Lever type connector

By adding peripheral wall protection and multiple locking protrusions to the rod connector, the problems of locking arm deformation and structural complexity caused by external forces are solved, and the stable fit and simple design of the rod are achieved.

CN119318077APending Publication Date: 2025-01-14SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380044800.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-06-10
Filing Date
2023-06-02
Publication Date
2025-01-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing rod connectors tend to cause unexpected deformation of the locking arm when applying external force, and the structure is complicated.

Method used

A rod-type connector is designed, which adds peripheral wall protection on the locking arm, uses multiple locking protrusions to serve, and is centrally configured through the locking configuration part to maintain the rod in the initial and fitted position to avoid structural complexity.

Benefits of technology

It effectively avoids the deformation of the locking arm caused by external forces, and improves the stability of the rod and the reliability of the fitting completion position without increasing the size of the connector, and improves the freedom of the design and the simplicity of the structure.

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Abstract

A lever-type connector (1) is provided with: a connector housing (10) which has a fitting surface (11A) and a first lever mounting surface (11D1) different from the fitting surface (11A), and which is fitted to a counterpart connector (100); a front holder (70) provided with a front wall (71) disposed along the fitting surface (11A), and a peripheral wall (73) extending from the front wall (71) and disposed along the first lever attachment surface (11D1); and a lever (80) assembled to the connector housing (10) so as to be rotatable from an initial position to a fitting completion position, the connector housing (10) being provided with a first lock arm (43), the first lock arm (43) being provided with a first arm portion (44) disposed so as to be flexible on the first lever attachment surface (11D1), and a first lock protrusion (45) protruding from the first arm portion (44) and engaging with the lever (80) when the lever (80) is in the initial position, and a peripheral wall (73) covering the first arm portion (44).
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The rod-type connector includes a rod, which is used to assist the mating and disengagement with the other connector based on the principle of a lever. The rod is assembled to the housing and is axially supported so as to be rotatable between an initial position and a mating completion position in which the other connector is mated with the housing in a normal mating position. This type of rod-type connector sometimes includes a locking portion, which holds the rod in the initial position when the connector is not mated with the other connector. The locking portion includes a flexible locking plate and a locking step portion that protrudes from the locking plate and engages with the rod. When the connector is mated with the other connector, the locking step portion is pressed by the other connector, so that the locking plate is bent, the engagement with the rod is released, and the rod can be rotated to the mating completion position (see patent document 1). Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-317853 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the above connector, there is a concern that the locking plate may be deformed due to an unexpected external force, and further improvement is required. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0005] The rod-type connector disclosed in the present specification comprises: a connector housing having a mating surface and a rod mounting surface different from the mating surface, which is mated with a counterpart connector; a front member having a front wall and a peripheral wall, the front wall being arranged along the mating surface, the peripheral wall extending from the front wall and arranged along the rod mounting surface; and a rod that can be assembled to the connector housing so as to rotate from an initial position to a mating completion position, the connector housing having a locking arm, the locking arm having an arm body and a locking protrusion, the arm body being flexibly arranged on the rod mounting surface, the locking protrusion protruding from the arm body, engaging with the rod when the rod is in the initial position, and the peripheral wall covering the arm body. Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the lever-type connector disclosed in this specification, unexpected deformation of the lock arm caused by application of external force can be avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment. Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the connector housing and the front retaining body according to the embodiment. Figure 4 It is a top view of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment. Figure 5 It is a side view of the connector housing of the embodiment. Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the connector housing according to the embodiment is shown cut along line AA. Figure 7 It is a side view of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 BB line cross-sectional view. Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the front retainer according to the embodiment. Fig.10 It is a perspective view of a mating connector according to the embodiment. Fig.11 It is a front view of the mating connector according to the embodiment. Fig.12 It is a side view showing an initial state of fitting between the lever-type connector and the mating connector according to the embodiment. Fig.13 is along Fig.12 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an initial mating state of the lever-type connector and the mating connector according to the embodiment, taken along line CC. Fig.14 This is a side view showing a state in which the lever-type connector according to the embodiment is completely mated with the mating connector. Fig.15 is along Fig.14 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a mating completion state of the lever-type connector and the mating connector according to the embodiment, taken along line DD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] [Overview of Embodiments] (1) The rod-type connector disclosed in the present specification comprises: a connector housing having a mating surface and a rod mounting surface different from the mating surface, which is mated with a counterpart connector; a front member having a front wall and a peripheral wall, the front wall being arranged along the mating surface, the peripheral wall extending from the front wall and arranged along the rod mounting surface; and a rod assembled to the connector housing so as to be rotatable from an initial position to a mating completion position, the connector housing having a locking arm, the locking arm having an arm portion and a locking protrusion, the arm portion being flexibly arranged on the rod mounting surface, the locking protrusion protruding from the arm portion, engaging with the rod when the rod is in the initial position, and the peripheral wall covering the arm portion.

