Lever type connector

Abstract

To provide a lever type connector which can secure a time lag caused between switching from an on-state to an off-state of a sub switch and switching from an on-state to an off-state of a main switch more reliably.SOLUTION: A lever type connector 1 includes a first housing 21, a second housing 31, a main switch 7, a sub switch 8, a lever 4, a lock part 6, and a lock releasing operation part 422. The lever 4 includes: a pair of arm parts 41 attached to the second housing 31; and an operation part 421 formed so as to connect the pair of arm parts 41 and capable of rotationally operating the lever 4. The lever 4 includes a beam part 43 formed so as to straddle the pair of arm parts 41 and capable of restraining contact of fingers F with the lock releasing operation part 422 when the lever 4 is placed in a second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 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 sub-switch 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 mated with the first housing and the main switch and the sub-switch are in an ON state. a locking section that is positioned between the first position and the second position and that is capable of restricting rotation of the lever to the first position when the lever is positioned at a third position where the main switch is on but the sub-switch is off; and an unlocking operation section that is operated when the lever is positioned at the third position to release the lock set by the locking section, wherein the lever comprises a pair of arms attached to the second housing, an operation section that is formed to connect the pair of arms and that is capable of rotating the lever, and a beam section that is formed to straddle the pair of arms and that is capable of preventing a finger from coming into contact with the unlocking operation section when the lever is positioned at the second position. [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 showing a fully fitted state of a lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the fully fitted state of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the fully fitted state of the lever-type connector according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a temporary mated state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing a temporary mated state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the sub-lock portion and the beam portion in the fully fitted state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating that the operation of the sub-lock portion is restricted in the fully mated state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating that the operation of the sub-lock portion is restricted during the transition from the fully mated state to the provisionally mated state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating that the sub-lock portion is allowed to be operated in the temporary mated state of the lever-type connector according to one embodiment. 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] 1 and 3, the first housing 21 includes a first main cylindrical portion 211, and a first main terminal accommodating space is formed so as to penetrate the first main cylindrical portion 211 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first main cylindrical portion 211 includes a front wall 2111, a rear wall 2112, and a pair of side walls 2113 connecting the widthwise ends of the front wall 2111 and the rear wall 2112, and has a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0022] A first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 is accommodated and held in the first main terminal accommodating space of the first main cylindrical portion 211. In this embodiment, the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 is accommodated and held in the first main cylindrical portion 211 by inserting the first high-voltage terminal (first main terminal) 22 into the first main terminal accommodating space from below.

[0023] The first housing 21 also includes a flange portion 212 extending so as to protrude outward from an upper portion of the first main cylindrical portion 211. In this embodiment, the flange portion 212 extends around the entire periphery of the first main cylindrical portion 211 so as to protrude from an upper portion of the first main cylindrical portion 211 on both sides in the front-rear direction and on both sides in the width direction. A bolt insertion hole 2121 is formed in this flange portion 212, and the first housing 21 can be attached to a power supply device or the like by threading a bolt (not shown) inserted through the bolt insertion hole 2121 into a bolt hole in a case of the power supply device or the like.

[0024] In this embodiment, a first sub-tubular portion 2122 extending upward is formed on the flange portion 212 located on the front side in the front-rear direction of the first housing 21. A first sub-terminal accommodating space is formed in the first sub-tubular portion 2122 so as to penetrate therethrough in the up-down direction, and the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 23 is inserted into this first sub-terminal accommodating space. In this embodiment, the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 23 is accommodated and held in the first sub-tubular portion 2122 by inserting the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 23 into the first sub-terminal accommodating space 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 may be, for example, a bus bar formed by bending a metal plate that has been punched into a predetermined shape, while the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 23 may be, for example, a terminal of a terminal-attached electric wire.

[0027] 1 to 5, the second housing 31 includes a second main cylindrical portion 311, and a second main terminal accommodating space is formed in the second main cylindrical portion 311 so as to open downward. In this embodiment, the second main cylindrical portion 311 includes a top wall 3111, a front wall 3112, a rear wall 3113, and a pair of side walls 3114 connecting the widthwise ends of the front wall 3112 and the rear wall 3113, and has a generally rectangular tubular shape with an upper closed portion.

