Lever-type connector

Abstract

To provide a lever-type connector capable of more reliably ensuring a time lag occurring between switching of a sub-switch from an ON state to an OFF state and switching of a main switch from an ON state to an OFF state.SOLUTION: A lever type connector 1 includes a first housing 21, a second housing 31, a main switch 54, a sub-switch 64, a lever 4, and a detachment force applying mechanism 92. The detachment force applying mechanism 92 includes: a cam portion 413; and a cam receiving portion 2152 in contact with the cam portion 413. In a state where the lever 4 is positioned at a second position, a cam surface 4131 of the cam portion 413 is prevented from becoming in contact with a cam receiving surface 21521 of the cam receiving portion 2152. Furthermore, when the lever 4 is rotated to a third position or to a position closer to the first position than the third position, the cam surface 4131 is brought into contact with the cam receiving surface 21521.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever-type connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional lever-type connector of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, the lever-type connector includes a first housing, a second housing that is fitted to and disengaged from the first housing, and a lever that is rotatably attached to the second housing.

[0003] The device is configured such that, when the lever is operated in one direction while the second housing is temporarily held in the first housing, the second housing is pulled into the first housing and the first and second housings are mated together. On the other hand, when the lever is operated in the opposite direction while the second housing is mated to the first housing, the second housing is pulled out of the first housing and the mating between the first and second housings is released.

[0004] In this way, by using a lever-type connector, the lever can assist the insertion and removal of the second housing into and from the first housing.

[0005] Furthermore, the first housing is provided with a first main terminal, and the second housing is provided with a second main terminal that moves in contact with and away from the first main terminal. The first main terminal and the second main terminal are electrically connected when the second housing is fitted into the first housing, and the first main terminal and the second main terminal are separated when the second housing is removed from the first housing. Thus, the lever-type connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a main switch that is configured with the first main terminal and the second main terminal and that switches the main circuit on and off.

[0006] The first housing is provided with a first sub-terminal, and the lever is provided with a second sub-terminal that moves in contact with and away from the first sub-terminal. Rotating the lever in one direction brings the first main terminal and the second main terminal into electrical contact, and rotating the lever in the other direction moves the first main terminal and the second main terminal away from each other. Thus, the lever-type connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided with a sub-switch that is made up of the first sub-terminal and the second sub-terminal and that switches the sub-circuit on and off.

[0007] When the lever is operated in the opposite direction with the second housing fitted into the first housing, the sub-switch is switched from the on state to the off state, and then the main switch is switched from the on state to the off state.

[0008] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, a time lag is created between the switching of the sub-switch from the on state to the off state and the switching of the main switch from the on state to the off state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-202028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In such a lever-type connector, it is preferable to more reliably ensure the time lag that occurs between switching the sub-switch from the on state to the off state and switching the main switch from the on state to the off state.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems inherent in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lever-type connector that can more reliably eliminate the time lag that occurs between switching the sub-switch from the on state to the off state and switching the main switch from the on state to the off state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A lever-type connector according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first housing, a second housing that is mated with and disengaged from the first housing, a main switch having a first main terminal provided in the first housing and a second main terminal provided in the second housing that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first main terminal, a sub-switch having a first sub-terminal provided in the first housing and a second sub-terminal that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first sub-terminal, and a front-mounted connector attached to the second housing so as to be rotatable between a first position in which the second housing is detached from the first housing and the main switch and the sub-switch are in an off state, and a second position in which the second housing is mated with the first housing and the main switch and the sub-switch are in an on state. The device comprises a lever on which the second sub-terminal is provided, and a separation force applying mechanism capable of applying a separation force between the second housing and the first housing when the lever is rotated from the second position toward the first position, the separation force applying mechanism comprising a cam portion and a cam receiving portion with which the cam portion contacts, and when the lever is positioned at the second position, the cam surface of the cam portion does not contact the cam receiving surface of the cam receiving portion, and when the lever is rotated from the second position to a third position where the second housing is fitted into the first housing and the main switch is in the on state but the sub-switch is in the off state, or when the lever is rotated further toward the first position than the third position, the cam surface comes into contact with the cam receiving surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a lever-type connector can be provided that can more reliably ensure the time lag that occurs between switching the sub-switch from the on state to the off state and switching the main switch from the on state to the off state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lever-type connector according to an embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment as viewed from another direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, seen from one direction, of a state in which the second connector to which the lever according to the embodiment is attached is separated from the first connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector according to the embodiment as viewed from one direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second connector according to the embodiment as viewed from one direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a lever according to an embodiment, as viewed from one direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a lever according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a main circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a sub-circuit according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the lever-type connector according to the embodiment in a disengaged state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the main switch when the lever-type connector according to the embodiment is in a disconnected state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing a state in which the lever of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is rotated from the first position to the second position and the first cam portion is brought into contact with the first cam receiver. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a side view showing the fully fitted state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the state of the main switch when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully fitted state. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the sub-switch when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully mated state. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing an engaged state of the sub-lock release operation portion when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully fitted state. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an engaged state of the sub-lock release operation portion when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully fitted state. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the sub-lock release operation portion and the restriction wall when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully fitted state. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the sub-lock release operation portion and the restriction wall when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully fitted state. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view showing the positional relationship between the sub-lock release operation portion and the restriction wall when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully fitted state. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the sub-lock portion when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a fully fitted state. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side view showing a temporary mated state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the sub-lock portion when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a provisionally fitted state. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the state of the sub-switch when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a provisionally mated state. [Figure 25]FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the sub-lock release operation portion and the restriction wall when the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is in a provisionally fitted state. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a side view showing a state in which the lever of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment is rotated from the third position toward the first position and the second cam portion is brought into contact with the second cam receiver. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the rotation angle of the lever of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment when the lever is rotated from the second position to the third position. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the rotation angle of the lever of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment when the lever is rotated from the second position until the second cam portion comes into contact with the second cam receiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The lever-type connector according to the present embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of convenience and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0016] In the following description, the direction in which the second housing moves relative to the first housing when fitting or removing the second housing from the first housing (the fitting direction of the second housing into the first housing) is defined as the up-down direction. The up-down direction of each component is defined in the description when the second housing is positioned above and the first housing is positioned below.