[0009] According to the above structure, since the arm portion is covered and protected by the peripheral wall, the unexpected deformation of the locking arm caused by applying an external force can be avoided. In addition, since the peripheral wall of the front member is used as the protection wall of the locking arm, the locking arm can be protected when the connector is not enlarged.

[0010] (2) In the lever-type connector of (1) above, the peripheral wall may be disposed adjacent to the locking projection on the side opposite to the lever.

[0011] According to such a configuration, since the locking projection assists the holding force of the lever by the peripheral wall, it is possible to reliably restrict the lever from unexpectedly rotating toward the mating completion position.

[0012] (3) In the rod-type connector of (1) or (2) above, the locking protrusion may include a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion, the first protrusion portion having a rod engaging surface that engages with the rod when the rod is in the initial position, and the second protrusion portion having a guide surface that is inclined in a direction away from the mating surface as it moves away from the arm portion.

[0013] According to such a configuration, since the locking protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions, each of the protrusions can have a different function, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design.

[0014] (4) In any one of the rod-type connectors of (1) to (3) above, the connector housing may include a terminal retaining portion and a locking configuration portion, the terminal retaining portion having a cavity capable of accommodating terminal parts, the locking configuration portion being arranged at a position different from the terminal retaining portion, the locking configuration portion including the locking arm and the mating completion retaining portion, the mating completion retaining portion engaging with the rod when the rod is located at the mating completion position.

[0015] According to such a configuration, since the structure for holding the lever at the initial position and the mating completion position is centrally arranged in the lock arrangement portion, it is possible to avoid complication of the structure of the connector housing.

[0016] [Details of implementation method] The following reference Figures 1 to 15 Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described. The present invention is not limited to these examples but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0017] The lever-type connector 1 of this embodiment is a connector that is mated with a counterpart connector 100. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, it comprises: a connector housing 10, which holds a terminal part connected to the terminal of the wire; a front holding body 70, which is assembled to the connector housing 10; a rod 80, which is assembled to the connector housing 10 so as to be rotatable between an initial mating position and a mating completion position; and a wire cover 90, which is assembled to the connector housing 10 to protect the wire. In the following description, the mating direction ( Figure 1 The lower left-upper right direction) is used as the front-to-back direction, and one side ( Figure 1 ) as the front side.

[0018] [Connector housing 10] The connector housing 10 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 11 , two rotation shafts 12 and two holding body locking protrusions 13 are provided.

[0019] The shell body 11 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the front surface is the fitting surface 11A, the rear surface (the surface on the side opposite to the fitting surface 11A) is the wire lead-out surface 11B, the surface perpendicular to the fitting surface 11A is the locking configuration surface 11C, and the two surfaces perpendicular to the fitting surface 11A and the locking configuration surface 11C are the first rod mounting surface 11D1 (an example of a rod mounting surface) and the second rod mounting surface 11D2. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, in the shell body 11, a portion adjacent to the mating surface 11A becomes a retaining body mounting portion 11H which is smaller than the portion to the rear thereof, and on the locking configuration surface 11C and the two rod mounting surfaces 11D1 and 11D2, there is a step surface 11S facing the mating surface 11A side between the retaining body mounting portion 11H and the portion to the rear thereof.

[0020] like Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the housing body 11 adjacent to the lock placement surface 11C is the lock placement portion 31 , and the other portion is the terminal holding portion 21 .

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the terminal holding portion 21 has a plurality of cavities 22 extending between the fitting surface 11A and the wire lead-out surface 11B. In each cavity 22, a female terminal fitting and a terminal end of a wire connected to the female terminal fitting are held.

[0022] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking arrangement portion 31 includes: an initial locking portion 41 arranged adjacent to the first rod mounting surface 11D1; an erroneous assembly preventing portion 61 arranged adjacent to the second rod mounting surface 11D2; and a mating completion locking portion 51 arranged between the initial locking portion 41 and the erroneous assembly preventing portion 61.