[0028] A second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is accommodated and held in the second main terminal accommodating space of the second main cylindrical portion 311. In this embodiment, the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 is accommodated and held in the second main cylindrical portion 311 by inserting the second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 into the second main terminal accommodating space from below.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second housing 31 is formed with an extension portion 312 that protrudes forward beyond the front wall 3112. As shown in FIG. 5 , the extension portion 312 includes a second sub-tubular portion 3121, and the second sub-tubular portion 3121 is formed with a second sub-terminal accommodating space that opens downward. Furthermore, a holding protrusion 31211 that can hold the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 33 is formed within the second sub-terminal accommodating space of the second sub-tubular portion 3121. The second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 33 is held by the holding protrusion 31211, so that the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 33 is accommodated and held in the second sub-tubular portion 3121.

[0030] Such a second housing 31 can also be made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0031] The second high-voltage terminal (second main terminal) 32 may be, for example, a bus bar formed by punching a metal plate into a predetermined shape and then bending the punched metal plate, while the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 33 may be, for example, a bus bar formed by punching a metal plate into a predetermined shape and then bending the punched metal plate.

[0032] In this embodiment, the second high-voltage terminal 32 housed and held within the second main cylindrical portion 311 is electrically connected to the first high-voltage terminal 22 housed and held in the first main cylindrical portion 211 when the second housing 31 is fitted to the first housing 21.

[0033] On the other hand, the second signal terminal 33 housed and held in the second sub-tubular portion 3121 is electrically connected to the first signal terminal 23 housed and held in the first sub-tubular portion 2122 when the second housing 31 is fitted into the first housing 21.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The pair of arm portions 41 are plate-shaped with the thickness direction substantially aligned with the width direction, and a bearing hole 411 is formed in each of the pair of arm portions 41 so as to penetrate in the thickness direction (width direction). As shown in Fig. 4, a lever support shaft 31141 formed in a side wall 3114 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Such a lever 4 can also be made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0039] 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 to the second position. In this embodiment, the state in which the lever 4 is rotated so that the tip (handle 4211) of the lever 4 is located further rearward than in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the first position of the lever 4, and the state shown in FIG. 3 is the second position of the lever 4. The state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the third position of the lever 4.

[0040] Then, by rotating the lever 4 from the first position to the second position 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 brought into electrical continuity, and the first signal terminal 23 and the second signal terminal 33 are brought into electrical continuity.

[0041] In this manner, in this embodiment, when the lever 4 is in the first position, the second housing 31 is separated from the first housing 21. 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 33 is separated from the first signal terminal 23.

[0042] 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 33 is electrically connected to the first signal terminal 23.

[0043] When the lever 4 is rotated from the first position to the second position, a mating force can be applied between the second housing 31 and the first housing 21. 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.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first housing 21 includes extended walls 213 extending upward from both widthwise ends of the flange portion 212, and first cam receivers 214 extending inward in the widthwise direction from the upper ends of the extended walls 213. When the lever 4 is rotated from the first position to the second position, the cam portion 412 formed on the rear end of the arm portion 41 of the lever 4 comes into contact with the first cam receivers 214 of the first housing 21. This applies a force that draws the second housing 31 into the first housing 21.

[0045] Furthermore, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, a separation force can be applied between the second housing 31 and the first housing 21. 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.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the cam portion 412 comes into contact with the upper surface (second cam receiving portion 2123) of the flange portion 212. This applies a force that pulls the second housing 31 out of the first housing 21.

[0047] 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 to or detached from the first housing 21.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the main locking unit 5 prevents the lever 4 from rotating in the first direction. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a locking hook 3122 is formed at the upper front end of the side of the extension portion 312 of the second housing 31, and a locking frame 413 is formed in front 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 frame 413 is locked by the locking hook 3122, 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 unit 5 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 main tubular portion 211 of the first housing 21 except for a portion of the second housing 31 will be described as a detached state of the lever-type connector 1.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lever-type connector 1 is provided with a sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6 that can restrict the rotation of the lever 4 while the lever 4 is being rotated from the second position to the first position.