[0017] In addition, the longitudinal direction of the first and second housings is defined as the front-rear direction, the lateral direction of the first and second housings (the direction in which the pivot shaft of the lever extends) is defined as the width direction, and the side where the connecting part is located when the lever is closed is defined as the front in the front-rear direction.

[0018] 1 to 3, the lever-type connector 1 according to this embodiment includes a first connector 2 having a first housing 21, and a second connector 3 having a second housing 31 that fits into and separates from the first housing 21. Furthermore, the lever-type connector 1 includes a lever 4 that is rotatably attached to the second housing 31.

[0019] By rotating the lever 4 that is rotatably attached to the second housing 31, the second housing 31 can be inserted into or removed from the first housing 21. In other words, by rotating the lever 4, the second housing 31 can be fitted into or removed from the first housing 21.

[0020] In this way, in this embodiment, by using the lever-type connector 1, the lever 4 can assist in inserting and removing (joining and separating) the second housing 31 into the first housing 21. Therefore, the lever-type connector 1 according to this embodiment functions as an LIF (Low Insertion Force) connector that joins the second connector 3 to the first connector 2 with a low insertion force by operating the lever 4.

[0021] 4, the first housing 21 includes a first accommodating cylindrical portion 211, and a first accommodating space 2111 is formed so as to penetrate the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211 includes a front wall 213, a rear wall 214, and a pair of side walls 215 connecting the widthwise ends of the front wall 213 and the rear wall 214, and has a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0022] Furthermore, a retaining wall 216 capable of retaining first high-voltage terminals (first main terminals) 22 is formed within the first accommodating space 2111 of the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211. The pair of first high-voltage terminals (first main terminals) 22 is retained by this retaining wall 216, so that the pair of first high-voltage terminals (first main terminals) 22 is accommodated and held within the first housing 21. As described above, in this embodiment, a first main terminal accommodating chamber 21111 defined by the inner surface of the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211 and the surface of the retaining wall 216 is formed within the first accommodating space 2111. The pair of first high-voltage terminals (first main terminals) 22 are accommodated and held in the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211 by inserting the pair of first high-voltage terminals (first main terminals) 22 into the first main terminal accommodating chamber 21111 from below, respectively.

[0023] The first housing 21 also includes a flange portion 212 extending so as to protrude outward from the vertical center of the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211. In this embodiment, the flange portion 212 extends so as to protrude on both sides in the front-to-rear direction from the vertical center of the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211. A bolt insertion hole 2121 is formed in this flange portion 212, and a bolt (not shown) inserted through the bolt insertion hole 2121 can be screwed into a bolt hole in a case of the power supply device or the like, thereby attaching the first housing 21 to the power supply device or the like.

[0024] In this embodiment, a pair of terminal blocks 2122 extending upward are formed side by side in the width direction on the flange portion 212 located on the front side in the front-rear direction of the first housing 21. Each terminal block 2122 is formed with a first sub-terminal accommodating chamber 21221 that penetrates in the up-down direction, and a first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 25 is inserted into this first sub-terminal accommodating chamber 21221. In this embodiment, the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 25 is accommodated and held in the terminal block 2122 by inserting the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 25 into the first sub-terminal accommodating chamber 21221 from below.

[0025] The first housing 21 can be made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0026] The first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 is formed of a bus bar and includes a terminal plate portion 221 located at the top in the vertical direction and a connection portion 222 connected to the bottom end of the terminal plate portion 221. The first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 can be formed, for example, by punching a metal plate into a predetermined shape and then bending the punched metal plate. The connection portion 222 is formed with a bolt insertion hole 2221 through which the bolt 23 is inserted. In this embodiment, the bolt 23 includes a head portion 232 and a shaft portion 231. The bolt 23 is held in the connection portion 222 by inserting the shaft portion 231 of the bolt 23 into the bolt insertion hole 2221.

[0027] The shaft 231 of the bolt 23 held in the connection portion 222 is inserted into the insertion hole formed in the connection terminal portion 5321 of the terminal-equipped electric wire 53 and fastened with a nut 24, so that the terminal-equipped electric wire 53 is electrically connected to the connection portion 222.

[0028] In this embodiment, a notch 2153 is formed in the lower end of the side wall 215, and a notch 2162 is formed in the lower end of the holding wall 216. This makes it possible to insert the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 into the first main terminal accommodating chamber 21111 from below while the bolt 23 is held in the connecting portion 222.

[0029] In this embodiment, a terminal 632 of a terminal-attached electric wire 63 (described later) is used as a first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 25.

[0030] 5, the second housing 31 includes a second accommodating cylindrical portion 311, and a second accommodating space 3111 is formed so as to penetrate the second accommodating cylindrical portion 311 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the second accommodating cylindrical portion 311 includes a front wall 313, a rear wall 314, and a pair of side walls 315 connecting the widthwise ends of the front wall 313 and the rear wall 314, and has a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0031] Further, a retaining wall 316 capable of retaining the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is formed within the second accommodating space 3111 of the second accommodating cylindrical portion 311. The second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is retained by the retaining wall 316, so that the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is accommodated and held within the second housing 31. As described above, in this embodiment, a second main terminal accommodating chamber 31111 defined by the inner surface of the second accommodating cylindrical portion 311 and the surface of the retaining wall 316 is formed within the second accommodating space 3111. The second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is accommodated and held in the second accommodating cylindrical portion 311 by inserting the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 into the second main terminal accommodating chamber 31111 from above.