[0023] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the initial locking portion 41 includes a first locking recess 42 disposed on the first lever mounting surface 11D1 and a first locking arm 43 (an example of a locking arm) disposed inside the first locking recess 42 .

[0024] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first locking recess 42 is a recess defined by two first side surfaces 42A, a first inner end surface 42B and a first bottom surface 42C. The two first side surfaces 42A are perpendicular to the first rod mounting surface 11D1 and are arranged at intervals from each other. The first inner end surface 42B connects the end edges of the mating surface 11A on the two first side surfaces 42A to each other and is arranged toward the side opposite to the mating surface 11A. The first bottom surface 42C connects the two first side surfaces 42A and is parallel to the first rod mounting surface 11D1.

[0025] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first locking arm 43 includes a first arm portion 44 (an example of an arm portion) and a first locking protrusion 45 (an example of a locking protrusion) protruding from the first arm portion 44. The first arm portion 44 is in the shape of a leaf spring extending from the first inner end surface 42B toward the wire lead-out surface 11B, and can be bent in a direction perpendicular to the first rod mounting surface 11D1. The first locking protrusion 45 is arranged at the extended end of the first arm portion 44 and protrudes to the outside of the first rod mounting surface 11D1. The first locking protrusion 45 includes a first protrusion 46 that is locked with the rod 80 and a second protrusion 47 that is pressed by the other connector 100. The first protrusion 46 and the second protrusion 47 are arranged in this order from the side close to the terminal holding portion 21.

[0026] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, in the first protrusion 46, the surface facing the fitting surface 11A side has a first retainer receiving surface 46A perpendicular to the first rod mounting surface 11D1, and the surface facing the side opposite to the fitting surface 11A is a rod engaging surface 46B engaging with the rod 80. The rod engaging surface 46B is a steep surface extending substantially perpendicularly to the first rod mounting surface 11D1. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the second protrusion 47, the surface facing the mating surface 11A side has a second retaining body receiving surface 47A and a guide surface 47B, the second retaining body receiving surface 47A is adjacent to the first retaining body receiving surface 46A and is perpendicular to the first rod mounting surface 11D1, and the guide surface 47B is arranged on the top end side of the second protrusion 47 closer to the second retaining body receiving surface 47A, and is inclined in the direction away from the mating surface 11A the farther away from the first arm portion 44.

[0027] like Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion height H1 of the first protrusion 46 determined by the distance from the outer surface of the first arm portion 44 to the extension end of the first protrusion 46 is smaller than the protrusion height H2 of the second protrusion 47 determined by the distance from the outer surface of the first arm portion 44 to the extension end of the second protrusion 47.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the mating completion lock portion 51 includes a second lock recess 52 arranged on the lock arrangement surface 11C and a second lock arm 53 (an example of a mating completion holding portion) arranged inside the second lock recess 52 .

[0029] The second locking recess 52 is a recess defined by two second side faces 52A and a second inner end face 52B. The two second side faces 52A are arranged perpendicular to the locking configuration surface 11C and spaced apart from each other. The second inner end face 52B connects the end edges of the mating surface 11A on the two second side faces 52A to each other and is arranged toward the side opposite to the mating surface 11A.

[0030] The second locking arm 53 includes a second arm portion 54 and a second locking protrusion 55 protruding from the second arm portion 54. The second arm portion 54 is in the shape of a leaf spring extending from the second rear end surface 52B toward the wire lead-out surface 11B. The second locking protrusion 55 protrudes from the extending end of the second arm portion 54 to the outside of the locking arrangement surface 11C.

[0031] like Figure 8 As shown, the erroneous assembly preventing portion 61 has an erroneous assembly preventing recessed portion 62 arranged on the second rod mounting surface 11D2. The erroneous assembly preventing recessed portion 62 is a recessed portion defined by two third side surfaces 62A and a second bottom surface 62B, and has an opening portion on the fitting surface 11A, the two third side surfaces 62A are arranged perpendicular to the second rod mounting surface 11D2 and spaced apart from each other, and the second bottom surface 62B connects the two third side surfaces 62A and is parallel to the second rod mounting surface 11D2.

[0032] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the first rod mounting surface 11D1 is provided with a rotation shaft 12 and a retaining body locking protrusion 13. The rotation shaft 12 is substantially cylindrical and extends outward from the first rod mounting surface 11D1. The retaining body locking protrusion 13 is a protrusion protruding from the first rod mounting surface 11D1. The rotation shaft 12 and the retaining body locking protrusion 13 are similarly provided on the second rod mounting surface 11D2.

