Levered connector

Abstract

A lever-type connector includes a connector body having a terminal insertion opening configured to mate with a mating connector, and a lever. The lever includes a pair of arm plates and a connecting portion. One arm plate is provided with a locking arm, a release portion, and a protective wall. The locking arm has a locking portion that engages with the mating connector in a fully rotated position. The other arm plate has a reinforcing wall positioned opposite the protective wall. Both the protective wall and the reinforcing wall are adjacent to the connecting portion, and the terminal insertion opening is formed between the protective wall and the reinforcing wall. The protective wall and the reinforcing wall project from the terminal insertion opening in a direction opposite to the terminal insertion direction, and the protective wall has a cutout such that the space in the opposite direction is reduced towards the terminal insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lever-type connector. Background Technology

[0002] A lever-type connector is known, wherein the lever is rotatably supported on the connector body of the retaining terminal, and rotation of the lever brings the mating connector closer to the connector body for engagement (e.g., see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a conventional lever connector 101 viewed from the rear. The lever connector 101 includes: a connector body 102 that mates with a mating connector (not shown); and a lever 103 that rotates to bring the connector body 102 closer to the mating connector for engagement.

[0004] The connector body 102 is configured to include an inner housing 104 and a front cover 105. The inner housing 104 has a terminal insertion opening 104a for inserting a plurality of terminals (not shown), and the front cover 105 accommodates the inner housing 104. The lever 103 is formed in a door-like shape and includes a pair of side plates 106 and 107 and a connecting plate 108. The pair of side plates 106 and 107 are inserted between the inner housing 104 and the front cover 105 and are rotatably supported on the connector body 102 via a rotation shaft 101A, and the connecting plate 108 connects the pair of side plates 106 and 107.

[0005] In a pair of side plates 106 and 107, one side plate 106 includes: a locking arm 106A that engages with a mating connector when the lever connector 101 is in a fully rotated position; a first lever body 106C having a release portion 106B disposed on the free end side of the locking arm 106A; and a protective wall 106D that is continuously formed with the first lever body 106A and surrounds and protects the release portion 106B.

[0006] The protective wall 106D is configured to protrude in the mating direction Y of the connector body 102 and the mating connector away from the connector body 102 when the lever connector 101 is in the fully rotated position, and to be located adjacent to the connecting plate 108.

[0007] Of the pair of side plates 106 and 107, the other side plate 107 includes: a second lever body 107A opposite to the first lever body 106C; and a reinforcing wall 107B disposed at a position on the second lever body 107A opposite to the protective wall 106D. The reinforcing wall 107B is continuously formed with the second lever body 107A, extends in a flange-like manner in a direction away from the first lever body 106C, and is configured to protrude in a direction away from the connector body 102.

[0008] Existing technology

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: JP2024065559 A Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem to be solved by this invention

[0012] However, in the conventional lever connector 101, when the terminal is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber through the terminal insertion opening 104a, the operator's fingers holding the terminal will interfere with the protective wall 106D and reinforcing wall 107B of the lever 103, resulting in poor operability of the terminal insertion.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a lever-type connector that improves the operability of terminal insertion.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems and achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention discloses a lever-type connector comprising:

[0016] A connector body having a terminal insertion opening for inserting terminals along a terminal insertion direction, and the connector body being capable of engaging with a mating connector; and

[0017] A lever, which is rotatably supported on the connector body and is capable of rotating relative to the connector body.

[0018] The lever is rotatably positioned between an initial position and a fully rotated position. In the fully rotated position, the mating connector is close to and engaged with the connector body.

[0019] The lever includes a pair of arm plates and a connecting portion, and is configured in a gate-like shape. The pair of arm plates are arranged opposite each other to clamp the connector body, and the connecting portion connects the pair of arm plates.

[0020] One of the pair of arm plates is provided with:

[0021] A locking arm having a locking portion that engages with the mating connector in the fully rotated position;

[0022] A release part, provided at the free end of the locking arm, is provided to release the locking part from engagement with the mating connector; and

[0023] A protective wall surrounds and protects the release portion.

