14 of the first connector 11, and the force point portion 24C receives a pressing force in the Y direction from the pressing surface 15D of the pressing plate 15B of the pressing member 15 of the first connector 11.

[0133] Next, the engagement operation of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 will be described.

[0134] like Figure 1 As shown, the rotation angle of the rod member 22 extending along the Y direction of the handle portion 22A is referred to as "0 degrees", and the rotation position of the rod member 22 is referred to as "initial rotation position". The rod member 22 is mounted on the second connector 21 in such a way that the rotation angle can be rotated from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0135] First, with the rotation angle of the rod component 22 at 0 degrees, the second connector 21 is moved towards the first connector 11 from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction, as follows. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the +Z direction portion of the first connector 11 is inserted into the interior of the second insulator 23 of the second connector 21.

[0136] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, the second insulator 23 of the second connector 21 is located at the starting position of engagement relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11. The first pin 13A of the first connector 11 is inserted into the entrance of the first cam groove 22D of the rod member 22. On the other hand, the second pin 15C of the pressing member 15 is not inserted into the second cam groove 22E but is located away from the second cam groove 22E, but is pushed in the -Z direction by the step portion 22F of the rod member 22.

[0137] At this time, as Figure 8As shown, the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11 is inserted into the middle position in the Z direction within the first connector receiving portion 23B of the second connector 21, so that the first contact 14 begins to be inserted into the U-shaped second contact 24 which opens in the -Z direction. Furthermore, the pressing member 15 is pressed by the stepped portion 22F of the rod member 22 via the second pin 15C, and is in a retracted position where it is pushed in the -Z direction against the elastic force of the spring 18. Therefore, the pressing surface 15D of the pressing plate 15B has not yet come into contact with the second contact 24.

[0138] If the rod component 22 is rotated in this state, the first pin 13A of the first connector 11 advances relative to the first cam groove 22D of the rod component 22, and the second insulator 23 of the second connector 21 gradually moves relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11 in the -Z direction.

[0139] Furthermore, even when the second pin 15C of the pressing member 15 moves away from the step portion 22F of the rod member 22 as the rod member 22 rotates, the pressing member 15 is held in a retracted position relative to the first insulator 13 during the period when it is pushed in the -Z direction by the outer periphery of the rod member 22 located outside the first cam groove 22D, and the pressing surface 15D of the pressing plate 15B remains in a state where it has not yet come into contact with the second contact 24.

[0140] like Figure 9 As shown, if the lever component 22 is rotated so that the handle portion 22A is at a 45-degree angle relative to the Y direction, the first pin 13A of the first connector 11 advances relative to the first cam groove 22D of the lever component 22, but the second pin 15C of the pressing component 15 is still pushed in the -Z direction by the outer periphery of the lever component 22 located outside the first cam groove 22D.

[0141] Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown, the second insulator 23 of the second connector 21 moves in the -Z direction relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11, and the contact portion 24B of the second contact 24 is in a state opposite to the side of the first contact 14 in the Y direction. The Z-direction position of the second insulator 23 relative to the first insulator 13 at this time is called the "fitting position", and the rotation position of the rod member 22 is called the "first rotation position".

[0142] On the other hand, the pressing member 15 is held in the retracted position relative to the first insulator 13, and the pressing surface 15D of the pressing plate 15B remains in a state where it has not yet come into contact with the second contact 24.

[0143] If the rod component 22 is rotated further from this state, the first pin 13A of the first connector 11 advances further along the first cam groove 22D of the rod component 22, but due to the shape of the first cam groove 22D, the Z-direction position of the second insulator 23 relative to the first insulator 13 does not change. On the other hand, the second pin 15C of the pressing member 15 begins to insert into the second cam groove 22E of the rod component 22.

[0144] And, as Figure 11 As shown, if the lever component 22 is rotated so that the handle portion 22A is 90 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first pin 13A of the first connector 11 is inserted into the deepest part of the first cam groove 22D of the lever component 22. However, due to the shape of the first cam groove 22D, the position of the second insulator 23 relative to the first insulator 13 in the Z direction does not change. On the other hand, the second pin 15C of the pressing member 15 is also inserted into the deepest part of the second cam groove 22E of the lever component 22.

[0145] Therefore, as Figure 12 As shown, when the second insulator 23 of the second connector 21 is held in the mating position relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11, the pressing member 15 moves in the +Z direction relative to the first insulator 13, returning from the retracted position to the initial position, and the pressing surface 15D of the pressing plate 15B presses the force point 24C of the second contact 24 in the Y direction.

[0146] Here, the distance L2 from the fulcrum 24A to the force point 24C in the second contact 24 is set to be longer than the distance L1 from the fulcrum 24A to the contact point 24B. Therefore, according to the so-called lever principle, a force greater than the pressing force received by the force point 24C from the pressing surface 15D of the pressing plate 15B acts on the contact point 24B, and the contact point 24B of the second contact 24 contacts the first contact 14 with a higher contact pressure.

[0147] The rotational position of the rod component 22 at this time is referred to as the "second rotational position".

[0148] Therefore, if the lever member 22 is rotated from the initial rotation position where the handle part 22A has an angle of 0 degrees relative to the Y direction to the first rotation position where the handle part 22A has an angle of 45 degrees relative to the Y direction, the pressing member 15 moves relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11 to the retracted position. In the state where the pressing plate 15B is not in contact with the second contact 24, the second insulator 23 of the second connector 21 moves relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11 from the engagement start position to the engagement position. The first connector 11 and the second connector 21 can be easily engaged with a small insertion force.

[0149] Furthermore, if the rod member 22 is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position where the handle part 22A is at a 90-degree angle relative to the Y direction, then while the second insulator 23 of the second connector 21 is held in the mating position relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11, the pressing member 15 is restored from the retracted position to the initial position relative to the first insulator 13 of the first connector 11. By pressing the force point 24C of the second contact 24 in the Y direction with the pressing plate 15B, the contact part 24B of the second contact 24 can be made to contact the first contact 14 with a higher contact pressure.

[0150] At this time, the first contact 14 and the second contact 24 do not rub against each other in the Z direction, but press against each other in the Y direction, thus preventing damage to the surfaces of the first contact 14 and the second contact 24 and making an electrical connection.

[0151] Therefore, even when the first connector 11 is mounted on an electrical device in an environment subject to external forces such as vibration, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 can be easily fitted together, and the first contact 14 and the second contact 24 can be made to contact with a high contact pressure, thereby achieving a reliable electrical connection.

[0152] Implementation Method 2

[0153] Figure 13 The diagram shows the connector assembly of Embodiment 2 before mating. The connector assembly includes a first connector 31 and a second connector 41 that mats with the first connector 31 in the mating direction. The second connector 41 is mounted at the ends of the two wires C.

[0154] The engagement and disengagement of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are performed by operating the rod member 42 that is rotatably mounted on the second connector 41.

[0155] For convenience, the mating direction of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 is referred to as the Z direction, the rotation axis direction of the rod component 42 installed on the second connector 41 is referred to as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction and the X direction is referred to as the Y direction.

[0156] The second connector 41 moves from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction to engage with the first connector 31.

[0157] Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of the first connector 31 is shown. The first connector 31 has: a first insulator 33 having a generally cuboid shape; a pair of first contacts 34 respectively held in the first insulator 33 and extending in the Z direction; and a pressing member 35 held within the first insulator 33 so as to be movable in the Z direction.

