First connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a first connector capable of appropriately reducing the operating force of a rod even when the first connector is miniaturized. A first connector (10) is provided with: a first housing (11) that can be fitted to a second housing (110); and a lever (50) attached to the first housing so as to be rotatable between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position. The first housing has a cam pin (40). The lever has an operation section (70) serving as a point of force, a cam groove (60) into which the cam pin is inserted, and a bearing section (52) into which a shaft section (113) provided in the second housing is inserted, the cam groove being capable of engaging with the cam pin. The cam groove is formed as a long hole and is provided between the operation portion and the bearing portion. The cam groove causes a force for pressing the first housing toward the second housing to act on the cam pin by rotation of the lever with the bearing portion as a fulcrum from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a first connector and a connector assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a connector assembly in which a lever is used to increase force to fit a first connector and a second connector together is known (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). The first connector includes a first housing having a support shaft and a lever attached to the first housing. The second connector includes a second housing having a cam pin. The lever includes an operation portion, a bearing portion into which the support shaft is inserted, and a cam groove into which the cam pin is inserted. The bearing portion is provided between the operation portion and the cam groove. In the connector assembly, the second housing is pulled toward the first housing by rotating the lever about the support shaft so that the cam pin is pulled into the cam groove. Thus, the first connector and the second connector can be fitted together by operating the lever with low operation force. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-200767 SUMMARY PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] However, when the connector assembly described above is miniaturized, the operation portion that becomes a force point, the bearing portion that becomes a fulcrum, and the cam groove that becomes an action point are arranged close to each other. Therefore, in the lever that constitutes the first lever, the lever becomes smaller. Thus, there is a problem in that the effect of reducing the operation force of the lever becomes smaller.

[0005] An object of the present application is to provide a first connector and a connector assembly in which the operation force of a lever can be appropriately reduced even when miniaturization is performed. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] The first connector of the present application includes a first housing that can be fitted with a second housing of a second connector, and a lever that is rotatably attached to the first housing between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position. The first housing has a cam pin. The lever has an operation portion that becomes a force point, a cam groove, and a bearing portion. The cam pin is inserted into the cam groove, and the cam groove can be engaged with the cam pin. A shaft portion provided in the second housing is inserted into the bearing portion. The cam groove is formed as an elongated hole, and is provided between the operation portion and the bearing portion. The cam groove is configured so that, by rotating the lever about the bearing portion from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position, a force that presses the first housing toward the second housing acts on the cam pin. EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The first connector according to the present application exerts an effect of appropriately reducing the operation force of the lever even in the case of miniaturization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a second connector of an embodiment. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a first connector of an embodiment. Figure 5 is a sectional view showing a fitting process of a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 6 is a sectional view showing a fitting process of a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 7 is a sectional view showing a fitting process of a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 8 is a sectional view showing a fitting process of a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 9 is a sectional view showing a fitting completion state of a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 10 is a sectional view showing a fitting completion state of a connector assembly of an embodiment. Figure 11 is a sectional view showing a connector assembly of an embodiment (sectional view along line 11-11 in FIG. 11). Figure 6 Figure 12 is a sectional view showing a connector assembly of an embodiment (sectional view along line 12-12 in FIG. 12). Figure 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [EXPLANATION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION] First, an embodiment explaining the present application will be described. ​​[1] The first connector of the present application includes: a first housing that is capable of being fitted with a second housing of a second connector; and a lever that is rotatably fitted to the first housing between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position, the first housing having a cam pin, the lever having an operation portion that is a force point, a cam groove, and a bearing portion, the cam pin being inserted into the cam groove and capable of being engaged with the cam pin, a shaft portion provided to the second housing being inserted into the bearing portion, the cam groove being formed as an elongated hole and being provided between the operation portion and the bearing portion, the cam groove causing a force that presses the first housing toward the second housing to act on the cam pin through rotation of the lever with the bearing portion as a fulcrum from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position.

[0010] According to this structure, the cam groove provided to the lever is provided between the operation portion and the bearing portion. Therefore, in the lever, the operation portion that is the force point and the bearing portion that is the fulcrum are provided on both sides across the cam groove that is the action point. Therefore, compared to the conventional structure in which the bearing portion that is the fulcrum is provided between the operation portion and the cam groove, the distance from the bearing portion that is the fulcrum to the operation portion that is the force point can be set to be larger, and the lever ratio can be set to be larger. As a result, even in the case where the first connector is miniaturized, the effect of reducing the operation force of the lever can be appropriately suppressed from becoming smaller. Thus, even in the case where the first connector is miniaturized, the operation force of the lever when fitting the first connector and the second connector can be appropriately reduced. Further, in the case where the distance from the bearing portion that is the fulcrum to the operation portion that is the force point is set to be L1 and the distance from the bearing portion that is the fulcrum to the cam groove that is the action point is set to be L2, L1 / L2 is referred to as the lever ratio.

[0011] [2] The connector assembly of the present application includes a first connector and a second connector that is fitted with the first connector, the first connector having: a first housing that has a cam pin; and a lever that is rotatably fitted to the first housing between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position, the second connector having a second housing that is capable of being fitted with the first housing, the second housing having a shaft portion, the lever having an operation portion that is a force point, a cam groove, and a bearing portion, the cam pin being inserted into the cam groove and capable of being engaged with the cam pin, the shaft portion being inserted into the bearing portion, the cam groove being formed as an elongated hole and being provided between the operation portion and the bearing portion, the cam groove causing a force that presses the first housing toward the second housing to act on the cam pin through rotation of the lever with the bearing portion as a fulcrum from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position.

[0012] According to this structure, the same effects as the first connector of the above-mentioned [1] can be obtained. [3] In the above-mentioned [2], the distance between the bearing portion and the cam groove can be shorter than the distance between the cam groove and the operation portion.

[0013] According to this structure, the lever ratio can be set larger. As a result, even if the first connector and the second connector are miniaturized, the operation force of the lever can be appropriately reduced.

[0014] [4] In the above-mentioned [2] or [3], the lever can have a first end portion and a second end portion in a first direction intersecting the fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing, the bearing portion can be provided to the first end portion, and the operation portion can be provided to the second end portion.

[0015] According to this structure, the distance from the bearing portion that becomes a fulcrum to the operation portion that becomes a force point can be set larger, and the lever ratio can be set larger. As a result, even if the first connector and the second connector are miniaturized, the operation force of the lever can be appropriately reduced.

[0016] [5] In any one of the above-mentioned [2] to [4], the cam groove can have a long circular shape having two parallel lines and two semicircles, the cam pin can have a cylindrical shape, the shortest distance between the two parallel lines can be formed larger than the diameter of the cam pin, and the two parallel lines can extend in parallel to a second direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing when the lever is disposed in the fitting completion position.

[0017] According to this structure, when the lever is disposed in the fitting completion position, the two parallel lines of the cam groove are disposed so as to extend in parallel to the second direction orthogonal to the fitting direction. Thus, before fitting completion, a force of pressing the first housing toward the second housing (i.e., a force of pressing in the fitting direction) can be applied to the cam pin by a plane orthogonal to the fitting direction. Therefore, at the fitting completion, which most requires the force of pressing in the fitting direction, the above-mentioned pressing force can be maximally applied to the cam pin by the plane orthogonal to the fitting direction. As a result, the operation force of the lever before fitting completion can be appropriately reduced.

[0018] [6] In any one of the above-mentioned [2] to [5], the lever can have a first engagement portion, the first housing can have a first restriction portion that restricts rotation of the lever in a first rotation direction from the fitting start position toward the fitting completion position, and the first restriction portion can be engageable with the first engagement portion when the lever is disposed in the fitting start position.