[0024] The other of the pair of arm plates has a reinforcing wall at a position opposite to the protective wall.

[0025] Both the protective wall and the reinforcing wall are disposed adjacent to the connecting portion, and in the fully rotated position, the terminal insertion opening is formed between the protective wall and the reinforcing wall, and the protective wall and the reinforcing wall protrude from the terminal insertion opening in a direction opposite to the terminal insertion direction.

[0026] The protective wall is formed with a cut, which reduces the space in the opposing direction of the pair of arm plates toward the insertion direction of the terminal.

[0027] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0028] According to the invention described in this disclosure, the operability of terminal insertion can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a lever connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a lever connector as viewed from the rear (back) side in the mating direction with the mating connector.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a rear view of the lever connector.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the levers that make up the lever-type connector.

[0033] Figure 5A From Figure 4 Arrow A in the image shows the view being viewed.

[0034] Figure 5B It is along Figure 5A The cross-sectional view taken from line II in the diagram.

[0035] Figure 6A and 6B It is along Figure 3The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II shows the assembly process of the lever connector, in which... Figure 6A It shows the insertion of a terminal into a terminal insertion opening located on the opposite side, and Figure 6B This illustrates inserting a terminal into a terminal insertion opening located on the opposite side of the orientation.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of a traditional lever connector from the back.

[0037] Reference tag list

[0038] 1. Lever-type connector

[0039] 2. Female terminal (terminal)

[0040] 10 Connector Body

[0041] 30b terminal insertion opening

[0042] 6. Leverage

[0043] 61A First arm plate (one of a pair of arm plates)

[0044] 61B Second arm plate (the other of a pair of arm plates)

[0045] 610B Second Arm Plate Main Body (Arm Plate Main Body)

[0046] 611 Flange

[0047] 612 Reinforced Wall

[0048] 612B Reinforced wall side surface (conical surface)

[0049] 62 Connecting plate (connecting part)

[0050] 62S Connecting plate side surface (side surface of the connecting part)

[0051] 8C Locking protrusion (locking part)

[0052] 80 locking arm

[0053] 81 Lifting Department

[0054] 82 Protective Wall

[0055] 82A upper surface

[0056] 82B lower surface

[0057] 82C Protective wall sidewall (sidewall)

[0058] Y1 Front side (terminal insertion direction)

[0059] Y2 rear side (opposite to the terminal insertion direction)

[0060] Z represents the vertical direction (the opposite direction of a pair of arm plates). Detailed Implementation

[0061] The following text will refer to Figure 1 Figure 6 illustrates a "lever connector 1" according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a lever connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the lever connector 1 as viewed from the rear side Y2 (back side) in the mating direction Y with the mating connector. Figure 3 This is a rear view of the lever connector 1 when viewed from the rear side Y2. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the lever 6 that constitutes the lever connector 1. Figure 5A From Figure 4 Arrow A in the image shows the view being viewed. Figure 5B It is along Figure 5A The cross-sectional view taken from line II in the diagram. Figure 6A and 6B It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II shows the assembly process of lever connector 1, wherein, Figure 6A The diagram shows the insertion of a female terminal into the terminal insertion opening 30b located on the upper side Z1 (one side) in the vertical direction Z (opposite direction), and... Figure 6B This illustrates the insertion of a female terminal into a terminal insertion opening 30b located on the lower side Z2 (the other side) in the vertical direction Z (opposite direction). Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the original text, the cover 7, which constitutes the lever connector 1, is omitted.

[0062] Figure 1-3 The lever connector 1 shown in 6A and 6B includes: a plurality of female terminals 2 (such as...) Figure 1 , 6A and Figure 6B (As shown); connector body 10, which has an inner housing 3 (shell) accommodating a plurality of female terminals 2; a front cover 5 (retainer) accommodating the inner housing 3, etc.; a lever 6, which is pivotally supported by the inner housing 3 and can rotate between an initial position and a fully rotated position engaged with the mating connector (as shown). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (as shown); and cover 7, which restricts the wires W connected to the plurality of female terminals 2 (as shown). Figure 6A and 6B The wiring direction is shown in the figure.

