Lever-type connector

Abstract

Lever-type connector comprising: a connector housing (2) configured to receive electric terminals and to be fitted with a mating housing (3), a lever (6) pivotably mounted to the connector housing (2) between a pre-set position and a set position for fitting the connector housing (2) with the mating housing (3), a first locking arm (11) provided on the connector housing (2), engaging and holding the lever (6) in the set position, the first locking arm (11) being deflectable in a first release direction (R1) to a first release position, in which the lever (6) is disengaged from the first locking arm (11), characterized in that the lever-type connector (1) further comprises a second locking arm (12) provided on the connector housing (2) engaging and holding the lever (6) in the set position, the second locking arm (12) being deflectable in a second release direction (R2) different from the first release direction (R!) to a second release position, in which the lever (6) is disengaged from the second locking arm (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lever-type connector comprising a connector housing, a lever and a first locking arm. The connector housing is configured to receive terminals connected respectively to end portions of electric wires and to be fitted with a mating housing in a mating direction. The lever is pivotably mounted to the connector housing between a pre-set position and a set position for fitting the connector housing with the mating housing by pivoting the lever from the pre-set position to the set position. The first locking arm is provided on the connector housing, engaging and holding the lever in the set position. The first locking arm is deflectable in a first release direction to a first release position, in which the lever is disengaged from the first locking arm.

[0002] Such a conventional lever-type connector is, for instance, described in EP 1 912 293 A1. The described lever-type connector includes a connector housing comprising a cavity block in which terminals, each connected to a wire, are mounted. A wire cover is attached to the cavity block and receives the wires to route the wires as a wire bundle to the exterior in such a manner that the directions of the wires led out from the connector housing toward the wire cover converge in a direction of 90 degrees with respect to the direction of leading-out of the wires. A lever is rotatably (pivotally) mounted on the connector housing so as to be rotated about rotation axis pins on the connector housing.

[0003] A locking arm is formed on the wire cover. The locking arm projects from an outer surface of the wire cover. When the locking arm is pressed, the locking arm is elastically deflected toward the inside of the wire cover.

[0004] In order to connect the lever-type connector with a mating connector, an operator inserts the mating connector into the connector housing, and sets the mating connector in a half-fitting position where cam pins of the mating connector are engaged respectively in cam grooves of the lever. Then, when the lever located in a pre-set position is rotated towards the set position, each cam pin receives a pressing force form the corresponding cam groove as a result of the rotating of the lever, and the mating connector is gradually shifted toward a proper fitting position in the connector housing. Also, when the rotating lever reaches a position just before the set position, the lever presses the locking arm, so that the locking arm is elastically deflected toward the inside of the wire cover into a release position. As a result, the lever is allowed to rotate. When the lever is rotated to the set position, the mating connector is drawn into the proper fitting position. Also, when the lever reaches the set position, the lever ceases to press the locking arm, and the locking arm is elastically restored toward the outside of the wire cover, and locks the lever.

[0005] For canceling the fitted condition of the mating connector, the operator presses the locking arm, and when the lever, located in the set position, is rotated to the pre-set position, the mating connector is retracted from the proper fitting position to the half-fitting position. When the operator separates the mating connector, located in the half-fitting position, from the connector housing, the unmating operation is completed.

[0006] There exist applications in which it is desirable that the locking arm cannot be pushed into its release position by one simple movement. For instance, such a situation may occur if a loose element in a vibrating environment, such as in a vehicle, comes unintentionally in contact with the locking arm, thereby deflecting it to its release position.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a lever-type connector with an increased security against unintended unlocking of the lever.

[0008] The object is achieved by a lever-type connector comprising a connector housing, a lever and a first locking arm. The connector housing is configured to receive terminals connected respectively to end portions of electric wires and to be fitted with a mating housing in a mating direction. The lever is pivotably mounted to the connector housing between a pre-set position and a set position for fitting the connector housing with the mating housing by pivoting the lever from the pre-set position to the set position. The first locking arm is provided on the connector housing, engaging and holding the lever in the set position. The first locking arm is deflectable in a first release direction to a first release position, in which the lever is disengaged from the first locking arm. The lever-type connector further comprises a second locking arm provided on the connector housing. The second locking arm engages and holds the lever in the set position. The second locking arm is deflectable in a second release direction different from the first release direction to a second release position, in which the lever is disengaged from the second locking arm.