[0158] A pair of first pins 33A protruding in the +X and -X directions, respectively, are formed on the outer surface of the first insulator 33. Figure 14 The diagram shows only the first pin 33A formed on the outer surface of the first insulator 33 in the +X direction, but the same first pin 33A is also formed on the outer surface of the first insulator 33 in the -X direction. These two first pins 33A are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0159] The pressing member 35 has a rectangular frame-shaped base 35A and a pair of pressing plates 35B protruding in the +X and -X directions from the base 35A, respectively, towards the +Z direction. Furthermore, a pair of second pins 35C protruding in the +X and -X directions, respectively, are formed on the outer surface of the base 35A. The pair of second pins 35C are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0160] Furthermore, the first connector 31 has: a pair of upper housings 36 fixed within the first insulator 33 and configured to respectively surround the periphery of a pair of first contacts 34; and a lower housing 37 fixed within the first insulator 33. Additionally, a pair of springs 38 are disposed between the pressing member 35 and the lower housing 37, and a waterproof seal 39 is disposed on the outer periphery of the +Z direction end of the first insulator 33.

[0161] Figure 15 An exploded perspective view of the second connector 41 is shown. The second connector 41 includes: a second insulator 43 having a generally cuboid shape; a rod member 42 rotatably mounted on the second insulator 43; a pair of second contacts 44 connected to the ends of two wires C; and a pair of inner insulators 45, each accommodating a pair of second contacts 44. Furthermore, the second connector 41 has two sets of housings 46 respectively surrounding the pair of inner insulators 45.

[0162] A pair of shaft members 43A protruding in the +X and -X directions, respectively, are formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 43. Figure 15 Only the shaft member 43A formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 43 in the +X direction is shown, but the same shaft member 43A is also formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 43 in the -X direction. These two shaft members 43A are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0163] The lever member 42 has: a handle portion 42A bent into a U-shape; and a pair of circular plate portions 42B connected to both ends of the handle portion 42A, facing each other in the X direction and extending along the YZ plane respectively. A central recess 42C and a cam groove 42D are formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 42B, the cam groove 42D being located outside the central recess 42C and bent into a generally arc shape. Furthermore, in the outer periphery of the pair of circular plate portions 42B, an outer peripheral cam surface 42E protruding radially towards the circular plate portion 42B is formed on the side opposite to the handle portion 42A.

[0164] The rod member 42 is held so as to be rotatable relative to the second insulator 43 by inserting a pair of shaft members 43A of the second insulator 43 into the central recess 42C of a pair of circular plate portions 42B.

[0165] Furthermore, a pair of first pins 33A of the first insulator 33 are inserted into the cam grooves 42D of a pair of circular plate portions 42B. These cam grooves 42D and the first pins 33A constitute a first cam mechanism. This first cam mechanism is linked with the rotation of the rod member 42 to cause the first insulator 33 and the second insulator 43 to move relative to each other in the Z direction.

[0166] Furthermore, the outer peripheral cam surfaces 42E of a pair of circular plate portions 42B contact a pair of second pins 35C of the pressing member 35 according to the rotation angle of the rod member 42. These outer peripheral cam surfaces 42E and second pins 35C constitute a second cam mechanism, which is linked with the rotation of the rod member 42 to move the pressing member 35 in the Z direction.

[0167] like Figure 16 As shown, a pair of concave first contact receiving portions 33B are formed on the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction and extend in the Z direction respectively. A concave pressing member receiving portion 33C is formed on the -Z direction side of the first insulator 33, which opens in the -Z direction and communicates with the pair of first contact receiving portions 33B. In addition, a pair of concave pressing plate receiving portions 33D are formed on the outer side of the pair of first contact receiving portions 33B in the X direction, which open to the corresponding first contact receiving portion 33B and communicate with the pressing member receiving portion 33C.

[0168] A pair of first contacts 34 are accommodated in a pair of first contact receiving portions 33B. Each first contact 34 is a spring contact bent into a U-shape, having a fulcrum portion 34A formed in the bent portion of the U-shape, a contact portion 34B located on the -Z direction side relative to the fulcrum portion 34A, and a force point portion 34C located on the -Z direction side relative to the contact portion 34B and forming a free end. The contact portion 34B and the force point portion 34C are configured to be elastically displaced in the X direction relative to the fulcrum portion 34A. When the first connector 31 is engaged with the second connector 41, the contact portion 34B contacts the second contact 44 of the second connector 41, and the force point portion 34C is subjected to pressing force in the X direction from the pressing plate 35B of the pressing member 35.

[0169] A pair of through holes 33E are formed at the +Z direction end of the first insulator 33, communicating with a pair of first contact receiving portions 33B. The through holes 33E allow the corresponding second contact 44 of the second connector 41 to be inserted when the first connector 31 is engaged with the second connector 41.

[0170] The base 35A of the pressing member 35 is movably accommodated within the pressing member receiving portion 33C in the Z direction, and a pair of pressing plates 35B of the pressing member 35 are respectively accommodated in corresponding pressing plate receiving portions 33D. A pressing surface 35D opposite to the corresponding first contact 34 is formed at the +Z direction end of each pair of pressing plates 35B. Furthermore, a pair of second pins 35C of the pressing member 35 protrude from the pressing member receiving portion 33C in the +X and -X directions, respectively.

[0171] A lower housing 37 is disposed at the -Z direction end of the pressing member receiving portion 33C, and the pressing member 35 is pressed in the +Z direction by a spring 38 disposed between the base portion 35A and the lower housing 37, thereby being located in the initial position.

[0172] The second insulator 43 of the second connector 41 has a pair of concave second contact holding portions 43B that are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction and pass through the second insulator 43 in the Z direction.

[0173] A pair of second contacts 44, connected to the ends of the two wires C, have a flat plate shape and are held in a pair of second contact holding portions 43B, respectively, while being housed within an inner insulator 45 and surrounded by a housing 46. Furthermore, the +Z direction portion of each second contact 44 is housed and held in the second contact holding portion 43B, and the -Z direction portion of the second contact 44 protrudes in the -Z direction within the second contact holding portion 43B.

[0174] Next, the engagement operation of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 will be explained.

[0175] like Figure 13As shown, with the rotation angle of the rod component 42 at 0 degrees and the rod component 42 in its initial rotation position, the second connector 41 is moved towards the first connector 31 from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction, as shown. Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the +Z direction portion of the first connector 31 is inserted into the interior of the second insulator 43 of the second connector 41.

[0176] Therefore, as Figure 19 As shown, the second insulator 43 of the second connector 41 is located at the engagement start position relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31, and the first pin 33A of the first connector 31 is inserted into the entrance of the cam groove 42D of the rod member 42. On the other hand, the second pin 35C of the pressing member 35 does not contact the rod member 42, but protrudes from the first insulator 33 in the X direction through the cut 33F formed at the -Z direction end of the first insulator 33.

[0177] At this time, as Figure 20 As shown, the first insulator 33 is inserted into the second contact holding portion 43B of the second insulator 43 at the midpoint of the Z direction. The second contact 44 is inserted into the first contact receiving portion 33B through the through hole 33E of the first insulator 33, thus beginning to contact the first contact 34. Furthermore, the pressing member 35 is pressed in the +Z direction by the spring 38, and is in its initial position relative to the first insulator 33. The pressing surface 35D of the pressing plate 35B has not yet contacted the force point portion 34C of the first contact 34.