[0063] When lever 6 is in its initial position, lever connector 1 is close to mating connector (not shown), and when lever 6 rotates, lever connector 1 is in its fully rotated position (as shown). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (as shown) and mated with the matching connector.

[0064] In this embodiment, arrows X, Y, and Z represent directions that are orthogonal to each other. The mating direction between the lever connector 1 and the mating connector is defined as the Y direction (front-back direction Y). The rotation axis direction of the lever 6 (the opposing direction of a pair of arm plates) is defined as the Z direction (up-down direction Z). The direction orthogonal to both the Y and Z directions is defined as the X direction (left-right direction X). In the front-back direction Y, the Y1 direction (the side of the lever connector 1 facing the mating connector, i.e., the terminal insertion direction) can be called "front Y1", and the opposite direction Y2 direction can be called "rear Y2". Similarly, in the up-down direction Z, the Z1 direction (the side of the first arm plate 61A) can be called "upper Z1", and the opposite direction Z2 direction (the side of the second arm plate 61B) can be called "lower Z2".

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector body 10 includes: an inner housing 3 that accommodates a plurality of female terminals 2; a spacer 4 that is supported by the inner housing 3 and engages with the female terminals 2; and a front cover 5 having a temporary locking receiver 57 and a formal locking receiver 58 capable of engaging with a locking arm 65 of a lever 6 described later.

[0066] like Figure 1 , 6A As shown in Figure 6B, the female terminal 2, in the state of being connected to the end of the wire W, is housed in the terminal receiving chamber 30A of the inner housing 3, which will be described later (see Figure 6B). Figure 6A and 6B The wire W connected to the female terminal 2 is led out from the respective terminal receiving chamber 30A toward the rear Y2, the wire inserted through the cover 7 (described later) is inserted into the opening 7a, and led out toward the left-right direction X.

[0067] The inner shell 3 is made of insulating synthetic resin. For example... Figure 1 , 6A As shown in Figure 6B, the inner housing 3 includes: an upper surface 3A and a lower surface 3B extending along the XY plane, a front surface 3C, a rear surface 3D, and a left side surface 3E and a right side surface 3F continuous with the upper surface 3A and the lower surface 3B, a plurality of terminal receiving chambers 30A, and a spacer receiving chamber 30B (see Figure 6B). Figure 6A and 6B The rotating shafts 31 for supporting the lever 6 are respectively provided on the upper surface 3A and the lower surface 3B. On the lower surface 3B, a spacer opening 30C for inserting the spacer 4, which will be described later, is formed (see...). Figure 6A and 6B On the left side surface 3E and the right side surface 3F, there are a cover locking receiver 33 and a cover locking receiver 34. The cover locking receiver 33 can engage with the cover locking part 71 of the cover 7, which will be described later, and the cover locking receiver 34 can engage with the cover locking part 59 of the front cover 5, which will be described later.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, multiple terminal receiving chambers 30A are arranged in the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction X. Each terminal receiving chamber 30A is formed as a rectangular tube extending in the Y direction (axial direction of the tube) and accommodates the corresponding female terminal 2.

[0069] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, among the multiple terminal receiving chambers 30A arranged along the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction X, the terminal receiving chamber 30A located near the connecting plate 62 when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position can be identified by the reference numeral 30A1 and referred to as the "first terminal receiving chamber 30A1".

[0070] like Figure 6A and 6B As shown, each terminal receiving chamber 30A has an opening on both the front Y1 and rear Y2 sides. The opening on the front Y1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "front opening 30f") allows the mating terminals of the mating connector to be inserted into the terminal receiving chamber 30A. The wire W connected to the female terminal 2 is led out from the opening on the rear Y2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "terminal insertion opening 30b"). Furthermore, a terminal shank 30c for locking the female terminal 2 is provided on the inner surface of each terminal receiving chamber 30A. The female terminal 2 is doubly locked by the terminal shank 30c and the spacer 4 described later, thereby preventing the female terminal 2 from being pulled out of the terminal receiving chamber 30A.

