Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that can be easily connected to a mating connector and protect an electric wire.SOLUTION: A connector 1 includes: a housing 2 that is inserted and fitted in a mating housing 91 of a mating connector 90 in a connection direction X; and a lever 3 that is rotatably attached to the housing and that is rotated to insert the housing into the mating housing, and the lever includes a first lever part 31 and a second lever part 32. The first lever part is attached to the housing so as to be rotatable about a direction intersecting with a connecting direction, the second lever part is attached to the first lever part so as to be rotatable from a folded position adjacent to the first lever part to an extended position that is linear with the first lever part, and is configured to cover an electric wire W extending from the housing by being rotated to a folded position in a state where the housing is fitted to the mating housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a known connector is a lever-type connector that includes a housing that holds terminals and a lever that is rotatable relative to the housing, as described in Patent Document 1. When connecting this connector to a mating connector, the lever engages with the housing of the mating connector, and operation of the lever assists in joining and separating the connector from the mating connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-073674 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned connector, there are cases where it is desirable to further improve the connecting force or mating force using the lever. For example, as the number of terminals increases, a stronger operating force is required to connect to the mating connector. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a connector that can be easily connected to the mating connector. It is also desirable to adequately protect the electric wires connected to the terminals and extending from the connector.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector that can be easily connected to a mating connector and that can protect electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In other words, the connector of the present invention comprises a housing that is inserted into the mating housing of the mating connector in the connection direction and fitted to it, and a lever that is rotatably attached to the housing and rotates to insert the housing into the mating housing, the lever having a first lever portion and a second lever portion, the first lever portion being rotatably attached to the housing around a direction intersecting the connection direction, and the second lever portion being rotatably attached to the first lever portion and rotatable from a folded position adjacent to the first lever portion to an extended position in straight line with the first lever portion, and configured so that the housing covers the electric wires extending from the housing when rotated to the folded position when fitted to the mating housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The connector according to the present invention can be easily connected to a mating connector and can also protect the electric wires. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a housing of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first lever portion of the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the provisional locking of the first lever portion in the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a rotation mechanism of the second lever portion in the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mating connector to be connected to the connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mating connector to be connected to the connector according to the embodiment, with a portion thereof cut away. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the connection between the connector according to the embodiment and the mating connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the connection between the connector according to the embodiment and the mating connector. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the connection between the connector according to the embodiment and the mating connector. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the connection between the connector according to the embodiment and the mating connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiments include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0010] [Embodiment] This embodiment relates to a connector. In the following description, of the first, second, and third directions that intersect with one another, the first direction is referred to as the "connection direction X," the second direction is referred to as the "width direction Y," and the third direction is referred to as the "height direction Z." Here, the connection direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are perpendicular to one another. The connection direction X corresponds to the connection or mating direction of the connector and the mating connector. The width direction Y corresponds to the width direction of the connector. The width direction Y and height direction Z correspond to orthogonal directions that are perpendicular to the connection direction X. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each direction used in the following description represents the direction when the respective parts are assembled together. Note that orthogonal here includes nearly orthogonal.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the connector 1 according to this embodiment is a lever-type connector that is used by connecting to a mating connector 90. The connector 1 includes a housing 2 and a lever 3. Figure 1 shows the connector 1 separated from the mating connector 10, with the lever 3 of the connector 1 in an extended (deployed) state. Figure 2 shows the connector 1 in an exploded state.

[0012] The lever 3 is rotatably attached to the housing 2 and rotates to insert the housing 2 into the mating housing 91. The lever 3 has a first lever portion 31 and a second lever portion 32. The first lever portion 31 is rotatably attached to the housing 2 around a direction intersecting the connecting direction X. The second lever portion 32 is rotatably attached to the first lever portion 31 around a direction intersecting the connecting direction X. The second lever portion 32 is rotatable at the tip of the first lever portion 31 from a folded position adjacent to the first lever portion 31 to an extended position in which it is linear with the first lever portion 31. In FIG. 1 , the first lever portion 31 and the second lever portion 32 are linear, and the second lever portion 32 has rotated to the extended position.

