Lever-type connector

Abstract

To provide a lever type connector capable of actuating a connector position assurance mechanism without performing additional operation when fitting a connector.SOLUTION: A lever type connector comprises: a housing (10); a lever (20) provided in the housing (10) and capable of performing lever operation for fitting the housing (10) to a mating housing (80) through rotational displacement, around a fulcrum (14) from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2); and a CPA member 30 including a load application part (31) as a force point and provided in the lever (20). The lever (20) locks the CPA member (30) until the lever operation is completed. The CPA member (30) is configured to detect regular fitting by being actuated with a load, which is applied to the load application part (31) continuously before the completion of the lever operation, just after the completion of the lever operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lever-type connector having a connector position assurance mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] To ensure the proper mating state of a connector, a connector position assurance mechanism (CPA) is used. For example, in the connector of Patent Document 1, after rotating and then sliding a lever to mate a first housing and a second housing, a mating detection member (CPA member) is inserted into a housing formed in the first housing to enable detection of the proper mating state. The mating detection member is movably supported by a lever provided on the second housing, and after the operation of the lever is completed, it is pushed into the storage portion of the first housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the case of a conventional connector having a connector position assurance mechanism, when mating, two operations are required: an operation of mating the housing of the connector with a mating housing and an operation of operating the connector position assurance mechanism. For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, after completing the operation of the lever for mating the first housing and the second housing, another operation of pushing in the mating detection member is required. That is, in order to ensure the proper mating of the connector, in addition to the mating operation, it is necessary to operate the CPA member, so even if the mating operation is performed, it is possible for an operator to forget to operate the CPA member.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a lever-type connector that can activate a connector position guarantee mechanism without requiring any additional operations when mating the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lever-type connector of the present invention comprises a housing, a lever provided on the housing and configured to enable a lever operation that engages the housing with a mating housing by rotational displacement from a first position to a second position about a pivot point, and a CPA member provided on the lever, which includes a load application part as a point of force application. The lever locks the CPA member until the lever operation is complete. The CPA member is configured to detect proper engagement by being activated immediately after the lever operation is complete by the load applied to the load application part, which has been continuously applied since before the lever operation was completed.

[0007] In the lever-type connector of the present invention, the CPA member includes a load application portion and a CPA beam extending in the direction of the load, wherein the free end of the CPA beam is preferably locked in a state in which its displacement is restricted by the lever until the lever operation is completed, and immediately after the completion of the lever operation, it is displaced by the load and engages with the housing and the lever.

[0008] In the lever-type connector of the present invention, the housing preferably includes a release part located on the trajectory of the free end due to rotational displacement, and the release part releases the locking of the free end by the lever by pushing the free end in the thickness direction of the CPA beam when the lever operation is completed.

[0009] In the lever-type connector of the present invention, the lever preferably comprises: a locking portion that locks the CPA member in a state where its displacement is restricted against a load until the lever operation is completed; a lock beam that extends along the direction of the load and whose first end engages with the housing when the lever operation is completed; and an unlocking portion located at the second end of the lock beam, whose displacement is restricted by the operation of the CPA member immediately after the completion of the lever operation.

[0010] In the lever-type connector of the present invention, it is preferable that the engaged portion corresponding to the CPA beam and the engaged portion corresponding to the lock beam are aligned along the direction of the load.

[0011] In the lever-type connector of the present invention, the lever comprises a first lever supported by the housing at one axial end of the lever, a second lever supported by the housing at the other axial end of the lever, and a connecting portion connecting the first lever and the second lever, wherein the load application portion is preferably located on the first position side of the connecting portion and extends axially along the connecting portion of the lever.

[0012] In the lever-type connector of the present invention, the lever comprises a first lever supported by the housing at one axial end of the lever, a second lever supported by the housing at the other axial end of the lever, cam portions provided on the first and second levers respectively for engaging with the mating housing, a connecting portion for connecting the first and second levers, and a CPA housing for holding a CPA member. The CPA housing protrudes toward the first position relative to the connecting portion, and the load application portion is preferably positioned at the end of the CPA housing toward the first position until the lever operation is completed.