[0178] If the rod component 42 is rotated in this state, the first pin 33A of the first connector 31 is inserted into the cam groove 42D of the rod component 42, and the second insulator 43 of the second connector 41 gradually moves in the -Z direction relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31.

[0179] Furthermore, as long as the second pin 35C is not in contact with the rod member 42 and is pressed in the -Z direction, the pressing member 35 remains in the initial position relative to the first insulator 33.

[0180] like Figure 21 As shown, if the lever component 42 is rotated to a first rotational position where the handle portion 42A is 45 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first pin 33A of the first connector 31 advances relative to the cam groove 42D of the lever component 42, but the second pin 35C of the pressing component 35 has not yet been pressed in the -Z direction by the outer periphery of the lever component 42.

[0181] Therefore, as Figure 22As shown, the second insulator 43 of the second connector 41 moves in the -Z direction relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31, and the side of the second contact 44 in the X direction is opposite to the contact portion 34B of the first contact 34. That is, the second insulator 43 is in an engaged position relative to the first insulator 33.

[0182] On the other hand, the pressing member 35 is held in the initial position relative to the first insulator 33, and the pressing surface 35D of the pressing plate 35B remains in a state where it does not contact the force point portion 34C of the first contact 34.

[0183] If the rod component 42 is rotated from this state to... Figure 23 When the handle portion 42A is in a second rotational position of 90 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first pin 33A of the first connector 31 is inserted into the deepest part of the cam groove 42D of the rod component 42. Due to the shape of the cam groove 42D, the position of the second insulator 43 relative to the first insulator 33 in the Z direction does not change.

[0184] On the other hand, the second pin 35C of the pressing member 35 is pushed in the -Z direction by the radially protruding outer peripheral cam surface 42E of the rod member 42 towards the circular plate portion 42B.

[0185] Therefore, as Figure 24 As shown, with the second insulator 43 of the second connector 41 held in the mating position relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31, the pressing member 35 moves in the -Z direction relative to the first insulator 33, retracting from the initial position to the retracted position. The pressing surface 35D of the pressing plate 35B contacts the force point 34C of the first contact 34, pressing the force point 34C in the X direction.

[0186] Here, the distance L4 from the fulcrum portion 34A to the force point portion 34C in the first contact 34 is set to be longer than the distance L3 from the fulcrum portion 34A to the contact portion 34B. Therefore, according to the so-called lever principle, a force greater than the pressing force received by the force point portion 34C from the pressing plate 35B of the pressing member 35 acts on the contact portion 34B, and the contact portion 34B of the first contact 34 contacts the second contact 44 with a higher contact pressure.

[0187] Therefore, if the rod member 42 is rotated from the initial rotation position where the handle part 42A has an angle of 0 degrees relative to the Y direction to the first rotation position where the handle part 42A has an angle of 45 degrees relative to the Y direction, by keeping the pressing member 35 relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31 in the initial position, the second insulator 43 of the second connector 41 can be moved from the engagement start position to the engagement position relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31 in a state where the pressing surface 35D of the pressing plate 35B does not contact the force point part 34C of the first contact 34, and the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 can be easily engaged with a small insertion force.

[0188] Furthermore, if the rod member 42 is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position where the handle part 42A is at a 90-degree angle relative to the Y direction, then while the second insulator 43 of the second connector 41 is held in the mating position relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31, the pressing member 35 is moved back from the initial position to the retracted position relative to the first insulator 33 of the first connector 31. By pressing the force point part 34C of the first contact 34 in the X direction with the pressing plate 35B, the contact part 34B of the first contact 34 can be made to contact the second contact 44 with a higher contact pressure.

[0189] At this time, the first contact 34 and the second contact 44 do not rub against each other in the Z direction, but press against each other in the X direction, thus preventing damage to the surfaces of the first contact 34 and the second contact 44 and making an electrical connection.

[0190] Therefore, similar to Embodiment 1, the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 can be easily fitted together, and the first contact 34 and the second contact 44 can be made to contact with a high contact pressure, thereby achieving a reliable electrical connection.

[0191] Implementation Method 3

[0192] Figure 25 The diagram shows the connector assembly of Embodiment 3 before mating. The connector assembly includes a first connector 51 and a second connector 61 that mats with the first connector 51 in the mating direction. The second connector 61 is mounted at the ends of the two wires C.

[0193] The engagement and disengagement of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 are performed by operating the rod member 62, which is rotatably mounted on the second connector 61.

[0194] For convenience, the mating direction of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 is referred to as the Z direction, the rotation axis direction of the rod component 62 mounted on the second connector 61 is referred to as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z and X directions is referred to as the Y direction.

[0195] The second connector 61 moves from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction to engage with the first connector 51.

[0196] Figure 26 An exploded perspective view of the first connector 51 is shown. The first connector 51 has: a lower insulator 53L; an upper insulator 53U connected to the lower insulator 53L; a pair of first contacts 54 held in the upper insulator 53U and extending in the Z direction; and a pair of block-shaped first pressing members 55 held in the lower insulator 53L and the upper insulator 53U. The lower insulator 53L and the upper insulator 53U are interconnected to form the first insulator 53.

[0197] The lower insulator 53L has: a flat base 53A extending along the XY plane; and a pair of flat support portions 53B, extending from the +X and -X direction ends of the base 53A respectively towards the +Z direction and facing each other in the X direction. A pair of first pins 53C protruding in the X direction are formed on the facing surfaces of the pair of support portions 53B. Figure 26 Only the first pin 53C formed on the support portion 53B on the -X direction side is shown, but the same first pin 53C is also formed on the support portion 53B on the +X direction side. These two first pins 53C are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0198] The upper insulator 53U has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, and cutouts 53D are formed on both sides of the upper insulator 53U in the X direction for the insertion of corresponding first pressing members 55. Figure 26 The diagram only shows the cut 53D formed on the +X direction side of the upper insulator 53U, but the same cut 53D is also formed on the -X direction side of the upper insulator 53U.

[0199] In addition, the first connector 51 has: a pair of housings 56 fixed inside the upper insulator 53U and configured to respectively surround the periphery of a pair of first contacts 54; and a waterproof seal 57 disposed on the bottom surface of the lower insulator 52 in the -Z direction direction.

[0200] Figure 27 An exploded perspective view of the second connector 61 is shown. The second connector 61 includes: a second insulator 63 having a generally cuboid shape; a rod member 62 rotatably mounted on the second insulator 63; a pair of second contacts 64 connected to the ends of two wires C; a cylindrical second pressing member 65 disposed at the lower part of the second insulator 63; and a pair of inner insulators 66, each accommodating a pair of second contacts 64.

[0201] A pair of second pins 65A protruding in the +X and -X directions respectively are formed on the outer side of the second pressing member 65.

[0202] Furthermore, a pair of shaft members 63A protruding in the +X and -X directions respectively are formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 63. In addition, a cutout 63B is formed on the -Z direction side of the shaft member 63A on the outer surface of the second insulator 63 for the insertion of a corresponding second pin 65A of the second pressing member 65.

