LEVER TYPE CONNECTOR AND CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A lever-type connector is provided which can suppress wear and deformation of a detection port at the time of engagement with a counterpart connector.A housing 30 of a lever-type connector 10 includes a locking arm 50 which extends in a projecting manner and which is capable of bending towards a detection port 20; a lever 40 includes a lever-side pressing part 43 which bends the locking arm 50 towards the detection port 20 during a process of rotation from an engagement start position to an engagement finish position; and the locking arm 50 includes a pressing section 51, which includes a projecting part 54 which pushes the detection port 20 by bending and separates the detection port 20 away from a mating detection port 83; and a low-stiffness section 52 which is positioned closer to a proximal end face of the locking arm 50 than the pressing section 51 and which has a lower stiffness than the pressing section 51 has.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lever-type connector and to a connector arrangement.

[0002] A lever-type connector described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-173164 (hereinafter "Patent Document 1") is conventionally known. The lever-type connector described in Patent Document 1 comprises a housing, a lever rotatably mounted on the housing, and a detection port located inside the housing. During the process of rotating the lever from an engagement start position to an engagement completion position, the lever bends a portion of the housing, thereby pressing the detection port through the bending portion to a position where the detection port does not contact a mating detection port of a mating connector. When the lever reaches the engagement completion position, pressing occurs.Pressing on the bending piece releases the detection port, causing it to contact the mating detection port. In this way, the lever-type connector is able to maintain the detection port in a state where it is disconnected from the mating detection port until the connector engagement is complete.

[0003] The bending component can sometimes fail to press or compress the detection port to the intended extent in response to a rotation of the lever. In such a case, the connectors may progress toward engaging with each other while the detection port and mating detection port are in contact, and the detection port and mating detection port may fail to form a detection circuit due to wear or deformation of the detection port.

[0004] It is an object to allow an improvement in the operability or handling of a connection process of a lever-type connector with a counterpart connector.

[0005] This subject matter is solved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. Particular embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, a lever-type connector is provided which is capable of engaging or being engaged with a mating connector which includes at least one mating detection terminal, wherein the lever-type connector comprises: a housing; a lever which is fixed to the housing in such a way that it is capable of displacement between an engagement start position and an engagement completion position; and at least one detection terminal which is held inside the housing and which forms a detection circuit by coming into contact with the mating detection terminal, wherein the housing includes at least one bending or curving section which extends substantially in a projecting manner and which is capable of bending or curving.is capable of twisting in the direction of the detection port, wherein the lever includes at least one lever-side pressing part which exerts or applies a pressing or pressing force for bending the bending piece in the direction of the detection port during a process of displacement from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position, and wherein the bending piece includes at least one pressing section which includes at least one projecting part which presses the detection port and separates the detection port away from the counterpart detection port, and a section of low stiffness or rigidity which is positioned closer to a proximal end face of the bending piece than the pressing section and which has a lower stiffness than the pressing section.

[0007] According to a particular embodiment, a lever-type connector is provided which is capable of engaging with a mating connector which includes a mating detection port, wherein the lever-type connector comprises a housing, a lever which is fixed to the housing in such a way that it is capable of twisting or pivoting between an engagement start position and an engagement completion position, and a detection port which is held inside the housing and which forms a detection circuit by coming into contact with the mating detection port, wherein the housing includes a bending part which extends in a projecting manner and which is capable of bending towards the detection port, and the lever includes a lever-side pressing part which exerts a pressing orexerts or applies a pressing force to bend the bending piece in the direction of the detection port during a process of rotational or pivoting movement from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position, and the bending piece includes a pressing section comprising at least one protruding part which presses the detection port and separates the detection port from the counterpart detection port, and a section of low stiffness or rigidity which is positioned closer to a proximal end face of the bending piece than the pressing section and which has a lower stiffness than the pressing section.

[0008] Accordingly, when the lever is moved or shifted (in particular, rotated or pivoted) from the engagement start position towards the engagement completion position, the bending or curving portion of the housing is bent or curved towards the detection port due to a pressing or compressing force from the lever-side pressing portion. Since the bending portion includes a section of low stiffness or rigidity with low stiffness or rigidity at its proximal end relative to the pressing portion, the starting point for any bending or twisting of the bending portion is close to or at the proximal end, thus ensuring a degree of displacement of the pressing portion in a compressive direction.Accordingly, at the moment the lever-type connector engages with the mating connector, the detection port and the mating detection port can be appropriately separated by the bending piece, thus preventing wear and deformation of the detection port. This improves the overall operability and handling of the connection process.

