Lever Fitting Connector Segment Merging and Lever Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lever fitting-type connectors require significant time and effort to connect multiple segments, lack a mechanism to prevent unintentional rotation of the fitting operation lever, and do not allow for easy confirmation of proper fitting, resulting in inefficient assembly and a non-compact connector appearance.
Innovation Solution
A lever fitting-type connector with a main and subsidiary connector segment that can be combined into a single unit, featuring a lever engagement arm for temporary fixing and an engagement release rib to prevent unintentional rotation, allowing for easy assembly and confirmation of proper fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector segments are individually fitted to the first connector, then the number of accommodation terminals can be adjusted, but the time and effort for connection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector segments (second connector 2, third connector 3, fourth connector 4) into a single integrated assembly that is fitted to the first connector 1 as one unit. This merging approach maintains the ability to adjust the number of accommodation terminals while dramatically reducing connection time and effort, as the entire multi-segment assembly can be installed in a single operation rather than individually fitting each segment.
2Ease of operation
If the fitting operation lever is rotatably attached to allow connector movement, then the connector can be moved from initial to complete fitting position, but the lever may be unintentionally rotated before proper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a lever engagement arm (51) that temporarily fixes the fitting operation lever (15) in its initial position before the connector is properly fitted. This preliminary fixing action prevents any unintentional rotation of the lever that could occur before the connector reaches the correct fitting position. Once the connector is properly positioned, the engagement release rib (36) releases this temporary fixing, allowing the lever to be rotated for complete fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the lever engagement arm (51) and engagement release rib (36) mechanism. The lever engagement arm provides visual and tactile feedback to the operator about the lever's fixed state, and the engagement release rib provides feedback when the connector is properly positioned and the temporary fixing should be released. This feedback system ensures the lever is only rotated when appropriate, preventing unintentional rotation while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If connector segments are combined into a single unit, then assembly is simplified, but the fitting operation lever and its components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lever mechanism into distinct functional components: the fitting operation lever (15) itself, the lever engagement arm (51) for temporary fixing, and the engagement release rib (36) for releasing the fix. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system easier to manufacture and assemble despite the added functionality. The segmented design also makes it easier to identify and replace individual components if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a lever fitting-type connector wherein the time for connecting a second connector comprised of a plurality of connector segments to a first connector can be reduced; and a compact connector portion of a wire harness can be obtained. A second connector (14) fitted and connected to a first connector (13) by an operation for rotating a fitting operation lever (15) attached to the first connector (13), is configured by combining a main connector segment (31) with a subsidiary connector segment (32). The main connector segment (31) has a lever engagement portion (34) to be engaged with the fitting operation lever (15) when the main connector segment is fitted to an initial fitting position. The main connector segment (31) is shifted from the initial fitting position to a complete fitting position by an operation for rotating the fitting operation lever (15).