Connector Housing Assembly and Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector housing assembly with improved operational safety and operability, and a connector including the same.SOLUTION: There are provided a connector housing assembly and a connector including the connector housing assembly. The connector housing assembly includes: a connector housing 10 for receiving at least one electrical terminal; a pivotable lever 20 for mating the connector housing with a mating connector along a mating direction A, the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis of the connector housing between an initial position and an end position; and an anti-rotation structure configured to prevent rotation in the initial position. The lever includes a deformation section 22 which, when paired with the mating connector, is deformable such that the lever is rotatable from the initial position. For improved operational safety, the connector housing assembly furthermore includes a deformation maintenance structure which is configured to maintain the deformed state of the deformation section until the end position of the lever.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7b

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector housing assembly and a connector including the connector housing assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Connector housing assemblies are known from the prior art, in which the connector housing comprises a pivotable lever that can be pivoted to intermate or insert the connector housing with a mating connector along a mating direction.

[0003] Prior art techniques can result in premature and / or unwanted pivoting of the lever, but any safety mechanisms that temporarily prevent lever movement typically must be disengaged with significant effort. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector housing assembly with improved operational safety and ease. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This object is met according to the present invention by a connector housing assembly comprising a connector housing for receiving at least one electrical terminal, a pivotable lever for mating the connector housing with a mating connector along a mating direction, the lever being pivotable about a pivot axis of the connector housing between an initial position and an end position, and an anti-rotation structure configured to prevent rotation of the lever in the initial position, the lever comprising a deformation section that can deform when mated with the mating connector such that the lever is specifically rotatable from the initial position. Furthermore, the connector housing assembly includes a deformation maintaining structure configured to maintain the deformation state of the deformation section until the end position of the lever.

[0006] The anti-rotation structure is provided to prevent premature rotation of the lever when engagement with the mating connector has not yet been established. Additionally, the deformation retention structure ensures that the deformation section does not deform back after rotation is permitted, and therefore does not return to its undeformed state during rotation of the lever. This prevents problems when rotating the lever back to its initial position, which would otherwise require re-deformation. Additionally, returning to its undeformed state can have a negative impact on the mating process, which is also prevented by the deformation retention structure.

[0007] According to this aspect, the deformation of the deformation section can be maintained until it reaches the end position. This means that the deformation section is prevented from returning to its undeformed state during rotation, and that re-deformation when the lever is rotated back to its initial position can be prevented. Therefore, the number of load changes can be reduced. In addition, mating with the mating connector can be performed consistently in the deformed state.

[0008] The invention can be further improved by the following features, which are advantageous on their own and may be optionally combined with one another:

[0009] According to one possible embodiment, the deformation section may in particular simply be elastically deformable in order to prevent unwanted permanent deformation.

[0010] The deformation section may be specifically deformed by contact between the connector housing assembly and a mating connector, at which time the anti-rotation structure is automatically released without additional manual intervention.

[0011] Preferably, the anti-rotation structure is formed by a positive-fit connection between the lever and the connector housing, and the deformation section is deformable to release the positive-fit connection.

[0012] Rotation of the lever is then more reliably prevented by the anti-rotation structure, so that the misuse force that a user or operator must apply to initiate rotation is significant. The positive fit connection can also be easily restored from a deformed state by simply rotating the lever back.

[0013] According to a further aspect, the anti-rotation structure may comprise an engagement section on the lever side and an engagement section on the housing side, which may be engaged with each other in the initial position.

[0014] The positive fit connection is then established by mutual engagement of the engagement section on the lever side with the engagement section on the housing side, and in the initial position the engagement section on the housing side can block rotation of the lever.

[0015] During rotation, the engagement section on the lever side cannot engage with the engagement section on the housing side until the end position.

[0016] One of the lever-side engagement section and the housing-side engagement section is preferably recessed, and the other is protruding.

[0017] In that case, the engagement section can be manufactured in a simple manner: the concave-convex configuration can in particular be made parallel to the pivot axis.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the lever-side engagement section may comprise a plurality of engagement elements on the lever side, and the housing-side engagement section may comprise a plurality of engagement elements on the housing side.

[0019] In that case, the force of misuse may be increased because multiple engagement elements engage with each other, which increases the resistance force of the anti-rotation structure.