[0019] According to this structure, in a case where the lever is disposed at the fitting start position, the first engagement portion of the lever engages with the first restriction portion of the first housing. By the engagement of these first engagement portion and first restriction portion, rotation of the lever in a first rotational direction from the fitting start position toward the fitting completion position is restricted. As a result, in a state where the lever is disposed at the fitting start position, rotation of the lever in the first rotational direction by chance is appropriately suppressed.

[0020] [7] In the above-mentioned [6], it is also possible that the second housing has a fitting recess and an inner wall provided at a inner end of the fitting recess, the first housing fits inside the fitting recess, the first engagement portion has a first flexible piece that can be flexibly deformed and a first engagement protrusion that protrudes from the first flexible piece, the first housing has a front wall that opposes the inner wall and a first insertion slot, the first engagement protrusion engages with the first insertion slot, the first insertion slot opens toward a fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing, the first insertion slot extends from the front wall along a fitting reverse direction that is a reverse direction of the fitting direction, the first restriction portion is constituted by an inner surface of the first insertion slot, and the second housing has an engagement release portion that is inserted into the first insertion slot along the fitting reverse direction and releases the engagement of the first restriction portion and the first engagement protrusion.

[0021] According to this structure, along with fitting of the first housing and the second housing, the engagement release portion provided to the second housing is inserted into the first insertion slot along the fitting reverse direction. By this engagement release portion, the engagement of the first restriction portion and the first engagement protrusion is released. In this way, when the engagement of the first restriction portion and the first engagement protrusion is released, rotation of the lever in the first rotational direction from the fitting start position toward the fitting completion position is permitted.

[0022] [8] In the above-mentioned [7], it is also possible that the shaft portion is formed so as to be housed inside the bearing portion when the engagement of the first restriction portion and the first engagement protrusion is released by the engagement release portion.

[0023] According to this structure, when rotation of the lever in the first rotational direction is permitted, the shaft portion that becomes a fulcrum is housed inside the bearing portion. Thus, when the lever rotates in the first rotational direction, falling of the shaft portion from the bearing portion is appropriately suppressed.

[0024] [9] In any one of the above-mentioned [2] to [8], it is also possible that the lever has a second engagement portion, the first housing has a second restriction portion that restricts rotation of the lever in a second rotational direction from the fitting completion position toward the fitting start position, and the second restriction portion can engage with the second engagement portion in a case where the lever is disposed at the fitting completion position.

[0025] According to this structure, in a case where the lever is disposed in the fitting completion position, the second engagement portion of the lever engages with the second restriction portion of the first housing. By this engagement of the second engagement portion and the second restriction portion, rotation of the lever in a second rotational direction from the fitting completion position toward the fitting start position is restricted. As a result, in a state where the lever is disposed in the fitting completion position, rotation of the lever in the second rotational direction by chance can be appropriately suppressed.

[0026]

[10] In the above-mentioned [9], the second engagement portion can have a second flexure piece that is elastically deformable and a second engagement protrusion that protrudes from the second flexure piece and is engageable with the second restriction portion, a length direction of the second flexure piece extends along a fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing in a state where the lever is disposed in the fitting completion position, the second engagement protrusion is provided at a middle position in the length direction of the second flexure piece, the second engagement protrusion protrudes toward a third direction that intersects the length direction of the second flexure piece, the operation portion has a through-hole that penetrates the operation portion along the fitting direction, and the second flexure piece extends from the second engagement protrusion to an inside of the through-hole.

[0027] According to this structure, by elastically deforming the second flexure piece, the engagement of the second engagement protrusion and the second restriction portion can be released. Thus, when the first housing is detached from the second housing, the lever can be appropriately rotated in the second rotational direction. In addition, since the second flexure piece extends to the inside of the through-hole provided in the operation portion, the operation of the second flexure piece, that is, the operation of releasing the engagement of the second engagement protrusion and the second restriction portion, can be easily performed.

[0028] [Details of Embodiments of the Present Invention] A specific example of a first connector and a connector assembly of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, a part of the structure is sometimes enlarged or simplified for the sake of convenience. In addition, the dimensional ratio of each part is sometimes different in each drawing. In this specification, "parallel" or "orthogonal" includes not only a case where it is strictly parallel or orthogonal, but also a case where it is substantially parallel or orthogonal within a range where the effect in the present embodiment is exerted. In this specification, "opposite" means a position where faces or members are located opposite to each other, and includes not only a case where they are completely located opposite to each other, but also a case where they are partially located opposite to each other. In addition, "opposite" in this specification includes both a case where a member other than the two parts is interposed between the two parts and a case where nothing is interposed between the two parts. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", and the like in this specification are used only to distinguish objects, and do not order the objects. Furthermore, the present application is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and the scope equivalent to the claims.

[0029] (Overall structure of connector assembly 1) As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the connector assembly 1 is provided with a first connector 10 and a second connector 100, and the first connector 10 is attached to and detached from the second connector 100. The connector assembly 1 is provided, for example, in a vehicle (not shown) such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The first connector 10 and the second connector 100 electrically connect at least two electrical devices (omitted from illustration). As the electrical devices, for example, a high-voltage battery, an inverter, a motor, and a relay box can be cited.

[0030] In each drawing, a first axis X, a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, and a third axis Z orthogonal to both the first axis X and the second axis Y are illustrated. In addition, in each drawing, a front X1 as one direction along the first axis X and a rear X2 as the other direction along the first axis X and as the opposite direction of the front X1 are illustrated. Here, the front X1 becomes the fitting direction of the first connector 10 with respect to the second connector 100. In each drawing, an upper Y1 as one direction along the second axis Y and a lower Y2 as the other direction along the second axis Y and as the opposite direction of the upper Y1 are illustrated. In each drawing, a first width direction Z1 as one direction along the third axis Z and a second width direction Z2 as the other direction along the third axis Z and as the opposite direction of the first width direction Z1 are illustrated. Note that each direction in each drawing does not necessarily indicate the posture at the time of use of the first connector 10 and the second connector 100. In addition, the description of the directions in the second connector 100 is described on the basis of the state in which the second connector 100 is fitted with the first connector 10.

[0031] (Outline structure of first connector 10) The first connector 10 has a first housing 11, a plurality of first terminals (omitted from illustration) held to the first housing 11, and a lever 50 rotatably fitted to the first housing 11. The first connector 10 is, for example, a female connector.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1 , a wire harness 200 is drawn from the end surface of the rear X2 of the first housing 11 toward the rear X2, and the wire harness 200 is constituted by bundling a plurality of electric wires (omitted from illustration) connected to the first terminals. In Figure 1 , the wire harness 200 is depicted as one thick line using a double dotted line in order to simplify the drawing. In addition, in each drawing other than Figure 1 , the illustration of the wire harness 200 is omitted.

[0033] (Structure of second connector 100) The second connector 100 has a second housing 110 and a plurality of second terminals 120 held to the second housing 110. The second connector 100 is, for example, a male connector.

[0034] The second housing 110 is made of synthetic resin. The second housing 110 has an insertion recess 111 into which the first connector 10 is inserted. As shown in Figure 3 The insertion recess 111 is formed so as to be recessed toward the front side X1 from an end surface of the rear side X2 of the second housing 110. The insertion recess 111 is open toward the rear side X2. The insertion recess 111 has a back wall 112 provided at a back end of the insertion recess 111. The back wall 112 is formed so as to close an opening of the front side X1 of the insertion recess 111. A planar shape of the insertion recess 111 viewed from the front side X1 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0035] A shaft portion 113 is provided on an inner surface of the insertion recess 111. The shaft portion 113 is provided on an inner surface of an upper wall 114 provided on the upper side Y1 among walls constituting the insertion recess 111. The shaft portion 113 is protruded toward the lower side Y2 from the inner surface of the upper wall 114, that is, an end surface of the lower side Y2 of the upper wall 114. The shaft portion 113 is formed in a columnar shape. The shaft portion 113 of the present embodiment is formed in a circular columnar shape as a whole.