[0203] exist Figure 27 Only the second pin 65A formed on the outer surface of the second pressing member 65 in the +X direction and the shaft member 63A and cutout 63B formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 63 in the +X direction are shown. However, the same second pin 65A is also formed on the outer surface of the second pressing member 65 in the -X direction, and the same shaft member 63A and cutout 63B are also formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 63 in the -X direction. The second pin 65A, shaft member 63A and cutout 63B on the +X direction and the second pin 65A, shaft member 63A and cutout 63B on the -X direction are respectively arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0204] The lever member 62 has: a handle portion 62A bent into a U-shape; and a pair of circular plate portions 62B connected to both ends of the handle portion 62A, facing each other in the X direction and extending along the YZ plane respectively. First cam grooves 62D, bent into a generally arc shape, are formed on the outer surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 62B facing opposite directions. A central recess 62C and a second cam groove 62E, located outside the central recess 62C and bent into a generally arc shape, are formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 62B respectively.

[0205] exist Figure 27 The diagram shows a first cam groove 62D formed on the circular plate portion 62B on the +X direction side, and a central recess 62C and a second cam groove 62E formed on the circular plate portion 62B on the -X direction side. However, the circular plate portion 62B on the -X direction side also has the same first cam groove 62D, and the circular plate portion 62B on the +X direction side also has the same central recess 62C and second cam groove 62E. The central recess 62C, first cam groove 62D and second cam groove 62E of the circular plate portion 62B on the +X direction side, and the central recess 62C, first cam groove 62D and second cam groove 62E of the circular plate portion 62B on the -X direction side are respectively arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0206] A pair of shaft members 63A of the second insulator 63 are inserted into the central recess 62C of a pair of circular plate portions 62B, and the rod member 62 is held so as to be able to rotate relative to the second insulator 63.

[0207] Furthermore, a pair of first pins 53C of the first insulator 53 are inserted into the first cam grooves 62D of a pair of circular plate portions 62B. These first cam grooves 62D and the first pins 53C constitute a first cam mechanism. This first cam mechanism is linked to the rotation of the rod member 62, causing the first insulator 53 and the second insulator 63 to move relative to each other in the Z direction.

[0208] Furthermore, a pair of second pins 65A of the second pressing member 65 are inserted into the second cam grooves 62E of a pair of circular plate portions 62B. These second cam grooves 62E and the second pins 65A constitute a second cam mechanism, which is linked with the rotation of the rod member 62 to move the second pressing member 65 in the Z direction.

[0209] In addition, the second connector 61 has two sets of housings 67 that respectively surround a pair of inner insulators 66.

[0210] Furthermore, the second pressing member 65 has a front portion 65B located on the -Z direction side relative to the second pin 65A, and a rear portion 65C located on the +Z direction side relative to the second pin 65A. A front waterproof seal 68 is disposed on the outer periphery of the front portion 65B, and a rear waterproof seal 69 is disposed on the outer periphery of the rear portion 65C.

[0211] like Figure 28 As shown, a pair of concave second contact holding portions 63C are formed on the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction and respectively penetrate the second insulator 63 in the Z direction.

[0212] A pair of second contacts 64, connected to the ends of the two wires C, have a flat plate shape and are held in a pair of second contact holding portions 63C, respectively, while being housed within an inner insulator 66 and surrounded by a housing 67. Furthermore, the +Z direction portion of each second contact 64 is housed and held in the second contact holding portion 63C, and the -Z direction end of the second contact 64 protrudes in the -Z direction within the second contact holding portion 63C.

[0213] A concave rear portion receiving portion 63D that opens toward the -Z direction is formed at the -Z direction end of the second insulator 63, and the rear portion 65C of the second pressing member 65 is movably received in the rear portion receiving portion 63D along the Z direction.

[0214] Furthermore, a concave first insulator receiving portion 63E, opening in the -Z direction, is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the second insulator 63 and the cylindrical second pressing member 65. An ejection surface 65D is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the portion of the second pressing member 65 that is opposed to each other in the X direction. This ejection surface 65D ejects the first pressing member 55 of the first connector 51 in the X direction when the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 are engaged.

[0215] In the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51, a concave front portion receiving portion 53E that opens toward the Z direction is formed through the base 53A of the lower insulator 53L.

[0216] Furthermore, a pair of concave first pressing member receiving portions 53F are formed between a pair of cutouts 53D of the upper insulator 53U and the base 53A of the lower insulator 53L. A pair of first pressing members 55 are movably received in the pair of first pressing member receiving portions 53F along the X direction. A pressing surface 55A opposite to the corresponding first contact 54 is formed at the +Z direction end of the first pressing member 55.

[0217] Furthermore, the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51 has a pair of concave first contact receiving portions 53G arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction and extending in the Z direction, and a pair of first contacts 54 are accommodated in these pairs of first contact receiving portions 53G.

[0218] A pair of through holes 53H are formed on the +Z direction side of a pair of first contact receiving portions 53G, communicating with the pair of first contact receiving portions 53G. The through holes 53H allow the corresponding second contact 64 of the second connector 61 to be inserted when the first connector 51 is engaged with the second connector 61.

[0219] like Figure 29 As shown, each first contact 54 is composed of a spring contact bent into a U-shape, having a fulcrum portion 54A formed in the bent portion of the U-shape, a contact portion 54B located on the -Z direction side relative to the fulcrum portion 54A, and a force point portion 54C located on the -Z direction side relative to the contact portion 54B and forming a free end. The contact portion 54B and the force point portion 54C are configured to be elastically displaced relative to the fulcrum portion 54A in the X direction. When the first connector 51 is engaged with the second connector 61, the contact portion 54B contacts the second contact 64 of the second connector 61, and the force point portion 54C receives a pressing force from the pressing surface 55A of the first pressing member 55.

[0220] Next, the engagement operation of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 will be described.

[0221] like Figure 25 As shown, with the rotation angle of the rod component 62 at 0 degrees and the rod component 62 in its initial rotation position, the second connector 61 is moved towards the first connector 51 from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction, as shown. Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown, the +Z direction portion of the first connector 51 is inserted into the interior of the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61.

[0222] Therefore, as Figure 32As shown, the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61 is located at the engagement start position relative to the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51, and the first pin 53C of the first connector 51 is inserted into the inlet of the first cam groove 62D of the rod member 62.

[0223] In addition, such as Figure 33 As shown, the second pin 65A of the second pressing member 65 of the second connector 61 is inserted into the second cam groove 62E of the rod member 62.

[0224] At this time, as Figure 34 As shown, the first insulator 53 is inserted into the middle position in the Z direction within the first insulator receiving portion 63E of the second insulator 63, and the second contact 64 passes through the through hole 53H of the first insulator 53, thus beginning to be inserted into the first contact receiving portion 53G.

[0225] Furthermore, the first pressing member 55 of the first connector 51 is located in a first initial position in the X direction relative to the first insulator 53, and the pressing surface 55A of the first pressing member 55 is in contact with the force point portion 54C of the first contact 54.

[0226] On the other hand, the second pressing member 65 of the second connector 61 is located at the second initial position on the +Z direction side where the rear portion 65C is inserted into the rear portion receiving portion 63D of the second insulator 63.

[0227] like Figure 35 As shown, if the rod component 62 is rotated to a first rotational position where the handle portion 62A is 45 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first pin 53C of the first connector 51 advances relative to the first cam groove 62D of the rod component 62, and the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61 moves relative to the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51 in the -Z direction.

[0228] In addition, such as Figure 36 As shown, the second pin 65A of the second pressing member 65 of the second connector 61 is inserted into the middle portion of the second cam groove 62E of the rod member 62.

[0229] Therefore, as Figure 37 As shown, the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61 moves in the -Z direction until it is in a mating position relative to the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51, and the side of the second contact 64 in the X direction is in a state opposite to the contact portion 54B of the first contact 54.