[0013] The housing 2 is a member that mates with the mating housing 91 of the mating connector 90, and is formed, for example, in a block shape. The housing 2 has a main body 21 that forms a plurality of insertion holes 211. The main body 21 is, for example, a block body with a rectangular cross section in a direction intersecting the connection direction X, and forms a plurality of insertion holes 211 that extend along the connection direction X. Here, "rectangle" includes a nearly rectangular shape. The insertion holes 211 are holes into which terminals are inserted, and are provided so as to penetrate the main body 21 along the connection direction X, and are, for example, formed in a plurality of arrays in the width direction Y and the height direction Z. The housing 2 is, for example, formed longer in the width direction Y than in the height direction Z. Electric wires W are connected to the terminals (see FIG. 8).

[0014] The housing 2 is provided with a shaft portion 22. The shaft portion 22 is a shaft member that engages with the lever 3 to rotate the lever, and is provided, for example, to protrude from the side surface 2A of the main body portion 21. The shaft portion 22 has, for example, a first support shaft 221 and a second support shaft 222. The first support shaft 221 and the second support shaft 222 protrude from the side surface 2A of the main body portion 21 that extends in a direction intersecting with the height direction Z, and are, for example, cylindrical protrusions. The first support shaft 221 and the second support shaft 222 are formed to be spaced apart in the width direction Y, and the first support shaft 221 is provided at a position closer to the center of the side surface 2A in the width direction Y than the second support shaft 222. The shaft portion 22 including the first support shaft 221 and the second support shaft 222 is also formed on the side surface 2B behind the side surface 2A.

[0015] The first support shaft 221 is inserted into a first elongated hole 311 formed in the first lever portion 31. The second support shaft 222 is inserted into a second elongated hole 312 formed in the first lever portion 31. In other words, the first support shaft 221 and the second support shaft 222 support the first lever portion 31 rotatably with respect to the housing 2 via the first elongated hole 311 and the second elongated hole 312. In other words, the first lever portion 31 moves relative to the housing 2 along a first rotation path R1 depending on the positions of the first support shaft 221 and the second support shaft 222 and the shapes of the first elongated hole 311 and the second elongated hole 312. The first rotation path R1 includes a temporary locking position in which the first lever portion 31 is inclined with respect to the housing 2 and a full locking position in which the first lever portion 31 overlaps the housing 2. FIG. 1 shows the first lever portion 31 in the temporary locking position, inclined with respect to the housing 2.

[0016] The housing 2 is provided with a temporary locking portion 23. The temporary locking portion 23 is a portion that temporarily locks the first lever portion 31 by holding it in the temporary locking position, and is provided, for example, to protrude from the side surface 2A. The temporary locking portion 23 engages with a temporary locking arm 314 formed on the first lever portion 31.

[0017] The first lever portion 31 is attached to the housing 2 so as to be rotatable about a direction intersecting the connection direction X. For example, the first lever portion 31 moves relative to the housing 2 along a first rotation path R1 about an axis in the height direction Z. The first lever portion 31 is configured, for example, by connecting two spaced-apart plate portions 313 at their tip ends. The two plate portions 313 each form the above-mentioned first elongated hole 311 and second elongated hole 312, and are arranged along the side surface 2A and side surface 2B so as to sandwich the housing 2 therebetween. The first elongated hole 311 and second elongated hole 312 are formed on the base end side of the plate portion 313 and are elongated holes that extend in a curved manner. A connecting portion 315 is provided on the tip end side of the plate portion 313, opposite the base end.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3 , the connecting portion 315 is a portion that connects two opposing, spaced-apart plate portions 313. The connecting portion 315 extends in the height direction Z and is provided between the two plate portions 313. The connecting portion 315 is provided on the tip side (the right side in FIG. 3 ) of the plate portion 313. The connecting portion 315 is provided with a lever lock portion 316. The lever lock portion 316 is a portion that engages with a mating connector and maintains the mating of the connector 1 and the mating connector 90. For example, the lever lock portion 316 is formed by extending from the connecting portion 315 in the connection direction X and folding back. That is, the lever lock portion 316 is formed from the connecting portion 315 toward the housing 2, folding back, and extending to the opposite side of the housing 2. The folded portion of the lever lock portion 316 is elastically deformable in the width direction Y and functions as a lock arm 316A that engages with the mating connector 90.