[0013] In the lever-type connector of the present invention, it is preferable that the CPA housing is located at the axial end of the connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The housing and the mating housing engage when the lever operation is completed, which involves pressing the CPA member, which is locked by the lever, and rotating the lever to the second position. The CPA member is locked by the lever until the lever operation is completed, at which point the lever releases the lock on the CPA member. Therefore, immediately after the completion of the lever operation, the CPA member is activated by the load that has been continuously applied to the CPA member since before the lever operation was completed. In other words, by pressing the CPA member while operating the lever, the CPA member can be automatically activated upon completion of the lever operation. Since fitting and activation of the CPA member are performed by a single operation that continuously applies load to the load application part, the operator does not need to perform another operation with a different load application position or direction to activate the CPA member after completing the lever operation. Therefore, proper fitting can be easily and reliably ensured without requiring any intentional operation to activate the CPA member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] (a) and (b) are perspective views showing a lever-type connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) shows the lever in the first position, and (b) shows the lever rotated to the second position by lever operation. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing a lever-type connector and the mating housing of the mating connector. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the plug housing of a lever-type connector mated with the mating housing. [Figure 4] (a) is a partially broken side view showing the lever in the first position with its cam groove engaged with the cam projection of the mating housing. (b) is a partially broken side view showing the lever rotated to the second position from the state shown in (a). (b) is partially broken along the line IVb-IVb in Figure 5(a). [Figure 5] (a) is a plan view of a lever-type connector. (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) along the line Vb-Vb. [Figure 6] (a) is a perspective view of the plug housing. (b) is a close-up view of a portion of (a). [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the lever. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the lever from the direction of arrow VIII in Figure 7. [Figure 9](a) is a perspective view of the CPA member incorporated in the lever. (b) is a cross-sectional view of the lever-type connector. [Figure 10] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing the state S01 where the lever is in the first position. (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Xb-Xb of (c). (c) is a side view from the Xc direction of (a). [Figure 11] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIa-XIa of FIG. 10(b). (b) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 11(a). [Figure 12] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing the state S02 during the lever operation. (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIIc-XIIc of (a). [Figure 13] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing the state S03 when the lever operation is completed. (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIIIc-XIIIc of (a). [Figure 14] It is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 13(c). [Figure 15] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing the state S04 immediately after the lever operation is completed. (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVc-XVc of (a). [Figure 16] (a) and (b) are perspective views of the lever-type connector according to a modified example of the present invention. (c) is a side view from the direction of the arrow XVIc of (b).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 〔Overall Schematic Configuration〕 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lever-type connector 1 (hereinafter, the connector 1) includes, as main components, a plug housing 10 that holds a plurality of female contacts (not shown), a lever 20 provided on the plug housing 10, and a CPA member 30 provided on the lever 20. Each of the plug housing 10, the lever 20, and the CPA member 30 is formed by injection molding from a resin material.

[0017] The lever 20 is configured to allow lever operation to engage the plug housing 10 with the mating housing 80 of the mating connector 8 by rotational displacement from the first position P1 shown in Figure 1(a) to the second position P2 shown in Figure 1(b). When the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 are mated, the female contact of connector 1 and the male mating contact (not shown) of the mating connector 8 are electrically connected. Note that, as a component of the mating connector 8, only the mating housing 80 is shown, and other components, such as the mating contacts held in the mating housing 80, are not shown.

[0018] The CPA member 30 is configured to detect the correct mating state between connector 1 and mating connector 8. As described later, the plug housing 10 and mating housing 80 are mated by completing a lever operation in which the lever 20 is rotated to the second position P2 while pressing the CPA member 30, which is locked by the lever 20. The locking of the CPA member 30 by the lever 20 is released simultaneously with the completion of the lever operation when the CPA member 30 is pushed by a part of the plug housing 10. Therefore, immediately after the completion of the lever operation, the CPA member 30 is pushed in and activated by the load that has been continuously applied to the CPA member 30 since before the completion of the lever operation.

[0019] Figures 1-5 show the state in which the CPA member 30 is not pressed in. The detailed configurations of the plug housing 10, lever 20, and CPA member 30 will be described later.

[0020] In this embodiment, the direction D1 of the load applied to the CPA member 30 corresponds to the fitting direction z in which the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 engage when the lever operation is completed. Of course, this is not always the case depending on the rotatable range of the lever 20.