[0009] Thus, to unlock the lever both, the first locking arm and the second locking arm, have to be deflected into the first release position and the second release position, respectively. The fact that the first release direction for deflecting the first locking arm to the first release position and the second release direction for deflecting the second locking arm to the second release position are different from each other, prevents the lever from being unlocked by a movement in only one direction. This could happen, for example, if an object accidentally hits one of the locking arms. The locking arms must be deflected in different directions to ensure that only an operator's deliberate action unlocks the lever.

[0010] The first release direction of the first locking arm and the second release direction of the second locking arm can be orientated opposite to each other. Opposite does not necessarily mean that the second release direction is 180 degrees opposite to the first release direction. However, this might be a preferred embodiment.

[0011] The first release direction of the first locking arm and the second release direction of the second locking arm may be orientated opposite to each other in such a way that the locking arms are deflectable into the first and second release position by pushing the locking arms towards each other. In this configuration, the locking arms can be moved into their respective release positions by an operator with just one hand. For instance, the operator can use his thumb and index finger to push the locking arms together.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the lever has a pair of arm portions and an operating portion connecting the arm portions at one end thereof so that the lever is generally U-shaped. The connector housing is arranged between the arm portions. Each of the arm portions is pivotally mounted on the connector housing so as to be rotatable relative to the connector housing about a rotation axis. The arm portions are provided with cam grooves into which cam pins of a mating connector are engaged during a mating operation of the lever-type connector to the mating connector. The lever can be moved by an operator by pushing or pulling the operating portion of the lever.

[0013] In an embodiment the locking arms are disposed between the pair of arm portions of the lever, when the lever is in the set position. Each of the locking arms has an actuating portion which is disposed in the trajectory defined by the pivoting movement of the arm portions. The actuating portion of the first locking arm is arranged in the trajectory defined by a first arm portion of the pair of arm portions. The actuating portion of the second locking arm is arranged in the trajectory defined by a second arm portion of the pair of arm portions.

[0014] Therefore, when pivoting the lever from the pre-set position to the set position, the first arm portion strikes the actuating portion of the first locking arm and the second arm portion strikes the actuating portion of the second locking arm. Thereby, the first and the second locking arm are pushed into their release position.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the lever-type connector, the actuating portions of the locking arms each have an actuating surface which is inclined relative to the trajectory defined by the respective arm portion of the lever such that during the pivotal movement of the lever from the pre-set position to the set position the respective arm portion of the lever rides along the actuating surface and thereby deflects the locking arm towards the release position of the locking arm. The actuation surfaces may be straight or curved.

[0016] Accordingly, the locking arms are pushed to their respective release position automatically by the pivot movement of the lever from its pre-set position to its set position. It is not necessary to deflect the locking arms manually.

[0017] Each locking arm may have a support surface which engages an edge of the respective arm portion of the lever in the set position of the lever, thereby locking the lever in its set position. For disengaging the lever from the locking arms, the locking arms must be deflected to their respective release position by an operator.

[0018] In an embodiment of the lever-type connector, at least one of the arm portions of the lever has a click sound portion against which the respective locking arm strikes when the lever reaches the set position and the locking arm snaps back from the release position to the undeflected position, causing a click sound. It is also conceivable that both arm portions have such a click sound portion.

[0019] Preferably, in the set position of the lever and in the undeflected position of the locking arm, the locking arm is not in permanent contact with the click sound portion. After striking the click sound portion, keeping the locking arm away from the click sound portion will allow the click sound portion to vibrate freely and emit a sound until the vibration ceases.

[0020] The lever-type connector may further comprise a CPA element (connector position assurance element). The CPA element is displaceably mounted on the connector housing between a CPA pre-set position, in which the locking arms are unblocked, and a CPA set position, in which the locking arms are blocked in an undeflected position of the locking arms.

[0021] CPA elements are well known in the art. They facilitate that the operator gets a distinctive sign that a connector is in a fully mated condition to a mating connector. CPA elements further prevent the connector from being unmated unintentionally.

[0022] In the present case, the CPA element prevents the locking arms from being moved to their respective release positions when the CPA element is in the CPA set position.

[0023] The CPA element may comprise a blocking portion which is, in the CPA set position, disposed between the locking arms so that the locking arms cannot be pushed together to their respective release positions.