[0036] A disengagement portion 115 is provided on the inner surface of the insertion recess 111. The disengagement portion 115 is provided on the inner surface of the upper wall 114. The disengagement portion 115 is protruded toward the lower side Y2 from the inner surface of the upper wall 114. The disengagement portion 115 extends toward the rear side X2 from the back wall 112. The disengagement portion 115 is provided at a position closer to the second width direction Z2 than the shaft portion 113. A dimension of the disengagement portion 115 along the second axis Y is smaller than a dimension of the shaft portion 113 along the second axis Y. An end surface of the disengagement portion 115 on the rear side X2 is formed in an inclined surface 116. The inclined surface 116 is formed so as to be inclined toward the rear side X2 as an end edge of the lower side Y2 approaches an end edge of the upper side Y1.

[0037] The second housing 110 has a protrusion portion 117 protruded toward the upper side Y1 from an end surface of the upper side Y1 of the upper wall 114. The protrusion portion 117 extends along the third axis Z. The protrusion portion 117 extends over the entire length of the upper wall 114 on the third axis Z. The protrusion portion 117 is utilized, for example, when the second housing 110 is fitted to other members (for example, a case, a lid), and the like.

[0038] Each second terminal 120 is configured to be electrically connected to each first terminal not shown. Each second terminal 120 is, for example, a needle-shaped terminal (tab-shaped terminal). Each second terminal 120 is held to the back wall 112 in a manner of penetrating the back wall 112 along the first axis X.

[0039] (Structure of First Housing 11) As shown in Figure 4 , the first housing 11 has a terminal housing portion 20 that houses the first terminals and a lever holding portion 30 that holds the lever 50. The first housing 11 is a single member that is integrally formed with the terminal housing portion 20 and the lever holding portion 30. The first housing 11 is made of synthetic resin.

[0040] The terminal housing portion 20 has a plurality of cavities 21 that penetrate the first housing 11 along the first axis X. In each cavity 21, a first terminal, not shown, is housed. On the first terminal, an end portion of an electric wire that constitutes the electric wire bundle 200 shown in Figure 1 is connected.

[0041] The lever holding portion 30 is provided on the terminal housing portion 20. The lever holding portion 30 has a wall portion 31, a pair of side walls 32, a front wall 33, and a top wall 34. The wall portion 31 is provided on the end surface of the upper Y1 side of the terminal housing portion 20. The end surface of the rear X2 side of the wall portion 31 is provided at a position that is closer to the front X1 side than the end surface of the rear X2 side of the terminal housing portion 20.

[0042] A groove portion 35 is provided in the wall portion 31. The groove portion 35 is recessed from the end surface of the upper Y1 side of the wall portion 31 toward the lower Y2 side. The groove portion 35 extends from the end surface of the rear X2 side of the wall portion 31 along the front X1 side.

[0043] A cam pin 40 is provided in the wall portion 31. The cam pin 40 protrudes from the end surface of the upper Y1 side of the wall portion 31 toward the upper Y1 side. The cam pin 40 is formed in a columnar shape. The cam pin 40 of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. When viewed from the lower Y2 side, the cam pin 40 is provided at a central region of the end surface of the upper Y1 side of the wall portion 31. The cam pin 40 is provided at a position that is closer to the second width direction Z2 than the groove portion 35.

[0044] The pair of side walls 32 respectively protrude from the wall portion 31 toward the upper Y1 side. The pair of side walls 32 are provided at the end portions of the first width direction Z1 of the wall portion 31 and the end portions of the second width direction Z2 of the wall portion 31. The pair of side walls 32 are opposed to each other in the third axis Z. Each side wall 32 extends along the first axis X.

[0045] The front wall 33 protrudes from the wall portion 31 toward the upper Y1 side. The front wall 33 is provided at the end portion of the front X1 side of the wall portion 31. The front wall 33 extends along the third axis Z. The front wall 33 is formed so as to link the pair of side walls 32. The front wall 33 is opposed to the inner wall 112 (refer to Figure 3 ) of the second housing 110.

[0046] The top wall 34 is opposite to the wall portion 31. The top wall 34 is connected to the upper Y1 ends of a pair of side walls 32 and the upper Y1 ends of the front wall 33. The top wall 34 extends along a first axis X and along a third axis Z. The top wall 34 has a thickness at the upper Y1. The top wall 34 is the wall portion located at the uppermost Y1 in the first housing 11. Here, the rod 50 is housed in the storage space S1 surrounded by the top wall 34, the pair of side walls 32, the front wall 33, and the wall portion 31. The storage space S1 opens to the rear X2.

[0047] A first insertion groove 41 is provided on the top wall 34. The first insertion groove 41 extends through the top wall 34 along the second axis Y. The first insertion groove 41 opens toward the fitting direction of the first housing 11 relative to the second housing 110 (front X1 in this embodiment). The first insertion groove 41 opens toward the upper Y1, which intersects the fitting direction. The first insertion groove 41 extends along the first axis X. The first insertion groove 41 extends from the front wall 33 in the opposite fitting direction (rear X2 in this embodiment), which is the opposite direction to the fitting direction. The first insertion groove 41 has a width that allows the first engaging protrusion 82 of the first engaging portion 80 of the rod 50 to engage.

[0048] A second insertion groove 42 is provided on the top wall 34. The second insertion groove 42 extends through the top wall 34 along the second axis Y. The second insertion groove 42 opens forward X1 and upward Y1. The second insertion groove 42 extends from the front wall 33 along the rear X2. The dimension of the second insertion groove 42 along the first axis X is smaller than the dimension of the first insertion groove 41 along the first axis X. The second insertion groove 42 has a width that allows the first engaging protrusion 82 of the first engaging portion 80 of the rod 50 to engage.

[0049] A groove 43 is provided in the top wall 34. The groove 43 extends through the top wall 34 along the second axis Y. The groove 43 is formed to partially overlap with the groove 35 when viewed from below Y2. The groove 43 opens forward X1 and upward Y1. The groove 43 extends from the front wall 33 along the rear X2. The dimension of the groove 43 along the first axis X is larger than the dimension of the first insertion groove 41 along the first axis X.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, the groove 43 has a width that allows the shaft portion 113 of the second housing 110 to fit. The opening width of the groove 43, i.e., the dimension of the groove 43 along the third axis Z, is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 113. The shaft portion 113 is inserted into the groove 43 along the rear X2. The inner end of the groove 43, i.e., the rear X2 end of the groove 43, is formed into an arc shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft portion 113.

[0051] The first housing 11 has an engaging protrusion 44 that engages with the second engaging portion 90 of the rod 50. The engaging protrusion 44 is formed to protrude from the end face of the side wall 32 located on the second width direction Z2 side toward the first width direction Z1.

[0052] (Structure of rod 50) like Figure 5 to Figure 10 As shown, rod 50 can be in the engagement start position (refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) and the position of the completed interlocking (refer to) Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first connector 10 is rotatably assembled with the second connector 100 between the rod 50 and the first housing 11. When the rod 50 moves from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position, the first connector 10 engages with the second connector 100. Conversely, when the rod 50 moves from the engagement completion position to the engagement start position, the first connector 10 disengages from the second connector 100. Thus, the first connector 10 is configured to be detached from the second connector 100 as the rod 50 rotates.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the rod 50 has a main body 51, a bearing portion 52 disposed on the main body 51, a cam groove 60 disposed on the main body 51, and an operating portion 70. The rod 50 has a first engaging portion 80 and a second engaging portion 90. The rod 50 is made of synthetic resin. Furthermore, Figure 4 The lever 50 is shown in the pose of being positioned in the engaged position.