[0021] The connector 1 of this embodiment includes a sealing member 41 that seals the inside of the plug housing 10 with an electric wire (not shown) connected to the female contact passing through it, a sealing holder 42, a retainer 43 that secondarily locks the female contact in a state where it is first locked to the plug housing 10, a front cavity 44 positioned toward the mating housing 80, and a sealing ring 45 that seals the gap between the mating housing 80 and the plug housing 10. Waterproofing is ensured in the connector 1 and the mating connector 8 by the sealing member 41, the sealing holder 42, and the sealing ring 45.

[0022] The sealing member 41 is housed in a recess 11 formed in the plug housing 10. The sealing member 41 is pressed against the plug housing 10 by the sealing holder 42 and elastically deforms, causing it to adhere tightly to the outer circumference of each wire and the inner wall of the recess 11. The sealing holder 42 has a locking portion 421 that engages with the plug housing 10. The retainer 43 is inserted into the plug housing 10 from a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction z in which the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 are fitted together (for example, the y direction), and is locked by the locking portion 431.

[0023] The front cavity 44 comprises a front end 441 into which a plurality of cavities 441A (Figure 2) into which mating contacts (not shown) are inserted, and a side wall 442 rising from the front end 441 toward the rear (towards the seal holder 42). The plug housing 10 is positioned inside the side wall 442.

[0024] [Opponent Housing] The mating housing 80 shown in Figures 2 to 4 includes a mating wall 81 that accommodates the entire front cavity 44 and the plug housing 10 from its front end (not shown) to the position of the seal ring 45. The multiple mating walls 81 in the mating housing 80 of this embodiment correspond individually to multiple connectors 1, and the plug housing 10 can be fitted into each mating wall 81. The multiple mating walls 81 are arranged in a predetermined direction with a gap 811 between them. Each mating wall 81 is provided with a pair of cam protrusions 812 into which the lever 20 engages. The cam protrusions 812 are positioned on both sides in a direction y that is perpendicular to both the mating direction z and the direction x in which the mating walls 81 are aligned. It is also possible to position the cam protrusions 812 on both sides in the x direction of the mating wall 81.

[0025] Multiple mating contacts, held by the mating housing 80, are connected to the circuit board 9 (Figure 3) using solder. In the example shown in Figure 3, the circuit board 9 is positioned to extend in the xz direction. In this case, the multiple mating contacts are bent in the y direction toward the circuit board 9 on the back side of the portion 82 that holds them.

[0026] [Plug housing] In Figures 5(b) and 6(a), the upper side corresponds to the rear side R of the plug housing 10, and the lower side corresponds to the front side F of the plug housing 10. As shown in Figures 5(a), (b) and 6(a), the plug housing 10 comprises a plurality of cavities 12 in which a plurality of contacts are individually arranged, a peripheral wall 13 that rises to form a recess 11 behind the collection of cavities 12 R, a pair of shaft portions 14 that rotatably support the lever 20, and a housing body 15 that extends forward F from the shaft portions 14 and is provided with a seal ring 45, a retainer 43, and a front cavity 44.

[0027] The housing body 15 surrounds the seal ring 45 and extends beyond the peripheral wall 13 in the x and y directions, forming a roughly rectangular shape in plan view. The shaft portion 14, which corresponds to the pivot point of the rotational displacement of the lever 20, protrudes from the peripheral wall 13 on both sides in the y-direction.

[0028] Refer to Figure 6(b) for a detailed explanation. One shaft portion 14 is provided, and on the side wall 15y of the housing body 15 facing the y direction, a CPA release portion 151 and an engaged recess 152 (engaged portion) that act on the CPA member 30, and an engaged portion 153 that acts on the lever 20 are formed, as will be described later. The CPA release portion 151, the engaged recess 152, and the engaged portion 153 are located at the end 15C of the side wall 15y, which is away from the shaft portion 14 in the x direction, and are arranged in the z direction in the order of CPA release portion 151, engaged recess 152, and engaged portion 153.