[0230] As the second insulator 63 moves relative to the first insulator 53, the second pressing member 65 also moves in the -Z direction relative to the first pressing member 55 held on the first insulator 53, but maintains the second initial position relative to the second insulator 63. The push-out surface 65D of the second pressing member 65 has not yet reached the first pressing member 55, and the first pressing member 55 remains in the state of maintaining the first initial position relative to the first insulator 53.

[0231] If the rod component 62 is rotated from this state to... Figure 38 When the handle portion 62A is in a second rotational position of 90 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first pin 53C of the first connector 51 is inserted into the deepest part of the first cam groove 62D of the rod component 62. However, due to the shape of the first cam groove 62D, the position of the second insulator 63 relative to the first insulator 53 in the Z direction does not change.

[0232] In addition, such as Figure 39 As shown, the second pin 65A of the second pressing member 65 is also inserted into the deepest part of the second cam groove 62E of the rod member 62.

[0233] Therefore, as Figure 40 As shown, with the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61 in the engaged position relative to the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51, the second pressing member 65 moves relative to the second insulator 63 in the -Z direction, advancing from the second initial position to the advancing position. Therefore, the ejection surface 65D of the second pressing member 65 contacts the first pressing member 55, causing the first pressing member 55 to move from the first initial position to the ejection position in the X direction. As a result, the pressing surface 55A of the first pressing member 55 presses the force point 54C of the first contact 54 in the X direction.

[0234] Here, the distance L6 from the fulcrum portion 54A to the force point portion 54C in the first contact 54 is set to be longer than the distance L5 from the fulcrum portion 54A to the contact portion 54B. Therefore, according to the so-called lever principle, a force greater than the pressing force received by the force point portion 54C from the pressing surface 55A of the first pressing member 55 acts on the contact portion 54B, and the contact portion 54B of the first contact 54 contacts the second contact 64 with a higher contact pressure.

[0235] Furthermore, the presence of the front waterproof seal 68 seals the outer periphery of the front portion 65B of the second pressing member 65 with the inner periphery of the front portion receiving portion 53E of the first insulator 53. Similarly, the presence of the rear waterproof seal 69 seals the outer periphery of the rear portion 65C of the second pressing member 65 with the inner periphery of the rear portion receiving portion 63D of the second insulator 63. This prevents water from seeping into the connection between the first contact 54 and the second contact 64.

[0236] Therefore, if the lever member 62 is rotated from the initial rotation position where the handle part 62A has an angle of 0 degrees relative to the Y direction to the first rotation position where the handle part 62A has an angle of 45 degrees relative to the Y direction, by holding the first pressing member 55 in the first initial position and holding the second pressing member 65 in the second initial position, the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61 can be moved from the engagement start position to the engagement position relative to the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51 with a smaller insertion force.

[0237] Furthermore, if the rod member 62 is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position where the handle part 62A is at a 90-degree angle relative to the Y direction, then while the second insulator 63 of the second connector 61 is held in the mating position relative to the first insulator 53 of the first connector 51, by moving the second pressing member 65 relative to the second insulator 63 from the second initial position to the forward position, and by moving the first pressing member 55 relative to the first insulator 53 from the first initial position to the push-out position, the pressing surface 55A of the first pressing member 55 presses the force point part 54C of the first contact 54 in the X direction, so that the contact part 54B of the first contact 54 can contact the second contact 64 with a higher contact pressure.

[0238] At this time, the first contact 54 and the second contact 64 do not rub against each other in the Z direction, but press against each other in the X direction, thus preventing damage to the surfaces of the first contact 54 and the second contact 64 and making an electrical connection.

[0239] Therefore, similar to embodiments 1 and 2, the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 can be easily fitted together, and the first contact 54 and the second contact 64 can be made to contact with a high contact pressure, thereby achieving a reliable electrical connection.

[0240] Furthermore, the presence of a front waterproof seal 68 and a rear waterproof seal 69 prevents water from seeping into the connection between the first contact 54 and the second contact 64.

[0241] Implementation Method 4

[0242] Figure 41 The diagram shows the connector assembly of Embodiment 4 before mating. The connector assembly includes a first connector 71 and a second connector 81 that mats with the first connector 71 in the mating direction. The second connector 81 is mounted at the ends of the two wires C.

[0243] The engagement and disengagement of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 are performed by operating the rod component 72, which is rotatably mounted on the first connector 71.

[0244] For convenience, the mating direction of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 is referred to as the Z direction, the rotation axis direction of the rod component 72 mounted on the first connector 71 is referred to as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z and X directions is referred to as the Y direction.

[0245] The second connector 81 moves from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction to engage with the first connector 71.

[0246] Figure 42 An exploded perspective view of the first connector 71 is shown. The first connector 71 includes: a lower insulator 73L; an upper insulator 73U connected to the lower insulator 73L; a pair of first contacts 74 held on the upper insulator 73U and extending in the Z direction; and a pressing member 75 movable in the Z direction and held on the outer peripheral surface of the upper insulator 73U. The lower insulator 73L and the upper insulator 73U are interconnected to form the first insulator 73.

[0247] The lower insulator 73L has: a flat base 73A extending along the XY plane; and a pair of flat support portions 73B, extending from the +X and -X direction ends of the base 73A respectively towards the +Z direction and facing each other in the X direction. A pair of shaft members 73C protruding in the X direction are formed on the facing surfaces of the pair of support portions 73B. Figure 42 Only the shaft member 73C formed on the support portion 73B in the -X direction is shown, but the same shaft member 73C is also formed on the support portion 73B in the +X direction. These two shaft members 73C are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0248] Furthermore, an abutment surface 73D is formed from the surface of the base 73A in the +Z direction.

[0249] The upper insulator 73U has a generally rectangular shape. Inside the upper insulator 73U, a pair of first contact receiving portions (described later) are formed for accommodating a pair of first contacts 74. At the +Z direction end of the upper insulator 73U, a pair of through holes 73E communicating with the pair of first contact receiving portions are formed.

[0250] The lever member 72 has: a handle portion 72A bent into a U-shape; and a pair of circular plate portions 72B connected to both ends of the handle portion 72A, facing each other in the X direction and extending along the YZ plane respectively. A central recess 72C is formed on the outer surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 72B facing opposite directions. A first cam groove 72D bent into a generally arc shape and a second cam groove 72E bent into a generally arc shape and located on the opposite side of the center of the circular plate portion 72B relative to the first cam groove 72D are formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 72B respectively.

[0251] The rod member 72 is held so that it can rotate relative to the lower insulator 73L by inserting a pair of shaft members 73C of the lower insulator 73L into the central recess 72C of a pair of circular plate portions 72B.

[0252] exist Figure 42 Only the central recess 72C formed on the circular plate portion 72B on the +X direction side and the first cam groove 72D and the second cam groove 72E formed on the circular plate portion 72B on the -X direction side are shown. However, the circular plate portion 72B on the -X direction side also has the same central recess 72C, and the circular plate portion 72B on the +X direction side also has the same first cam groove 72D and the second cam groove 72E. The central recess 72C, the first cam groove 72D and the second cam groove 72E of the circular plate portion 72B on the +X direction side and the central recess 72C, the first cam groove 72D and the second cam groove 72E of the circular plate portion 72B on the -X direction side are respectively arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0253] The pressing member 75 has a cylindrical shape, and a pair of second pins 75A protruding in the +X and -X directions respectively are formed on the outer surface of the pressing member 75. Figure 42 Only the second pin 75A formed on the outer surface of the pressing member 75 in the +X direction is shown, but the same second pin 75A is also formed on the outer surface of the pressing member 75 in the -X direction. The pair of second pins 75A are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0254] In addition, the pressing member 75 has a front portion 75B located on the +Z direction side of the second pin 75A, and a rear portion 75C located on the -Z direction side of the second pin 75A.