[0054] The main body 51 is formed in a flat plate shape. The main body 51 extends along a first axis X and a third axis Z. The main body 51 has a thickness at the top Y1. The main body 51 is formed to accommodate a storage space S1 that can be inserted into the first housing 11.

[0055] The bearing portion 52 is located at the front X1 end of the main body portion 51 when the rod 50 is in the engaged position. The bearing portion 52 is also located at the end of the main body portion 51 in the first width direction Z1 when in the engaged position. The bearing portion 52 extends through the main body portion 51 along the second axis Y. A bottom 53 is provided at the inner end of the bearing portion 52, closing the opening Y2 at the bottom of the bearing portion 52. The bottom 53 is formed as a thin plate and is thinner than the main body portion 51.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the bearing portion 52 is formed so as to extend along the first axis X in a state where the rod 50 is disposed at the fitting start position, that is, in a posture at the fitting start position. The bearing portion 52 is open toward the front X1 in the posture at the fitting start position. The bearing portion 52 is formed so as to overlap the groove portion 43 of the first housing 11 when viewed from above Y2 in the posture at the fitting start position. The bearing portion 52 has a width in which the shaft portion 113 of the second housing 110 can be fitted. The opening width of the bearing portion 52, that is, the dimension of the bearing portion 52 along the third axis Z is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 113. The shaft portion 113 is inserted into the bearing portion 52 along the rear X2. The inner end of the bearing portion 52, that is, the end portion of the bearing portion 52 in the rear X2 is formed in a circular arc shape in correspondence with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 113 which is in a cylindrical shape.

[0057] Further, as Figure 6 As shown, the shaft portion 113 is inserted into the inside of the bearing portion 52 at the fitting start position. The shaft portion 113 of the present embodiment is inserted into the inner end of the bearing portion 52 at the fitting start position.

[0058] The main body portion 51 has a guide portion 54 which is provided at the insertion port of the bearing portion 52, that is, the opening of the bearing portion 52 in the posture at the fitting start position. The guide portion 54 is provided on the second width direction Z2 side from the bearing portion 52. The guide portion 54 is formed so as to expand in the opening width as it moves away from the bearing portion 52. The guide portion 54 has a function of smoothly guiding the shaft portion 113 into the inside of the bearing portion 52 when the shaft portion 113 is inserted into the bearing portion 52.

[0059] As Figure 4 As shown, the cam groove 60 is provided between the bearing portion 52 and the operation portion 70. The cam groove 60 is provided closer to the bearing portion 52 than the operation portion 70. The distance L2 (refer to FIG. 6) between the bearing portion 52 and the cam groove 60 is set to be smaller than the distance L1 (refer to FIG. 6) between the operation portion 70 and the cam groove 60. Figure 8) than the distance between the cam groove 60 and the operation portion 70. The cam groove 60 penetrates the main body portion 51 along the second axis line Y. The cam groove 60 is formed as an elongated hole. The cam groove 60 is formed as an elongated hole that is longer in the third axis line Z than in the first axis line X in the posture of the fitting completion position. The planar shape of the cam groove 60 viewed from below Y2 is formed as an elongated circular shape having two parallel lines 61, 62 and two semicircular shapes. The two parallel lines 61, 62 have equal lengths. The parallel line 61 is disposed at a position that is closer to the rearward direction X2 than the parallel line 62 in the posture of the fitting completion position. The cam groove 60 is formed so that, in the case where the lever 50 is disposed in the fitting completion position, the two parallel lines 61, 62 extend in parallel to a second direction that is orthogonal to the fitting direction (the forward direction XI in the present embodiment) of the first housing 11 with respect to the second housing 110. Here, the second direction of the present embodiment coincides with the direction along the third axis line Z. That is, the cam groove 60 of the present embodiment is formed so that, in the posture of the fitting completion position, the two parallel lines 61, 62 extend in parallel to the third axis line Z. The cam groove 60 is disposed side by side with the inner end of the bearing portion 52 along the third axis line Z in the posture of the fitting completion position. The cam pin 40 of the first housing 11 is inserted into the cam groove 60. The opening width of the cam groove 60, that is, the shortest distance between the two parallel lines 61, 62 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cam pin 40.

[0060] The cam groove 60 can be engaged with the cam pin 40. The cam groove 60 causes the force to press the first housing 11 toward the second housing 110 to act on the cam pin 40 by the rotation of the lever 50 with the shaft portion 113 as a fulcrum from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position.

[0061] The operation portion 70 is disposed at the end portion of the main body portion 51 in the rearward direction X2 in the posture of the fitting completion position. The operation portion 70 is disposed at the end portion of the main body portion 51 in the second width direction Z2 in the posture of the fitting completion position. The operation portion 70 and the bearing portion 52 are disposed on the diagonal line of the main body portion 51 when viewed from above Y2. In this way, the bearing portion 52 is disposed at the first end portion in a first direction that intersects the fitting direction (the forward direction XI in the present embodiment) in the lever 50, and the operation portion 70 is disposed at the second end portion in the first direction in the lever 50.

[0062] The operation portion 70 protrudes from the corner portion of the main body portion 51 toward the second width direction Z2 in the posture of the fitting completion position. That is, the tip end portion of the operation portion 70 is disposed at a position closer to the second width direction Z2 than the corner portion of the main body portion 51 in the posture of the fitting completion position. The operation portion 70 is formed so as to extend in parallel to the third axis line Z in the posture of the fitting completion position. The operation portion 70 is formed so as to protrude from the end surface of the main body portion 51 in the lower direction Y2 toward the lower direction Y2. The operation portion 70 is formed so as to protrude from the end surface of the main body portion 51 in the upper direction Yl toward the upper direction Yl. As Figure 1As shown, the upper Y1 end face of the operating part 70 and the upper Y1 end face of the protrusion 117 are disposed on the same plane, or disposed at a position Y2 downward from the upper Y1 end face of the protrusion 117. The operating part 70 is generally formed into a cuboid shape. The planar shape of the operating part 70 viewed from the front X1 is rectangular.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the operating part 70 has a through hole 71 that extends through the operating part 70 in the engagement direction (here, front X1) when the engagement is completed. The through hole 71 is located at the center of the operating part 70 when viewed from the front X1. The planar shape of the through hole 71 when viewed from the front X1 is rectangular.

[0064] The first engaging portion 80 is integrally formed with the main body portion 51. The first engaging portion 80 has a first flexible piece 81 that can be flexibly deformed and a first engaging protrusion 82 provided at the top end of the first flexible piece 81. The base end of the first flexible piece 81 is connected to the corner of the main body portion 51, specifically the end at the front X1 and the end in the second width direction Z2. Most of the first flexible piece 81 is formed to extend parallel to the parallel lines 61 and 62 of the cam groove 60. The first flexible piece 81 is formed in a cantilever shape with the base end connected to the corner of the main body portion 51 as the fixed end and the top end on the side opposite to the base end as the free end. The first flexible piece 81 is configured to be able to flex upward Y1 and downward Y2 through elastic deformation.