[0020] Preferably, at each circumferential position over the entire rotation of the lever to the end position, at least one engagement section on the lever does not engage an engagement section on the housing.

[0021] The plurality of engaging elements on the lever side and the plurality of engaging elements on the housing side are preferably spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction around the pivot axis.

[0022] Therefore, the resistance to force of improper use is increased, which can improve the safety of operation. Furthermore, even if one engagement element does not operate, the rotation of the lever can be prevented by the remaining engagement elements.

[0023] It is advantageous to have respective engagement contact surfaces, on which at least one engagement element on the lever side and at least one engagement element on the housing side engage with each other, which extend at least partially with at least one component perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0024] This further increases the force of misuse.

[0025] According to a further aspect, the deformation maintaining structure may be formed at least in part by an engagement section on the lever side and an engagement section on the housing side during the transition between the initial position and the end position.

[0026] This allows the connector housing assembly to be compact, and in addition, the number of components can be reduced since no additional components need to be provided to form the deformation maintaining structure.

[0027] According to a further aspect, the lever can establish frictional contact with the connector housing along a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis throughout the transition between the initial and final positions.

[0028] This can create a frictional force, which can prevent unwanted rotation of the lever when the lever rotation stops. In other words, the lever can be temporarily maintained in an intermediate position by the frictional force. This improves operability. For example, the engagement section on the lever side can then slide over the engagement section on the housing side.

[0029] According to yet another aspect, the lever can include a mating connector contact section that can contact the mating connector upon mating and is preferably configured to widen or taper in the mating direction.

[0030] Thereby, deformation of the deformation section may be achieved by contact with the mating connector at the mating connector contact section. Deformation of the deformation section may occur gradually and / or continuously by a tapered or widened configuration.

[0031] The mating connector contact section is preferably at least partially spaced further from the anti-rotation structure relative to the pivot axis, in other words the distance between the mating connector contact section and the pivot axis may be greater than the distance between the anti-rotation structure and the pivot axis.

[0032] In that case, a deformation large enough to release the anti-rotation structure can be achieved, which allows for reliable operation.

[0033] Alternatively, or in addition, in the initial position of the lever, the mating direction may be generally perpendicular to the connection line between the pivot axis and the mating connector contact section.

[0034] The connector housing assembly can then be configured compactly in the mating direction. Furthermore, the mating connector contact sections can easily move out of contact with the mating connector upon mating, thereby reducing stress on the lever. Note that the term "substantially" here includes an angular deviation of + / - 20° from the vertical.

[0035] According to yet another aspect, the lever may include an eccentric control section that is engageable with a mating connector for mating.

[0036] The eccentric control section can engage with the engagement section of the mating connector, thereby controlling the relative forward speed between the connector housing and the mating connector in the mating direction relative to the rotation angle of the lever. Therefore, the force applied by the operator to the lever can be transmitted to the mating connector via the eccentric control section. Therefore, the lever can be used to assist the mating process. In the present invention, the eccentric control section is constantly deformed by the deformation maintenance structure, and therefore mating with the mating connector can be reliably performed.

[0037] The eccentric control section is preferably tooth-shaped.

[0038] The tooth-like eccentric control section can enable uniform mating with the mating connector: the tooth flanks of the teeth can be consistently deformed so that they are parallel to the tooth flanks of the mating section of the mating connector in the deformed state.

[0039] According to yet another aspect, the lever and / or the connector housing may be injection molded.

[0040] This allows for easy manufacturing. In this way, the lever-side engaging section and the housing-side engaging section can also be easily manufactured. Thermoplastics may be used as materials.

[0041] According to yet another aspect, the connector housing may include a guide section configured to guide the mating connector parallel to the mating direction.

[0042] Linear movement along the mating direction between the connector housing and the mating connector can be achieved even when the lever rotates.

[0043] A further aspect of the present invention provides a connector comprising a connector housing assembly according to at least one of the preceding aspects.

[0044] A connector with improved operational safety and ease of operation can thus be provided. Depending on the application, the connector can comprise electrical, optical or opto-electrical contact elements which, when mated, connect with correspondingly formed complementary mating contacts of the mating connector.