[0050] Specifically, a sub-lock piece 422 is formed on connecting portion 42 of lever 4, and a hook portion 4221 is formed on the lower end of sub-lock piece 422. Furthermore, a protrusion 313 is formed on the front end of extension portion 312 of second housing 31 so as to protrude upward and forward, and a locking projection 3131 is formed on the front end of protrusion 313 to lock hook portion 4221. When lever 4 is being rotated from the second position to the first position, hook portion 4221 is locked by locking projection 3131, thereby restricting the rotation of lever 4 toward the first position (see FIG. 9). At this time, first high-voltage terminal 22 and second high-voltage terminal 32 are electrically connected, but second signal terminal 33 is spaced apart from first signal terminal 23 (see FIG. 5).

[0051] The position of lever 4 when hook portion 4221 is locked by locking projection 3131 is the third position described above. Therefore, when lever 4 is in the third position, second high-voltage terminal 32 is electrically connected to first high-voltage terminal 22, but second signal terminal 33 is spaced apart from first signal terminal 23.

[0052] In the following description, the state in which the lever 4 is placed in the third position and the hook portion 4221 is locked by the locking projection 3131 will be referred to as the temporary mated state of the lever-type connector 1.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by operating the sub-lock piece 422, the engagement between the hook portion 4221 and the locking projection 3131 is released, allowing the lever 4 to rotate toward the first position. In this way, in this embodiment, the sub-lock piece 422 corresponds to an unlocking operation portion that can release the lock by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6 by operating it with the lever 4 positioned at the third position.

[0054] 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. Fitting the second housing 31 to the first housing 21 electrically connects the first high-voltage terminal 22 and the second high-voltage terminal 32. Removing the second housing 31 from the first housing 21 releases the electrical connection between the first high-voltage terminal 22 and the second high-voltage terminal 32.

[0055] Furthermore, by rotating the lever 4 to the second position, the first signal terminal 23 and the second signal terminal 33 are electrically connected to each other. Moreover, by rotating the lever 4 from the second position to the third position, the electrical connection between the first signal terminal 23 and the second signal terminal 33 is released.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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. In addition, 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.

[0058] At this time, the first high voltage terminal 22 and the second high voltage terminal 32 function as a main switch 7 that constitutes part of the power supply circuit (main circuit), and the first signal terminal 23 and the second signal terminal 33 function as a sub-switch 8 that constitutes part of the signal circuit (sub-circuit).

[0059] In this way, in a power supply device or the like equipped with the lever-type connector 1 as a power circuit breaker, a power circuit (main circuit) is formed when the main switch 7 is turned on, and a signal circuit (sub-circuit) is formed when the sub-switch 8 is turned on.

[0060] In a power supply device or the like equipped with a power circuit breaker, even if the main switch 7 is turned on and a power circuit is formed, the power circuit will not be brought into a conductive state unless the sub-switch 8 is turned on and a signal circuit is formed. In other words, the power circuit is brought into a conductive state only when both the main switch 7 and the sub-switch 8 are turned on.

[0061] In the lever-type connector 1 according to this embodiment, the main switch 7 is configured to be in the ON state in the fully mated state locked by the main locking portion 5 and in the provisionally mated state locked by the sub-locking portion 6. On the other hand, the sub-switch 8 is configured to be in the ON state in the fully mated state locked by the main locking portion 5 and in the OFF state in the provisionally mated state locked by the sub-locking portion 6.

[0062] After the sub-switch 8 is turned off, the main switch 7 cannot be turned off to release the electrical connection between the first high-voltage terminal 22 and the second high-voltage terminal 32 unless the lock by the sub-lock section 6 is released.

[0063] That is, a time lag is created between the switching of the sub-switch 8 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the main switch 7 from the on state to the off state.

[0064] This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of arcs, sparks, and the like due to residual current that occurs when the power supply lines are disconnected immediately after the signal lines are disconnected.