[0024] The CPA element may further comprise at least one deflectable support arm which, in the CPA pre-set position and in the pre-set position of the lever, is in a locked position supported against the connector housing in a direction towards the CPA set position.

[0025] The support arm, thus, prevents the CPA element from being moved out of the pre-set position into the set position. This position indicates to an operator that the lever-type connector is not fully mated to the mating connector. The CPA element may project beyond an outer surface of the connector housing for a distinctive indication. Further, the CPA element may be noticeably colored, such as red, compared to the connector housing.

[0026] In the set position of the lever and the pre-set position of the CPA element, the lever may hold the support arm in an unlocked position in which the support arm is not supported against the connector housing in a direction towards the CPA set position allowing the CPA element to be moved to the CPA set position.

[0027] Thereby, the CPA element is unlocked by moving the lever into the set position. An operator can then push the CPA element into its set position which indicates the operator that the lever-type connector is fully mated to the mating connector. Preferably, the CPA element is projecting less far from the connector housing in the set position than in the pre-set position.

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1is a perspective view of the lever-type connector and a mating connector in an unmated condition, Figure 2is a perspective view of the lever-type connector and the mating connector according to Figure 1 in a mated condition, Figure 3is an enlarged partial view in the region of the locking arms with the lever in the preset position as in Figure 1 and the locking arms in an undeflected position, Figure 4is an enlarged partial view according to Figure 3 with the lever pushing the locking arms together, Figure 5is an enlarged partial view according to Figure 4 with the lever being moved further towards the set position, Figure 6is an enlarged partial view according to Figure 5 with the lever being in the set position and the locking arms in the undeflected position, Figure 7is an enlarged partial view according to Figure 6 with the lever being in the set position and the locking arms in the release position, Figure 8is a cross-sectional view through the actuating portions of the locking arms, Figure 9is a cross-sectional view through the CPA element in the CPA pre-set position, and Figure 10is a cross-sectional according to Figure 9 with the CPA element in the CPA set position.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 show a lever-type connector 1 with a connector housing 2 configured to receive terminals (not shown) connected respectively to end portions of electric wires (not shown) and to be fitted with a mating housing 3 of a mating connector in a mating direction M.

[0030] The connector housing 2 includes a cavity block 4, a wire cover 5 mounted to the cavity block 4 and a lever 6 pivotably mounted to the wire cover 5. The lever 6 is pivotable between a pre-set position, as shown in Figure 1, and a set position, as shown in Figure 2, for fitting the connector housing 2 with the mating housing 3.

[0031] The cavity block 4 is provided with a plurality of terminal receiving chambers (not show) receiving electric terminals respectively connected to end portions of electric wires (not shown). The terminals can be inserted into the receiving chambers from a terminal insertion side of the cavity block 4 covered by the wire cover 5. The wire cover 5 receives the wires to route the wires as a wire bundle to the exterior in a direction of 90 degrees with respect to the direction of leading-out of the wires and 90 degrees to the mating direction M. It is also conceivable that the wires are led out in an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0032] The lever 6 is rotatable to relative to the wire cover 5 on rotation pins 7 about a rotation axis R on the wire cover 5. The mating housing 3 has an opening 8 for receiving the connector housing 2. On opposite inner sides of the opening 8 cam pins 9 are provided which are configured to enter into cam grooves 10 on opposite inner sides of the lever 6.

[0033] In order to connect the connector housing 2 of the lever-type connector 1 with a mating housing 3 of the mating connector, an operator inserts the connector housing 2 into the opening 8 of the mating connector 3 in the mating direction M. In a half-fitting position, the cam pins 9 of the mating housing 3 are engaged respectively in the cam grooves 10 of the lever 6. Then, the lever 6 located in a pre-set position, as shown in Figure 1, is rotated towards the set position, as shown in Figure 2. Each cam pin 9 receives a pressing force form the corresponding cam groove 10 as a result of the rotating of the lever 6. To facilitate this, the distance of the cam grooves 10 to the rotation pins 7 decreases from a position, in which the cam pins 9 enter the cam grooves 10, to a position, which is reached by the cam pins 9 when the lever 6 has reached the set position. Thereby, the connector housing 2 is gradually pulled toward a complete fitting position in the mating housing 3.