[0033] [Front retaining body 70] The front retainer 70 is a member that covers the retainer mounting portion 11H of the connector housing 10. The front retainer 70 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the front wall 71 and the peripheral wall 73 are provided. The front wall 71 is arranged along the fitting surface 11A, and the peripheral wall 73 extends from the peripheral edge of the front wall 71 to surround the holder mounting portion 11H.

[0034] The front wall 71 constitutes a part of the wall surrounding the cavity 22, and prevents the terminal parts arranged inside the cavity 22 from falling out. The front wall 71 has a plurality of terminal insertion holes 72, and the plurality of terminal insertion holes 72 allow the counterpart terminals provided by the counterpart connector 100 to enter. The plurality of terminal insertion holes 72 are respectively connected to the plurality of cavities 22. The peripheral wall 73 has a first side wall 73A arranged along the first rod mounting surface 11D1 and a second side wall 73B arranged along the second rod mounting surface 11D2.

[0035] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the front holding body 70 is attached to the connector housing 10 , the first side wall 73A covers the first arm portion 44 . The first locking protrusion 45 is exposed from the front holding body 70 , and the extending end of the first side wall 73A is disposed adjacent to the first locking protrusion 45 .

[0036] like Figure 3 and Fig. 9 As shown, the front retainer 70 has a notch 74, which extends from the front wall 71 to the extended end of the second side wall 73B and penetrates the second side wall 73B. Figure 8 As shown, in a state where the front retaining body 70 is mounted on the connector housing 10 , the notch portion 74 communicates with the erroneous assembly preventing recess 62 .

[0037] like Figure 3 and Fig. 9 As shown, the front retainer 70 has two retainer locking holes 75, which penetrate the first side wall 73A and the second side wall 73B respectively and receive the retainer locking protrusion 13. Figure 2 As shown, each retaining body locking protrusion 13 enters the interior of the retaining body locking hole 75 and is locked with the hole edge of the retaining body locking hole 75 , so that the front retaining body 70 is retained by the connector housing 10 .

[0038] [Rod 80] The rod 80 is a member for assisting the mating and disengagement of the connector housing 10 with respect to the mating connector 100 based on the lever principle, and is capable of rotating at the initial position ( Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Fig.12 The mating completion position (shown in FIG. 1 ) is a state where the mating connector 100 is mated with the connector housing 10 at the regular mating position. Fig.14 The shaft is supported for rotation between the positions shown).

[0039] The rod 80 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, it is a roughly U-shaped component including a first cam plate 81A, a second cam plate 81B and a rotation operation portion 85. The first cam plate 81A is arranged along the first rod mounting surface 11D1, the second cam plate 81B is arranged along the second rod mounting surface 11D2, and the rotation operation portion 85 connects the two cam plates 81A and 81B to each other.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the first cam plate 81A has a shaft hole 82 and a cam groove 83. The shaft hole 82 is a substantially circular hole that penetrates the first cam plate 81A, and the rotation shaft 12 is inserted therein. The cam groove 83 is a groove arranged on the outer surface of the first cam plate 81A (the surface on the side opposite to the second cam plate 81B), and has a cam entry port 83A on the outer edge of the first cam plate 81A. The cam groove 83 is formed in a substantially arc shape such that it gradually approaches the shaft hole 82, which is the rotation center of the first cam plate 81A, as it moves from the cam entry port 83A toward the inner side. The outer peripheral surface of the first cam plate 81A has a locking receiving surface 84, and the locking receiving surface 84 is engaged with the rod engaging surface 46B of the first protrusion 46 when the rod 80 is in the initial position.

[0041] The second cam plate 81B has the same structure as the first cam plate 81A except that it does not have the locking receiving surface 84, so the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same structure as the first cam plate 81A, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lever 80 includes a locking claw 86 protruding from the rotation operation portion 85 . The locking claw 86 is a protrusion protruding from a central position between both ends of the rotation operation portion 85 .

[0043] [Wire cover 90] The wire cover 90 is assembled to the connector housing 10 in a manner covering the wire lead-out surface 11B, and is a member for protecting the wires led out from the cavity 22. The wire cover 90 is made of synthetic resin, such as Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main wall 91 and two side walls 92 extending from the main wall 91 are provided. The main wall 91 is a wall arranged opposite to the wire lead-out surface 11B. The two side walls 92 extend from two side edges of the main wall 91 and are arranged opposite to each other. Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The wire cover 90 is omitted.