[0065] Here, in this embodiment, the time lag that occurs between switching the signal switch (sub-switch) 8 from the on state to the off state and switching the power switch (main switch) 7 from the on state to the off state can be more reliably secured.

[0066] Specifically, the lever 4 is formed to straddle the pair of arm portions 41 and includes a beam portion 43 that can prevent a finger F from contacting the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 when the lever 4 is in the second position. In this embodiment, the beam portion 43 is formed to be disposed rearward of the connecting portion 42 (operation portion 421) and spaced apart from the connecting portion 42 (operation portion 421). That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , an opening (front opening 44) is formed between the connecting portion 42 (operation portion 421) and the beam portion 43. The front opening 44 has a width (length in the front-rear direction) that prevents a finger F from being inserted thereinto by an operator or the like. This prevents a finger F from being inserted through the front opening 44 when the lever 4 is in the second position.

[0067] 7, in this embodiment, in a plan view when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the beam 43 overlaps with the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422. This ensures that when an attempt is made to operate the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 with a finger F while the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the beam 43 prevents the finger F from being inserted.

[0068] In this way, in the lever-type connector 1 of this embodiment, when the lever 4 is positioned in the second position, the beam portion 43 prevents the finger F from contacting the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422.

[0069] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 from being unintentionally operated when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position. Furthermore, it is also possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 from being intentionally operated when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position. This makes it possible to prevent the lever 4 from being rotated in one go from the second position to the first position when the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 is operated to release the lock by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6.

[0070] Therefore, with the lever-type connector 1 according to this embodiment, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock portion (locking portion) 6 can more reliably lock the lever 4 at the third position. That is, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock portion (locking portion) 6 can more reliably prevent the lever 4 from passing through the third position without being locked at the third position. This more reliably restricts the rotation of the lever 4 from the third position to the first position, making it impossible to rotate the lever 4 from the second position to the first position in one go. As a result, it is possible to more reliably ensure the time lag that occurs between the switching of the signal switch (sub switch) 8 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 7 from the on state to the off state.

[0071] Furthermore, by providing a beam portion 43 on the lever 4, it is possible to further increase the rigidity of the lever 4, which makes it possible to more reliably prevent the lever 4 from being deformed, for example, when the lever 4 is molded or when the lever 4 is operated.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, the lever 4 is formed with a reinforcing wall 46 that connects the rear end of the arm portion 41, and an opening 45 is formed between the beam portion 43 and the reinforcing wall 46 through which a finger F can be inserted.

[0073] By inserting a finger F through this opening 45 and operating the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422, the lock by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6 can be released.

[0074] Specifically, with the lever 4 in the third position, the finger F is inserted through the opening 45 to operate (elastically deform forward) the sub-lock piece (unlocking operation portion) 422, thereby releasing the engagement between the hook portion 4221 and the locking protrusion 3131. In this way, the lock by the sub-lock portion (locking portion) 6 is released.

[0075] In this embodiment, a restricting wall 34 is formed on the second housing 31. Specifically, the restricting wall 34 is formed so as to protrude upward from the upper front end of the extension portion 312.

[0076] In this embodiment, the restriction wall 34 is configured to restrict the release operation of the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 when the lever 4 is located at the second position. That is, when the lever 4 is located at the second position, the finger F inserted through the opening 45 abuts against the restriction wall 34, restricting the finger F from contacting the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422.

[0077] 8, even if a finger F is inserted through the opening 45 while the lever 4 is being rotated from the second position to the third position, the finger F comes into contact with the restricting wall 34, thereby restricting the finger F from contacting the sub-lock piece (unlocking operation portion) 422. This prevents the sub-lock piece (unlocking operation portion) 422 from being operated by the finger F while the lever 4 is being rotated from the second position to the third position.

[0078] The restriction wall 34 is configured to allow the release operation of the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 when the lever 4 is located at the third position. Specifically, when the lever 4 is located at the second position, a gap 9 is formed above the upper end of the restriction wall 34. This gap 9 includes a circular space with a diameter of 25 mm. This forms the gap 9 above the restriction wall 34, into which a finger F can be inserted. By inserting the finger F into this gap 9, the release operation of the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 can be performed.