[0045] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments, different features of which can be combined with one another as desired, in accordance with the above description. In particular, individual features may be added to the described embodiments in accordance with the above description when the effects of those features are necessary for a particular application. Conversely, individual features may be omitted from an existing embodiment when the technical effects of those features are not important for a particular application. Similarly, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings, to the extent appropriate, for identical and functionally identical elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a connector housing of the connector housing assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a lever of a connector housing assembly. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a mating connector that mates with the connector housing assembly. FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 10 is a schematic side perspective view of the lever in its initial position with the anti-rotation structure preventing rotation of the lever. [Figure 4b] 10 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the anti-rotation structure along the pivot axis, with the lever in an initial position and the anti-rotation structure preventing rotation of the lever; FIG. [Figure 4c] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view perpendicular to the pivot axis, showing the lever in an initial position and the anti-rotation structure preventing rotation of the lever; FIG. [Figure 5a] 10 is a schematic side view of the mating process with the mating connector beginning, with the lever in an initial position and the anti-rotation structure preventing the lever from rotating. FIG. [Figure 5b] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the anti-rotation structure parallel to the pivot axis when the lever is in an initial position and the anti-rotation structure prevents the lever from rotating, and when the mating process with the mating connector begins. [Figure 6a] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the eccentric control section taken perpendicular to the pivot axis at an advanced stage in the mating process with the mating connector, with the lever in the initial position and the anti-rotation structure released; FIG. [Figure 6b] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the anti-rotation structure parallel to the pivot axis in a state where the mating process with the mating connector has progressed and the lever is in an initial position and the anti-rotation structure is released. FIG. [Figure 7a] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the eccentric control section, perpendicular to the pivot axis, further into the mating process with the mating connector, with the lever in an intermediate position and the anti-rotation structure disengaged. [Figure 7b] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view parallel to the pivot axis at a further stage in the mating process with the mating connector, with the lever in an intermediate position and the anti-rotation structure disengaged; FIG. [Figure 7c] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lever-side engagement section taken perpendicular to the pivot axis, with the lever in an intermediate position and the anti-rotation structure disengaged, further along in the mating process with the mating connector. FIG. [Figure 8a] 10 is a schematic side view of a mating connector further along in the mating process, with the lever in an end position and the anti-rotation structure disengaged; FIG. [Figure 8b] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lever-side engagement section, perpendicular to the pivot axis, further along the mating process with the mating connector, with the lever in an end position and the anti-rotation structure disengaged. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] 4 to 8 (FIGS. 4a to 8b) show the connector housing assembly 1. The connector housing assembly 1 includes the components shown in FIGS.

[0048] The connector housing assembly 1 can be used, for example, in a connector for high voltage applications. The connector includes at least one electrical terminal received within the connector housing 10.

[0049] Therefore, the connector housing 10 has a storage function. The connector housing 10 has a substantially parallelepiped shape. The connector housing 10 includes two wall sections 11. The two wall sections 11 are side wall sections arranged opposite each other, and receive at least one terminal therebetween. The horizontal direction is perpendicular to the mating direction A shown in Figures 5 to 8 (Figures 5a to 8b). The mating direction A extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrical terminal.

[0050] Each side wall section 11 comprises, for example at its centre, an axis-forming section 12 which defines a pivot axis 13. The axis-forming section 12 projects from the outer surface of the side wall section 11 and serves as a support section for a lever 20.

[0051] The connector housing 10 further includes an engagement section 14 on the housing side. The engagement section 14 includes grooves 14A around the axis-forming section 12 at intervals in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis 13. The grooves 14A are equally spaced in the mating direction A and are arranged parallel to each other. Thus, more specifically, the grooves 14A are spaced apart by at least one circumferential component. The grooves 14A have a main extension direction that intersects the mating direction A and is not parallel to the radial direction around the pivot axis 13 at at least one circumferential position. The grooves 14A are recessed in the outer surface and each include a groove base wall and two oppositely arranged groove side walls.

[0052] Although not shown, the lever 20 has a general U-shape including two laterally opposed legs and a connecting section laterally joining them.