[0009] In particular, the bending part is made of a resin or plastic.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressing section in particular includes at least one rib which extends essentially in an extending direction of the bending piece.

[0011] Accordingly, the stiffness or rigidity of the pressing section is higher than that of the section with lower stiffness due to the rib(s) which extend in the extending direction of the bending piece.

[0012] Furthermore, if the stiffness is made different between the sections of the bending piece by the rib(s), defects of appearance, such as sink marks or depressions, can be reduced compared to a case where the difference is based on a difference in thickness.

[0013] Furthermore, the housing in particular includes a cover element which is provided at or near a front end which engages with the counterpart connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the bending section in particular extends essentially backwards from a front end of the housing, and the section of low stiffness is or will be at least partially covered by the cover member.

[0015] Accordingly, the section of low stiffness is or will be at least partially covered by the cover member and is thus prevented from being damaged by an external impact.

[0016] Furthermore, the bending part in particular is made of a resin or plastic.

[0017] Furthermore, the pressing or pushing section in particular includes at least one rib which extends substantially in an extending direction of the bending piece, and one end of the rib is chamfered near the section of low stiffness.

[0018] Accordingly, since the end of the rib(s) is particularly chamfered near the section of low stiffness, the rib(s) will not easily collide with the cover member or a housing of the counterpart connector when the bending piece bends due to a pressing force from the lever, and the bending piece will be prevented from being able to bend easily with the side of the section of low stiffness as the starting point.

[0019] Furthermore, the bending part in particular includes, at a part closer to a distal end than the pressing section, at least one pressed section for receiving a pressing force from the lever-side pressing part.

[0020] Furthermore, the rib(s) connect(s) the pressing section and the pressed section.

[0021] Accordingly, the bending piece can be prevented from being bent on the side of the pressing section due to a pressing force exerted or applied by the lever, and the pressing force can be easily transferred from the lever to the side of the section of less stiffness.

[0022] Accordingly, the bending piece can easily be bent or curved with the side of the section of lower stiffness as the starting point.

[0023] Furthermore, if the locking arm bends, the protruding part presses or compresses the detection port, and the detection port can be deformed or warped in a way that allows it to spring back.

[0024] According to another aspect, a connector arrangement is provided which comprises a lever-type connector according to the above aspect or a particular embodiment thereof and a counterpart connector which can be engaged with it.

[0025] According to the above, a lever-type connector and a corresponding connector arrangement can be provided, which can improve overall operability and handling, in particular by suppressing wear and deformation of a detection connection at the time of engagement with a counterpart connector.

[0026] These and other features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that, even though embodiments are described separately, individual features thereof can be combined to form additional embodiments. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lever-type connector according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a top view of the lever-type connector; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA in Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a lever; Fig. 5 is a diagram which, taken in cross-sectional view along AA in Fig. 2, shows a state where the lever is in an engagement start position; Fig. 6 is a diagram which, taken in cross-sectional view along AA in Fig. 2, shows a state where the lever begins to press or push a locking arm; Fig. 7 is a diagram which, taken in a cross-sectional view along BB in Fig. 2, shows a state where the lever presses the locking arm; Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a bending or curvature of the locking arm; and Fig. 9 is a diagram which, taken in cross-sectional view along AA in Fig. 2, shows a state where the lever is in an engagement completion position.

[0027] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. The present disclosure is not limited to the examples, but is to be indicated by the scope of the claims, and meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications or variations within the scope are intended to be included. For the sake of clarity, some components may be shown in an exaggerated or simplified manner in any diagram. Furthermore, the dimensional ratio of each part may differ between the drawings. The term "orthogonal" in this description may mean "strictly or exactly orthogonal," but it may also mean "approximately orthogonal" to the extent that the functions and effects of the present embodiment are achieved.

[0028] Furthermore, the term "directed towards" in this description refers to a case where surfaces or members / elements are located in front of each other at positions, and includes not only a case where the surfaces or members are located completely in front of each other at positions, but also a case where the surfaces or members are located partially in front of each other at positions. The term "directed or oriented towards" in this description also includes both a case where a member or element other than two sections is interposed between the two sections, and a case where nothing is interposed between the two sections.

[0029] The embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to Fig. Sections 1 to 9 are described. In the following description, an arrow Z points to a top side, an arrow X points to a front side, and an arrow Y points to a left side. Additionally, with regard to a large number of identical or similar members or elements, one or more of the members may be designated by a reference symbol, while the reference symbol is omitted for the remaining members.