[0255] In addition, the first connector 71 has a pair of housings 76 that respectively surround a pair of first contacts 74, and a waterproof seal 77 disposed on the -Z direction side of the lower insulator 73L.

[0256] In addition, the first connector 71 has a front waterproof seal 78 disposed on the outer periphery of the front portion 75B of the pressing member 75, and a rear waterproof seal 79 disposed on the rear end face of the rear portion 75C of the pressing member 75 facing the -Z direction.

[0257] Figure 43 An exploded perspective view of the second connector 81 is shown. The second connector 81 has: a second insulator 83 having a generally cuboid shape; a pair of second contacts 84 for connection to the ends of two wires C; and a pair of inner insulators 85, each accommodating a pair of second contacts 84. Furthermore, the second connector 81 has two sets of housings 86 that respectively surround the pair of inner insulators 85.

[0258] A pair of first pins 83A protruding in the +X and -X directions, respectively, are formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 83. Figure 43 The diagram shows only the first pin 83A formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 83 in the +X direction, but the same first pin 83A is also formed on the outer surface of the second insulator 83 in the -X direction. These two first pins 83A are arranged on the same straight line along the X direction.

[0259] Furthermore, a pair of second contact receiving portions 83B are formed in the second insulator 83, which respectively penetrate the second insulator 83 in the Z direction and are used to accommodate a pair of second contacts 84.

[0260] A pair of first pins 83A of the second insulator 83 are inserted into the first cam grooves 72D of a pair of circular plate portions 72B of the rod member 72. These first cam grooves 72D and the first pins 83A constitute a first cam mechanism. The first cam mechanism is linked with the rotation of the rod member 72 to cause the first insulator 73 and the second insulator 83 to move relative to each other in the Z direction.

[0261] Furthermore, a pair of second pins 75A of the pressing member 75 are inserted into the second cam grooves 72E of a pair of circular plate portions 72B of the rod member 72. These second cam grooves 72E and the second pins 75A constitute a second cam mechanism, which is linked with the rotation of the rod member 72 to move the pressing member 75 in the Z direction.

[0262] Next, the engagement operation of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 will be explained.

[0263] like Figure 41 As shown, with the rotation angle of the rod component 72 at 0 degrees and the rod component 72 in its initial rotation position, the second connector 81 is moved towards the first connector 71 from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction, as shown. Figure 44 and Figure 45As shown, the +Z direction portion of the first connector 71 is inserted into the interior of the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81.

[0264] Therefore, as Figure 46 As shown, the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81 is located at the starting position of engagement relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71, and the first pin 83A of the second insulator 83 is inserted into the entrance of the first cam groove 72D of the rod member 72. On the other hand, the second pin 75A of the pressing member 75 is inserted into the deepest part of the second cam groove 72E of the rod member 72.

[0265] At this time, as Figure 47 As shown, the upper insulator 73U of the first connector 71 is inserted into the middle position in the Z direction within the first insulator receiving portion 83C formed at the -Z direction end of the second insulator 83, and the second contact 84 is inserted into the first contact receiving portion 73F formed inside the upper insulator 73U through the through hole 73E of the upper insulator 73U.

[0266] The first contact 74, housed within the first contact receiving portion 73F, is a spring contact bent into a U-shape. It has a fulcrum portion 74A formed in the bent portion of the U-shape, a contact portion 74B located on the -Z direction side relative to the fulcrum portion 74A, and a force point portion 74C located on the -Z direction side relative to the contact portion 74B and forming a free end. However, the second contact 84 has not yet reached the position opposite to the contact portion 74B of the first contact 74.

[0267] Furthermore, a front portion receiving portion 83D is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first insulator receiving portion 83C of the second insulator 83 and the outer peripheral surface 73G of the upper insulator 73U. The front portion 75B of the pressing member 75 is received within the front portion receiving portion 83D on the +Z direction side, and the pressing member 75 is in its initial position relative to the first insulator 73. The pressing member 75 has a pressing surface 75D that protrudes in the X direction toward the first contact 74, but at this time, the pressing surface 75D is not in contact with the force point portion 74C of the first contact 74.

[0268] like Figure 48 As shown, if the rod component 72 is rotated to a first rotational position where the handle portion 72A is 45 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first pin 83A of the second insulator 83 advances relative to the first cam groove 72D of the rod component 72, and the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81 moves relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71 in the -Z direction.

[0269] Furthermore, the second pin 75A of the pressing member 75 moves from the deepest part of the second cam groove 72E of the rod member 72 to the middle part, but due to the shape of the second cam groove 72E, the position of the pressing member 75 relative to the first insulator 73 remains unchanged, and the pressing member 75 maintains its initial position.

[0270] Therefore, as Figure 49 As shown, the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81 moves in the -Z direction until it is in a mating position relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71, and the side of the second contact 84 in the X direction is in a state opposite to the contact portion 74B of the first contact 74.

[0271] Furthermore, the pressing member 75 maintains its initial position relative to the first insulator 73, and the pressing surface 75D of the pressing member 75 remains in a state where it does not contact the force point portion 74C of the first contact 74.

[0272] If the rod component 72 is rotated from this state to... Figure 50 When the handle portion 72A is in a second rotational position of 90 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first pin 83A of the second insulator 83 is inserted into the deepest part of the first cam groove 72D of the rod component 72. However, due to the shape of the first cam groove 72D, the position of the second insulator 83 relative to the first insulator 73 in the Z direction does not change.

[0273] On the other hand, the second pin 75A of the pressing member 75 advances relative to the inlet in the second cam groove 72E of the rod member 72, and the pressing member 75 moves in the -Z direction relative to the first insulator 73.

[0274] Therefore, as Figure 51 As shown, with the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81 in the engaged position relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71, the pressing member 75 moves in the -Z direction relative to the first insulator 73, and the pressing member 75 retracts from the initial position to the retracted position. If the pressing member 75 retracts to the retracted position, the rear waterproof seal 79 disposed on the rear end face of the rear portion 75C of the pressing member 75 in the -Z direction is pressed against the abutment surface 73D of the first insulator 73, and the pressing surface 75D of the pressing member 75 becomes a Z-direction position opposite to the force point portion 74C of the first contact 74, pressing the force point portion 74C in the X direction.

[0275] Here, the distance L8 from the fulcrum portion 74A to the force point portion 74C in the first contact 74 is set to be longer than the distance L7 from the fulcrum portion 74A to the contact portion 74B. Therefore, according to the so-called lever principle, a force greater than the pressing force received by the force point portion 74C from the pressing surface 75D of the pressing member 75 acts on the contact portion 74B, and the contact portion 74B of the first contact 74 contacts the second contact 84 with a higher contact pressure.

[0276] Furthermore, the presence of the front waterproof seal 78 seals the outer periphery of the front portion 75B of the pressing member 75 with the inner periphery of the front portion receiving portion 83D of the second insulator 83. Similarly, the presence of the rear waterproof seal 79 seals the rear end face of the rear portion 75C of the pressing member 75 with the abutting surface 73D of the first insulator 73. This prevents water from seeping into the connection between the first contact 74 and the second contact 84.