[0032] In this embodiment, the rear portion of the second housing 31 is formed with an extension wall 317 that protrudes upward and rearward.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second housing 31 includes a lid portion 312, which is attached to the second tubular accommodating portion 311 from above. In this embodiment, hook portions 3121 are formed on both side portions in the front-to-rear direction of the lid portion 312. The lid portion 312 is attached to the second tubular accommodating portion 311 by engaging the hook portions 3121 with an engagement frame 3131 formed on the front wall 313 and an engagement frame 3141 formed on the rear wall 314 of the second tubular accommodating portion 311.

[0034] Such a second housing 31 can also be made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0035] The second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is formed of a bus bar and includes a flat plate portion 321 located at the top in the vertical direction, and contact pieces 322 extending downward from both ends in the width direction of the flat plate portion 321. This second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 can also be formed, for example, by punching a metal plate into a predetermined shape and then bending it.

[0036] A bent piece 3221 that bends outward in the width direction is formed at the lower end of the contact piece 322, and the bent portion of the contact piece 322 forms a contact portion 32211 that comes into contact with the terminal plate portion 221 of the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22. In this embodiment, four contact pieces 322 are formed on each side in the width direction so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction.

[0037] The second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is inserted into the second housing space 3111 from above, and the flat portion 321 is placed on the retaining wall 316, so that the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is housed and held in the second housing space 3111. In this embodiment, the cover 312 is formed with a clamping rib 3122 that protrudes downward. When the cover 312 is attached to the second housing cylindrical portion 311 that houses and holds the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32, the flat portion 321 is clamped between the retaining wall 316 and the clamping rib 3122.

[0038] The second high-voltage terminal 32 housed and held in the second accommodating cylindrical portion 311 is configured to be electrically connected to a pair of first high-voltage terminals 22 housed and held in the first accommodating cylindrical portion 211 when the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21.

[0039] In this embodiment, a tapered portion 2161 that narrows upward is formed at the upper end of the retaining wall 216 formed in the first housing space 2111 of the first tubular housing portion 211. When the second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21, the contact piece 322 is inserted into the first tubular housing portion 211 while elastically deforming outward in the width direction along the tapered portion 2161. This ensures reliable connection between the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 and the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32.

[0040] As described above, the lever 4 is attached to the second housing 31 of the second connector 3 so as to be able to rotate.

[0041] The lever 4 includes a pair of arm portions 41 and a connecting portion 42 that connects the front ends of the pair of arm portions 41 together.

[0042] The pair of arm portions 41 are plate-shaped with the thickness direction substantially aligned with the width direction, and each of the pair of arm portions 41 has a bearing hole 411 formed therethrough in the thickness direction (width direction). A lever support shaft 3151 formed in the side wall 315 of the second housing 31 is inserted into the bearing hole 411, so that the lever 4 is rotatably attached to the second housing 31. In this embodiment, the lever support shaft 3151 is formed in each of the pair of side walls 315 of the second housing 31 so as to protrude outward (in the normal direction to the side surface of the side wall 315). The lever support shaft 3151 is formed in approximately the center (the center in the front-rear direction and the center in the up-down direction) of the side wall 315 of the second housing 31.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an engagement step 4111 is formed on the inner side in the width direction of the bearing hole 411, and an engagement piece 31511 is formed on the outer side in the width direction of the lever support shaft 3151. When the lever 4 is rotatably attached to the second housing 31, the engagement piece 31511 is adapted to engage with the engagement step 4111. This makes it possible to restrict the arm portion 41 of the lever 4 from moving in a direction away from the side wall 315 of the second housing 31.

[0044] Furthermore, an operating portion 421 for rotating the lever 4 is formed on the connecting portion 42, and a handle 4211 that protrudes forward is formed on the front end of the operating portion 421. This allows the lever 4 to be rotated by hooking a finger or nail on the handle 4211.

[0045] 6 and 7, the connecting portion 42 includes a third accommodating cylindrical portion 422, and a third accommodating space 4221 is formed in the third accommodating cylindrical portion 422 so as to open downward. In this embodiment, the third accommodating cylindrical portion 422 includes a front wall 423, a rear wall 424, and a pair of side walls 425 that connect the widthwise ends of the front wall 423 and the rear wall 424, and has a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0046] Furthermore, a retaining wall 426 capable of retaining the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 is formed within the third accommodating space 4221 of the third accommodating cylindrical portion 422. The second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 is retained by this retaining wall 426, so that the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 is accommodated and retained within the connecting portion 42. As described above, in the present embodiment, a second sub-terminal accommodating chamber 42211 defined by the inner surface of the third accommodating cylindrical portion 422 and the surface of the retaining wall 426 is formed within the third accommodating space 4221. The second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 is accommodated and retained in the third accommodating cylindrical portion 422 by inserting the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 into the second sub-terminal accommodating chamber 42211 from below.

[0047] Such a lever 4 can also be made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0048] The second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 has a shape in which a pair of tab portions 432 are connected by a connecting portion 431. This second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 can also be formed, for example, by punching a metal plate into a predetermined shape and then bending the punched metal plate.

[0049] Then, the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 is inserted into the third accommodating space 4221 from below, and the connecting portion 431 is held by the retaining wall 426, so that the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 is accommodated and held within the third accommodating space 4221.

[0050] The second signal terminal 43 housed and held within the third housing tube portion 422 is adapted to be electrically connected to a pair of first signal terminals 25 housed and held in the terminal block 2122 when the lever 4 is rotated and the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21.