[0065] The first engaging protrusion 82 is formed to protrude upwards from the upper Y1 end face of the first flexural plate 81. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first engaging protrusion 82 is formed to engage with the first insertion groove 41 of the first housing 11 in the engagement start position. At this time, the first engaging protrusion 82 engages with the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41. The rotation of the rod 50 is limited by the engagement of the first engaging protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41. Specifically, the rod 50 is limited by the engagement of the first engaging protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 facing the second width direction Z2, in a first rotation direction from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position. In addition, the rod 50 is limited by the engagement of the first engaging protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 facing the first width direction Z1, in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, that is, a second rotation direction from the engagement completion position to the engagement start position.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the first engaging protrusion 82, which engages with the first insertion slot 41, protrudes to the outside of the first housing 11. Therefore, it is possible to visually identify from the outside of the first housing 11 whether the first engaging protrusion 82 engages with the first insertion slot 41.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, when the engagement release part 115 of the second housing 110 is inserted into the first insertion slot 41, the first engagement protrusion 82 is pressed downwards (Y2) by the engagement release part 115. Consequently, the first flexural piece 81 flexes downwards (Y2), releasing the engagement between the first engagement protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the first insertion slot 41. This allows rotation of the rod 50. Here, the first engagement protrusion 82 has an inclined surface 83 opposite to the inclined surface 116 of the engagement release part 115. The inclined surface 83 is the forward-facing (X1) end face of the first engagement protrusion 82, located at the upper (Y1) end of the first engagement protrusion 82. The inclined surface 83 is formed to slope backwards (X2) as it approaches the upper (Y1) end face of the first engagement protrusion 82. When the locking release part 115 is inserted into the first insertion slot 41, the inclined surface 116 of the locking release part 115 contacts the inclined surface 83 of the first locking protrusion 82, thereby causing the first flexural piece 81 to begin to flex downward Y2.

[0068] like Figure 10 As shown, the first engaging protrusion 82 is formed to engage with the second insertion groove 42 of the first housing 11 in the engaged position. At this time, the first engaging protrusion 82 engages with the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42. The rotation of the rod 50 is limited by the engagement of the first engaging protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42. Specifically, the rotation of the rod 50 is limited in the first rotation direction by the engagement of the first engaging protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42 facing the second width direction Z2. In addition, the rotation of the rod 50 is limited in the second rotation direction by the engagement of the first engaging protrusion 82 with the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42 facing the first width direction Z1.

[0069] like Figure 12 As shown, the first engaging protrusion 82 has an inclined surface 84 opposite to the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42 facing the first width direction Z1. The inclined surface 84 is the end face of the first engaging protrusion 82 facing the second width direction Z2, and is provided at the upper Y1 end of the first engaging protrusion 82. The inclined surface 84 is formed to be inclined towards the first width direction Z1 as it approaches the upper Y1 end face of the first engaging protrusion 82. Here, an inclined surface 42A opposite to the inclined surface 84 is provided on the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42 facing the first width direction Z1. The inclined surface 42A is provided at the lower Y2 end of the top wall 34. The inclined surface 42A is formed to be inclined towards the second width direction Z2 as it approaches the lower Y2 end face of the top wall 34. By providing these inclined surfaces 42A and 84, the engagement of the inner surfaces of the first engaging protrusion 82 and the second insertion groove 42 can be easily released when the rod 50 rotates in the second rotation direction. Furthermore, the same inclined surface as the inclined surface 42A is not formed on the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 and the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42 facing the second width direction Z2.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4 The second engaging portion 90 is formed integrally with the main body portion 51. The second engaging portion 90 has a second flexure piece 91 that is elastically deformable, and a second engaging protrusion 92 that protrudes from the second flexure piece 91. The base end portion of the second flexure piece 91 is connected to the corner portion of the main body portion 51, specifically, the end portion of the front direction X1 and the end portion of the second width direction Z2. The base end portion of the second flexure piece 91 is connected to the base end portion of the first flexure piece 81. The length direction of the second flexure piece 91 extends along the fitting direction of the first housing 11 with respect to the second housing 110 (the front direction X1 in the present embodiment) in the fitted completed position posture. The second flexure piece 91 is formed in a cantilever shape with the base end portion connected to the corner portion of the main body portion 51 as a fixed end, and the top end portion on the side opposite to the base end portion as a free end. The second flexure piece 91 is configured to be elastically deformable to the first width direction Z1 and the second width direction Z2. The top end portion of the second flexure piece 91 extends to the operation portion 70. The top end portion of the second flexure piece 91 is inserted into the inside of the through hole 71 of the operation portion 70.

[0071] The second engaging protrusion 92 is provided at the intermediate position of the length direction of the second flexure piece 91. The second engaging protrusion 92 protrudes toward a third direction that intersects the length direction of the second flexure piece 91. The second engaging protrusion 92 of the present embodiment is formed to protrude from the end surface of the second flexure piece 91 toward the second width direction Z2 in the fitted completed position posture. The second engaging protrusion 92 has an engaging surface 93 that faces the operation portion 70. The engaging surface 93 is formed to face the rear direction X2 in the fitted completed position posture. The engaging surface 93 is formed as a plane that is orthogonal to both the length direction of the second flexure piece 91 and the protruding direction of the second engaging protrusion 92.

[0072] As shown in Figure 9 The engaging surface 93 engages with the engaging protrusion 44 of the first housing 11 in the fitted completed position posture. In the fitted completed position posture, the rotation of the lever 50 in the second rotation direction is restricted by the engagement of the engaging surface 93 and the engaging protrusion 44.

[0073] When the lever 50 is rotated from the fitted completed position to the fitting start position, the engagement of the engaging surface 93 and the engaging protrusion 44 is released by elastically deforming the second flexure piece 91 toward the first width direction Z1. At this time, since the second flexure piece 91 extends to the operation portion 70, it is easy to perform the work of elastically deforming the second flexure piece 91 from the outside of the first housing 11.

[0074] The lever 50 described above is formed smaller than the second housing 110 in the third axis Z. For example, in the fitted completed position posture, the maximum dimension of the lever 50 along the third axis Z is smaller than the maximum dimension of the second housing 110 along the third axis Z.

[0075] (Method for mating the first connector 10 and the second connector 100) Next, the fitting method of the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 will be described. First, such as Figure 2 As shown, a first housing 11 is prepared to be fitted with the rod 50. At this time, the rod 50 remains in the engagement start position. Here, the engagement start position in this embodiment is, for example, when the engagement completion position is taken as 0°, with the shaft portion 113 (see reference) Figure 3 The position is 35° rotated from the center in the second rotation direction. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in the initial engagement position, the cam pin 40 of the first housing 11 is inserted into the cam groove 60 of the rod 50, and the cam pin 40 is positioned at the end of the second width direction Z2 inside the cam groove 60. Thus, after the cam pin 40 is inserted into the cam groove 60, engagement of the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 begins. In the initial engagement position, the first engaging protrusion 82 of the first engaging portion 80 of the rod 50 engages with the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 of the first housing 11, thereby restricting the rotation of the rod 50 toward the completed engagement position. Furthermore, in the initial engagement position, the bearing portion 52 of the rod 50 is positioned to overlap with the groove portion 43 of the first housing 11 when viewed from below (Y2). At this time, the bearing portion 52 faces in the direction along the first axis X.

[0076] Next, the first housing 11, on which the rod 50 is mounted, is brought closer to the second housing 110. The first housing 11, on which the rod 50 is mounted, is then fitted into the inner side of the fitting recess 111 of the second housing 110. At this time, the shaft portion 113 of the second housing 110 is inserted rearward X2 into the interior of the bearing portion 52 of the rod 50, and rearward X2 into the interior of the groove portion 43 of the first housing 11. Furthermore, the engagement release portion 115 of the second housing 110 is inserted rearward X2 into the interior of the first insertion groove 41 of the first housing 11. Figure 5 In the state shown, since the first engaging protrusion 82 is still engaged with the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41, the rotation of the limiting rod 50 toward the engagement completion position, that is, the rotation in the first rotation direction, is limited.