[0079] In this manner, in this embodiment, when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position, the release operation of the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 is restricted by the restriction wall 34. When the lever 4 is positioned at the third position, the release operation of the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 can be performed.

[0080] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 from being operated by the finger F when the lever 4 is positioned at the second position or while the lever 4 is being rotated from the second position to the third position. Therefore, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, it becomes possible to more reliably lock the lever 4 at the third position by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6. In other words, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the lever 4 from passing through the third position without being locked by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6 at the third position.

[0081] Therefore, it is possible to more reliably restrict the rotation of the lever 4 from the third position to the first position, and it is possible 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) 8 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 7 from the on state to the off state.

[0082] 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.

[0083] First, with the lever 4 in the first position, the second housing 31 is temporarily held by the first housing 21.

[0084] At this time, the second high-voltage terminal 32 is separated from the first high-voltage terminal 22, and the power switch (main switch) 7 is in the OFF state. In addition, the second signal terminal 33 is also separated from the first signal terminal 23, and the signal switch (sub-switch) 8 is also in the OFF state.

[0085] Then, the lever 4 is rotated so that the operating portion 421 moves forward. When the lever 4 is rotated from the first position to the second position to a certain extent, the cam portion 412 comes into contact with the first cam receiving portion 214. This applies a force that draws the second housing 31 into the first housing 21.

[0086] The lever 4 is then 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.

[0087] At this time, the second high-voltage terminal 32 is electrically connected to the first high-voltage terminal 22, and the power switch (main switch) 7 is in the ON state. In addition, the second signal terminal 33 is electrically connected to the first signal terminal 23, and the signal switch (sub-switch) 8 is also in the ON state.

[0088] 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.

[0089] First, the lever 4 is moved from the second position toward the first position to release the lock by the main lock unit 5. In this way, the lever 4 can be rotated from the second position toward the first position.

[0090] When the lever 4 is rotated to the third position, it is locked by the sub-lock portion 6, and the rotation of the lever 4 from the third position toward the first position is restricted.

[0091] At this time, the second high-voltage terminal 32 is electrically connected to the first high-voltage terminal 22, and the power switch (main switch) 7 is in the ON state. On the other hand, the second signal terminal 33 is separated from the first signal terminal 23, and the signal switch (sub-switch) 8 is in the OFF state.

[0092] Then, with the lever 4 positioned at the third position, the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 is operated to release the lock by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6. This allows the lever 4 to be rotated from the third position toward the first position.

[0093] When the lever 4 is rotated from the third position toward the first position, the cam portion 412 comes into contact with the second cam receiving portion 2123. This causes a force to pull the second housing 31 out of the first housing 21.

[0094] 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.

[0095] [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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The lever-type connector 1 also includes a power switch (main switch) 7. The power switch (main switch) 7 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.

[0098] The lever-type connector 1 also includes a signal switch (sub-switch) 8. The signal switch (sub-switch) 8 has a first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 23 provided in the first housing 21, and a second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 33 that can be connected to or disconnected from the first signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 23.

[0099] Furthermore, the lever-type connector 1 includes 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) 7 and the signal switch (sub-switch) 8 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) 7 and the signal switch (sub-switch) 8 are in the ON state.

[0100] Furthermore, the lever-type connector 1 is provided with a sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6 that can restrict the rotation of the lever 4 to the first position when the lever 4 is in a third position that is located between the first position and the second position. Here, the third position is a position where the power switch (main switch) 7 is in the on state, but the signal switch (sub-switch) 8 is in the off state.

[0101] Furthermore, the lever-type connector 1 is provided with a sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 that can be operated with the lever 4 in the third position to release the lock provided by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6.

[0102] Here, the lever 4 comprises a pair of arm portions 41 attached to the second housing 31, and an operating portion 421 formed to connect the pair of arm portions 41 and capable of rotating the lever 4.

[0103] The lever 4 is formed to straddle the pair of arm portions 41 and has a beam portion 43 that can prevent the finger F from contacting the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 when the lever 4 is positioned in the second position.