[0277] Therefore, if the rod member 72 is rotated from the initial rotation position where the handle portion 72A has an angle of 0 degrees relative to the Y direction to the first rotation position where the handle portion 72A has an angle of 45 degrees relative to the Y direction, by keeping the pressing member 75 relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71 in the initial position, the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81 can be moved from the engagement start position to the engagement position relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71 with a smaller insertion force.

[0278] Furthermore, if the rod member 72 is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position where the handle part 72A is at a 90-degree angle relative to the Y direction, then while the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81 is held in the mating position relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71, the pressing member 75 is moved back from the initial position to the retracted position relative to the first insulator 73 of the first connector 71. By pressing the force point 74C of the first contact 74 in the X direction with the pressing surface 75D of the pressing member 75, the contact point 74B of the first contact 74 can be made to contact the second contact 84 with a higher contact pressure.

[0279] At this time, the first contact 74 and the second contact 84 do not rub against each other in the Z direction, but press against each other in the X direction, thus preventing damage to the surfaces of the first contact 74 and the second contact 84 and making an electrical connection.

[0280] Therefore, similar to embodiments 1 to 3, the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 can be easily accommodated, and the first contact 74 and the second contact 84 can be made to contact with a high contact pressure, thereby achieving a reliable electrical connection.

[0281] Furthermore, the presence of a front waterproof seal 78 and a rear waterproof seal 79 prevents water from seeping into the connection between the first contact 74 and the second contact 84.

[0282] Implementation Method 5

[0283] Figure 52The first connector 91 used in the connector assembly of Embodiment 5 is shown. In the first connector 71 of Embodiment 4, the lower insulator 93L is used instead of the lower insulator 73L, and the rod member 72 is used instead of the rod member 92 and the auxiliary rod member 94. The other structures are the same as the first connector 71, that is, the upper insulator 73U is connected to the lower insulator 93L, and the pressing member 75 is held so that it can move in the Z direction along the outer peripheral surface of the upper insulator 73U.

[0284] In Embodiment 4, the lower insulator 93L used in the first connector 71 has a pair of circular plate-shaped support portions 93B instead of a pair of support portions 73B, and the other structures are the same as the lower insulator 73L. In the lower insulator 73L, a shaft member 73C is formed in each support portion 73B, but in Embodiment 5, each support portion 93B of the lower insulator 93L has a pair of shaft members (not shown) protruding in both the +X and -X directions.

[0285] like Figure 53 As shown, the rod member 92 has: a handle portion 92A bent into a U-shape; and a pair of circular plate portions 92B connected to both ends of the handle portion 92A, facing each other in the X direction and extending along the YZ plane respectively. A central recess 92C is formed on the outer surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 92B facing opposite directions, and a first cam groove 72D and a second cam groove 72E bent into a generally arcuate shape are formed on the opposing surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 92B respectively. The first cam groove 72D and the second cam groove 72E are the same as the cam grooves formed on the rod member 72 in Embodiment 4.

[0286] Furthermore, on the outer surfaces of a pair of circular plate portions 92B facing opposite directions, a first gear 92F with multiple teeth protruding in the X direction is formed, arranged in a circular shape along the outer periphery of the circular plate portion 92B.

[0287] Furthermore, in the handle portion 92A, at the apex of the U-shape furthest from the pair of circular plate portions 92B, there is a pair of wire holding portions 92G that are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are recessed into a semi-circular shape respectively.

[0288] like Figure 54 As shown, the auxiliary rod member 94, like the rod member 92, has: a handle portion 94A bent into a U-shape; and a pair of circular plate portions 94B connected to the two ends of the handle portion 94A, facing each other in the X direction and extending along the YZ plane respectively. However, the handle portion 94A is formed to be wider in the X direction than the handle portion 92A of the rod member 92.

[0289] A central recess 94C is formed on the inner surfaces of a pair of opposing circular plates 94B.

[0290] Furthermore, on the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of circular plate portions 94B, a plurality of teeth protruding in the X direction are formed, arranged in a circular shape along the outer periphery of the circular plate portion 94B. The second gear 94F has the same dimensions and the same spacing as the first gear 92F formed on the pair of circular plate portions 92B of the rod member 92.

[0291] Furthermore, in the handle portion 94A, at the apex of the U-shape furthest from the pair of circular plate portions 94B, a pair of wire holding portions 94G are formed that are adjacent to each other in the X direction and are recessed into a semi-circular shape respectively.

[0292] By inserting shaft members (not shown) protruding from a pair of support portions 93B of the lower insulator 93L in both the +X and -X directions into the central recesses 92C of a pair of circular plate portions 92B of the rod member 92 and the central recesses 94C of a pair of circular plate portions 94B of the auxiliary rod member 94, the rod member 92 and the auxiliary rod member 94 are respectively held so as to be rotatable relative to the lower insulator 93L. The pair of circular plate portions 92B of the rod member 92 are disposed inside the pair of support portions 93B of the lower insulator 93L, and the pair of circular plate portions 94B of the auxiliary rod member 94 are disposed outside the pair of support portions 93B of the lower insulator 93L.

[0293] In addition, such as Figure 55 As shown, an intermediate gear 95 is mounted at the +Z direction end of the support portion 93B in a manner that allows it to rotate in the XY plane around a central axis extending in the Z direction. The intermediate gear 95 meshes with a first gear 92F of the circular plate portion 92B of the rod member 92 located on one side of the support portion 93B in the X direction, and a second gear 94F of the circular plate portion 94B of the auxiliary rod member 94 located on the other side of the support portion 93B in the X direction. This forms a rod linkage mechanism that is linked to the rotational movement of the rod member 92, causing the auxiliary rod member 94 to rotate in the opposite direction to the rod member 92.

[0294] like Figure 56 As shown, the rod member 92 and the auxiliary rod member 94 are configured as follows: On the -Y direction side of the lower insulator 93L, when the rod member 92 is rotated by 0 degrees and is in its initial rotation position, the auxiliary rod member 94 is rotated by 0 degrees on the +Y direction side of the lower insulator 93L.

[0295] With the second insulator 83 of the second connector 81 in the engagement start position relative to the first connector 91, as follows: Figure 57As shown, if the rod component 92 is rotated to the second rotation position where the handle portion 92A is 90 degrees relative to the Y direction, the first connector 91 and the second connector 81 are engaged, and a reliable electrical connection is achieved between the first connector 91 and the second connector 81. However, at this time, the auxiliary rod component 94 also rotates through the rod linkage mechanism until it is 90 degrees relative to the Y direction.

[0296] Thus, the two wires C connected to the second connector 81 are clamped by the semi-circular wire holding portion 92G formed on the handle portion 92A of the rod member 92 and the semi-circular wire holding portion 94G formed on the handle portion 94A of the auxiliary rod member 94, thereby being held on the rod member 92 and the auxiliary rod member 94.

[0297] Therefore, for example, even when an external force such as vibration is applied to an electrical device equipped with the first connector 91, the movement of the two wires C connected to the second connector 81 fitted into the first connector 91 can be restricted.

[0298] Alternatively, by directly meshing the first gear 92F of the circular plate portion 92B of the lever member 92 with the second gear 94F of the circular plate portion 94B of the auxiliary lever member 94 without passing through the intermediate gear 95, it is also possible to configure the second gear 94F to rotate along with the rotation of the first gear 92F.