[0077] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, when the first housing 11 and the second housing 110 are further engaged, the first engaging protrusion 82 is pressed downwards towards the Y2 direction by the engaging release part 115. This causes the first flexural piece 81 to elastically deform and flex downwards towards the Y2 direction. Thus, the engagement between the first engaging protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 is released, allowing the rod 50 to rotate in the first rotational direction. At this time, as... Figure 6As shown, the shaft portion 113 of the second housing 110 is inserted into the inside of the bearing portion 52 of the rod 50. Specifically, at least a diameter portion of the shaft portion 113 along the third axis line Z is inserted into the inside of the bearing portion 52. In the present embodiment, when the engagement of the first engagement protrusion 82 and the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 is released by the engagement release portion 115, the shaft portion 113 is inserted into the inner end of the bearing portion 52. In addition, the shaft portion 113 is inserted into the middle of the length direction of the groove portion 43 of the first housing 11 in a state of being inserted into the inner end of the bearing portion 52.

[0078] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, an operation force is applied to the operation portion 70 of the rod 50, specifically, the operation portion 70 is operated in a manner of pressing toward the first housing 11 (refer to the arrow in the figure). Thereby, the rod 50 is rotated from the fitting start position (refer to FIG. 5) toward the fitting completion position (refer to FIG. 7). Figure 6 to Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 70 of the rod 50 is pressed toward the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 is pressed into the second housing 110. In addition, the first housing 11 is fitted to the second housing 110. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 70 of the rod 50 is pressed toward the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 is pressed into the second housing 110. In addition, the first housing 11 is fitted to the second housing 110. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 70 of the rod 50 is pressed toward the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 is pressed into the second housing 110. In addition, the first housing 11 is fitted to the second housing 110. Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 70 of the rod 50 is pressed toward the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 is pressed into the second housing 110. In addition, the first housing 11 is fitted to the second housing 110. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 70 of the rod 50 is pressed toward the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 is pressed into the second housing 110. In addition, the first housing 11 is fitted to the second housing 110.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 70 of the rod 50 is pressed toward the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 is pressed into the second housing 110. In addition, the first housing 11 is fitted to the second housing 110. Figure 6 to Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 70 of the rod 50 is pressed toward the first housing 11, and the first housing 11 is pressed into the second housing 110. In addition, the first housing 11 is fitted to the second housing 110. Figure 9As shown, when the lever 50 is rotated to the fitting completion position, the shaft portion 113 inserted into the inner end of the bearing portion 52 is disposed at the inner end of the groove portion 43, that is, the end portion of the rear side X2 of the groove portion 43. At this time, the shaft portion 113 is disposed side by side with the cam pin 40 along the third axis line Z.

[0080] As shown, when the lever 50 is rotated to the fitting completion position, the shaft portion 113 inserted into the inner end of the bearing portion 52 is disposed at the inner end of the groove portion 43, that is, the end portion of the rear side X2 of the groove portion 43. At this time, the shaft portion 113 is disposed side by side with the cam pin 40 along the third axis line Z. Figure 10 As shown, when the lever 50 is rotated to the fitting completion position, the first housing 11 and the second housing 110 become a regular fitting state in which fitting is completed. In the regular fitting state, the first housing 11 is inserted into the inner wall 112 of the fitting recess portion 111 of the second housing 110. Although not shown, in the regular fitting state, the first terminal of the first connector 10 and the second terminal 120 of the second connector 100 (refer to Figure 1 ) are electrically connected. In addition, in the regular fitting state, the first engagement protrusion 82 of the first engagement portion 80 of the lever 50 is engaged with the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42 of the first housing 11, and the second engagement protrusion 92 of the second engagement portion 90 of the lever 50 is engaged with the engagement protrusion 44 of the first housing 11. Thus, the rotation of the lever 50 toward the fitting start position is restricted, and the lever 50 is locked in a state in which it is disposed at the fitting completion position. In this way, in the regular fitting state, the rotation of the lever 50 is restricted by the engagement of the first engagement protrusion 82 with the inner surface of the second insertion groove 42 and the engagement of the second engagement protrusion 92 with the engagement protrusion 44, so that the regular fitting state of the first housing 11 and the second housing 110 is maintained.

[0081] Further, when the first connector 10 is caused to be detached from the second connector 100, first, the second flexure piece 91 of the lever 50 is caused to be flexed in the first width direction Zl. Thus, the engagement of the second engagement protrusion 92 with the engagement protrusion 44 is released, and the rotation of the lever 50 toward the fitting start position is permitted. Next, the operation portion 70 of the lever 50 is operated, and the lever 50 is rotated from the fitting completion position (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 ) toward the fitting start position (refer to Figure 6 ). Then, the lever 50 is rotated about the shaft portion 113, and the cam pin 40 moves relatively inside the cam groove 60 which is a long hole. At this time, a cam action resulting from the engagement of the cam pin 40 with the inner surface of the cam groove 60 imparts a detaching force between the first housing 11 and the second housing 110. In detail, the inner surface of the cam groove 60, specifically the inner surface of the cam groove 60 corresponding to the parallel line 62, is engaged with the cam pin 40, and a force to pull the first housing 11 away from the second housing 110 acts on the cam pin 40. Thus, the first housing 11 is pulled away from the second housing 110, and the detachment of the first housing 11 and the second housing 110 is promoted. In this way, the lever 50 constitutes a second kind of lever in which the operation portion 70 becomes a fulcrum point, the bearing portion 52 into which the shaft portion 113 is inserted becomes a support point, and the cam groove 60 into which the cam pin 40 is inserted becomes an action point.

[0082] (Effects of the Embodiments) Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described. (1) The connector assembly 1 has the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 which is fitted to the first connector 10. The first connector 10 has the first housing 11 and the lever 50 which is rotatably fitted to the first housing 11 between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position. The second connector 100 has the second housing 110 which is fitted to the first housing 11. The first housing 11 has the cam pin 40. The second housing 110 has the shaft portion 113. The lever 50 has the operation portion 70 which is a force point, the cam groove 60 into which the cam pin 40 is inserted and with which the cam pin 40 is engaged, and the bearing portion 52 into which the shaft portion 113 is inserted. The cam groove 60 is formed as an elongated hole and is provided between the operation portion 70 and the bearing portion 52. The cam groove 60 causes the force which presses the first housing 11 toward the second housing 110 to act on the cam pin 40 by the rotation of the lever 50 with the bearing portion 52 as a fulcrum from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position.

[0083] According to this structure, the cam groove 60 provided to the lever 50 is provided between the operation portion 70 and the bearing portion 52. Therefore, in the lever 50, the operation portion 70 which is a force point and the bearing portion 52 which is a fulcrum are respectively provided on both sides across the cam groove 60 which is an action point. Therefore, compared with the conventional structure in which the bearing portion which is a fulcrum is provided between the operation portion and the cam groove, the distance L1 from the bearing portion 52 which is a fulcrum to the operation portion 70 which is a force point can be set larger, and the lever ratio L1 / L2 can be set larger. Thus, even in the case where the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 are miniaturized, the lever 50 can appropriately exert the force amplification effect, and the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 can be fitted by operating the lever 50 with a lower operation force. As a result, even in the case where the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 are miniaturized, the operation force of the lever 50 at the time of fitting the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 can be appropriately reduced. For example, even in the case where the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 are miniaturized in the direction along the third axis Z, the operation force of the lever 50 can be appropriately reduced.

[0084] (2) The cam groove 60 is formed as an elongated hole. Also, when the lever 50 is rotated between the fitting start position and the fitting completion position, the cam pin 40 moves inside the cam groove 60. On the other hand, when the lever 50 is rotated between the fitting start position and the fitting completion position, the position of the shaft portion 113 inserted into the bearing portion 52 that becomes a fulcrum is fixed. Thus, the cam pin 40 moves inside the cam groove 60 provided between the shaft portion 113 whose position is fixed and the operation portion 70, so the movable range of the lever 50 can be suppressed from becoming larger toward the outside than the shaft portion 113. For example, compared to a structure in which the position of the fulcrum shifts in the direction along the third axis Z when the lever 50 is rotated, the movable range of the lever 50 can be suppressed from becoming larger in the direction along the third axis Z.