[0051] In this manner, in this embodiment, the second housing 31 is configured to fit into the first housing 21 by rotating the lever 4 from the first position shown in FIG. 10 to the second position shown in FIG.

[0052] Then, by rotating the lever 4 and fitting the second housing 31 into the first housing 21, the first high-voltage terminal 22 and the second high-voltage terminal 32 are electrically connected, and the first signal terminal 25 and the second signal terminal 43 are electrically connected.

[0053] Therefore, when the lever 4 is in the first position, the second housing 31 is separated from the first housing 21. Furthermore, when the lever 4 is in the first position, the second high-voltage terminal 32 is separated from the first high-voltage terminal 22, and the second signal terminal 43 is separated from the first signal terminal 25.

[0054] On the other hand, when the lever 4 is in the second position, the second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21. Furthermore, when the lever 4 is in the second position, the second high-voltage terminal 32 is electrically connected to the first high-voltage terminal 22, and the second signal terminal 43 is electrically connected to the first signal terminal 25.

[0055] Furthermore, a mating force applying mechanism 91 is provided that can apply a mating force between the second housing 31 and the first housing 21 when the lever 4 is rotated from the first position to the second position. This applies a force that draws the second housing 31 into the first housing 21, making it possible to easily fit the second housing 31 into the first housing 21.

[0056] In this embodiment, the fitting force applying mechanism 91 is made up of a first cam portion 412 formed on the upper rear end of the arm portion 41 of the lever 4 and a first cam receiver 2151 formed on the upper rear end of the side wall 215 of the first housing 21. That is, when the lever 4 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the first cam surface 4121 of the first cam portion 412 comes into contact with the first cam receiver surface 21511 of the first cam receiver 2151. This applies a force that draws the second housing 31 into the first housing 21.

[0057] In addition, a separation force applying mechanism 92 is provided that can apply a separation force between the second housing 31 and the first housing 21 when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position. This applies a force that pulls the second housing 31 out of the first housing 21, making it possible to easily separate the second housing 31 from the first housing 21.

[0058] In this embodiment, the separation force application mechanism 92 is made up of the second cam portion 413 formed on the lower rear end of the arm portion 41 of the lever 4 and the second cam receiver 2152 formed in the center of the side wall 215 of the first housing 21. That is, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the second cam surface 4131 of the second cam portion 413 comes into contact with the second cam receiver surface 21521 of the second cam receiver 2152. This applies a force that pulls the second housing 31 out of the first housing 21.

[0059] In this manner, in this embodiment, the separation force imparting mechanism 92 is formed at a position different from that of the fitting force imparting mechanism 91.

[0060] In this way, in this embodiment, the so-called "principle of leverage" is utilized, and by operating the lever 4 with a small operating force, the second housing 31 can be easily fitted into the first housing 21.

[0061] In this embodiment, when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the main locking portion 7 prevents the lever 4 from rotating in the first direction. Specifically, a main locking piece 2154 having a hook portion 21541 is formed at the upper front end of the side wall 215 of the first housing 21, and a locking protrusion 414 is formed on the inner front side of the arm portion 41 of the lever 4. When the lever 4 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the locking protrusion 414 is locked by the hook portion 21541, preventing the lever 4 from rotating in the first direction. In the following, a state in which the lever 4 is positioned at the second position and locked by the main locking portion 7 will be described as a fully mated state of the lever-type connector 1. A state in which the lever 4 is positioned at the first position and the second housing 31 is extracted from the first tubular receiving portion 211 of the first housing 21, leaving only a portion of the second housing 31, will be described as a detached state of the lever-type connector 1.

[0062] In addition, the flange portion 212 of the first housing 21 is formed with a rotation restriction wall 2125 against which the lever 4 can abut to restrict further rotation when the lever 4 is positioned in the second position.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lever-type connector 1 is provided with a sub-lock portion 8 that can restrict the rotation of the lever 4 while the lever 4 is being rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0064] Specifically, a pair of sub-lock pieces 427 are formed on the connecting portion 42 of the lever 4. The sub-lock piece 427 includes a sub-lock piece main body 4271 extending rearward and upward from the lower end of the rear wall 424, and a sub-lock protrusion 42711 formed in the center of the sub-lock piece main body 4271 so as to protrude rearward. A locking recess 3132 is formed in the front wall 313 of the second accommodating cylindrical portion 311 of the second housing 31, into which the sub-lock protrusion 42711 is locked. When the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock protrusion 42711 is locked in the locking recess 3132, thereby restricting the rotation of the lever 4 toward the first position. At this time, the first high-voltage terminal 22 and the second high-voltage terminal 32 are electrically connected, but the second signal terminal 43 is spaced apart from the first signal terminal 25.

[0065] The position of the lever 4 when the sub-lock protrusion 42711 is locked in the locking recess 3132 will be described as the third position. Therefore, when the lever 4 is in the third position, the second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21. Furthermore, when the lever 4 is in the third position, the second high-voltage terminal 32 is electrically connected to the first high-voltage terminal 22, but the second signal terminal 43 is spaced apart from the first signal terminal 25.

[0066] Furthermore, a state in which the lever 4 is disposed in the third position and the sub-lock protrusion 42711 is locked in the locking recess 3132 will be described as a provisionally mated state of the lever-type connector 1.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a connecting portion 428 is formed that connects the upper ends of the pair of sub-lock pieces 427 (sub-lock piece main bodies 4271), and a sub-lock release operation portion 4281 is formed on this connecting portion 428. Then, by moving the sub-lock release operation portion 4281 forward, the engagement between the sub-lock protrusion 42711 and the engagement recess 3132 is released, and rotation of the lever 4 toward the first position is permitted.