[0299] In addition, in the above embodiments 1 to 5, the initial rotation position, the first rotation position and the second rotation position of the rod components 22, 42, 62, 72 and 92 are respectively set at positions where the rotation angle of the rod components 22, 42, 62, 72 and 92 is 0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees, respectively. However, they are not limited to this and can be set at other rotation angles.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that, have: A first connector has a first insulator and a first contact held in the first insulator; The second connector has a second insulator and a second contact held in the second insulator, and engages with the first connector in the engagement direction; The rod component is rotatably held in one of the first insulator and the second insulator; A pressing component is used to press the first contact and the second contact together; The first cam mechanism is linked to the rotation of the rod component, causing the first insulator and the second insulator to move relative to each other along the engagement direction; as well as The second cam mechanism, in conjunction with the rotation of the rod component, causes the pressing component to move. When the rod member is rotated from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position with the second insulator in the engagement start position relative to the first insulator, the second insulator moves to the engagement position along the engagement direction via the first cam mechanism; when the rod member is further rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, while the second insulator is held in the engagement position, the pressing member moves via the second cam mechanism, and the first contact and the second contact come into contact with each other with a predetermined contact pressure.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first contact and the second contact extend along the engagement direction, respectively. One of the first contact and the second contact is composed of a spring contact, and the other is composed of a fixed-side contact. The pressing member, which moves via the second cam mechanism, presses the spring contact toward the fixed side contact in a direction intersecting the engagement direction, causing the first contact and the second contact to come into contact with each other.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring contact has: a force point portion that contacts the pressing member and receives pressing force from the pressing member; a fulcrum portion that serves as a fulcrum for the elastic deformation of the spring contact when the force point portion is subjected to the pressing force; and a contact portion disposed between the force point portion and the fulcrum portion and in contact with the fixed-side contact. The distance from the fulcrum to the force point is longer than the distance from the fulcrum to the contact point.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The pressing member is held movable relative to the first insulator along the engagement direction between an initial position and a retracted position, and has a pressing surface for pressing the first contact and the second contact together when in the initial position. When the rod component is rotated from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the pressing component moves from the initial position to the retracted position via the second cam mechanism; When the rod component is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the pressing component moves from the retracted position to the initial position via the second cam mechanism, and presses the first contact and the second contact against each other via the pressing surfaces.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second contact is formed by the spring contact. When the rod component rotates from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the pressing component moves from the initial position to the retracted position via the second cam mechanism; when the rod component rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, it moves from the retracted position to the initial position via the second cam mechanism, and presses the second contact against the first contact via the pressing surface.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rod component can be rotatably held in place of the second insulator. The first cam mechanism has a first cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the first insulator and inserted into the first cam groove. The second cam mechanism has a second cam groove formed in the rod member and a second pin protruding from the pressing member and inserted into the second cam groove.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first connector has a spring for holding the pressing member in the initial position. When the rod component rotates from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the pressing component moves from the initial position to the retracted position by overcoming the elastic force of the spring through the second cam mechanism.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The pressing member is held movable relative to the first insulator along the engagement direction between an initial position and a retracted position, and has a pressing surface for pressing the first contact and the second contact together when in the retracted position. During the rotation of the lever component from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the pressing component is held in the initial position; When the rod component is rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the pressing component moves from the initial position to the retracted position via the second cam mechanism, and presses the first contact and the second contact against each other via the pressing surfaces.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first contact is composed of the spring contact. The pressing member is held in the initial position during the rotation of the rod member from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position. When the rod member rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the pressing member moves from the initial position to the retracted position via the second cam mechanism and presses the first contact against the second contact via the pressing surface.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rod component can be rotatably held in place of the second insulator. The first cam mechanism has a cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the first insulator and inserted into the cam groove. The second cam mechanism has an outer peripheral cam surface formed on the rod member and a second pin protruding from the pressing member and in contact with the outer peripheral cam surface.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first connector has a spring for holding the pressing member in the initial position. The pressing component is held in the initial position by the spring during the period when the rod component rotates from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position; When the rod component rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the pressing component moves from the initial position to the retracted position by overcoming the elastic force of the spring through the second cam mechanism.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The pressing member includes: a first pressing member, which is held movable relative to the first insulator along a direction intersecting the engagement direction between a first initial position and a pushed-out position; and a second pressing member, which is held movable relative to the second insulator along the engagement direction between a second initial position and a forward position. The first pressing member has pressing surfaces for pressing the first contact and the second contact together when in the extended position. The second pressing member has a pushing surface for pushing the first pressing member to the pushing position when it is in the forward position. During the rotation of the rod component from the initial rotation position to the first rotation position, the first pressing component is held in the first initial position and the second pressing component is held in the second initial position; When the rod component is rotated from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the second pressing component moves from the second initial position to the forward position via the second cam mechanism, and the first pressing component moves from the first initial position to the push-out position via the push-out surface, and the first contact and the second contact are pressed against each other by the pressing surface of the first pressing component.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first contact is composed of the spring contact. When the rod component rotates from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the first pressing component moves from the first initial position to the ejection position and presses the first contact against the second contact through the pressing surface.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The rod component can be rotatably held in place of the second insulator. The first cam mechanism has a first cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the first insulator and inserted into the first cam groove. The second cam mechanism has a second cam groove formed in the rod member and a second pin protruding from the second pressing member and inserted into the second cam groove.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second pressing member has a front portion located in the engagement direction closer to the first connector than the second pin, and a rear portion located in the engagement direction closer to the opposite side of the first connector than the second pin. The first insulator has a concave front portion receiving portion that is accommodated and movable along the fitting direction. The second insulator has a concave rear portion receiving portion that is accommodated and movable along the fitting direction. The connector assembly includes: a front waterproof seal disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and the inner peripheral surface of the front portion receiving portion; and a rear waterproof seal disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the rear portion and sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the rear portion and the inner peripheral surface of the rear portion receiving portion.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The rod component can be rotatably held in place of the first insulator. The first cam mechanism has a first cam groove formed in the rod member and a first pin protruding from the second insulator and inserted into the first cam groove. The second cam mechanism has a second cam groove formed in the rod member and a second pin protruding from the pressing member and inserted into the second cam groove.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The pressing member has a front portion located in the engagement direction closer to the second connector than the second pin, and a rear portion located in the engagement direction closer to the opposite side of the second connector than the second pin. The second insulator has a concave front portion receiving portion that is accommodated and movable along the fitting direction. The first insulator has an abutting surface that abuts against the rear end face of the rear portion when the pressing member is in the retracted position. The connector assembly includes: a front waterproof seal disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and sealing between the outer peripheral surface of the front portion and the inner peripheral surface of the front portion receiving portion; and a rear waterproof seal disposed on the rear end face of the rear portion and sealing between the rear end face of the rear portion and the abutting surface when the pressing member is in the retracted position.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that, The connector assembly includes: an auxiliary rod member rotatably held against the first insulator; and a rod linkage mechanism that is linked to the rotational movement of the rod member to cause the auxiliary rod member to rotate in the opposite direction to the rod member. The second contact is connected to the front end of the wire. When the rod component is in the second rotational position, the wire is clamped and held by the rod component and the auxiliary rod component.

19. The connector assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The lever linkage mechanism has a first gear formed on the lever component and a second gear formed on the auxiliary lever component and rotating in tandem with the rotation of the first gear.

20. The connector assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that, The linkage mechanism has an intermediate gear that is rotatably disposed on the rod component and meshes with both the first gear and the second gear.

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