[0034] A deflectable first locking arm 11 is provided on the connector housing 2. In an undeflected position, as shown for example in Figure 2, the first locking arm 11 engages and holds the lever 6 in the set position (Figure 2) of the lever 6. The first locking arm 11 is deflectable in a first release direction (R1) to a first release position as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7. In the first release position the lever 6 is disengaged from the first locking arm 11, as can best be seen in Figure 7.

[0035] The lever-type connector 1 further comprises a deflectable second locking arm 12. The second locking arm 12 is also provided on the connector housing 2. In an undeflected position, as shown for example in Figure 2, the second locking arm 12 also engages and holds the lever 6 in the set position (Figure 2) of the lever 6. The second locking arm 12 is deflectable in a second release direction (R2) to a second release position as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7. In the second release position the lever 6 is disengaged from the second locking arm 12, as can best be seen in Figure 7. The second release direction R2 is different from the first release direction R1.

[0036] In the disclosed embodiment, the first release direction R1 of the first locking arm 11 and the second release direction R2 of the second locking arm 12 are orientated opposite to each other. The release directions R1, R2 are opposite to each other in a direction, that the first locking arm 11 and the second locking arm 12 have to be pushed together to move the locking arms 11, 12 to their respective release position. It is also conceivable that the locking arms 11, 12 have to be pushed away from each other to move the locking arms 11, 12 to their respective release position. Alternatively, the release directions R1, R2 can be arranged such that they enclose an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0037] Also, when the rotating lever 6 reaches a position just before the set position, the lever 6 presses the locking arms 11, 12, so that the locking arms 11, 12 are elastically deflected toward the inside of the wire cover 5 into the release positions. As a result, the lever 6 is allowed to further rotate. When the lever 6 is rotated to the set position, the lever-type connector 1 is drawn into the mating housing 3 into the proper fitting position. Also, when the lever 6 reaches the set position, the lever 6 ceases to press the locking arms 11, 12, and the locking arms 11, 12 are elastically restored toward the outside of the wire cover 5, and lock the lever 6.

[0038] For canceling the fitted condition of the lever-type connector 1, the operator presses the locking arms 11, 12, and when the lever 6, located in the set position, is rotated to the pre-set position, the lever-type connector 1 is retracted from the mating housing 3 and from the proper fitting position to a half-fitting position. When the operator separates the lever-type connector 1 from the mating housing 3, located in the half-fitting position, the unmating operation is completed.

[0039] The lever 6 has a pair of arm portions, a first arm portion 13 and a second arm portion14. The arm portions 13, 14 are shaped plate-like and are arranged parallel to each other. The arm portions 13, 14 are connected by an operating portion 15 at respective ends of the arm portions 13, 14. Overall, the lever 6 has a U-shape. The arm portions 13, 14 are on opposite sides of the connector housing 2 so that the connector housing 2 is arranged between the pair of arm portions 13, 14. The operating portion 15 spans form the first arm portion 13 to the second arm portion 14 over the wire cover 5.

[0040] The locking arms 11, 12 are arranged such on the connector housing 2 that in the set position of the lever 6 (Figure 2) the locking arms 11, 12 are disposed between the pair of arm portions 13, 14 of the lever 6. The first locking arm 11 and the second locking arm 12 have a first actuating portion 16 and a second actuating portion 17, respectively. The locking arms 11, 12 are arranged such relative to the lever 6 that the actuating portions 16, 17 are disposed in the trajectory defined by the pivoting movement of the arm portions 13, 14. Each of the actuating portions 16, 17 is, therefore, arranged in the moving path of one of the arm portions 13, 14.

[0041] The first actuating portion 16 and the second actuating portion 17 have a first actuating surface 18 and a second actuating surface 19, respectively. The actuating surfaces 18, 19 are inclined relative to the trajectory (the path) defined by the respective arm portion 13, 14 of the lever 6 such that during the pivoting movement of the lever 6, the arm portions 13, 14 of the lever 6 ride along the respective actuating surfaces 18, 19 of the actuating portions 16, 17 of the locking arms 11, 12. Thereby the locking arms 11, 12 are deflected towards their respective release position. In the shown embodiment, the actuating surfaces 18, 19 are formed convex.