[0019] A guide protrusion 317 is formed on the first lever portion 31. The guide protrusion 317 is a protrusion that is inserted into a guide groove 95 formed in the mating connector 90. The guide protrusion 317 protrudes in the height direction Z from a surface 313A of the plate portion 313. The guide protrusion 317 is formed closer to the base end of the first lever portion 31 than the first elongated hole 311 and the second elongated hole 312. The guide protrusion 317 engages with the mating housing 91 when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 90.

[0020] Shaft 318 is formed on first lever portion 31. Shaft 318 is a portion that serves as a rotation axis of second lever portion 32. Shaft 318 protrudes in height direction Z from surface 313A of plate portion 313. Shaft 318 is formed at the tip portion of first lever portion 31, and supports second lever portion 32 rotatably.

[0021] 4, the first lever portion 31 is provided with a temporary-locking arm 314. The temporary-locking arm 314 is a member extending from the plate portion 313 toward the housing 2, and engages with the temporary-locking portion 23 when the first lever portion 31 is in the temporary-locking position to restrict the rotation of the first lever portion 31.

[0022] 1 and 2, the second lever portion 32 is attached to the first lever portion 31 so as to be rotatable about a direction intersecting the connection direction X. For example, the second lever portion 32 is pivotally attached to a shaft 318 formed on the first lever portion 31, and is rotatable about the shaft 318 along a second rotation path R2 from a folded position adjacent to the first lever portion 31 to an extended position in line with the first lever portion 31. Figures 1 and 2 show the state in which the second lever portion 32 has been rotated to the extended position.

[0023] The second lever portion 32 has two side plates 321 and a top plate 322. The side plates 321 are rectangular plate members spaced apart from each other. Here, "rectangle" includes "approximately rectangular." For example, the two side plates 321 are spaced apart in the height direction Z and arranged facing each other. The top plate 322 is a plate member formed between the two side plates 321. The top plate 322 is connected to the edge portion of the long side of the side plate 321 and extends along that edge. The top plate 322 is provided from the base end side, where the top plate 322 is connected to the first lever portion 31 of the second lever portion 32, to the tip end side. For example, the top plate 322 curves from the base end side toward the other edge portion of the side plate 321 and extends toward the end face side. The tip end face of the second lever portion 32 is open.

[0024] Second lever portion 32 extends the lever length of lever 3 by rotating to an extended position so as to be in line with first lever portion 31. This allows connector 1 to obtain a stronger mating force or stronger connecting force by operating lever 3 compared to a connector without second lever portion 32. Therefore, connector 1 can be more easily connected to mating connector 90 with a weaker operating force of lever 3 compared to a connector without second lever portion 32.

[0025] The second lever portion 32 can cover the electric wires W extending from the housing 2 by rotating to a folded position adjacent to the first lever portion 31 with the connector 1 mated with the mating connector 90 (see FIG. 11 ). This makes it easier to route the electric wires W in a direction intersecting the connection direction X in the connector 1, and the electric wires W can be protected by the second lever portion 32.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5 , second lever 32 has a cylindrical portion 323 formed at its base end, and rotates around shaft 318 by inserting shaft 318 into cylindrical portion 323. Cylindrical portion 323 functions as a bearing for shaft 318 and has a hole 323A into which shaft 318 can be inserted. A rotation restricting portion 324 is formed on the outer periphery of cylindrical portion 323. Rotation restricting portion 324 is a portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of cylindrical portion 323, rotates together with the rotation of second lever 32, and restricts the rotation of second lever 32 by abutting against connecting portion 315 formed on first lever 31. In other words, rotation of second lever 32 is restricted in the extended position by abutting rotation restricting portion 324 against connecting portion 315.

[0027] The second lever portion 32 is formed with a locked portion 325. The locked portion 325 is a portion that engages with the locking portion 93 of the mating housing 91. The locked portion 325 is formed, for example, as a hole that penetrates the side plate 321 in the thickness direction. The locked portion 325 can engage with the locking portion 93 when the second lever portion 32 is rotated to the folded position with the housing 2 properly fitted to the mating housing 91. In other words, when the housing 2 is not properly fitted to the mating housing 91, the locked portion 325 does not engage with the locking portion 93 even when the second lever portion 32 is rotated to the folded position. In other words, the second lever portion 32 functions as a connector position assurance (CPA) in the connector 1.