[0104] In this way, in the lever-type connector 1 shown in the above embodiment, when the lever 4 is positioned in the second position, the beam portion 43 prevents the finger F from contacting the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422.

[0105] This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 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 piece (unlock operation portion) 422 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 piece (unlock operation portion) 422 is operated to release the lock by the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6.

[0106] As described above, with the lever-type connector 1 according to the embodiment, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock portion (locking portion) 6 can more reliably lock the lever 4 at the third position. That is, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock portion (locking portion) 6 can more reliably prevent the lever 4 from passing through the third position without being locked at the third position. This more reliably restricts the rotation of the lever 4 from the third position to the first position, making it impossible to rotate the lever 4 from the second position to the first position in one go. As a result, the time lag occurring between the switching of the signal switch (sub switch) 8 from the on state to the off state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 7 from the on state to the off state can be more reliably ensured.

[0107] Furthermore, by providing a beam portion 43 on the lever 4, it is possible to further increase the rigidity of the lever 4, which makes it possible to more reliably prevent the lever 4 from being deformed during molding, operation, etc.

[0108] The lever 4 may also be formed with an opening 45 into which a finger F can be inserted. Furthermore, the lever-type connector 1 may be configured so that the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 can be operated with the finger F by inserting the finger F through the opening 45 with the lever 4 in the third position.

[0109] A restricting wall 34 may be formed on the second housing 31. This restricting wall restricts the finger F from contacting the sub-lock piece (unlocking operation portion) 422 when the lever 4 is located at the second position, and allows the finger F to contact the sub-lock piece (unlocking operation portion) 422 when the lever 4 is located at the third position.

[0110] This more reliably prevents the sub-lock piece (unlock operation portion) 422 from being operated by the finger F while the lever 4 is being rotated from the second position to the third position. Therefore, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6 can be more reliably locked at the third position. That is, when the lever 4 is rotated from the second position to the first position, the sub-lock portion (lock portion) 6 can be more reliably prevented from passing through the third position without being locked at the third position. This more reliably restricts the rotation of the lever 4 from the third position to the first position, preventing the lever 4 from being rotated from the second position to the first position in one go. As a result, the time lag occurring between the switching of the signal switch (sub switch) 8 from an on state to an off state and the switching of the power switch (main switch) 7 from an on state to an off state can be more reliably prevented.

[0111] [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.

[0112] For example, it is possible to use a lever-type connector that does not have the restricting wall 34.

[0113] It is also possible to provide the second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) on the lever.

[0114] 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]

[0115] 1 Lever-type connector 21 First Housing 22 First high voltage terminal (first main terminal) 23 First signal terminal (first sub-terminal) 31 Second Housing 32 Second high voltage terminal (second main terminal) 33 Second signal terminal (second sub-terminal) 34 Regulatory barriers 4 Lever 41 Arm section 421 Operation section 422 Sub-lock piece (unlock operation part) 43 Beam section 45 Aperture 6 Sub-lock section (lock section) 7 Power switch (main switch) 8 Signal switch (sub-switch) F finger

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; a locking portion that is located between the first position and the second position and that is capable of restricting the rotation of the lever to the first position when the lever is located at a third position where the main switch is in an on state but the sub switch is in an off state; an unlocking operation unit that can unlock the locking unit by operating the lever when the lever is positioned at the third position; Equipped with The lever is a pair of arms attached to the second housing; an operating portion formed to connect the pair of arm portions and capable of rotating the lever; a beam portion that is formed to straddle the pair of arm portions and that can prevent a finger from contacting the unlocking operation portion when the lever is positioned at the second position; Equipped with Lever type connector.

2. The lever has an opening formed therein through which a finger can be inserted, The unlocking operation portion can be operated by inserting a finger through the opening while the lever is in the third position, The second housing is formed with a restriction wall that restricts contact of a finger with the unlocking operation portion when the lever is positioned at the second position and allows contact of a finger with the unlocking operation portion when the lever is positioned at the third position. The lever-type connector according to claim 1 .

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