[0042] When the lever 6 reaches the set position the locking arms 11, 12 snap back to their undeflected position. The first locking arm 11 and the second locking arm 12 have a first support surface 20 and a second support surface 21, respectively. The support surfaces 20, 21 each engage an edge 30, 31 of the respective arm portion 13, 14 of the lever 6 in the set position of the lever 6, as can best be seen in Figures 2, 6 and 8. The support surfaces 20, 21 can be in contact with the edges 30, 31 of the arm portions 13, 14 or can be arranged in a distance thereof, as long as the support surfaces 20, 21 are arranged in the trajectory (the path) defined by the respective arm portion 13, 14 of the lever 6 during the pivoting movement of the lever 6 from the set position to the pre-set position.

[0043] Each arm portion 13, 14 of the lever 6 has a click sound portion 22, 23 against which the respective locking arm 11, 12 strikes when the lever 6 reaches the set position and the locking arms 11, 12 snap back from their release position to their undeflected position, thereby causing a click sound. It is also conceivable that only one of the arm portions 13, 14 has such a click sound portion 22, 23.

[0044] In the set position of the lever 6 and in the undeflected position of the locking arms 11, 12, the locking arms 11, 12 are not contact with the respective click sound portion 22, 23. During snapping back from the release positions first the locking arms 11, 12 are deflected further beyond their undeflected positions due to their mass moment of inertia and reach and strike the click sound portions 22, 23 of the arm portions 13, 14. After the locking arms 11, 12 have struck the click sound portions 22, 23 the locking arms 11, 12 move back to their undeflected positions. Hence, the locking arms 11, 12 keep a distance from the click sound portions 22, 23 allowing the click sound portion 22, 23 to vibrate freely and emit a sound until the vibration ceases.

[0045] The lever-type connector 1 further comprise a CPA element 24 (connector position assurance element). The CPA element 24 is displaceably mounted on the connector housing 2 between a CPA pre-set position, as shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 9, in which the locking arms 11, 12 are unblocked, and a CPA set position, as shown in Figure 6 and 10, in which the locking arms 11, 12 are blocked in the undeflected position of the locking arms 11, 12. In the CPA set position, the CPA element 24 prevents the locking arms 11, 12 from being moved to their respective release positions. Thereby, the lever 6 cannot be moved unintentionally from the set position to the pre-set position.

[0046] As can best be seen in Figure 9 and 10, the CPA element 24 has a blocking portion 25 in form of a partition wall. In the CPA set position of the CPA element 24, the blocking portion 25 is disposed between the locking arms 11, 12 so that the locking arms 11, 12 cannot be pushed together to their respective release positions. In the CPA pre-set position of the CPA element 24, the blocking portion 25 is outside the gap defined between the locking arms 11, 12.

[0047] To make sure that the CPA element 24 can only be moved from the CPA pre-set position to the CPA set position if the lever 6 is in its set position, the CPA element 24 has two deflectable support arms 26, 27. While the CPA element 24 is in the CPA pre-set position and the lever 6 is int the pre-set position, the support arms 26, 27 are in locked positions supported against the connector housing 2 in a direction towards the CPA set position of the CPA element 24 (Figure 9). It is also conceivable that the CPA element 24 has just one support arm 26, 27.

[0048] The support arms 26, 27, thus, prevent the CPA element 24 from being moved out of the pre-set position before the lever 6 has been moved to the set position. In the pre-set position the CPA element 24 project beyond an outer surface of the connector housing 2, as can best be seen in Figures 3 to 5, indicating to an operator that the lever-type connector 1 is not fully mated to the mating connector.

[0049] In the set position of the lever 6 and the pre-set position of the CPA element 24, releasing portions 28, 29 on the arm portions 13, 14 of the lever 6 push the support arms 26, 27 inwardly, thereby lifting the support arms 26, 27 off the support against the connector housing 2. This allows the CPA element 24 to be moved to the CPA set position. To move the CPA element 24 to the set position the operator pushes the CPA element 24 down. In the CPA set position, the CPA element 24 is almost flush with an outside of the connector housing 2 indicates the operator that the lever-type connector 1 is fully mated to the mating connector.