[0044] [Mating connector 100] like Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, the mating connector 100 includes a mating housing 110 that can be fitted with the connector housing 10 , and a plurality of mating terminal parts 120 assembled to the mating housing 110 .

[0045] The other housing 110 is made of synthetic resin, such as Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the terminal holding wall 111, the cover portion 112, two partition walls 113, and three mis-assembly preventing protrusions 117A, 117B, and 117C are provided.

[0046] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the terminal retaining wall 111 is in the shape of a rectangular plate. The cover portion 112 is in the shape of a square tube extending from the terminal retaining wall 111, and is composed of two long walls 112A arranged opposite to each other, a first short wall 112B connecting one ends of the two long walls 112A to each other, and a second short wall 112C connecting the other ends of the two long walls 112A to each other. Two partition walls 113 are arranged inside the cover portion 112, and divide the internal space of the counterpart housing 110 defined by the terminal retaining wall 111 and the cover portion 112 into three mating spaces 114A, 114B, and 114C. The connector housing 10 is mated inside a mating space 114A adjacent to the first short wall 112B, and other connector housings (not shown) are mated in the other mating spaces 114B and 114C. As shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the first short wall 112B has a recessed portion 115. The recessed portion 115 is a recessed portion recessed from the inner surface of the first short wall 112B, and can receive the first locking protrusion 45.

[0047] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the counterpart housing 110 is provided with six cylindrical cam followers 116. One cam follower 116 protrudes from the inner surfaces of the two short walls 112B and 112C, respectively. One cam follower 116 also protrudes from both surfaces of the two partition walls 113, respectively. That is, two cam followers 116 protrude in pairs from the inside of the three fitting spaces 114A, 114B, and 114C.

[0048] The plurality of counterpart terminal parts 120 are respectively made of metal, such as Fig.12 As shown, the terminal holding wall 111 has an L-shaped rod shape and includes a protruding piece 121 that penetrates the terminal holding wall 111 and a connecting portion 122 that extends substantially perpendicularly from one end of the protruding piece 121 .

[0049] like Fig.11As shown, three wrong assembly preventing protrusions 117A, 117B, 117C are arranged one each inside the three fitting spaces 114A, 114B, 114C. The three wrong assembly preventing protrusions 117A, 117B, 117C have different shapes from each other. The wrong assembly preventing recess 62 and the notch 74 of the lever-type connector 1 fitted with one fitting space 114A can receive the wrong assembly preventing protrusion 117A arranged inside the one fitting space 114A, but cannot receive the other wrong assembly preventing protrusions 117B, 117C arranged inside the other fitting spaces 114B, 114C.

[0050] [Mating of the Lever-Type Connector 1 and the Mating Connector 100] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in the state where the lever-type connector 1 is not mated with the mating connector 100, the lever 80 is held in the initial position, and the lever engaging surface 46B of the first protrusion 46 abuts against the locking receiving surface 84 of the first cam plate 81A, thereby restricting the rotation of the lever 80 from the initial position to the mating completion position. The lever engaging surface 46B is a steep surface extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane including the first lever mounting surface 11D1, so that the engagement strength with the first cam plate 81A is increased, and the lever 80 is reliably held in the initial position.

[0051] When an unexpected external force is applied to the rod 80, the rod 80 may overcome the locking force of the first protrusion 46 and try to rotate from the initial position to the mating completion position. In such a case, the first protrusion 46 may be pressed toward the mating surface 11A by the first cam plate 81A, so that the first locking arm 43 is bent and deformed toward the outside. However, in this embodiment, since the first arm 44 is covered by the first side wall 73A of the front retaining body 70, the deformation of the first arm 44 can be suppressed. In addition, the extended end of the first side wall 73A is arranged adjacent to the second protrusion 47 and the first protrusion 46. Therefore, even if the first protrusion 46 is pressed toward the mating surface 11A by the first cam plate 81A, the first protrusion 46 assists the holding force of the rod 80, so the unexpected rotation of the rod 80 to the mating completion position can be reliably restricted.