[0068] In addition, an engagement portion 4282 is formed on the sub-lock release operating portion 4281, and when the lever 4 is positioned in the second position, the engagement portion 4282 is adapted to engage with the engaged portion 3123 formed on the lid portion 312.

[0069] As described above, the lever-type connector 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that the second housing 31 can be fitted to and separated from the first housing 21 by rotating the lever 4 between the first position and the second position. By fitting the second housing 31 to the first housing 21, the pair of first high-voltage terminals 22 are electrically connected to each other by the second high-voltage terminals 32. Furthermore, by removing the second housing 31 from the first housing 21, the electrical connection between the pair of first high-voltage terminals 22 by the second high-voltage terminals 32 is released.

[0070] Furthermore, by rotating the lever 4 to the second position, the pair of first signal terminals 25 are electrically connected to each other by the second signal terminal 43. Moreover, by rotating the lever 4 from the second position to the third position, the electrical connection between the pair of first signal terminals 25 by the second signal terminal 43 is released.

[0071] This lever-type connector 1 can be used as a power circuit breaker, also known as a service plug, to cut off the flow of electricity between the power source and the load in order to ensure work safety during maintenance of the electrical system in vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

[0072] If the lever-type connector 1 is used as such a power supply circuit breaker, it is possible to allow current to flow between the power supply and the load by joining the second housing 31 to the first housing 21. Furthermore, it is possible to cut off current flow between the power supply and the load by separating the second housing 31 from the first housing 21.

[0073] At this time, the pair of first high voltage terminal 22 and second high voltage terminal 32 functions as a main switch 54 that constitutes part of power supply circuit (main circuit) 5.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply circuit 5 can be formed by connecting a power source 51 and a load 52 to terminal-attached electric wires 53 fastened with nuts 24 to the shaft portions 231 of bolts 23 held by the connection portions 222 of a pair of first high-voltage terminals 22.

[0075] The electric wire with terminal 53 is formed by crimping a terminal 532 to an electric wire 531 having a conductor 5311 and a covering portion 5312 covering the conductor 5311. In this embodiment, the terminal 532 includes a connection terminal portion 5321 and an electric wire crimping portion 5322, and the conductor 5311 exposed from the covering portion 5312 is crimped and connected to the electric wire crimping portion 5322. The shank 231 of the bolt 23 is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the connection terminal portion 5321 and fastened with a nut 24, so that the electric wire with terminal 53 is electrically connected to the first high-voltage terminal 22.

[0076] Furthermore, the pair of first signal terminal 25 and second signal terminal 43 functions as a sub-switch 64 that constitutes a part of the signal circuit (sub-circuit) 6.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 9, the signal circuit 6 can be formed by connecting a load 61 and a load 62 to a pair of electric wires 63 with terminals, respectively.

[0078] The electric wire with terminal 63 is formed by crimping a terminal 632 to an electric wire 631 having a conductor 6311 and a covering portion 6312 covering the conductor 6311. In this embodiment, the terminal 632 includes a connection terminal portion 6321 and an electric wire crimping portion 6322, and the conductor 6311 exposed from the covering portion 6312 is crimped and connected to the electric wire crimping portion 6322. The electric wire with terminal 63 is electrically connected to the second signal terminal 43 by inserting and clamping the tab portion 432 of the second signal terminal 43 into clamping pieces 63211 formed on the connection terminal portion 6321.

[0079] In this way, in a power supply device or the like that includes the lever-type connector 1 as a power circuit breaker, the main switch 54 is turned on to electrically connect the terminal-equipped wires 53 to each other, thereby forming the power supply circuit 5. Also, the sub-switch 64 is turned on to electrically connect the terminal-equipped wires 63 to each other, thereby forming the signal circuit 6.

[0080] In a power supply device or the like equipped with a power circuit breaker, even if the main switch 54 is turned on and the power circuit 5 is formed, the power circuit 5 will not be brought into a conductive state unless the sub-switch 64 is turned on and the signal circuit 6 is formed. In other words, the power supply circuit 5 is brought into a conductive state only when both the main switch 54 and the sub-switch 64 are turned on.

[0081] In the lever-type connector 1 according to this embodiment, the main switch 54 is configured to be turned on in the fully fitted state locked by the main locking portion 7 and in the provisionally fitted state locked by the sub-locking portion 8. On the other hand, the sub-switch 64 is configured to be turned on in the fully fitted state locked by the main locking portion 7 and to be turned off in the provisionally fitted state locked by the sub-locking portion 8.

[0082] After the sub-switch 64 is turned off and the electrical connection between the terminal-equipped wires 63 is released, the main switch 54 cannot be turned off and the electrical connection between the terminal-equipped wires 53 cannot be released unless the lock by the sub-lock portion 8 is released.

[0083] That is, a time lag is created between the switching of the sub switch 64 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the main switch 54 from the on state to the off state.

[0084] This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of arcs, sparks, etc. due to residual current that occurs when the power supply lines (terminal-equipped wires 53) are disconnected immediately after the signal lines (terminal-equipped wires 63) are disconnected from each other.

[0085] Here, in this embodiment, the time lag that occurs between switching the signal switch (sub-switch) 64 from the on state to the off state and switching the power switch (main switch) 54 from the on state to the off state can be more reliably ensured.

[0086] Specifically, when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, an engaging portion 4282 formed on the sub-lock release operation portion 4281 is adapted to engage with an engaged portion 3123 formed on the cover portion 312. In this embodiment, when the engaging portion 4282 and the engaged portion 3123 are engaged with each other, an abutting surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 is adapted to abut against an abutting surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the abutting surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 and the abutting surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 have a labyrinth structure having recessed and raised portions that engage with each other.