[0029] The CPA release unit 151 releases the CPA member 30 from the lever 20 by pressing a portion of the CPA member 30 when the lever operation is completed. The CPA release unit 151 is located on the trajectory T of the free end 331 due to the rotational displacement of the lever 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (see Figure 4(a)). Furthermore, the CPA release section 151 is formed in a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the side, and extends from position F to position R on the front side of the rear wall 15z of the housing body 15. In this embodiment, the CPA release section 151 is positioned along a surface 154 that is recessed in the y direction from the side wall 15y. The CPA release section 151 is given a predetermined plate thickness to ensure rigidity.

[0030] The engaged recess 152 is a recess into which the portion of the CPA member 30 released from locking by the lever 20 engages. The engaged recess 152 is recessed toward the front F from the surface 155 which is set back in the z direction relative to the rear wall 15z, and is located directly below the front end 151F of the CPA release portion 151.

[0031] The engaged portion 153 protrudes in the y-direction from the side wall 15y directly below the engaged recess 152 and has a rear surface 153A and a front surface 153B. The lock beam 25 of the lever 20 engages with the engaged portion 153. To prevent the tip (251) of the lock beam 25 from twisting when the lever is operated, the rear surface 153A that contacts the tip is given a slope in the z-direction.

[0032] 〔lever〕 As shown in Figures 1, 7, and 8, the lever 20 includes a first lever 21 and a second lever 22 arranged opposite each other in the axial direction (y direction) of the lever 20, a cam groove 23 as a cam portion that engages with the mating housing 80, a connecting portion 24 that connects the first lever 21 and the second lever 22, a lock beam 25 that engages with the engaged portion 153 of the plug housing 10 when the lever operation is completed, and a CPA housing 26 that holds the CPA member 30.

[0033] The first lever 21 engages with one shaft portion 14 of the plug housing 10, and the second lever 22 engages with the other shaft portion 14 of the plug housing 10. The first lever 21 and the second lever 22 are supported by the plug housing 10 so as to be rotatable around the shaft portion 14. The first lever 21 and the second lever 22 each have a through hole 201 into which the shaft portion 14 is inserted, and a guide recess 202 that receives the shaft portion 14 and guides it to the through hole 201.

[0034] The first lever 21 and the second lever 22 each have a cam groove 23 formed therein that engages with the cam projection 812 of the mating housing 80. The cam groove 23 consists of a first beam 231 and a second beam 232. As shown in Figure 4(a), when the lever 20 is in the first position P1, the cam projection 812 is positioned in the opening 233 of the cam groove 23. As the lever 20 rotates in the direction of the arrow within the angular range from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the plug housing 10 is displaced in the fitting direction z, while the cam projection 812 is pulled into the back of the cam groove 23, and engages with the mating housing 80.

[0035] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 7, the connecting portion 24 comprises a first connecting portion 241 connected to the first lever 21, a second connecting portion 242 connected to the second lever 22, and an intermediate portion 243 extending linearly between the first connecting portion 241 and the second connecting portion 242. The connecting portion 24 is formed in a substantially C-shape in a plan view when the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 are fitted together. The first connecting portion 241 is connected to the first lever 21 at a phase away from the position of the opening 233 of the cam groove 23 in the rotational direction of the lever 20. The second connecting portion 242 is connected similarly. As shown in Figures 5(b) and 7, the intermediate portion 243 has a recess 243A that is recessed in the fitting direction z when the lever 20 is in the second position P2.

[0036] When fitted, the connecting portion 24 is positioned along the peripheral wall 13 as shown in Figure 5(a). At this time, the connecting portion 24 is positioned in the gap 811 between adjacent fitting walls 81 of the mating housing 80. The connecting portion 24 is given a shape that follows the shape of one side 131 of the peripheral wall 13 and the arc-shaped corners 132 on both sides thereof. The intermediate portion 243 is recessed by the formation of a recess 243A, so its thickness in the direction of rotational displacement of the lever 20 is thinner than that of the first connecting portion 241 and the second connecting portion 242, and its width in the direction connecting the axis of the lever 20 and the intermediate portion 243 is also narrower. The thinness of the intermediate portion 243 in the direction of rotational displacement prevents the lever 20 from being positioned within the projection range of the cavity 12 when the lever 20 is in the released state (first position P1). This improves visibility and workability when inserting the contact into the cavity 12, and prevents the lever 20 from interfering with the wires connected to the contact and pulled out from the sealing member 41 and the sealing holder 42.