[0071] like Figure 6A and 6B As shown, the spacer housing 30B is part of the terminal housing 30A and houses the spacer 4, which will be described later.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the rotating shaft 31 is disposed on the upper surface 3A and the lower surface 3B, and is configured to support the lever 6 by inserting the bearing portions 63A and 63B of the lever 6, which will be described later.

[0073] like Figure 6A and 6BAs shown, the spacer 4 is accommodated in the spacer receiving chamber 30B by inserting it into the spacer opening 30C formed in the lower surface 3B of the inner housing 3. The spacer 4 is configured to be displaceable between a temporary locked position and a permanent locked position. When the spacer 4 is in the temporary locked position, the female terminal 2 is inserted into the respective terminal receiving chamber 30A and engages with the shank, thereby locking the female terminal 2 for the first time. By moving the spacer 4 from the temporary locked position to the permanent locked position, the female terminal 2 engages with the spacer 4 and is locked for the second time.

[0074] The front cover 5 is made of insulating synthetic resin. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the front cover 5 is formed as a box shape with a receiving opening 55 for accommodating the inner housing 3, including: an upper cover wall 51 and a lower cover wall 52 extending along the XY plane; a front cover wall 53 and left and right cover side walls 54, 54 continuous with the upper cover wall 51 and the lower cover wall 52; a first exposed opening 56A that exposes the end side of the lever 6, which will be described later; a temporary locking receiving part 57 disposed around the first exposed opening 56A, in which the locking arm 65 of the lever 6 engages in the temporary locking receiving part 57 in the initial position; a formal locking receiving part 58, in which the locking arm 65 engages in the formal locking receiving part 58 in the fully rotated position; and a second exposed opening 56B that exposes the locking structure 8 disposed on the lever 6.

[0075] On the front wall 53 of the cover, a connecting hole 530 is provided at a position communicating with the front opening 30f of the terminal receiving chamber 30A of the inner housing 3. On the left and right side walls 54, 54, a cover locking part 59 is provided, which engages with the cover locking receiving part 34 of the inner housing 3.

[0076] The first exposed opening 56A is formed by cutting slits in the upper wall 51 and the front wall 53 of the cover, and is configured to expose the inlet of the cam groove 64 of the lever 6, which will be described later, and the locking arm 65. Around the first exposed opening 56A, a temporary locking receiver 57 is provided that engages with the locking arm 65 of the lever 6.

[0077] The temporary locking receiver 57 is located on the rear side Y2 of the front end of the front cover 5.

[0078] The formal locking receiver 58 is located at one end and the rear end of the front cover 5 in the left-right direction X, and is disposed around a rectangular opening that exposes the locking arm 65 of the lever 6, which will be described later.

[0079] The second exposed opening 56B is provided at the other end in the left-right direction X (on the side opposite to the formal locking receiving part 58 across the first exposed opening 56A), and is formed by cutting cuts in the upper wall 51 and the front wall 53 of the cover to extend toward the rear Y2, thereby exposing the locking structure 8 of the lever 6, which will be described later.