[0088] Specifically, a protrusion 31233 formed on the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 is inserted into a recess 42822 formed on the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282. The protrusion 42823 formed on the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 is inserted into the recess 31232 formed on the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123. This allows the recesses and protrusions formed on the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 and the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 to engage with each other when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position.

[0089] In this manner, in this embodiment, when the lever 4 is located at the second position, the engaging portion 4282 and the engaged portion 3123 are adapted to be in labyrinth engagement.

[0090] This allows the gap formed between the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 and the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 to have a waveform (approximately rectangular wave) formed by connecting a plurality of narrow gaps. By making the gap waveform by connecting a plurality of narrow gaps in this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent a finger or nail from being inserted into the gap formed between the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 and the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123. In other words, it is possible to prevent the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 from being operated when the lever 4 is in the second position.

[0091] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 from being unintentionally operated when the lever 4 is at the second position. Furthermore, it is also possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 from being intentionally operated when the lever 4 is at the second position. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent the lever 4 from being rotated in one go from the second position to the first position when the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 is operated to release the lock by the sub-lock unit (lock unit) 8.

[0092] In this way, in this embodiment, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 8 can more reliably lock the lever 4 at the third position. In other words, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the lever 4 is more reliably prevented from passing through the third position without being locked by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 8 at the third position.

[0093] This makes it possible to more reliably restrict the rotation of the lever 4 from the third position to the first position, and to prevent the lever 4 from being rotated in one go from the second position to the first position. As a result, it is possible to more reliably ensure the time lag that occurs between the switching of the signal switch (sub switch) 64 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 54 from the on state to the off state.

[0094] It should be noted that it is sufficient that the engaging portion 4282 and the engaged portion 3123 are labyrinth-engaged, and the shape of the gap formed between the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 and the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 can be various shapes, such as a sine wave, a triangular wave, or a sawtooth shape.

[0095] In this embodiment, the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 and the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 are curved in an arc shape. Furthermore, the length of the arc of the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 is longer than the length of the arc of the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282. Then, when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the end of the abutment surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123 is positioned closer to the third position than the end of the abutment surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282.

[0096] This makes it possible to rotate the sub-lock release operation portion (unlock operation portion) 4281 while maintaining the labyrinth engagement between the engaging portion 4282 and the engaged portion 3123 when the lever 4 rotates near the second position. Also, when the lever 4 is between the second position and a position where the end of the abutting surface 42821 of the engaging portion 4282 is flush with the end of the abutting surface 31231 of the engaged portion 3123, the sub-lock release operation portion 4281 cannot be operated. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent the sub-lock release operation portion (unlock operation portion) 4281 from being operated in the initial stage of rotation of the lever 4 from the second position toward the first position.

[0097] 18 to 20, the lever-type connector 1 is provided with a restriction wall (stopper) 2123. This restriction wall (stopper) 2123 is configured to restrict the release operation of the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position. The restriction wall (stopper) 2123 is configured to allow the release operation of the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 when the lever 4 is positioned at the third position.

[0098] In this way, when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the release operation of the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 is restricted by the restriction wall (stopper) 2123. When the lever 4 is positioned at the third position, the release operation of the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 can be performed.

[0099] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 from being unintentionally operated when the lever 4 is at the second position. Furthermore, it is also possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 from being intentionally operated when the lever 4 is at the second position. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent the lever 4 from being rotated in one go from the second position to the first position when the sub-lock release operation unit (unlock operation unit) 4281 is operated to release the lock by the sub-lock unit (lock unit) 8. In other words, it is possible to more reliably prevent the lever 4 from passing through the third position when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position without being locked by the sub-lock unit (lock unit) 8 at the third position.

[0100] This makes it possible to more reliably restrict the lever 4 from turning to the first position when it is in the third position.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restriction wall (stopper) 2123 is formed on the first housing 21. This prevents a stopper from being formed on the second housing 31 to which the lever 4 is attached.

[0102] This prevents the stopper from interfering with the operation of the sub-lock release operation portion 4281 when the second housing 31 with the lever 4 is detached from the first housing 21. This further improves the operability of the lever 4 when the second housing 31 with the lever 4 is detached from the first housing 21. As a result, when fitting the second housing 31 to the first housing 21, the lever 4 can be more easily rotated to the first position.

[0103] It is also possible to provide the second housing 31 with a restricting wall (stopper).

[0104] In this embodiment, the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 8 has a pair of sub-lock pieces (lock pieces) 427 spaced apart in the rotation axis direction of the lever 4. A sub-lock release operation portion (unlock operation portion) 4281 is formed so as to connect the tips of the pair of sub-lock pieces (lock pieces) 427.

[0105] In this way, by connecting the pair of sub-lock pieces 427 with the sub-lock release operation portion 4281, a space 429 defined by the pair of sub-lock pieces 427 and the sub-lock release operation portion 4281 is formed.

[0106] When the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the tip of the restriction wall (stopper) 2123 is inserted into the space 429 and faces the sub-lock release operation part 4281. In this way, when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the restriction wall (stopper) 2123 restricts the movement of the sub-lock release operation part 4281 in the release direction (forward).

[0107] On the other hand, when the lever 4 is positioned at the third position, the tip of the restriction wall (stopper) 2123 is positioned in the space 429. In this way, when the lever 4 is positioned at the third position, the movement of the sub-lock release operation part 4281 in the release direction (forward) is not restricted by the restriction wall (stopper) 2123.

[0108] This allows the release operation of the sub-lock release operation portion 4281 to be restricted by the restriction wall (stopper) 2123 when the lever 4 is located at the second position, with a simpler configuration.

[0109] Furthermore, when the lever 4 is positioned at the third position, it is locked at two locations on both sides in the width direction, thereby improving the locking force provided by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 8.