[0053] Each leg comprises a lever bearing section 21 at its end section, which is arranged opposite the connection section. The lever bearing section 21 is an opening which, in the assembled state, is arranged concentrically with the pivot axis 13. When viewed laterally (along the pivot axis), the end section is formed with a mostly circular shape and transitions into an extension section which extends to the connection section. It further comprises a deformation section 22, which will be described in more detail later in this specification. The deformation section 22 comprises a mating connector contact section 23. In the initial position of the lever 20, the mating connector contact section 23 is exposed in the mating direction A towards the mating connector 30 and points towards the housing. It has a section that tapers towards the mating connector 30 through an inclined inner surface in the mating direction A. The mating connector contact sections 23 are spaced further apart in a direction parallel to the pivot axis 13 than the grooves 14A, and further apart than the lever-side engagement sections 24. Note that the lever 20 is shown in Figure 2 with the inside facing out.

[0054] With respect to the lever support section 21, the lever-side engagement section 24 is provided within the deformation section 22, further inward from the mating connector contact section 23, i.e., closer to the pivot axis 13. The engagement section 24 comprises several protrusions 24A.

[0055] Similar to the groove 14A of the connector housing 10, the protrusions 24A are spaced apart around the lever support section 21 in the circumferential direction around the pivot axis 13. In the initial position, the protrusions 24A are equally spaced apart in the mating direction A and are parallel to each other. Therefore, more specifically, the protrusions 24A are spaced apart by at least one circumferential component. The protrusions 24A have a main extension direction that intersects the mating direction A and is not parallel to the radial direction around the pivot axis 13 at at least one circumferential position. Similar to the groove 14A, the protrusions 24A extend with a component perpendicular to the circumferential direction. The protrusions 24A are provided on the inner surface of the deformation section 22 and each include an innermost protrusion tip wall and two opposite protrusion side walls. In the lateral direction, the protrusion 24A (the lever-side engagement section 24) is disposed further inward than the mating connector contact section 23.

[0056] In addition to the protrusion 24A, the deformation section 22 includes an eccentricity control section 25 on the outer periphery of the circular section. The eccentricity control section 25 is also located closer to the pivot axis 13 than the mating connector contact section 23. In the lateral direction, the eccentricity control section 25 is arranged further inward than the mating connector contact section 23. The eccentricity control section 25 is formed in a toothed shape and includes two teeth 25a and 25b along the circumferential direction. A gap between the teeth 25a and 25b in the circumferential direction for engaging with the teeth of the mating connector extends on the outer surface.

[0057] Next, the functions and effects of the present invention will be described.

[0058] First, in either case, the two legs of the lever 20 are spread apart and the end section is attached to the shaft-forming section 12 by the lever support section 21. The protrusion 24A thereby engages with the groove 14A, as shown in Figure 4. The lever 20 is in an initial position with the lever legs extending generally in the mating direction A.

[0059] The anti-rotation structure 40 is formed by the housing-side engagement section 14 and the lever-side engagement section 24. Specifically, when the lever 20 rotates clockwise around the pivot axis 13, the protrusion sidewall arranged in the mating direction A on the housing side and the groove sidewall arranged in the mating direction on the mating connector side are engagement contact surfaces, respectively. They extend with components perpendicular to the circumferential direction, so they prevent rotation. The protrusion 24A can be inserted into the groove 14A with a gap.

[0060] In Figure 5, the mating connector 30 from Figure 3 has been moved in the mating direction A towards the connector housing 10. The mating connector 30 has an arm 31 facing in the mating direction A. At its front end, towards the connector housing 10, a tapered section 32 is provided (see Figure 6). The connector housing 10 comprises an arm deflection section 15 arranged in the path of the arm 31 in the mating direction. The arm 31 can thereby be moved laterally outwards.

[0061] 6 shows the tapered section 32 and the tapered section of the mating connector contact section 23 passing each other in the mating direction A. The deformation section 22 extends substantially from the mating connector contact section 23 to the pivot axis 13 in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis 13. The deformation section 22 therefore elastically deforms. Specifically, the deformation section 22 bends laterally outward, with the axis-forming section 12 acting as a bending center. Because the groove 14A and the protrusion 24A extend generally parallel to the connection line from the pivot axis 13 to the mating connector contact section 23, the bending moment induced by the arm 31 can reliably disengage the protrusion 24. The lever 20 can then be rotated circumferentially. The connection line is furthermore generally perpendicular to the mating direction A, thereby reliably applying the bending moment.