[0052] When the lever-type connector 1 is mated with the mating connector 100, first, the connector housing 10 shallowly enters the mating space 114A of the mating connector 100. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 8A , the cam follower 116 enters the interior of the cam groove 83 from the cam entry opening 83A. Fig.13As shown, the first short wall 112B straddles the second protrusion 47 while being guided by the guide surface 47B, so that the first arm 44 is bent inwardly, and the first locking protrusion 45 retreats to the inside of the first locking recess 42. As a result, the first protrusion 46 is released from the first cam plate 81A, and the lever 80 can be rotated to the mating completion position. At this time, the protruding height H1 of the first protrusion 46 is smaller than the protruding height H2 of the second protrusion 47, so the first protrusion 46 is reliably retreated to the inside of the first locking recess 42, and the first protrusion 46 is reliably released from the first cam plate 81A.

[0053] Next, the lever 80 rotates from the initial position toward the mating completion position. As the lever 80 rotates, the cam follower 116 moves toward the inner side of the cam groove 83, and the connector housing 10 is relatively pulled toward the mating connector 100 by the cam action based on the engagement between the cam follower 116 and the cam groove 83. When the lever 80 approaches the mating completion position, the locking claw 86 rides on the second locking protrusion 55, so that the second locking arm 53 is bent.

[0054] When the rod 80 reaches the mating completion position, Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector housing 10 reaches the proper mating position relative to the mating connector 100. The second locking arm 53 elastically recovers, and the locking claw 86 engages with the second locking protrusion 55, so that the rod 80 is held in the mating completion position. Fig.15 As shown, the first lock arm 43 elastically returns to its original state, and the first lock protrusion 45 is accommodated in the retreat recess 115 .

[0055] In addition, the wrong assembly preventing projection 117A is accommodated inside the wrong assembly preventing recess 62. Furthermore, when the lever-type connector 1 mistakenly enters any of the other mating spaces 114B and 114C, the wrong assembly preventing projections 117B and 117C cannot enter the wrong assembly preventing recess 62, and the connector housing 10 cannot enter the proper mating completion position, so that the wrong assembly can be detected.

[0056] [Effects] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lever-type connector 1 comprises: a connector housing 10 having a mating surface 11A and a first lever mounting surface 11D1 different from the mating surface 11A, which is mated with the counterpart connector 100; a front retaining body 70 having a front wall 71 and a peripheral wall 73, the front wall 71 being arranged along the mating surface 11A, and the peripheral wall 73 extending from the front wall 71 and arranged along the first lever mounting surface 11D1; and a lever 80 assembled to the connector housing 10 so as to be rotatable from an initial position to a mating completion position, the connector housing 10 having a first locking arm 43, the first locking arm 43 having a first arm portion 44 and a first locking protrusion 45, the first arm portion 44 being flexibly arranged on the first lever mounting surface 11D1, the first locking protrusion 45 protruding from the first arm portion 44, engaging with the lever 80 when the lever 80 is in the initial position, and the peripheral wall 73 covering the first arm portion 44.

[0057] According to the above structure, since the first arm portion 44 is covered and protected by the peripheral wall 73, it is possible to avoid unexpected deformation of the first lock arm 43 caused by the application of external force. In addition, since the peripheral wall 73 of the front retaining body 70 is used as a protective wall for the first arm portion 44, the first lock arm 43 can be protected without increasing the size of the connector.

[0058] The peripheral wall 73 is disposed adjacent to the first locking protrusion 45 on the side opposite to the rod 80. With this structure, the peripheral wall 73 assists the first locking protrusion 45 in holding the rod 80, so that the rod 80 can be reliably restricted from accidentally rotating to the mating completion position due to external force.

[0059] In addition, the first locking protrusion 45 has a first protrusion portion 46 and a second protrusion portion 47, the first protrusion portion 46 has a rod engaging surface 46B that engages with the rod 80 when the rod 80 is in the initial position, and the second protrusion portion 47 has a guide surface 47B that is inclined in a direction away from the fitting surface 11A as it moves away from the first arm portion 44.

[0060] According to such a configuration, since the first locking protrusion 45 includes the plurality of protrusions 46 and 47 , the protrusions 46 and 47 can each have a different function, thereby improving the degree of freedom in design.

[0061] In addition, the connector housing 10 includes a terminal retaining portion 21 and a locking configuration portion 31, the terminal retaining portion 21 has a cavity 22 that can accommodate terminal parts, the locking configuration portion 31 is configured at a position different from the terminal retaining portion 21, and the locking configuration portion 31 includes a first locking arm 43 and a second locking arm 53, and the second locking arm 53 engages with the rod 80 when the rod 80 is in the mating completion position.