[0110] In this embodiment, the regulating wall (stopper) 2123 is connected to the front wall 213 of the first accommodating tube portion 211 by a connecting wall 2124, which more reliably prevents deformation when the sub-lock release operating portion 4281 interferes.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the lever 4 is positioned in the second position, the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 of the second cam portion (cam portion) 413 does not come into contact with the second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 21521 of the second cam receiving portion (cam receiving portion) 2152.

[0112] Also, as shown in Figure 27, even when the lever 4 is positioned in the third position, the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 of the second cam portion (cam portion) 413 does not come into contact with the second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 21521 of the second cam receiving portion (cam receiving portion) 2152.

[0113] As shown in Figure 28, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to a position closer to the first position than the third position, the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 comes into contact with the second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 21521.

[0114] That is, the rotation angle θ2 when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position until the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 contacts the second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 21521 is set to be larger than the rotation angle θ1 when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the third position. Note that it is also possible to set the rotation angle θ2 to be the same as the rotation angle θ1. That is, it is also possible to configure the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 to contact the second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 21521 when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the third position.

[0115] In this way, in this embodiment, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position toward the first position, no separation force is applied between the second housing 31 and the first housing 21 until the lever 4 is rotated to at least the third position.

[0116] This more reliably prevents the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 from moving in a direction away from the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 when the lever 4 is positioned in the third position.

[0117] This makes it possible to delay the timing at which the power switch (main switch) 54 is switched from the on state to the off state when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position. Therefore, it is possible to increase the difference between the timing at which the signal switch (sub switch) 64 is switched from the on state to the off state and the timing at which the power switch (main switch) 54 is switched from the on state to the off state. As a result, it is possible to more reliably ensure the time lag that occurs between the switching of the signal switch (sub switch) 64 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 54 from the on state to the off state.

[0118] In this embodiment, the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 has an inclined surface 41311 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane HP when the fitting direction of the first housing 21 and the second housing 31 is aligned with the vertical direction and the lever 4 is positioned at the second position. The inclination angle of this inclined surface 41311 is approximately the same value as θ2.

[0119] This allows the shape of the second cam portion (cam portion) 413 to be further simplified, and the lever 4 can be made smaller.

[0120] The second cam portion 413 and the second cam receiving portion 2152 can have various shapes.

[0121] When using such a lever-type connector 1, the second housing 31 can be fitted to the first housing 21, for example, by the method shown below. Note that the method shown below is only one example, and other methods are also possible for fitting the second housing 31 to the first housing 21.

[0122] First, as shown in FIG. 10, the second housing 31 is temporarily held by the first housing 21 with the lever 4 in the first position.

[0123] 11, the second high-voltage terminal 32 is separated from the first high-voltage terminal 22, and the power switch (main switch) 54 is in the OFF state. In addition, the second signal terminal 43 is also separated from the first signal terminal 25, and the signal switch (sub-switch) 64 is also in the OFF state.

[0124] Then, the lever 4 is rotated so that the operating portion 421 moves downward. When the lever 4 is rotated from the first position toward the second position to a certain extent, the first cam surface 4121 of the first cam portion 412 comes into contact with the first cam receiving surface 21511 of the first cam receiving portion 2151 (see FIG. 12). This causes a force to act to draw the second housing 31 into the first housing 21.

[0125] 13, the lever 4 is arranged substantially parallel to the second housing 31. In this way, the second connector 3 of the lever-type connector 1 is joined to the first connector 2, and the terminals of both connectors are electrically connected.

[0126] At this time, as shown in Fig. 14, second high-voltage terminal 32 is electrically connected to first high-voltage terminal 22, and power switch (main switch) 54 is in the ON state. In addition, as shown in Fig. 15, second signal terminal 43 is also electrically connected to first signal terminal 25, and signal switch (sub-switch) 64 is also in the ON state.

[0127] On the other hand, when the second housing 31 is to be removed from the first housing 21 using the lever-type connector 1, the above procedure is carried out in reverse.

[0128] First, the lever 4 is moved from the second position toward the first position to release the lock by the main lock unit 7. In this way, the lever 4 can be rotated from the second position toward the first position.

[0129] Then, as shown in FIG. 22, when the lever 4 is rotated to the third position, it is locked by the sub-lock portion 8, and the rotation of the lever 4 from the third position toward the first position is restricted (see FIG. 23).

[0130] At this time, second high-voltage terminal 32 is electrically connected to first high-voltage terminal 22, and power switch (main switch) 54 is in the ON state. Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 24, second signal terminal 43 is separated from first signal terminal 25, and signal switch (sub-switch) 64 is in the OFF state.

[0131] Then, with the lever 4 positioned at the third position, the sub-lock release operation unit (lock release operation unit) 4281 is operated to release the lock by the sub-lock unit (lock unit) 8. In this way, the lever 4 can be rotated from the third position toward the first position.

[0132] When the lever 4 is rotated from the third position toward the first position, the second cam surface 4131 of the second cam portion 413 comes into contact with the second cam receiving surface 21521 of the second cam receiving portion 2152 (see FIG. 26). This applies a force that pulls the second housing 31 out of the first housing 21.

[0133] Then, the lever 4 is rotated to the first position. By doing so, the second housing 31 is pulled out in the removal direction, that is, upward relative to the first housing 21. At this time, the second housing 31 is temporarily held by the first housing 21. Then, by pulling the second housing 31 out of the first housing 21 in this state, the second connector 3 is detached from the first connector 2.

[0134] [Actions and Effects] The characteristic configuration of the lever-type connector shown in the above embodiment and the effects obtained thereby will be described below.

[0135] The lever-type connector 1 shown in the above embodiment includes a first housing 21 and a second housing 31 that is fitted to and separated from the first housing 21.