[0080] Lever 6 is made of insulating synthetic resin. For example... Figure 4 As shown in Figure 5, the lever 6 includes: a first arm plate 61A (one of a pair of arm plates) and a second arm plate 61B (the other of a pair of arm plates), which are arranged opposite each other and sandwich the inner housing 3 therebetween; and a connecting plate 62 that connects the first arm plate 61A and the second arm plate 61B to form a door-shaped (C-shaped) structure.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the first arm plate 61A includes: a first arm plate body 610A, which is formed as a plate extending along the XY plane (i.e., in the same direction as the upper surface 3A of the inner housing 3 and the upper wall 51 of the front cover 5); a bearing portion 63A, which is fitted to the rotation shaft 31 of the inner housing 3; a cam groove 64 through which the guide protrusion of the mating connector is inserted; a locking arm 65, which engages with the front cover 5; and a locking structure 8, which engages with the locking protrusion of the mating connector.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the first bearing portion 63A is formed as a through hole, and the rotation shaft 31 of the inner housing 3 is inserted through the first bearing portion 63A. This allows the lever 6 to be rotatably supported relative to the inner housing 3 about the rotation shaft 31 and the bearing portion 63A (63B). The bearing portion 63A does not necessarily have to be a through hole; it can instead be formed as a recess on the inner surface of the first arm plate body 610A. Conversely, the bearing portion 63A of the first arm plate body 610A can be formed as a protrusion, and the rotation shaft 31 of the inner housing 3 can be formed as either a through hole or a recess.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the cam groove 64 is formed as a slit with a concave cross-section in the first arm plate body 610A. The guide protrusion of the mating connector is inserted into the cam groove 64, and the cam groove 64 is configured to have a shape (track) such that when the lever 6 rotates, the guide protrusion moves closer to the first bearing portion 63A.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking arm 65 is disposed at the end of the first arm plate body 610A opposite to the connecting plate 62. The locking arm 65 is formed by cutting a notch in the end edge of the first arm plate body 610A, and includes a cantilever beam-shaped arm 65A that can flex in the vertical direction Z and a locking protrusion 65B that protrudes from the free end of the arm 65A toward the upper side Z1 (the side opposite to the second arm plate 61B).

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking structure 8 is located at the end of the first arm plate 61A near the connecting plate 62. In other words, the locking structure 8 is located adjacent to the connecting plate 62.

[0086] like Figure 4 and Figure 5B As shown, the locking structure 8 includes: a locking arm 80, which engages with the locking protrusion of the mating connector when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position; a release part 81, which is disposed on the free end side of the locking arm 80 for releasing the engagement (locking) between the locking arm 80 and the locking protrusion of the mating connector; and a protective wall 82, which surrounds and protects the release part 81.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking arm 80 includes: a lever arm 8B disposed between a pair of slits 8A, 8A formed in the first arm plate 61A; and a locking protrusion 8C (locking portion) disposed on the lever arm 8B to engage with the locking protrusion of the mating connector.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, a pair of slits 8A, 8A are formed such that they extend in the front-rear direction Y when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position. The locking protrusion 8C is configured to protrude upward toward the upper side Z1 from the middle portion of the lever arm 8B in the front-rear direction Y.

[0089] like Figure 4 , 5A As shown in Figure 5B, the release part 81 is provided at the free end of the lever arm 8B. The release part 81 is configured such that when it is pressed downward toward the lower side Z2, the engagement between the locking protrusion 8C and the locking protrusion of the mating connector is released.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, the protective wall 82 includes: an upper surface 82A and a lower surface 82B, which are located on both sides of the release part 81 in the vertical direction Z; and a protective wall sidewall 82C, which is disposed opposite to the connecting plate side surface 62S of the connecting plate 62.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper surface 82A is formed in a plate shape, with one end connected to the front end of the connecting plate side surface 62S, and the other end connected to the front end of the protective wall side wall 82C. Figure 5B As shown, the upper surface 82A is disposed between the release part 81 and the locking protrusion 8C in the front-rear direction Y.

[0092] like Figure 4 and 5BAs shown, the lower surface 82B is formed as a plate extending along the XY plane and is continuously disposed between the lower end 82a of the connecting plate side surface 62S and the protective wall side wall 82C.

[0093] like Figure 5B As shown, in the front-rear direction Y, the rear surface 82b of the lower surface 82B and the rear surface 81b of the release part 81 are configured to be located at the same position.