[0062] Rotation allows teeth 25 a and teeth 25 b to engage with teeth 33 a and teeth 33 b of the mating connector 30 .

[0063] Figure 7 shows an intermediate position between the initial position and the final position. As can be seen in Figure 7, at least one protrusion 24A, preferably all of them, is not engaged with the groove 14A. This is because at least the protrusion 24A on the lever side does not extend radially and cannot align with the groove 14A at any circumferential position other than the initial position. Therefore, the protrusion tip wall of each protrusion 24A slides on the outer surface of the connector housing 10 provided between the grooves 14A. At this time, frictional contact is established between the lever 20 and the connector housing 10. In addition, a deformation-maintaining section is formed by the housing-side engagement section 14 and the lever-side engagement section 24. This means that deformation is ensured in the area where the two engagement sections overlap during rotation, so that the deflection of the deformation section 22 is maintained.

[0064] Additionally, the teeth 25a and 25b engage with the teeth 33a and 33b (engagement section of the mating connector) of the arm 31, which are formed on the side of the arm 31 facing the pivot axis 13 in the mating direction A. Thus, the arm 31 and the mating connector can be moved toward the connector housing 10 by a force applied to the connection section of the lever 20. The connection section is preferably positioned farther from the pivot axis 13 than the eccentric control section 25. The mating process can thus be carried out efficiently.

[0065] It should be noted that the connector housing 10 may be provided with guide sections that serve to guide the arms 31 along the mating direction.

[0066] In the deformed state, the eccentric control section 25 is deformed so that the tooth surfaces of the teeth 25a and 25b are arranged parallel to the pivot axis 13 or the tooth plane (also the control surface) is arranged perpendicular to the pivot axis 13. This ensures optimal engagement.

[0067] The deformation is maintained until the end position, as can be seen in Figure 8. The mating connector contact section 23 is disengaged from the arm 31 and therefore no longer needs to be deformed.

[0068] The connector housing 10 may be provided with a stopper that defines the end position of the lever, and a locking structure that locks the lever 20 in the end position.

[0069] The lever 20 can be pivoted by at least 60°, preferably at least 75°, and even more preferably at least 90° between the initial and end positions, in which the legs extend generally transverse to the mating direction A.

[0070] The lever 20 and / or the connector housing 10 may be injection molded from a thermoplastic material, which facilitates the formation of the lever-side and housing-side engagement sections.

[0071] 1, the outer surface on which the groove 14A is provided is annularly offset from the remainder of the side wall 11 so that the end section of the lever can be guided in the rotational direction (circumferential direction). In other words, the connector housing assembly can have a rotational guide structure.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the anti-rotation structure 40 is formed by a positive fit connection. However, the anti-rotation structure 40 may also be formed by a force fit connection.

[0073] Furthermore, the groove 14A is an example of an engagement element on the housing side, while the rib-shaped protrusion 24A is an example of an engagement element on the lever side. However, the engagement section on the lever side may be recessed rather than convex, while the engagement section on the housing side may be protruding.

[0074] More complex geometric shapes of the engagement section are also contemplated, such as hook-shaped structures.

[0075] In this embodiment, the deformation section is deformed in bending, however, simple translational deformation is also possible as long as the anti-rotation structure can be released by deformation.

[0076] The deformation retention structure may include an additional element on the housing, which, if worn due to friction, can be replaced without having to replace the lever 20 and / or the connector housing 10.

[0077] The mating connector contact section comprises a section that tapers towards the mating connector, in other embodiments it may be configured to widen if the mating connector is configured accordingly.

[0078] The eccentricity control section may be configured as a link guide. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Connector Housing Assembly 10 Connector housing 11 Side wall 12 Axis forming section 13 Pivot axis 14 Housing side engagement section 14A Groove (housing side engagement element) 15 Arm Deflection Section 20 Lever 21 Lever support section 22 Transformation Section 23 Mating connector contact section 24 Lever side engagement section 24A Convex part (lever side engagement element) 25 Eccentricity Control Section 25a, 25b teeth 30 Mating connector 31 Arm 32 Tapered Section 33a, 33b Teeth of mating connector 40 Anti-rotation structure A Mating direction