[0030] A lever-type connector 10 is a connector which is capable of engaging with, or being engaged by, a counterpart connector 80.

[0031] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the lever-type connector 10 mainly includes a housing 30, a lever 40 and a detection element 60.

[0032] The lever 40 is to be fixed to the housing 30 in such a way that it is capable of switching between an engagement start position, which is in Fig. 5 is shown, and an intervention completion position, which is in Fig. Figure 9 shows that it is movable or relocatable (especially rotating or pivoting).

[0033] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the counterpart connector 80 includes a counterpart housing 81, which is capable of engaging with, or being engaged with, the housing 30. Although not shown, the counterpart housing 81 includes on an inner surface or within it one or more cam pins, which project from an inner side surface, particularly on the left and right. (Housing)

[0034] The housing 30 is made, for example, from an insulating synthetic or artificial resin.

[0035] The housing 30 includes in particular a housing main body 31 and a cover element 32, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0036] Specifically, the main housing body 31 has an essentially cube-shaped form or shape.

[0037] A rotating shaft 37, which rotatably or pivotably supports or carries the lever 40, is provided in particular on one or more lateral side(s), especially on a left and right side surface of the main housing body 31.

[0038] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the main body of the housing 31 includes in particular a first section 33 receiving a connection for receiving at least one connection 24, and / or a second section 34 receiving a connection for receiving at least one detection connection 20, which will be described later.

[0039] Each receiving or receiving section 33, 34 is in particular a space which penetrates the main housing body 31 in a forward-backward direction.

[0040] The second section 34, which receives a connection, is provided in particular inside the main housing body 31 on a part adjoining the first section 33, which receives a connection (e.g. above) and / or at an intermediate position (in particular essentially a center) in a left-right direction.

[0041] The at least one connection 24, which is at least partially received in the first section 33 receiving a connection, is made of a conductive material, such as a metal, and is to be connected to at least one corresponding counterpart connection of the counterpart connector 80.

[0042] At least one electrical wire, which is not shown, is connected to the at least one respective terminal 24, and the electrical wire is or is led out of the housing 30, in particular substantially in the direction of a rear side.

[0043] The detection connection 20, which is at least partially included in the second section 34 receiving a connection, is in particular made of a conductive material, such as a metal.

[0044] The detection connection 20 includes in particular a flat part 21 which is arranged along the second section 34 receiving a connection (in particular a lower surface thereof), at least one spring part 22 which is bent from the flat part 21, and / or at least one contact part 23 which extends from the spring part 22.

[0045] Specifically, the detection connection 20 essentially has a curved shape or form, where the side of the contact part 23 forms an upwardly convex shape.

[0046] A distal end side of the spring part 22 is in particular divided into several parts, e.g. into two, and a plurality of (in particular a pair of left and right) contact parts 23 is provided.

[0047] As this is in Fig. 9 is shown, contacted when the lever-type connector 10 engages or engages or can be brought into engagement with the counterpart connector 80, that (in particular each) contact part 23 of the detection terminal 20 is at least one contact part of a counterpart detection terminal 83.

[0048] The detection terminal 20 and the counterpart detection terminal 83 are or become electrically connected or can be connected, and a detection circuit is formed.

[0049] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the cover member 32 is in particular a member which is to be provided at or near a front end of the housing 30, and / or includes in particular a front cover part 32A, an upper or lateral cover part 32B and / or one or more side cover part(s) 32C.

[0050] The front cover part 32A is in particular a part of the cover element 32, which at least partially covers one side of a front surface of the main housing body 31.

[0051] One or more, in particular a plurality of, openings is or are formed in the front cover part 32A at one or more position(s) corresponding to the one or more receiving section(s) 33, 34 of the main housing body 31.

[0052] The upper or lateral cover part 32B is in particular a part of the cover member 32 which extends substantially from an upper or lateral side of the front cover part 32A and / or which at least partially covers a front end side of an upper wall of the main housing body 31.

[0053] The one or more side cover part(s) 32C is / are part(s) of the cover element 32, which extends from one or more (in particular left and / or right) side(s) of the front cover part 32A and / or which at least partially covers (a) side wall(s) (in particular (a) front side(s) thereof) of the main housing body 31.

[0054] The housing 30 allows the one or more terminals 20, 24 to be at least partially received in the one or more receiving section(s) 33, 34, in order to be exposed by the openings in a state where the cover member 32 is fixed to the main body of the housing 31 (in particular a front end thereof).