[0094] The protective wall sidewall 82C includes a top 820 located at the same position as the operating surface 62A in the longitudinal direction Y, and the protective wall sidewall 82C is obliquely cut towards the front side Y1 as it extends downward toward the lower side Z2. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction Y, the lower end 82a of the protective wall sidewall 82C and the rear surface 82b of the lower surface 82B are configured to be located at the same position. That is, the protective wall 82 is formed such that both the protective wall sidewall 82C and the lower surface 82B are obliquely cut, so as they extend downward toward the lower side Z2 and are obliquely cut towards the front side Y1.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, the second arm plate 61B includes: a second arm plate body 610B (arm plate body) which is disposed opposite to the first arm plate 61A; a flange portion 611 which is continuously formed with the second arm plate body 610B and extends toward the lower side Z2 (away from one side); and a reinforcing wall 612 which protrudes at the rear side Y2 (opposite to the second arm plate body 610B) of the flange portion 611.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing wall 612 is located adjacent to the operating surface 62A and is positioned relative to the protective wall 82 in the vertical direction Z.

[0097] The reinforcing wall 612 includes: a rear surface 612A (continuous surface) that is continuous with the operating surface 62A; and a side surface 612B (conical surface) that is continuous with the rear surface 612A.

[0098] The reinforcing wall side surface 612B is inclined and extends downward toward the Z2 (away from the first arm plate 61A) as it moves away from the connecting plate 62 in the left-right direction X. In other words, the reinforcing wall side surface 612B is configured to be inclined in such a way that the distance between the pair of arm plates 61A and 61B increases as it moves away from the connecting plate 62 in the left-right direction X.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the end 612s of the reinforced wall side surface 612B away from the connecting plate 62 is located on the extension line of the first terminal receiving chamber 30A1 in the vertical direction Z.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, the connecting plate 62 is configured to protrude in a plate-like manner on the side of a pair of arm plates 61A and 61B away from their ends, separated by bearing portions 63A and 63B, and the connecting plate 62 is constructed to have a rib-like operating surface 62A on the side opposite to the pair of arm plates 61A and 61B.

[0101] The lever 6 is configured such that, when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position, the protective wall 82 on the first arm plate 61A has a cutout, thereby reducing the space in the vertical direction Z (opposite direction) towards the front Y1 (terminal insertion direction). Furthermore, the reinforcing wall side surface 612B on the second arm plate 61B is configured with a slope that angles downwards towards the lower Z2 (away from the first arm plate 61A) as it extends in the horizontal direction X away from the connecting plate 62. That is, the protective wall 82 and the reinforcing wall 612 are configured such that, in the front-rear direction Y, the space in the vertical direction Z is wider on the rear Y2 (terminal insertion opening 30b side) than on the front Y1. Therefore, when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position, interference between the operator's fingers F and the protective wall 82 and the reinforcing wall 612 is reduced during terminal insertion.

[0102] The cover 7 is made of insulating synthetic resin. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the cover 7 includes: a cover body 70 that covers the rear side Y2 surface of the inner housing 3 and has an electrical wire insertion opening 7a and an installation opening 7b for the inner housing 3; and a cover locking part 71 that is disposed on the cover body 70 and engages with the cover locking receiving part 33 of the inner housing 3.

[0103] Next, the assembly process of lever connector 1 will be described.

[0104] First, the inner housing 3 is brought closer to the space between the first arm plate 61A and the second arm plate 61B of the lever 6, and the inner housing 3 is sandwiched between the first arm plate 61A and the second arm plate 61B. As a result, bearing portions 63A and 63B are supported on respective rotation shafts 31, and the lever 6 is pivotally supported by the inner housing 3. In this way, the inner housing 3 with the lever 6 attached is assembled.

[0105] Next, the inner housing 3, to which the lever 6 is attached, is brought close to and inserted into the receiving opening 55 of the front cover 5. As a result, the front openings 30f of each terminal receiving chamber 30A of the inner housing 3 communicate with the communicating hole 530, and the cover locking receiving part 34 of the inner housing 3 engages with the cover locking part 59 of the front cover 5. In this state, the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position where the locking protrusion 65B engages with the fully locking receiving part 58 of the front cover 5. In this way, the inner housing 3, to which the lever 6 is attached, is accommodated in the front cover 5.