[0037] The lock beam 25 is positioned on one side of the box-shaped CPA housing 26. As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the lock beam 25 extends linearly in a side view from the axial direction (y direction) of the lever 20, along the direction D1 of the load L applied when the lever 20 is rotationally displaced.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5(b), the lock beam 25 extends from a release portion 252 (second end) located at one end in the extension direction to a locking end 251 (first end) that engages with the engaged portion 153 when the lever operation is completed. When the knob 252A of the release portion 252 is pushed in the direction of arrow p, the lock beam 25 bends and the locking end 251 separates from the engaged portion 153, the lock on the lever 20 by the engaged portion 153 is released.

[0039] As the lever operation is completed, the CPA member 30 is pushed in as shown in Figure 15(c) and engages with the unlocking part 252, thereby restricting the deflection displacement of the unlocking part 252 and maintaining the locked state of the lever 20. In this state, the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 are properly fitted together, and the proper fitted state can be detected by the operation of the CPA member 30.

[0040] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the CPA housing 26 is provided with walls 261 to 263 that surround the CPA member 30 on three sides. The rock beam 25 and the CPA member 30 are integrated into the CPA housing 26. Walls 261-263 protrude from the connecting portion 24 and the first lever 21 on the negative side (first position P1 side) of the direction r of rotational displacement of the lever 20 when fitted. The CPA member 30 is positioned between the walls 261-263 and the first connecting portion 241 of the connecting portion 24. The walls 261-263 extend along the direction D1 of the load L applied when the lever 20 is rotated, similar to the lock beam 25. The first connecting portion 241 has a stopper 241A that contacts the CPA release portion 151 when the lever 20 is displaced to the second position P2.

[0041] The CPA housing 26 includes a CPA locking portion 264 (Figures 5(b) and 8) that locks the CPA member 30 in a state where its displacement is restricted until the lever operation is completed, and a release restricting portion 265 (Figure 9(b)) that prevents the CPA member 30 from coming off. The rear end of the CPA locking portion 264 has a slope 264A that assists in the displacement of the CPA member 30 toward the front side F when the locking by the CPA locking portion 264 is released. The front end of the CPA locking portion 264 has a slope 264B that assists in the displacement of the CPA member 30 toward the rear side R when the operation of the CPA member 30 is released.

[0042] Since the CPA housing 26 is adjacent to the first connection portion 241, it is located on one end side of the lever 20 in the axial direction (y direction). As shown in Figure 3, the connector 1 is positioned such that the CPA housing 26 is on the opposite side of the circuit board 9 from the mating housing 80 connected to the circuit board 9. Therefore, since the CPA member 30 is far from the circuit board 9, it is easy to press the CPA member 30 when operating the lever 20.

[0043] [CPA component] As shown in Figures 9(a), (b), and 5(b), the CPA member 30 comprises a load application portion 31, an engagement portion 32, a CPA beam 33, and a pair of beams 34. The load application section 31 is subjected to a load when the lever 20 is rotated to engage the plug housing 10 with the mating housing 80. The load application section 31 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and has a flat load application surface 31A. The engaging portion 32 engages with the unlocking portion 252 when the load application portion 31 is pushed in upon completion of the lever operation.

[0044] The CPA beam 33 extends from the engagement portion 32 in a direction perpendicular to the load application surface 31A, that is, along the direction D1 of the load L, similar to the lock beam 25. The CPA beam 33 includes a free end 331 that protrudes toward the first connection portion 241. When the CPA release portion 151 acts on this free end 331, the free end 331 is released from the CPA locking portion 264.

[0045] The pair of beams 34 extend parallel to the CPA beam 33 from the engaging portion 32 on both sides of the CPA beam 33. Each of the pair of beams 34 includes a free end 341 that protrudes in the axial direction (y-direction) of the lever 20.

[0046] When the CPA member 30 is inserted inside the CPA housing 26, the free ends 341 of each beam 34 engage with the release restricting portion 265 of the CPA housing 26, thereby locking the CPA member 30 to the lever 20 so that it cannot be released toward the support end 342, and the free ends 331 of the CPA beam 33 are locked by the CPA locking portion 264. At this time, as shown in Figure 9(b), the load application section 31 is located on the first position P1 side (near the end portion 266) of the CPA housing 26, and the load application surface 31A is located on the first position P1 side of the end portion 266. Since the free end 331 of the CPA beam 33 is locked by the CPA locking section 264, the load application section 31 is kept in a state that protrudes beyond the end portion 266 until the lever operation is completed.