[0055] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the main body of the housing 31 includes in particular a locking arm 50 which extends substantially backwards from a front end part 35 (in particular an upper wall) which is a front end of the upper or lateral wall.

[0056] The locking arm 50 extends substantially backwards from the front end part 35 of the upper wall in a projecting manner, and / or is capable of twisting or bending or warping in an upward-downward (or outward-inward) direction relative to the main housing body 31.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the locking arm 50 is an example of a bending or curving piece.

[0058] A detailed structure of the locking arm 50 will be described later.

[0059] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, an insertion groove or slot 36 is provided on a front side of the upper wall of the main housing body 31 to allow the insertion of the upper cover part 32B of the cover element 32, in particular.

[0060] A bottom surface of the insertion groove 36 includes in particular the front end part 35 of the upper wall and / or part of a proximal end side of the locking arm 50 (a section 52 of low stiffness or rigidity, which will be described later).

[0061] In other words, the front end part 35 of the upper wall and / or the section 52 of low stiffness, which are contained in the bottom surface of the insertion groove 36, are in particular parts which are at least partially covered by the upper cover part 32B of the cover member 32. (Lever)

[0062] The lever 40, for example, is made of an insulating synthetic or resin.

[0063] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lever 40 is in particular essentially U-shaped overall, and / or includes an actuating part 42 which can be moved or relocated (in particular rotated or pivoted) by an actuator, one or more, in particular a pair of (in particular essentially plate-shaped) parts 41 which extend in the same direction from one or both ends of the actuating part 42, and / or a lever-side pressing or pushing part 43 which is provided on the actuating part 42.

[0064] A shaft hole 41A, through which the rotating shaft 37, which is provided on a side wall of the main housing body 31, passes at least partially, and at least one cam groove or slot 41B, which is set off or recessed from an outer surface of the plate-shaped part 41 in a left-right direction, namely or in particular in a thickness direction of the plate-shaped part 41, are formed in particular in the plate-shaped part 41.

[0065] The cam groove 41B includes in particular an inlet opening 41B1 at an outer edge or outer margin of the plate-shaped part 41, and the cam groove 41B extends substantially in an arc shape from the inlet opening 41B1 towards the shaft or shaft hole 41A.

[0066] The entry opening 41B1 is in particular an opening for receiving the cam pin or stud into the cam groove 41B.

[0067] The lever-side pressing part 43 projects inwards from the actuating part 42 in a direction essentially normal to a displacement direction of the lever 40, in particular in a rotational radial direction of the lever 40.

[0068] The rotational radial direction of the lever 40 is a direction which is in particular orthogonal to an extending direction of the rotational wave 37 (the left-right direction) and / or which is in particular an extending direction of an axis which passes through a center of rotation.

[0069] Specifically, a direction towards the rotational wave 37 is given as inwards, and a direction away from the rotational wave 37 is given as outwards.

[0070] The lever-side pressing part 43 includes in particular a first pressing or pressing part 44 and / or one or more second pressing part(s) 45, which project inwards from the actuating part 42 in the rotational radial direction.

[0071] The first pressing part 44 is arranged in particular at an essentially center point of the actuating part 42 in the left-right direction.

[0072] The second pressing part(s) 45 is / are arranged in particular on or at the actuating part 42, specifically on the left and right, in a manner which sandwiches the first pressing part 44.

[0073] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the detection element 60, which is capable of detecting an engagement state of the lever-type connector 10 and the counterpart connector 80 by detecting or receiving a pressing actuation, is located in particular on a rear side of the housing 30.

[0074] Specifically, the detection element 60 includes a main body part 61 and one or more arm part(s) 62, which extend forward from the main body part 61 (in particular a left and / or right end thereof).

[0075] The detection element 60 is or is held in such a state that the arm parts 62 are essentially displaceable in the forward-backward direction relative to the main housing body 31.

[0076] When an engagement between the lever-type connector 10 and the counterpart connector 80 is completed, the arm part(s) 62 of the detection element 60, in particular between the locking arm 50 and the detection port 20, is moved due to a pressing or compressing actuation on the main body part 61, and a detection position can be reached.

[0077] In contrast, if an engagement between the lever-type connector 10 and the counterpart connector 80 is not completed, the arm part(s) 62 of the detection element 60 cannot be moved or shifted, and the detection position cannot be reached. (Locking arm)

[0078] Next, a detailed structure of the locking arm 50 will be described.