[0085] (3) The distance L2 between the bearing portion 52 and the cam groove 60 is shorter than the distance between the cam groove 60 and the operation portion 70. According to this structure, the distance L1 from the bearing portion 52 to the operation portion 70 can be set larger, and the distance L2 from the bearing portion 52 to the cam groove 60 can be set smaller. Thus, the lever ratio L1 / L2 can be set larger. As a result, even in the case where the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 are miniaturized, the operation force of the lever 50 can be appropriately reduced.

[0086] (4) The lever 50 has a first end portion and a second end portion in a first direction that intersects the fitting direction of the first housing 11 with respect to the second housing 110 (the front direction X1 in this embodiment). The bearing portion 52 is provided at the first end portion of the lever 50. The operation portion 70 is provided at the second end portion of the lever 50.

[0087] According to this structure, the distance L1 from the bearing portion 52 that becomes a fulcrum to the operation portion 70 that becomes a force point can be set larger, and the lever ratio L1 / L2 can be set larger. As a result, even in the case where the first connector 10 and the second connector 100 are miniaturized, the operation force of the lever 50 can be appropriately reduced.

[0088] (5) The planar shape of the cam groove 60 is formed as an elongated circular shape having two parallel lines 61, 62 and two semicircular shapes. The cam pin 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The shortest distance between the two parallel lines 61, 62 is formed larger than the diameter of the cam pin 40. The cam groove 60 is formed so that, in the case where the lever 50 is disposed at the fitting completion position, the two parallel lines 61, 62 extend in parallel to a second direction orthogonal to the fitting direction.

[0089] According to this structure, when the lever 50 is disposed in the fitting completion position, the two parallel lines 61, 62 of the cam groove 60 are disposed so as to extend in parallel with a second direction (in this embodiment, the first width direction Z1) orthogonal to the fitting direction. Thus, at the time of fitting completion, the force of pressing the first case 11 toward the second case 110 (i.e., the force of pressing in the fitting direction) can act on the cam pin 40 through a plane orthogonal to the fitting direction. Therefore, at the time of fitting completion, which is the most required time of the force of pressing in the fitting direction, the above-mentioned pressing force can act on the cam pin 40 most effectively through a plane orthogonal to the fitting direction. As a result, the operation force of the lever 50 before fitting completion can be appropriately reduced.

[0090] (6) The lever 50 has a first engagement portion 80. The first case 11 has a first insertion groove 41 that restricts rotation of the lever 50 in a first rotation direction from the fitting start position toward the fitting completion position. The first insertion groove 41 can engage with the first engagement portion 80 when the lever 50 is disposed in the fitting start position.

[0091] According to this structure, when the lever 50 is disposed in the fitting start position, the first engagement portion 80 of the lever 50 engages with the first insertion groove 41 of the first case 11. By the engagement of these first engagement portion 80 and first insertion groove 41, rotation of the lever 50 in the first rotation direction from the fitting start position toward the fitting completion position can be restricted. As a result, in the state where the lever 50 is disposed in the fitting start position, unintended rotation of the lever 50 in the first rotation direction can be appropriately suppressed.

[0092] (7) The second case 110 has a fitting recess 111 and a back wall 112 provided at a back end of the fitting recess 111, and the first case 11 is fitted with the inside of the fitting recess 111. The first engagement portion 80 has a first flexure piece 81 that can be flexibly deformed and a first engagement protrusion 82 protruding from the first flexure piece 81. The first case 11 has a front wall 33 facing the back wall 112 and the first insertion groove 41, and the first engagement protrusion 82 is fitted with the first insertion groove 41. The first insertion groove 41 is open toward the fitting direction. The first insertion groove 41 extends from the front wall 33 in a fitting reverse direction (in this embodiment, the back direction X2) that is a reverse direction of the fitting direction. The second case 110 has an engagement release portion 115 that is inserted into the first insertion groove 41 in the fitting reverse direction and releases the engagement between the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 and the first engagement protrusion 82.

[0093] According to this structure, along with the fitting of the first housing 11 and the second housing 110, the engagement release portion 115 provided to the second housing 110 is inserted into the first insertion groove 41 in the direction opposite to the fitting direction. By this engagement release portion 115, the engagement of the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 and the first engagement protrusion 82 of the first engagement portion 80 is released. In this way, when the engagement of the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 and the first engagement protrusion 82 is released, rotation of the rod 50 in the first rotational direction from the fitting start position toward the fitting completion position is permitted.

[0094] (8) The shaft portion 113 is formed so as to be housed inside the bearing portion 52 when the engagement of the inner surface of the first insertion groove 41 and the first engagement protrusion 82 is released by the engagement release portion 115. According to this structure, when rotation of the rod 50 in the first rotational direction is permitted, the shaft portion 113, which becomes a fulcrum, is housed inside the bearing portion 52. Thus, when the rod 50 rotates in the first rotational direction, the shaft portion 113 is appropriately prevented from falling out of the bearing portion 52.

[0095] (9) The rod 50 has a second engagement portion 90. The first housing 11 has an engagement protrusion 44 that restricts rotation of the rod 50 in a second rotational direction from the fitting completion position toward the fitting start position. The engagement protrusion 44 can engage with the second engagement portion 90 when the rod 50 is disposed in the fitting completion position.

[0096] According to this structure, when the rod 50 is disposed in the fitting completion position, the second engagement portion 90 of the rod 50 engages with the engagement protrusion 44 of the first housing 11. By the engagement of these second engagement portion 90 and engagement protrusion 44, rotation of the rod 50 in the second rotational direction from the fitting completion position toward the fitting start position is restricted. As a result, in the state where the rod 50 is disposed in the fitting completion position, rotation of the rod 50 in the second rotational direction is appropriately prevented from occurring by chance.

[0097] (10) The second engagement portion 90 has a second flexure piece 91 that can be flexibly deformed and a second engagement protrusion 92 that protrudes from the second flexure piece 91. The length direction of the second flexure piece 91 extends in the fitting direction in the state where the rod 50 is disposed in the fitting completion position. The second engagement protrusion 92 is provided at an intermediate position in the length direction of the second flexure piece 91. The second engagement protrusion 92 protrudes in a third direction that intersects the length direction of the second flexure piece 91. The operation portion 70 has a through-hole 71 that penetrates the operation portion 70 in the fitting direction. The second flexure piece 91 extends from the second engagement protrusion 92 to the inside of the through-hole 71.

[0098] According to this structure, by flexing the second flexure piece 91, the engagement of the second engagement protrusion 92 and the engagement protrusion 44 can be released. Thus, when the first housing 11 is detached from the second housing 110, the rod 50 can be appropriately rotated in the second rotation direction. In addition, since the second flexure piece 91 extends to the inside of the through hole 71 provided in the operation portion 70, the operation of the second flexure piece 91, that is, the operation of releasing the engagement of the second engagement protrusion 92 and the engagement protrusion 44, can be easily performed.

[0099] (11) Further, the through hole 71 is provided in the operation portion 70, and the tip end portion of the second flexure piece 91 is inserted in the inside of the through hole 71. Thus, the operation portion 70 can be formed larger, and the operability of the second flexure piece 91 can be improved.

[0100] (Modified Examples) The above-described embodiment can be implemented as follows. The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range in which there is no technical contradiction.

[0101] • The structure of the rod 50 in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately changed. • In the above-described embodiment, the operation portion 70 is formed to protrude downward Y2 from the end surface of the lower side Y2 of the main body portion 51, but is not limited thereto. For example, the end surface of the lower side Y2 of the operation portion 70 can be formed to be flush with the end surface of the lower side Y2 of the main body portion 51.