Claims

1. A connector housing assembly (1), - a connector housing (10) for receiving at least one electrical terminal; a pivotable lever (20) for mating the connector housing with a mating connector (30) along a mating direction (A), the lever (20) being pivotable about a pivot axis (13) of the connector housing (10) between an initial position and an end position; an anti-rotation structure (40) configured to prevent rotation of the lever (20) in the initial position; Equipped with The lever (20) comprises a deformation section (22) that can be deformed when mated with the mating connector (30) so that the lever (20) can rotate; The connector housing assembly (1) further comprises a deformation maintaining structure configured to maintain the deformation state of the deformation section (22) until the lever (20) reaches the end position, and The anti-rotation structure (40) comprises an engagement section (24) on the lever side and an engagement section (14) on the housing side, which can be engaged with each other in the initial position, The engagement section (24) on the lever side has a plurality of engagement elements (24A) on the lever side, and the engagement section (14) on the housing side has a plurality of engagement elements (14A) on the housing side, The plurality of engagement elements (24A) on the lever side and the plurality of engagement elements (14A) on the housing side are spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction around the pivot shaft (13). Connector housing assembly (1).

2. The anti-rotation structure (40) is formed by a positive fit connection between the lever (20) and the connector housing (10); the deformation section (22) is deformable to release the positive fit connection; A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 1.

3. A connector housing assembly (1), - a connector housing (10) for receiving at least one electrical terminal; a pivotable lever (20) for mating the connector housing with a mating connector (30) along a mating direction (A), the lever (20) being pivotable about a pivot axis (13) of the connector housing (10) between an initial position and an end position; an anti-rotation structure (40) configured to prevent rotation of the lever (20) in the initial position; Equipped with The lever (20) comprises a deformation section (22) that can be deformed when mated with the mating connector (30) so that the lever (20) can rotate; The connector housing assembly (1) further comprises a deformation maintaining structure configured to maintain the deformation state of the deformation section (22) until the lever (20) reaches the end position, and The lever (20) is provided with a mating connector contact section (23), the mating connector contact section (23) is adapted to come into contact with the mating connector (30) upon mating and is configured to widen or taper in the mating direction (A); the mating connector contact section (23) is at least partially spaced from the anti-rotation structure (40) relative to the pivot axis (13); Connector housing assembly (1).

4. The anti-rotation structure (40) is formed by a positive fit connection between the lever (20) and the connector housing (10), the deformation section (22) is deformable to release the positive fit connection; A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 3.

5. The anti-rotation structure (40) comprises an engagement section (24) on the lever side and an engagement section (14) on the housing side, which can be engaged with each other in the initial position. A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 3.

6. One of the engagement section (24) on the lever side and the engagement section (14) on the housing side is configured to be recessed, and the other is configured to be protruding. A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 1.

7. The engagement section (24) on the lever side has a plurality of engagement elements (24A) on the lever side, and the engagement section (14) on the housing side has a plurality of engagement elements (14A) on the housing side. A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 5.

8. The plurality of engagement elements (24A) on the lever side and the plurality of engagement elements (14A) on the housing side are spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction around the pivot shaft (13). A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 7.

9. the deformation maintaining structure is at least partially formed by the engagement section (24) on the lever side and the engagement section (14) on the housing side during the transition between the initial position and the final position. A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 1.

10. The lever (20) is capable of establishing frictional contact with the connector housing (10) along a plane perpendicular to the pivot axis (13) throughout the transition between the initial position and the end position. A connector housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The lever (20) is provided with a mating connector contact section (23), The mating connector contact section (23) is adapted to come into contact with the mating connector (30) upon mating and is configured to widen or taper in the mating direction (A). A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the mating connector contact section (23) is at least partially spaced from the anti-rotation structure (40) relative to the pivot axis (13); A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 11.

13. In the initial position of the lever (20), the mating direction (A) is generally perpendicular to the connection line between the pivot axis (13) and the mating connector contact section (23). A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 3.

14. The lever (20) includes an eccentric control section (25) engageable with the mating connector (30) for mating. A connector housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. The eccentric control section (25) is formed in a toothed shape. A connector housing assembly (1) according to claim 14.

16. The connector housing (10) includes a guide section configured to guide the mating connector (30) parallel to the mating direction (A). A connector housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

17. A connector housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, connector.

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