[0079] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the locking arm 50 includes in particular a pressing or pressing section 51, which is provided with at least one projecting part 54 for pressing or pressing the detection port 20, the section of low stiffness or rigidity 52, which is positioned closer to a proximal end face of the locking arm 50 than the pressing section 51, and / or a pressed section 53, which is provided at a distal end of the locking arm.

[0080] Specifically, the pressed or pressed section 53 is a part of the locking arm which receives a pressing force from the lever-side pressing part 43 of the lever 40.

[0081] The depressed section 53 includes in particular at least one engaging locking part 55 which projects upwards or outwards.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the pressed section 53 is provided with one or more, in particular two, engaging locking parts 55, which are in particular spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0083] The pressing section 51 includes in particular the projecting part 54 on a lower surface which is substantially directed or oriented towards the detection port 20, and / or the projecting part 54 projects downwards or inwards from the lower surface.

[0084] If the locking arm 50 bends or curves downwards or inwards, the protruding part 54 presses in particular on the detection port 20, and the detection port 20 can be elastically or resiliently deformed or deformed.

[0085] The pressing section 51 includes, in particular, on an upper or outer surface, at least one rib 56 which extends substantially in an extending direction of the locking arm 50 (the forward-backward direction).

[0086] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in the present embodiment three ribs 56 are specifically provided on the upper surface of the pressing section 51, while they are arranged at substantially regular intervals or distances in the left-right direction.

[0087] Since one or more rib(s) 56 are provided on the pressing section 51, the stiffness or rigidity of the pressing section 51 is increased.

[0088] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, an end 56A extends on a front side of (in particular each) rib 56, especially to just before the section of low stiffness 52, and does not interact with or meet the upper cover part 32B of the cover member 32.

[0089] Furthermore, a chamfered part 57, which is a surface inclined at a certain (predetermined or determinable) angle, is formed, in particular at one end on a front side (i.e. the side of the low stiffness section 52) of the (in particular each) rib 56.

[0090] Accordingly, even if the locking arm 50 is bent or curved, the end of the rib 56 on the side of the section of low stiffness 52 does not come into contact with the upper cover part 32B and the counterpart housing 81.

[0091] In contrast, one end on a rear side of each rib 56 is specifically connected to the pressed section 53.

[0092] Accordingly, as will be described later, when the pressed section 53 is pressed by the lever-side pressing part 43 of the lever 40, the pressed section 53 does not bend downwards.

[0093] The low-stiffness section 52 is, in particular, a part of the locking arm 50, which has a thinner thickness than the pressing section 51. Here, "a thinner thickness than the pressing section 51" means that the thickness is thinner than the maximum thickness of the pressing section 51, including the rib 56.

[0094] Additionally, the thickness of the low stiffness section 52 can be greater than the thickness of the pressing section 51, excluding the rib 56.

[0095] Since the section of low stiffness 52 has a thinner thickness than the pressing section 51, the stiffness or rigidity of the section of low stiffness 52 is less or lower than that of the pressing section 51. (Interlock between the lever-type connector and the counterpart connector)

[0096] In the event that the lever-type connector 10 is to be brought into engagement with the counterpart connector 80, the following steps are first taken, as described in Fig. Figure 5 shows that the lever-type connector 10 and the counterpart connector 80 are brought slightly into engagement with each other in a state where the lever 40 is in the engagement start position. Then the cam pin of the counterpart connector 80 enters the cam groove 41B, which is provided on the lever 40, and the cam pin engages with the cam groove 41B.

[0097] In the case where the lever 40 is essentially at the engagement start position, the lever-side pressing part 43 of the lever 40 is in particular separated from the locking arm 50, and thus the locking arm 50 and the detection port 20 are not deformed and are in a natural state.

[0098] Furthermore, the detection port 20 and the counterpart detection port 83 are not in contact with each other.

[0099] The actuating part 42 of the lever 40 is actuated, in particular, in the state where the cam pin of the counterpart connector 80 is located in the cam groove 41B of the lever 40, and the lever 40 is moved or shifted (in particular rotated or pivoted) from the engagement start position towards the engagement completion position.

[0100] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, when the lever 40 is displaced (in particular twisted or pivoted), the first pressing part 44 of the lever-side pressing part 43 comes into contact, in particular substantially, with a distal end of the pressed section 53.

[0101] The locking arm 50 begins to bend or curve under a pressing force from the lever 40. Then, the projecting part 54 of the locking arm 50 is displaced or moved, in particular downwards or inwards, to press the detection terminal 20, and the one or more contact part(s) 23 of the detection terminal 20 is or are displaced or moved downwards or inwards.