[0047] [Mating process] Referring to Figures 10 to 15, the fitting process from the start of lever operation until the CPA member 30 is activated will be explained. First state S01: Figures 10(a) to (c) and Figures 11(a) and (b) all show the first state S01 of the connector 1 when the lever 20 is in the first position P1. In this case, as shown in Figure 11(b) in particular, the CPA member 30 is locked to the lever 20 by being supported by the CPA locking portion 264, so the CPA member 30 does not displace when subjected to a load that pushes the load application portion 31. Furthermore, the lock release portion 252 of the lever 20 remains in a state where it can be deflected and displaced until the CPA member 30 is activated after the lever operation is completed.

[0048] From the first state S01, the lever 20 is rotated by pushing the load application portion 31 of the CPA member 30. Since the load application portion 31 is located near the end portion 266 of the CPA housing 26 which protrudes toward the first position P1 side compared to other parts of the lever 20, even though it is at the axial end of the lever 20, the hand accessing the lever 20 is naturally placed on the load application portion 31, and a load is applied to the load application portion 31.

[0049] Second state S02: Figures 12(a) to (c) all show the second state S02 of connector 1 at the same timing during the lever operation from the first position P1 to the second position P2. During the process from the start to the completion of lever operation, the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 engage, with the shaft portion 14, load application portion 31, and cam groove 23 acting as the fulcrum, effort point, and load point, respectively. Consequently, the free end 331 of the CPA beam 33 gradually approaches the CPA release portion 151, which is located on the trajectory T of the free end 331 of the CPA beam 33.

[0050] Third state S03 (Lever operation complete): Figures 13(a) to (c) and Figure 14 all show the third state S03 of the connector 1 when the lever 20 has rotated to the second position P2, that is, when the lever operation is complete. When the lever 20 reaches the second position P2, the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 have finished fitting together, and at the same time, the locking end 251 of the lock beam 25 has moved over the rear surface 153A of the engaged portion 153 and engaged directly below the front surface 153B. Simultaneously with the fitting of the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 and the locking of the lever 20 by the lock beam 25, the CPA release part 151 pushes the free end 331 of the CPA beam 33 in the thickness direction D2 of the CPA beam 33. As a result, the CPA member 30 is displaced as shown by the dashed line in Figure 14, and the free end 331 is released from the CPA locking part 264.

[0051] Fourth state S04: Figures 15(a) to (c) all show the fourth state of connector 1 immediately after the third state S03. At this time, the locking of the CPA member 30 by the lever 20 is released. Since the load application part 31 is continuously pushed in the direction D1 of the load L during the operation of the lever 20, immediately after the third state S03, which corresponds to the completion of the lever operation, the CPA member 30 is pushed into the CPA housing 26 by the load L in the same direction as when the lever operation was completed. As a result, the free end 331 of the CPA beam 33 engages with the engaged recess 152, and the engaging part 32 of the CPA member 30 engages with the unlocking part 252.

[0052] As a result, the deflection displacement of the unlocking portion 252 is restricted by the CPA member 30, and thus the rotational displacement of the lever 20 is restricted. This ensures that when the lever 20 is in the second position P2, the plug housing 10 and the mating housing 80 are in the properly fitted position.

[0053] When disengaging the plug housing 10 from the mating housing 80, the load application portion 31 is pulled up to release the lock release portion 252 from the engaging portion 32.

[0054] [Several effects of this embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, by operating the lever 20 while pressing the CPA member 30 provided on the lever 20, the CPA member 30 can be automatically activated upon completion of the lever operation. The fitting of the housings 10 and 80 and the activation of the CPA member 30 are performed by a single operation in which a load L is continuously applied to the same load application surface 31A. This single operation corresponds to the entire process from the first state S01 to the fourth state S04. After completing the operation of the lever 20, the operator does not need to perform another operation with a different load application position or load direction D1 to activate the CPA member 30. Therefore, since the fitting of the housings 10 and 80 and the activation of the CPA member 30 can be completed in a single step of performing a single operation, proper fitting can be easily and reliably ensured without requiring any intentional operation to activate the CPA member 30.