[0050] To move the lever 6 from the set position to the pre-set position, first the operator has to move the CPA element 24 back from the CPA set position (Figure 10) to the CPA pre-set position (Figure 9). In this position, the locking arms 11, 12 can be pushed together, as depicted in Figure 7, so that the lever 6 can pass the actuation portions 16, 17 of the locking arms 11, 12 while being moved from the set position to the pre-set position.Reference Numerals

[0051] 1lever-type connector 2connector housing 3mating housing 4cavity block 5wire cover 6lever 7rotation pin 8opening 9cam pin 10cam groove 11first locking arm 12second locking arm 13first arm portion 14second arm portion 15operating portion 16first actuating portion 17second actuating portion 18first actuating surface 19second actuating surface 20first support surface 21second support surface 22click sound portion 23click sound portion 24CPA element 25blocking portion 26support arm 27support arm 28releasing portion 29releasing portion 30edge 31edge Mmating direction Rrotation axis R1first release direction R2second release direction

Claims

1. Lever-type connector comprising: a connector housing (2) configured to receive electric terminals and to be fitted with a mating housing (3), a lever (6) pivotably mounted to the connector housing (2) between a pre-set position and a set position for fitting the connector housing (2) with the mating housing (3), a first locking arm (11) provided on the connector housing (2), engaging and holding the lever (6) in the set position, the first locking arm (11) being deflectable in a first release direction (R1) to a first release position, in which the lever (6) is disengaged from the first locking arm (11), characterized in that the lever-type connector (1) further comprises a second locking arm (12) provided on the connector housing (2) engaging and holding the lever (6) in the set position, the second locking arm (12) being deflectable in a second release direction (R2) different from the first release direction (R1) to a second release position, in which the lever (6) is disengaged from the second locking arm (12).

2. Lever-type connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the first release direction (R1) of the first locking arm (11) and the second release direction (R2) of the second locking arm (12) are orientated opposite to each other.

3. Lever-type connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the first locking arm (11) and the second locking arm (12) are deflectable into the first release position and second release position, respectively, by pushing the locking arms (11, 12) towards each other.

4. Lever-type connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lever (6) has a pair of arm portions (13, 14) and an operating portion (15) connecting the pair of arm portions (13, 14).

5. Lever-type connector according to claim 4, characterized in that in the set position of the lever (6) the locking arms (11, 12) are disposed between the pair of arm portions (13, 14) of the lever (6), and that each locking arm (11, 12) has an actuating portion (16, 17) which is disposed in the trajectory defined by the pivoting movement of one of the arm portions (13, 14).

6. Lever-type connector according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the actuating portions (16, 17) of the locking arms (11, 12) each have an actuating surface (18, 19) which is inclined relative to the trajectory defined by the respective arm portion (13, 14) of the lever (6) such that during the pivotal movement of the lever (6) the respective arm portion (13, 14) of the lever (6) rides along the actuating surface (18, 19) and thereby deflects the locking arm (11, 12) towards the release position of the locking arm (11, 12).

7. Lever-type connector according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that each locking arm (11, 12) has a support surface (20, 21) which engages an edge (30, 31) of the respective arm portion (13, 14) of the lever (6) in the set position of the lever (6).

8. Lever-type connector according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the arm portions (13, 14) of the lever (6) has a click sound portion (22, 23) against which the respective locking arm (11, 12) strikes when the lever (6) reaches the set position and the locking arm (11, 12) snaps back from the release position to the undeflected position.

9. Lever-type connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a CPA element (24) is displaceably mounted on the connector housing (2) between a CPA pre-set position, in which the locking arms (11, 12) are unblocked, and a CPA set position, in which the locking arms (11, 12) are blocked in an undeflected position of the locking arms (11, 12).

10. Lever-type connector according to claim 9, characterized in that the CPA element (24) comprises a blocking portion (25) which is, in the CPA set position, disposed between the locking arms (11, 12).

11. Lever-type connector according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the CPA element (24) has at least one deflectable support arm (26, 27), and that, in the CPA pre-set position and in the pre-set position of the lever (6), the at least one support arm (26, 27) is in a locked position supported against the connector housing (2) in a direction towards the CPA set position.

12. Lever-type connector according to claim 11, characterized in that, in the set position of the lever (6) and the pre-set position of the CPA element (24), the lever (6) holds the at least one support arm (26, 27) in an unlocked position in which the support arm (26, 27) is unsupported against the connector housing (2) in a direction towards the CPA set position allowing the CPA element (24) to be moved to the CPA set position.

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