[0102] Furthermore, when the lever 40 is moved (in particular twisted or pivoted) towards the engagement completion position, the first pressing part 44 enters at least partially into an area adjacent to the engaging locking part(s), in particular a gap or distance between the two engaging locking parts 55, while the pressed section 53 is being pressed.

[0103] Then, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, one or more second pressing part(s) 45 of the lever 40 engages, in particular, a corresponding upper surface(s) of the engaging locking part(s) 55 according to the displacement (in particular rotation or pivoting movement) of the lever 40, and begins to press the pressed section 53.

[0104] When the lever 40 is further displaced (in particular twisted or pivoted), the first pressing part 44 separates in particular from the locking arm 50 in a state where the one or more second pressing part(s) 45 is in contact with the one or more upper surface(s) of the one or more engaging locking part(s) 55.

[0105] At this point in time, the contact part of the counterpart detection port 83 is located in a position which at least partially overlaps the detection port 20 in the forward-backward direction.

[0106] However, the protruding part 54 of the locking arm 50, which is bent or curved, presses or compresses, in particular the detection terminal 20, and causes the contact part 23 to separate from the counterpart detection terminal 83.

[0107] Here, if the extent of a downward or inward displacement of the protruding part 54 of the locking arm 50 is small, the detection connection 20 may not be sufficiently pressed or squeezed by the protruding part 54 during the process of engagement between the lever-type connector 10 and the counterpart connector 80.

[0108] In such a case, interference between the connectors in particular progresses or may progress in a state where the detection port 20 and the counterpart detection port 83 are in contact with each other, possibly causing wear or deformation of a surface of the detection port 20.

[0109] For example, if the stiffness or rigidity of the locking arm 50 is particularly uniform in the forward-backward direction, the locking arm 50 may bend or curve in such a way as to hinder or block a pressing force on the detection port 20 due to a change in the direction in which the lever 40 pushes the locking arm 50, or a reaction force from the detection port 20.

[0110] In particular, in the present embodiment there is a period in which the locking arm 50 is pressed by the first pressing part 44, and a period in which the locking arm 50 is pressed by the second pressing parts 45, and in this way the direction in which the lever 40 is pressed by the locking arm 50 is slightly changed.

[0111] For example, in the case where the locking arm 50 is bent, particularly with a part more on the distal end side or side of the distal end than the protruding part 54 as a starting or starting point, the extent of a downward displacement of the protruding part 54 is small.

[0112] Additionally, the extent of a downward displacement of the projecting part 54 is in particular an extent of a displacement in the upward-downward (or inward-outward) direction between a distal end of the projecting part 54 of the locking arm 50 in a natural state and the distal end of the projecting part 54 after bending or twisting.

[0113] Additionally, the distal end of the projecting part 54 is in particular a lower side end or end of the lower side of the projecting part 54, which is directed towards the detection port 20.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the locking arm 50 particularly includes the low-stiffness section 52, which is specifically positioned closer to the proximal end face or side of the proximal end than the pressing section 51, and / or the pressing section 51 is provided with the at least one rib 56.

[0115] Accordingly, as stated in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the locking arm 50 is bent or curved, in particular by the pressing force from the lever 40, with the proximal end side, which is the side of the section of low stiffness 52, as a starting point P.

[0116] Furthermore, since the rib 56 connects the pressing section 51 and the pressed section 53, the locking arm 50 is not easily bent on the side of the pressed section 53, and / or the pressing force from the lever 40 can easily be transferred to the side of the section of low stiffness 52.

[0117] In other words, a part of the locking arm 50 between the pressed section 53, which receives the pressing force from the lever 40, and the starting or starting point P is not easily bent in an upward convex shape, and / or the extent of a downward displacement of the projecting part 54 can be made particularly large.

[0118] If the lever 40 is moved further (in particular twisted or pivoted), the lever-type connector 10 and the counterpart connector 80 engage further with each other, and the lever 40 reaches the engagement completion position.

[0119] As this is in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, when the lever 40 essentially reaches the engagement completion position, one or more second pressing part(s) 45 are heard, in particular, coming into contact with the upper surface(s) of the engaging locking part(s) 55, and contact between the lever 40 and the locking arm 50 is in particular released. The locking arm 50 thus returns in particular to its natural state.

[0120] Furthermore, if one or more second pressing part(s) 45 move, in particular over the engaging locking part(s) 55, the second pressing part(s) 45 and the engaging locking part(s) 55 are arranged in such a way that they are capable of being locked.