[0055] Furthermore, since the CPA housing 26 of this embodiment is positioned at one end of the lever 20 in the axial direction, avoiding the position of the gap 811 between the fitting walls 81, it can also be applied to a mating housing 80 having fitting walls 81 arranged at a narrower spacing than the dimensions of the CPA housing 26. If there are no such constraints, for example, the CPA housing 26 can be provided in the center of the connecting portion 24.

[0056] [Variation] Figures 16(a) to 16(c) show a modified lever-type connector 2 according to the present invention. The lever-type connector 2 is configured in the same way as the lever-type connector 1 of the above embodiment, except for the load application part 35 and support part 36 provided on the CPA member 30. The load application section 35 extends along the connecting section 24 in the axial direction (y-direction) of the lever 20, on the first position P1 side of the connecting section 24 of the lever 20. On the front side of the load application section 35, there is a wide load application surface 35A that extends along the entire axial length of the connecting section 24. A gap 37 (Figure 16(c)) necessary for the operation of the CPA member 30 is set between the load application section 35 and the connecting section 24.

[0057] The load application section 35 comprises a first end portion 351, which corresponds to the load application section 31 in the above embodiment; a second end portion 352, which is separated from the first end portion 351 in the y-direction; and an intermediate portion 353, which extends linearly between the first end portion 351 and the second end portion 352. Preferably, the second end portion 352 is supported by a support portion 36 at the end of the connecting portion 24 (second connecting portion 242). The support portion 36 extends from the second end portion 352 in the same direction as the CPA beam 33 located on the first end portion 251 side and engages with a groove (not shown) formed in the second connecting portion 242. The operation of the CPA member 30 is stably performed by the support portion 36 and the groove guiding the second end portion 352 in the fitting direction z.

[0058] The intermediate portion 353, like the intermediate portion 243 of the connecting portion 24, is recessed by the formation of a recess 353A, and is narrower in the direction connecting the axis of the lever 20 and the connecting portion 24 compared to the first end portion 351 and the second end portion 352. Therefore, visibility and workability when inserting the contact are improved compared to when the recess 353A is not formed.

[0059] When the lever 20 is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2 while pressing any part or all of the load application section 35, the locking of the CPA beam 33 is released upon completion of the lever operation, and the CPA member 30 is immediately pushed in and activated by the load applied to the load application section 35 to rotate the lever 20. In other words, the CPA component 30 can be reliably operated without any intentional operation other than lever operation.

[0060] Even when the CPA housing 26 is provided in the center of the connecting portion 24, it is preferable that the load application portion of the CPA member 30 provided in the CPA housing 26 extends along the connecting portion 24 in the axial direction (y direction) of the lever 20, on the first position P1 side of the connecting portion 24, similar to the load application portion 35 in the modified example described above.

[0061] In addition to the above, it is possible to select or replace the configurations listed in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate, as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. The phases of the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the lever 20 can be determined as appropriate. Furthermore, if the housing of the lever-type connector of the present invention comprises a plug housing and a wire cover that covers a plurality of wires drawn out from the cavity of the plug housing, and a lever is provided on the wire cover, a CPA release part for releasing the CPA member 30 from locking may be formed on the wire cover. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1,2 Lever-type connector 8. Mutual connector 9 Circuit board 10 Plug housing (housing) 11 recess 12 Cavity 13 Peripheral wall 14. Shaft section 15 Housing body 15C End 15y side wall 15z back wall 20 Lever 21. First lever 22. Second lever 23 Cam groove (cam section) 24 Connecting part 25 Rock Beam 26 CPA Housing 30 CPA members 31 Load application section 31A Load application surface 32 Engaging part 33 CPA beam 34 beams 35 Load application section 35A load application surface 36 Support part 37 void 41 sealing member 42 Seal holder 43 Retainer 44 Front Cavity 45 Seal rings 80 Opponent Housing 81 Interlocking wall 82 parts 131 side 132 Corner 151 CPA release section 151F front end 152 Engaged recess (engaged portion) 153 Engaged portion 153A Rear 153B Front 154,155 pages 201 Through hole 202 Guide recess 231 First Beam 232 Second Beam 233 Aperture 241 First connection section 241A Stopper 242 Second Connection Section 243 Middle section 243A Recess 251 Locking end (first end) 252 Lock release section (second end) 252A Knob 261~263 Wall 264 CPA locking part 264A, 264B slope 265 Withdrawal Regulatory Department 266 End 351 First end 352 Second end 353 Middle section 353A Recess 331 Free end 341 Free end 342 Support end 421 Locking part 431 Locking part 441 Front end 441A Cavity 442 Side wall 811 Gap 812 Cam protrusion L load D1 Direction of load D2 Thickness direction F front side R rear side p arrow P1 1st position P2 2nd position r Rotational displacement direction S01 First state S02 Second state S03 Third State S04 Fourth State T locus x direction y direction z Mating direction