[0028] The mating connector 90 is a connector to be connected to the connector 1, and is configured as a male connector when the connector 1 is a female connector, for example. The mating connector 90 has a mating housing 91 that mates with the housing 2. The mating housing 91 is a member that holds terminals (not shown), and forms a mating space 94 that is formed along the connection direction X. The mating space 94 has an open surface facing the connector 1, allowing the housing 2 to be inserted. The mating space 94 is formed in a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the housing 2, allowing the housing 2 to be inserted smoothly.

[0029] A guide groove 95 is formed on the inner surface of the fitting space 94. The guide groove 95 is a groove formed by recessing the wall surface of the fitting space 94, and is formed so that the guide protrusion 317 of the first lever portion 31 can be inserted therein. For example, the guide groove 95 has a straight portion 951 formed from the opening position of the fitting space 94 along the connecting direction X, and an inclined portion 952 connected from the straight portion 951 toward the back side of the fitting space 94 and formed obliquely with respect to the connecting direction X. The inclined portion 952 is inclined in the direction in which the guide protrusion 317 moves when the first lever portion 31 rotates relative to the housing 2 from the provisional locking position to the full locking position. The guide groove 95 and the guide protrusion 317 function as a cam mechanism, moving the housing 2 along the connecting direction X in response to the rotation of the lever 3 and the first lever portion 31.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 7, the mating housing 91 is formed with a locking protrusion 96. The locking protrusion 96 protrudes from the inner surface of the mating space 94. The locking protrusion 96 is formed in a lance shape so as to taper toward the opening side of the mating space 94. The locking protrusion 96 is a portion that engages with the lever lock portion 316. When the housing 2 is mated with the mating housing 91, the locking protrusion 96 engages with the lever lock portion 316 to lock the housing 2. The mating housing 91 is formed with a plurality of insertion holes 92 along the connection direction X for inserting terminals therethrough.

[0031] A temporary-lock release rib 97 is formed on the mating housing 91. The temporary-lock release rib 97 is provided on the inner surface of the fitting space 94. The temporary-lock release rib 97 is a portion that releases the engagement between the temporary-lock portion 23 and the temporary-lock arm 314. When the housing 2 and the first lever portion 31 are inserted into the fitting space 94, the temporary-lock release rib 97 lifts the temporary-lock arm 314 and moves it away from the temporary-lock portion 23, thereby releasing the engagement between the temporary-lock portion 23 and the temporary-lock arm 314. When the engagement between the temporary-lock portion 23 and the temporary-lock arm 314 is released, the first lever portion 31 can rotate from the temporary-lock position to the full-lock position.

[0032] Next, connection of the connector 1 according to this embodiment to the mating connector 90 will be described.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8, the connector 1 is disposed opposite the mating connector 90. That is, the connector 1 is disposed with the housing 2 facing the mating space 94 of the mating housing 91. A plurality of electric wires W extend from the rear of the housing 2 of the connector 1. The electric wires W are connected to terminals (not shown) and are held in the housing 2. A plurality of electric wires W1 extend from the rear of the mating housing 91 of the mating connector 90. The electric wires W1 are connected to terminals (not shown) and are held in the mating housing 91. When the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 90, the electric wires W and W1 are electrically connected.

[0034] The lever 3 of the connector 1 is disposed in the temporary-locking position. That is, the temporary-locking arm 314 of the first lever portion 31 and the temporary-locking portion 23 of the housing 2 are engaged, and the first lever portion 31 is inclined relative to the housing 2 and is not rotated in the temporary-locking position. The second lever portion 32 is rotated to the extended position and is disposed in a straight line with the first lever portion 31. Then, the connector 1 is brought close to the mating connector 90, and the housing 2 is inserted into the mating space 94.

[0035] 9, when the housing 2 is inserted into the fitting space 94, the guide protrusion 317 moves along the guide groove 95. That is, the guide protrusion 317 moves along the straight portion 951 of the guide groove 95. When the guide protrusion 317 moves to the position of the inclined portion 952 of the guide groove 95, the housing 2 cannot be inserted unless the lever 3 is rotated. In other words, by rotating the lever 3, the operating force of the lever 3 can insert the housing 2 into the inner side of the fitting space 94.