[0106] Subsequently, the spacer 4 is positioned in the temporary locking position of the inner housing 3, and the female terminal 2 connected to the wire W is inserted from the terminal insertion opening 30b toward the front Y1 into the terminal receiving chamber 30A of the inner housing 3. As a result, the female terminal 2 is locked by the terminal shank 30c.

[0107] Here, when the female terminal 2 is inserted into the first terminal receiving chamber 30A1 of the plurality of terminal receiving chambers 30A, as... Figure 6A and 6B As shown, the protective wall 82 and the reinforcing wall 612 are formed with cutouts, so that the space in the vertical direction Z is wider on the rear side Y2 (the side of the terminal insertion opening 30b) than on the front side Y1. This reduces the interference between the operator's finger F and the protective wall 82 or the reinforcing wall 612 when the terminal is inserted into the first terminal receiving chamber 30A1, and allows the operator's finger F to get closer to the terminal insertion opening 30b of the first terminal receiving chamber 30A1, making it less likely for the wire to bend or twist, thereby improving the operability of inserting the female terminal 2.

[0108] Subsequently, the spacer 4 is moved from the temporary locked position to the permanent locked position. As a result, each female terminal 2 is doubly locked by the terminal shank 30c and the spacer 4, thereby preventing the female terminal 2 from coming out of the respective terminal receiving chamber 30A. At this time, the wire W connected to the female terminal 2 is led out from the inner housing 3.

[0109] Next, the mounting opening 7b of the cover 7 is brought close to the inner housing 3 to which the lever 6 is attached, and the wire W led from the inner housing 3 is inserted through the wire insertion opening 7a of the cover 7. As a result, the cover locking receiving part 33 is engaged by the cover locking part 71. In this manner, the cover 7 is assembled to the inner housing 3 to which the lever 6 is attached. At this time, the wire W led from the inner housing 3 is laid to one side in the left-right direction X.

[0110] Next, lever 6 is rotated from its fully rotated position to its initial position. The engagement between locking arm 65 and the formal locking receiver 58 of the front cover 5 is released, allowing lever 6 to rotate. As rotation continues, locking arm 65 engages with the temporary locking receiver 57 of the front cover 5. In this state, the engagement between locking arm 65 and temporary locking receiver 57 holds lever 6 in its initial position, limiting further rotation. In this way, lever 6 is positioned in its initial position, thus completing the assembly of lever connector 1.

[0111] According to the above embodiment, the protective wall 82 and the reinforcing wall 612 disposed on the lever 6 are arranged adjacent to the connecting plate 62 (connecting part). In the fully rotated position, the terminal insertion opening 30b is disposed between the protective wall 82 and the reinforcing wall 612, and the protective wall 82 and the reinforcing wall 612 extend toward the rear Y2 (opposite to the terminal insertion direction). The protective wall 82 is formed with a cut, so that the space in the vertical direction Z (opposite direction of a pair of arm plates) is reduced toward the front Y1 (terminal insertion direction). Therefore, when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position, the interference between the operator's finger F and the protective wall 82 during terminal insertion can be reduced, allowing the operator's finger F to approach the terminal insertion opening 30b of the first terminal receiving chamber 30A1. As a result, the operability of inserting the female terminal 2 can be improved.

[0112] Furthermore, since the protective wall 82 is cut out to reduce the space in the vertical direction Z (opposite direction of a pair of arm plates) toward the front Y1 (terminal insertion direction), the weight of the lever 6 is reduced compared to the conventional design, thus helping to save costs.