[0102] • In the above-described embodiment, the operation portion 70 is formed to protrude upward Y1 from the end surface of the upper side Y1 of the main body portion 51, but is not limited thereto. For example, the end surface of the upper side Y1 of the operation portion 70 can be formed to be flush with the end surface of the upper side Y1 of the main body portion 51.

[0103] • The through hole 71 of the operation portion 70 can be omitted. In this case, for example, the tip end portion of the second flexure piece 91 can be provided on the second width direction Z2 side from the operation portion 70. • In the above-described embodiment, the base end portion of the first flexure piece 81 and the base end portion of the second flexure piece 91 are connected to each other, but are not limited thereto. For example, the base end portion of the first flexure piece 81 and the base end portion of the second flexure piece 91 can be separately connected to the main body portion 51.

[0104] • The inclined surface 83 of the first engagement protrusion 82 can be omitted. • The inclined surface 84 of the first engagement protrusion 82 can be omitted. • In the above-described embodiment, the planar shape of the cam groove 60 is formed in an oblong shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the planar shape of the cam groove 60 can also omit an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape.

[0105] • The bearing portion 52 of the above embodiment can not pass through the main body portion 51 along the second axis Y as long as it can be inserted inside the shaft portion 113. • The structure of the first housing 11 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed.

[0106] • In the above embodiment, the first insertion slot 41 is formed to be open upward Y1. Not limited thereto, the first insertion slot 41 can be formed to close the opening upward Y1. • In the above embodiment, the second insertion slot 42 is formed to be open upward Y1. Not limited thereto, the second insertion slot 42 can be formed to close the opening upward Y1.

[0107] • The inclined surface 42A of the second insertion slot 42 of the above embodiment can be omitted. • In the above embodiment, the slot portion 43 is formed to be open upward Y1. Not limited thereto, the slot portion 43 can be formed to close the opening upward Y1.

[0108] • The slot portion 43 can be omitted. • The slot portion 35 can be omitted. • In the above embodiment, the second restriction portion is embodied as the engagement protrusion 44, but not limited thereto. For example, the second restriction portion can be embodied as a slot portion in which the second engagement protrusion 92 of the second engagement portion 90 is inserted.

[0109] • The engagement protrusion 44 can be omitted. • The structure of the second housing 110 in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed. • The protruding portion 117 can be omitted.

[0110] • It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative and not restrictive in all aspects. The scope of the present application is not shown by the above meaning but by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims. Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0111] 1 connector assembly 10 first connector 11 first housing 20 terminal housing portion 21 cavity 30 stem holding portion 31 wall portion 32 side wall 33 front wall 34 top wall 35 slot portion 40 cam pin 41 first insertion slot (first restriction portion) 42 second insertion groove 42A inclined surface 43 groove 44 engagement protrusion (second restriction portion) 50 rod 51 main body portion 52 bearing portion 53 bottom portion 54 guide portion 60 cam groove 61 parallel line 62 parallel line 70 operation portion 71 through hole 80 first engagement portion 81 first flexure piece 82 first engagement protrusion 83 inclined surface 84 inclined surface 90 second engagement portion 91 second flexure piece 92 second engagement protrusion 93 engagement surface 100 second connector 110 second housing 111 fitting recess 112 inner wall 113 shaft portion 114 upper wall 115 engagement release portion 116 inclined surface 117 protrusion portion 120 second terminal 200 wire harness S1 accommodation space L1 distance L2 distance X first axis X1 front X2 rear Y second axis Y1 upper Y2 lower Z third axis Z1 first width direction Z2 second width direction

Claims

1. A first connector comprising: a first housing capable of being fitted with a second housing of a second connector; and a lever rotatably attached to the first housing between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position, the first housing having a cam pin, the lever having an operation portion that is a force point, a cam groove into which the cam pin is inserted and with which the cam pin is capable of being engaged, and a bearing portion into which a shaft portion provided in the second housing is inserted, the cam groove being formed as an elongated hole and being provided between the operation portion and the bearing portion, the cam groove causing a force that presses the first housing toward the second housing to act on the cam pin through rotation of the lever about the bearing portion from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position.

2. A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector capable of being fitted with the first connector, the first connector having: a first housing having a cam pin; and a lever rotatably attached to the first housing between a fitting start position and a fitting completion position, the second connector having a second housing capable of being fitted with the first housing, the second housing having a shaft portion, the lever having an operation portion that is a force point, a cam groove into which the cam pin is inserted and with which the cam pin is capable of being engaged, and a bearing portion into which the shaft portion is inserted, the cam groove being formed as an elongated hole and being provided between the operation portion and the bearing portion, the cam groove causing a force that presses the first housing toward the second housing to act on the cam pin through rotation of the lever about the bearing portion from the fitting start position to the fitting completion position. The distance between the bearing portion and the cam groove is shorter than the distance between the cam groove and the operation portion. The lever has a first end portion and a second end portion in a first direction that intersects a fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing, The bearing portion is provided in the first end portion, The operation portion is provided in the second end portion. The cam groove is formed in a long circular shape having two parallel lines and two semicircles, The cam pin is formed in a cylindrical shape, The shortest distance between the two parallel lines is formed to be greater than the diameter of the cam pin, The cam groove is formed so that the two parallel lines extend in parallel to a second direction that is orthogonal to the fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing when the lever is disposed in the fitting completion position. The lever has a first engagement portion, The first housing has a first restriction portion that restricts rotation of the lever in a first rotation direction from the fitting start position toward the fitting completion position, The first restriction portion is capable of being engaged with the first engagement portion when the lever is disposed in the fitting start position. The second housing has a fitting recess and an inner wall provided at an inner end of the fitting recess, the first housing being fitted with an inside of the fitting recess, The first engagement portion has a first flexure piece that is capable of being flexibly deformed and a first engagement protrusion that protrudes from the first flexure piece, The first flexure piece is capable of being flexibly deformed in a direction that intersects the fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing.

3. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, ​ 4. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, ​ ​ ​ 5. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, ​ ​ ​ 7. The connector assembly of claim 6, wherein, ​ ​ The first housing has a front wall opposite to the inner wall and a first insertion slot into which the first engagement protrusion is fitted, The first insertion slot is open toward a fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing, The first insertion slot extends from the front wall along a fitting reverse direction which is a reverse direction of the fitting direction, The first restriction portion is constituted by an inner surface of the first insertion slot, The second housing has an engagement release portion which is inserted into the first insertion slot along the fitting reverse direction and releases the engagement of the first restriction portion and the first engagement protrusion.

8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein, The shaft portion is formed to be accommodated inside the bearing portion when the engagement of the first restriction portion and the first engagement protrusion is released by the engagement release portion.

9. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, The rod has a second engagement portion, The first housing has a second restriction portion which restricts a rotation of the rod in a second rotation direction toward the fitting start position from the fitting completion position, The second restriction portion is engageable with the second engagement portion when the rod is disposed at the fitting completion position.

10. The connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, The second engagement portion has a second flexible piece which is elastically deformable and a second engagement protrusion which protrudes from the second flexible piece and is engageable with the second restriction portion, A length direction of the second flexible piece extends along a fitting direction of the first housing with respect to the second housing in a state where the rod is disposed at the fitting completion position, and the second engagement protrusion is disposed at a middle position of the length direction of the second flexible piece, The second engagement protrusion protrudes toward a third direction which intersects the length direction of the second flexible piece, The operation portion has a through-hole which penetrates the operation portion in the fitting direction, The second flexible piece extends from the second engagement protrusion to an inside of the through-hole.

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