[0036] Furthermore, when the housing 2 and the first lever portion 31 are inserted into the fitting space 94, the engagement between the temporary-locking portion 23 and the temporary-locking arm 314 is released (see FIG. 4). That is, the temporary-locking arm 314 abuts against the temporary-locking release rib 97 and moves away from the temporary-locking portion 23, thereby releasing the engagement between the temporary-locking portion 23 and the temporary-locking arm 314. This allows the lever 3 and the first lever portion 31 to rotate from the temporary-locking position to the full-locking position.

[0037] In Figure 9, when the lever 3 is rotated along the first rotation path R1 from the provisional locking position to the full locking position, the guide protrusion 317 moves along the inclined portion 952, and the housing 2 is inserted deeper into the mating space 94. At this time, the second lever portion 32 of the lever 3 is rotated to the extended position. Therefore, the length of the lever 3 is the sum of the length of the first lever portion 31 and the length of the second lever portion 32, and is in a long state. This allows the connector 1 to obtain a strong mating force with a small operating force on the lever 3, making it easy to mate the housing 2.

[0038] 10, when the lever 3 rotates to the full locking position, the housing 2 is accommodated in the mating housing 91 and fitted to the mating housing 91. Then, the second lever portion 32 rotates from the extended position to the folded position along the second rotation path R2.

[0039] 11 , when the second lever portion 32 is rotated to the folded position, the second lever portion 32 is adjacent to the mating housing 91 and covers the electric wire W extending in the connection direction X toward the width direction Y. In this way, the connector 1 can protect the electric wire W by covering it with the second lever portion 32.

[0040] When the second lever portion 32 is rotated to the folded position while the housing 2 is properly fitted to the mating housing 91, the locked portion 325 of the second lever portion 32 engages with the locking portion 93 formed on the mating housing 91. Therefore, whether the housing 2 is properly fitted to the mating housing 91 can be confirmed by whether the locked portion 325 and the locking portion 93 are engaged. In other words, if the locked portion 325 and the locking portion 93 are not engaged, the locked portion 325 cannot engage with the locking portion 93, and it can be determined that the housing 2 is not properly fitted to the mating housing 91. On the other hand, if the locked portion 325 and the locking portion 93 are engaged, it can be determined that the housing 2 is properly fitted to the mating housing 91. When the locked portion 325 and the locking portion 93 are engaged, the connection of the connector 1 to the mating connector 90 is complete.

[0041] As described above, in the connector 1 according to this embodiment, the lever 3 has the first lever portion 31 and the second lever portion 32, so that the length of the lever 3 can be increased and a strong mating force can be obtained with a weak operating force of the lever 3. Therefore, the connector 1 according to this embodiment can easily be connected to the mating connector 90. Furthermore, in the connector 1 according to this embodiment, the second lever portion 32 can be rotated to the folded position after the housing 2 is mated, thereby covering and protecting the electric wires W with the second lever portion 32.

[0042] Furthermore, in the connector 1 of this embodiment, the second lever portion 32 is formed with an interlocking portion 325 that engages with an interlocking portion 93 formed on the mating housing 91, and therefore it is possible to check whether the housing 2 is properly fitted to the mating housing 91 by checking whether the interlocking portion 325 engages with the interlocking portion when the second lever portion is rotated to the folded position.

[0043] The connector according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The connector according to this embodiment may be configured by appropriately combining the components of the above-described embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1: Connector 2: Housing 3: Lever 31: First lever part 32: Second lever part 90: Mating connector 91: Opponent Housing 93: Locking part 325:Locked part W: Electric wire X: Connection direction

Claims

1. a housing that is inserted into and fitted to a mating housing of a mating connector in a connecting direction; a lever that is rotatably attached to the housing and that rotates to insert the housing into the mating housing, the lever has a first lever portion and a second lever portion; the first lever portion is attached to the housing so as to be rotatable about a direction intersecting the connection direction, the second lever portion is rotatably attached to the first lever portion and is rotatable from a folded position adjacent to the first lever portion to an extended position in which the second lever portion is linear with the first lever portion, and covers electric wires extending from the housing by rotating to the folded position when the housing is fitted into the mating housing. connector.

2. the second lever portion has a locked portion that engages with a locking portion formed on the mating housing, the engaged portion engages with the engaging portion when the second lever portion rotates to the folded position in a state in which the housing is properly fitted to the mating housing. The connector according to claim 1 .

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