[0113] Furthermore, the protective wall 82 includes an upper surface 82A and a lower surface 82B, located on either side of the release portion 81 in the vertical direction Z (opposite direction); and a protective wall sidewall 82C (sidewall), which is opposite to the connecting plate side surface 62S (side surface of the connecting portion) of the connecting plate 62 (connecting portion). In the vertical direction Z, the lower surface 82B is closer to the connector body 10 than the upper surface 82A, and the protective wall sidewall 82C and the lower surface 82B are cut out such that the space in the vertical direction Z is reduced towards the front Y1 (terminal insertion direction). According to this configuration, when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position, interference between the operator's finger F and the protective wall 82 during terminal insertion can be reduced.

[0114] Furthermore, the second arm plate 61B (the other of a pair of arm plates) includes: a second arm plate body 610B (arm plate body) disposed opposite to the first arm plate 61A (one of a pair of arm plates); a flange portion 611 continuously disposed on the second arm plate body 610B and extending in the vertical direction Z (opposite direction) away from the first arm plate 61A; and a reinforcing wall 612. The reinforcing wall 612 has a reinforcing wall side surface 612B (conical surface) disposed on the flange portion 611 to protrude toward the rearward side Y2 (opposite to the arm plate body), and is formed such that the space in the vertical direction Z increases as it moves away from the connecting plate 62 (connecting portion). According to this configuration, when the lever 6 is in the fully rotated position, interference between the operator's finger F and the reinforcing wall 612 during terminal insertion can be reduced.

[0115] Other preferred constructions and methods for carrying out the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing description; however, the invention is not limited thereto. That is, although the invention has been primarily illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the above embodiments in terms of shape, material, quantity, and other detailed constructions without departing from the technical concept and purpose of the invention. Therefore, the above-disclosed descriptions of shapes, materials, etc., are provided illustratively for ease of understanding of the invention and do not limit the invention. Therefore, descriptions using part names in which some or all limitations regarding shape, material, etc., have been removed are also included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A lever-type connector, the lever-type connector comprising: A connector body having a terminal insertion opening for inserting a terminal in a terminal insertion direction, and the connector body being capable of engaging with a mating connector; as well as A lever, which is rotatably supported on the connector body and is rotatable relative to the connector body. The lever is configured to rotate between an initial position and a fully rotated position, wherein in the fully rotated position, the mating connector is close to and engaged with the connector body. The lever includes a pair of arm plates and a connecting portion, and is configured in a gate-like shape. The pair of arm plates are arranged opposite each other to clamp the connector body, and the connecting portion connects the pair of arm plates. One of the pair of arm plates is provided with: A locking arm having a locking part, wherein in the fully rotated position, the locking part engages with the mating connector; A release part, disposed at the free end of the locking arm, is used to release the locking part from the mating connector; and A protective wall surrounds and protects the release portion. The other of the pair of arm plates has a reinforcing wall at a position opposite to the protective wall. Both the protective wall and the reinforcing wall are disposed adjacent to the connecting portion, and in the fully rotated position, the terminal insertion opening is formed between the protective wall and the reinforcing wall, and the protective wall and the reinforcing wall protrude from the terminal insertion opening in a direction opposite to the terminal insertion direction. The protective wall is formed with a cut, which reduces the space in the opposing direction of the pair of arm plates toward the insertion direction of the terminal.

2. The lever connector of claim 1, wherein, The protective wall includes: Upper and lower surfaces, the upper and lower surfaces being located on either side of the release portion in the opposing direction; and A sidewall, wherein the sidewall is disposed opposite to the side surface of the connecting portion. In the opposing direction, the lower surface is located closer to the connector body than the upper surface. The sidewall and the lower surface are formed with cuts, which reduces the space in the opposite direction toward the insertion direction of the terminal.

3. Lever connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The other of the pair of arm plates includes: Arm plate body, which is disposed opposite to one of the pair of arm plates; A flange portion, continuously disposed on the arm plate body, and extending in the opposing direction in a direction away from one of the pair of arm plates; and Strengthen the wall, The reinforcing wall has a tapered surface disposed on the flange portion to protrude in a direction opposite to the arm plate body, and the tapered surface is formed such that the space in the opposite direction increases as it moves away from the connecting portion.

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