Claims

1. Housing (10) and A lever (20) is provided on the housing (10) and is configured to allow a lever operation to fit the housing (10) into the mating housing (80) by rotational displacement from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) around a pivot point (14), The CPA member (30) provided on the lever (20) includes load application parts (31, 35) as points of force application, The lever (20) locks the CPA member (30) until the lever operation is completed. The CPA member (30) is configured to detect proper fitting by operating immediately after the completion of the lever operation due to the load applied to the load application section (31, 35) continuously from before the completion of the lever operation. The lever (20) is A first lever (21) is supported by the housing (10) at one end of the lever (20) in the axial direction (y), A second lever (22) is supported by the housing (10) at the other end in the axial direction (y), It comprises a connecting portion (24) that connects the first lever (21) and the second lever (22), The load application portion (35) extends along the connecting portion (24) to the entire axial direction (y) of the lever (20) on the first position (P1) side of the connecting portion (24). Lever-type connector.

2. Housing (10) and A lever (20) is provided on the housing (10) and is configured to allow a lever operation to fit the housing (10) into the mating housing (80) by rotational displacement from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) around a pivot point (14), The CPA member (30) provided on the lever (20) includes load application parts (31, 35) as points of force application, The lever (20) locks the CPA member (30) until the lever operation is completed. The CPA member (30) is configured to detect proper fitting by operating immediately after the completion of the lever operation due to the load applied to the load application section (31, 35) continuously from before the completion of the lever operation. The lever (20) is A first lever (21) is supported by the housing (10) at one end of the lever (20) in the axial direction (y), A second lever (22) is supported by the housing (10) at the other end in the axial direction (y), The first lever (21) and the second lever (22) are each provided with a cam portion (23) that engages with the mating housing (80), A connecting portion (24) that connects the first lever (21) and the second lever (22), The CPA housing (26) holds the CPA member (30), The CPA housing (26) protrudes toward the first position (P1) relative to the connecting portion (24), The load application unit (31) is positioned on the first position (P1) side of the CPA housing (26) until the lever operation is completed. Lever-type connector.

3. The CPA member (30) includes the load application portion (31, 35) and the CPA beam (33) extending along the direction of the load (D1), The free end (331) of the CPA beam is locked in a state where its displacement is restricted by the lever (20) with respect to the load until the lever operation is completed, and immediately after the completion of the lever operation, it is displaced by the load and engages with the housing (10) and the lever (20). A lever-type connector according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The housing (10) includes a release portion (151) located on the trajectory (T) of the free end (331) due to the rotational displacement, The release unit (151) releases the locking of the free end (331) by the lever (20) by pushing the free end (331) in the thickness direction (D2) of the CPA beam (33) when the lever operation is completed. The lever-type connector according to claim 3.

5. The lever (20) is Until the lever operation is completed, the locking portion (264) locks the CPA member (30) in a state where its displacement is restricted against the load, A lock beam (25) extends along the direction of the load (D1), and when the lever operation is completed, its first end (251) engages with the housing (10), The lock beam (25) includes a second end portion (252) located at the lock beam (25), the lock release portion (252) whose displacement is restricted by the operation of the CPA member (30) immediately after the completion of the lever operation, The lever-type connector according to claim 3.

6. The engaged portion (152) corresponding to the CPA beam (33) and the engaged portion (153) corresponding to the lock beam (25) are aligned along the direction of the load (D1). The lever-type connector according to claim 5.

7. The CPA housing (26) is located at the axial (y) end of the connecting portion (24), The lever-type connector according to claim 2.

Images