[0121] Accordingly, a displacement or shift (in particular rotation or pivoting movement) of the lever 40 from the engagement completion position to the engagement start position is prevented by the one or more engaging locking part(s) 55.

[0122] Furthermore, when the bending of the locking arm 50 is or becomes lifted, one or more contact part(s) 23 of the detection connection 20 return, in particular elastically or with a spring-like capacity, in the direction of an original or starting position and / or come into contact, in particular substantially, with the counterpart detection connection 83.

[0123] The detection circuit is formed in particular by the detection terminal 20 and the counterpart detection terminal 83, and / or the completion or conclusion of an engagement between the counterpart connector 80 and the lever-type connector 10 can be perceived by a line or conductivity between the terminals.

[0124] In addition, the lever-type connector 10 can also detect an engagement state by pressing on the detection element 60, which is positioned on the rear side of the housing 30.

[0125] In the case where the locking arm 50 is returned in the direction of or to a natural position inside the housing 30, the main body part 61 of the detection element 60 is in particular pressed or compressed, and the one or more arm part(s) 62 is or are in particular at least partially inserted between the locking arm 50 and the detection port 20.

[0126] The detection element 60 is thus allowed to move from a waiting or standby position to a detection position.

[0127] In contrast, in the case where a bending of the locking arm 50 is retained at least partially inside the housing 30, one or more arm part(s) 62 come into contact in particular with the pressed section 53.

[0128] Accordingly, the detection element 60 does not move from the waiting position to the detection position. (Actuation effects of the embodiment) (1) With the lever-type connector 10 according to the present embodiment described above, when the lever 40 is moved (in particular twisted or pivoted) from the engagement start position towards the engagement completion position, the starting point of any bending or curvature of the locking arm 50 is moved closer to the proximal end, particularly due to the section of low stiffness 52 provided on the locking arm 50, and the extent of any downward or inward displacement of the projecting part 54 can be adequately ensured.

[0129] Accordingly, at the time of engagement of the lever-type connector 10 with the counterpart connector 80, the detection port 20 and the counterpart detection port 83 can be separated, in particular, by the locking arm 50, and / or wear and deformation of the detection port 20 can be prevented.

[0130] (2) The pressing section 51 is in particular provided with at least one rib 56 which extends substantially in the extending direction of the locking arm 50 and thus has a higher stiffness than the section of low stiffness 52.

[0131] Accordingly, visual defects or flaws, such as indentation marks, can be reduced, especially compared to a case where the thickness of the pressing section 51 is made greater than that of the section of low stiffness 52 along the entire left-right direction.

[0132] (3) Since the low stiffness section 52 of the locking arm 50 is at least partially covered by the upper or outer cover part 32B of the cover member 32, the low stiffness section 52 can be prevented from being damaged by an external impact.

[0133] (4) Since the chamfered part 57 is formed, in particular on the rib 56 (especially at one end thereof) on the side of the section of low stiffness 52, the rib 56 can be prevented from meeting or interacting with the cover member 32 and the counterpart housing 81 when the locking arm 50 is bent by the pressing force from the lever 40.

[0134] Accordingly, the locking arm 50 can be prevented from being able to bend or curve easily on the side of the section of low stiffness 52.

[0135] (5) Since the pressing section 51 and the pressed section 53 are connected in particular by the at least one rib 56, the locking arm 50 is in particular not easily bent on the side of the pressed section 53, and / or the pressing force from the lever 40 can easily be transferred to the side of the section of low stiffness 52.

[0136] Accordingly, the locking arm 50 can be bent particularly easily with the side of the section of low stiffness 52 as the starting point.

[0137] Accordingly, a lever-type connector is provided which can suppress wear and deformation of a detection port during engagement with a mating connector. A housing 30 of a lever-type connector 10 includes, in particular, a locking arm 50 which extends in a projecting manner and which is capable of bending or curving towards a detection port 20; a lever 40 includes a lever-side pressing part 43 which bends the locking arm 50 (as an exemplary bending or curving part) towards the detection port 20 during a process of displacement or relocation (in particular, rotational or pivoting movement) from an engagement start position towards or towards an engagement completion position; and the locking arm 50 includes at least one pressing orpressing section 51, which includes at least one projecting part 54 which presses or compresses the detection port 20 by bending or twisting and separates the detection port 20 away from a counterpart detection port 83, and at least one section of low stiffness 52 which is positioned closer to a proximal end face of the locking arm 50 than the pressing section 51 and which has a lower stiffness or rigidity than the pressing section 51. (Other embodiments)