[0062] According to such a configuration, by centrally arranging the structures for holding the lever 80 at the initial position and the mating completion position in the lock arrangement portion 31 , it is possible to avoid complication of the structure of the connector housing 10 .

[0063] <Other Implementation Methods> (1) In the above embodiment, the lock arm is arranged only on one side of the connector housing, but the lock arm may be arranged on both sides of the connector housing. (2) In the above embodiment, the front member is a front retainer constituting a part of the wall surrounding the cavity. However, the front member may be a front retainer that engages with a terminal part disposed inside the cavity to prevent the terminal part from coming off. (3) In the above embodiment, the mating completion holding portion is the second lock arm, but the mating completion holding portion may be, for example, a lock claw that engages with a lock arm provided on the lever. Description of Reference Numerals

[0064] 1: Rod type connector 10: Connector housing 11: Shell body 11A: Mating surface 11B: Wire lead-out surface 11C: Lock configuration surface 11D1: 1st rod mounting surface (rod mounting surface) 11D2: 2nd rod mounting surface 11H: Holding body installation part 11S: Step surface 12: Rotation axis 13: Keep the body from getting stuck 21: Terminal holding portion 22: Cavity 31: Lock configuration section 41: Initial locking section 42: 1st locking recess 42A: Side 1 42B: 1st inner end 42C: 1st bottom surface 43: 1st locking arm (locking arm) 44: 1st arm (arm) 45: First locking protrusion (locking protrusion) 46: 1st protrusion 46A: First holding body receiving surface 46B: Rod engagement surface 47: Second protrusion 47A: Second holding body receiving surface 47B: Guide surface 51: Locking part after mating 52: 2nd lock recess 52A: Side 2 52B: 2nd inner end 53: Second locking arm (fitting completion holding portion) 54: 2nd arm 55: Second locking protrusion 61: Preventing wrong assembly 62: Prevent incorrect assembly of recessed parts 62A: Side 3 62B: 2nd bottom surface 70: Front retainer 71: Anterior wall 72: Terminal insertion hole 73: Wall 73A: 1st side wall 73B: 2nd side wall 74: Notch 75: retaining body stop hole 80: Rod 81A: 1st cam plate 81B: Second cam plate 82: Shaft hole 83: Cam groove 83A: Cam entry port 84: Stop receiving surface 85: Rotation operation unit 86: Locking claw 90: Wire cover 91: Main wall 92: Sidewall 100: Other connector 110: Other shell 111: Terminal retaining wall 112: Hood 112A: Longwall 112B: First short wall 112C: Second short wall 113: Partition wall 114A, 114B, 114C: Embedded space 115: Retreat from the concave part 116: Cam follower 117A, 117B, 117C: Mis-assembly prevention protrusion 120: Other terminal parts 121: Tab 122: Connection H1: Protrusion height of the first protrusion H2: Protrusion height of the second protrusion

Claims

1. A rod-type connector, comprising: A connector housing having a mating surface and a rod mounting surface different from the mating surface, and mating with a counterpart connector; a front member including a front wall and a peripheral wall, wherein the front wall is arranged along the fitting surface, and the peripheral wall extends from the front wall and is arranged along the rod mounting surface; and The rod is assembled to the connector housing so as to be rotatable from an initial position to a mating completion position. The connector housing includes a locking arm, the locking arm includes an arm portion and a locking protrusion, the arm portion is flexibly arranged on the rod mounting surface, the locking protrusion protrudes from the arm portion and engages with the rod when the rod is in the initial position, The peripheral wall covers the arm portion.

2. The rod-type connector according to claim 1, wherein: The peripheral wall is disposed adjacent to the locking projection on a side opposite to the rod.

3. The rod-type connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The locking projection includes a first projection portion and a second projection portion, the first projection portion having a rod engaging surface that engages with the rod when the rod is located at the initial position, and the second projection portion having a guide surface that is inclined in a direction away from the fitting surface as it moves away from the arm portion.

4. The rod-type connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The connector housing includes a terminal holding portion and a locking configuration portion, wherein the terminal holding portion has a cavity capable of accommodating terminal parts, and the locking configuration portion is configured at a position different from the terminal holding portion. The lock arrangement portion includes the lock arm and a mating completion holding portion that engages with the lever when the lever is located at the mating completion position.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Connector with lever

    JP2003317853A