[0136] The lever-type connector 1 also includes a power switch (main switch) 54. The power switch (main switch) 54 has a first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 provided in the first housing 21, and a second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 provided in the second housing 31 and capable of being connected to or disconnected from the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22.

[0137] The lever-type connector 1 also includes a signal switch (sub-switch) 64. The signal switch (sub-switch) 64 has a first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 25 provided in the first housing 21 and a second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43 that can be connected to or disconnected from the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 25.

[0138] Furthermore, the lever-type connector 1 is provided with a lever 4 attached to the second housing 31 so as to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. Here, the first position is a position where the second housing 31 is detached from the first housing 21 and the power switch (main switch) 54 and the signal switch (sub-switch) 64 are in the OFF state. The second position is a position where the second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21 and the power switch (main switch) 54 and the signal switch (sub-switch) 64 are in the ON state. The lever 4 is provided with a second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 43.

[0139] The lever-type connector 1 also includes a separation force applying mechanism 92 that can apply a separation force between the second housing 31 and the first housing 21 when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position toward the first position.

[0140] This separation force applying mechanism 92 includes a second cam portion (cam portion) 413 and a second cam receiving portion (cam receiving portion) 2152 with which the second cam portion (cam portion) 413 comes into contact.

[0141] When the lever 4 is positioned in the second position, the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 of the second cam portion (cam portion) 413 does not come into contact with the second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 21521 of the second cam receiving portion (cam receiving portion) 2152.

[0142] Furthermore, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the third position, or when the lever 4 is rotated further toward the first position than the third position, the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 comes into contact with the second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 21521. Here, the third position is a position where the second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21, the power switch (main switch) 54 is in the ON state, but the signal switch (sub switch) 64 is in the OFF state.

[0143] In this way, in the lever-type connector 1 shown in the above embodiment, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position toward the first position, no separation force is applied between the second housing 31 and the first housing 21 until it is rotated to at least the third position.

[0144] This more reliably prevents the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 from moving away from the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 when the lever 4 is positioned at the third position. Therefore, it is possible to delay the timing at which the power switch (main switch) 54 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position. This makes it possible to increase the difference between the timing at which the signal switch (sub switch) 64 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state and the timing at which the power switch (main switch) 54 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, it is possible to more reliably ensure the time lag that occurs between the switching of the signal switch (sub switch) 64 from the ON state to the OFF state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 54 from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0145] In addition, the second cam surface (cam surface) 4131 may be provided with an inclined surface 41311 that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane HP when the mating direction of the first housing 21 and the second housing 31 is aligned vertically and the lever 4 is positioned in the second position.

[0146] This allows the shape of the second cam portion (cam portion) 413 to be further simplified, and the lever 4 can be made smaller.

[0147] Furthermore, the lever-type connector 1 may further include a sub-lock portion (lock portion) 8 that can restrict the lever 4 from rotating to the first position when the lever 4 is in the third position.

[0148] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the lever 4 from being rotated in one go from the second position to the first position, thereby ensuring a time lag that occurs between the switching of the signal switch (sub switch) 64 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 54 from the on state to the off state.

[0149] [others] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment.

[0150] For example, it is possible to simply engage the engaging portion 4282 and the engaged portion 3123 without labyrinth engagement, or to have a configuration in which the engaging portion 4282 and the engaged portion 3123 are not provided.

[0151] It is also possible to make a lever-type connector that does not have the regulating wall (stopper) 2123.

[0152] It is also possible to make a lever-type connector that does not have a sub-lock portion (lock portion) 8.

[0153] Furthermore, the specifications of the first housing, the second housing, and other details (shape, size, layout, etc.) can be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 1 Lever-type connector 21 First Housing 2152 Second cam receiving part (cam receiving part) 21521 Second cam receiving surface (cam receiving surface) 22 First high voltage terminal (first main terminal) 25 First signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 31 Second Housing 32 Second high voltage terminal (second main terminal) 4 Lever 413 Second cam part (cam part) 4131 Second cam surface (cam surface) 41311 Slope 43 Second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 54 Power switch (main switch) 64 Signal switch (sub-switch) 8 Sub-lock section (lock section) 92 Separation force application mechanism

Claims

1. A first housing; a second housing that is fitted to and separated from the first housing; a main switch having a first main terminal provided in the first housing and a second main terminal provided in the second housing and capable of being brought into contact with and separated from the first main terminal; a sub-switch having a first sub-terminal provided in the first housing and a second sub-terminal that can be brought into contact with and separated from the first sub-terminal; a lever attached to the second housing so as to be rotatable between a first position where the second housing is detached from the first housing and the main switch and the sub-switch are in an OFF state and a second position where the second housing is fitted into the first housing and the main switch and the sub-switch are in an ON state, and the lever is provided with the second sub-terminal; a separation force applying mechanism that applies a separation force between the second housing and the first housing when the lever is rotated from the second position toward the first position; Equipped with the separation force applying mechanism includes a cam portion and a cam receiving portion with which the cam portion comes into contact, When the lever is positioned at the second position, the cam surface of the cam portion is not in contact with the cam receiving surface of the cam receiving portion, When the lever is rotated from the second position to a third position where the second housing is fitted into the first housing and the main switch is turned on but the sub-switch is turned off, or when the lever is rotated further than the third position to the first position, the cam surface comes into contact with the cam receiving surface. Lever type connector.

2. The cam surface has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when the lever is positioned at the second position while the fitting direction of the first housing and the second housing is aligned in the vertical direction. The lever-type connector according to claim 1 .

3. a locking portion that can restrict the lever from turning to the first position when the lever is in the third position; 3. The lever-type connector according to claim 1 or 2.

Images