[0138] The present embodiment can be modified or altered in the following way. The embodiment described above and the following exemplary modifications can be combined to the extent that no technical conflict exists. - In the embodiment described above, the locking arm 50 includes, in particular on the pressing section 51, one or more ribs 56 which extend substantially in the forward-backward direction. Alternatively, the pressing section 51 may include one or more ribs which intersect or cross each other in a mesh-like pattern. - In the embodiment described above, the rib 56 of the locking arm 50 connects in particular the pressing section 51 and the pressed section 53. However, the rib 56 of the pressing section 51 does not necessarily have to connect the pressed section 53. In the embodiment described above, the rib 56 is provided, in particular, on the pressing section 51 of the locking arm 50 to differentiate the stiffness between the pressing section 51 and the section of lower stiffness 52. Alternatively, a portion of the section of lower stiffness 52 of the locking arm 50 may be made thinner to achieve a lower stiffness than the pressing section 51. In this case, the pressing section 51 need not include the rib(s) 56. - In the embodiment described above, the housing 30 includes, in particular, the cover element 32. However, the housing 30 need not include the cover element 32. In this case, the section of low stiffness 52 of the locking arm 50 may, but need not, be at least partially covered by a member or element different from the cover element 32. Reference sign 10 lever-type connectors 20 Detection port 21 flat part 22 Spring part 23 Contact part 30 cases 31 Main housing body 32 Cover element 33 first section receiving a connection or connection receiving section 34 second section receiving a connection or connection receiving section 35 Front end part of the upper wall 36 Insertion groove or slot 37 Rotating shaft or shaft 40 levers 41 plate-shaped part 42 Actuating part 43 Lever-side pressing or pressing part 44 first pressing or pressing part 45 second pressing or pressing part 50 Locking arm (bendable or curved piece) 51 pressing or pressing section 52 Section of low stiffness or rigidity 53 pressed or compressed section 54 outstanding part 55 engaging or engagement locking part 56th rib 57 beveled part 60 Detection element 80 mating connectors 83 Counterpart detection connection QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2007-173164

[0002]

Claims

[1] Lever-type connector (10) capable of engaging with a counterpart connector (80) comprising at least one counterpart detection port (83), wherein the lever-type connector (10) comprises: a case (30); a lever (40) which is fixed to the housing (30) in such a way that it is capable of displacement between an engagement start position and an engagement completion position; and at least one detection terminal (20) which is held inside the housing (30) and which forms a detection circuit by coming into contact with the counterpart detection terminal (20), wherein the housing (30) includes at least one bending piece (50) which extends substantially in a projecting manner and which is capable of bending in the direction of the detection port (20), the lever (40) includes at least one lever-side pressing part (43) which exerts a pressing force for bending the bending piece (50) in the direction of the detection port (20) during a process of displacement from the engagement start position to the engagement completion position, and the bending piece (50) includes at least one pressing section (51) which includes at least one projecting part (54) which presses the detection port (20) and separates the detection port (20) away from the counterpart detection port (20), and a section of low stiffness (52) which is positioned closer to a proximal end face of the bending piece (50) than the pressing section (51) and which has a lower stiffness than the pressing section (51). [2] Lever-type connector according to claim 1, wherein the bending part (50) is made of a plastic. [3] Lever-type connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing section (51) includes at least one rib (56) which extends substantially in an extending direction of the bending piece (50). [4] Lever-type connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (30) includes a cover member (32) which is provided at or near a front end which engages with the counterpart connector (80). [5] Lever-type connector according to claim 4, wherein the bending piece (50) extends substantially backward from a front end of the housing (30), and the low-stiffness section (52) is at least partially covered by the cover member (32). [6] Lever-type connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressing section (51) includes at least one rib (56) which extends substantially in an extending direction of the bending piece (50), and one end of the rib (56) is chamfered near the section (52) of low stiffness. [7] Lever-type connector according to any of the preceding claims and claim 3 or 6, wherein the bending piece (50) includes, at a part closer to a distal end than the pressing section (51), at least one pressed section (53) for receiving a pressing force from the lever-side pressing part (43). [8] Lever-type connector according to claim 7, wherein the rib (56) connects the pressing section (51) and the pressed section (53). [9] Lever-type connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein when the locking arm (50) bends, the projecting part (54) presses the detection port (20), and the detection port (20) can be deformed in a restoring manner. [10] Connector arrangement comprising a lever-type connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a counterpart connector (80) which can be engaged therewith.

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