JP4315619B2 - Lever coupling type connector - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lever coupling type connector for coupling a connector to a mating connector by rotating a lever provided on the connector.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-91026 describes a technique of a lever coupling type connector. The lever coupling type connector described in the publication can maintain the initial state of fitting (coupling) of the lever without increasing the thickness of the lever, and can easily rotate the lever. In consideration, it has the following structure.
[0003]
A point where the middle part of the lever is pivotally supported by the housing of the connector, the operation part on one end side of the lever is pushed with this support part as an operating point, and the lever is pivoted to couple the connector to the mating connector. Basic configuration. The lever is provided with a rebound temporary fixing piece that contacts the connector side in the initial state. On the mating connector side, a release portion is provided to release the temporary fastening piece on the lever side from coming into contact with the connector when the connector is fitted (inserted) into the mating connector.
[0004]
With this configuration, the initial fitting state of the lever can be maintained without increasing the thickness of the entire lever. Furthermore, since the release portion works during the fitting of the connector to the mating connector and the lever rotation restriction is released, the lever can perform an appropriate rotation operation. As a result, the connectors can be securely connected to each other.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Although such a lever coupling type connector can surely obtain the advantages as described above, there are also problems to be solved in the following points.
[0006]
In the initial state in which the connector is coupled to the mating connector, the lever is in the maximum tilted state, and this is a problem due to the lever's operation part protruding greatly. That is, even in a normal lever coupling type connector, the lever is raised before coupling with the mating connector. Therefore, there are a problem that a space is required when the connector alone does not include the mating connector, a problem that it is bulky during transportation, and a problem that it is easily damaged due to the protrusion of the lever. Furthermore, there is a problem that the lever becomes an obstacle when a terminal is loaded into the connector housing provided with the lever.
[0007]
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the connector alone by considering the operating position of the lever, and to avoid space problems, transportation problems, damage problems, terminal loading problems, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide a lever-connector that can be used.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The lever-coupled connector according to the present invention includes a connector provided with a lever that is rotatable around a fulcrum with respect to the housing, a mating connector into which the connector is inserted, and a lever that pivots the connector to the mating connector. A coupling means for coupling and a lever control means for controlling the pivot position of the lever are provided. The lever is provided so as to be rotatable between a storage position that is substantially parallel to the housing and a protruding position in which the lever operating portion is rotated away from the housing. It is slidable within a certain range in the vertical direction. The lever control means is configured to rotate the lever from the storage position to the protruding position when the connector is inserted into the mating connector.
[0009]
According to the present invention, the lever control means is configured to rotate the lever from the storage position to the protruding position when the connector is inserted into the mating connector. Therefore, the lever can be stored in the storage position both before and after the connector is inserted into the mating connector. Furthermore, the lever is provided so as to be slidable within a certain range in the length direction of the lever itself with respect to the housing. Therefore, the slide position in the length direction of the lever during storage can be adjusted and stored. As a result, the connector alone can be sufficiently miniaturized, and space problems, transportation problems, damage problems, terminal loading problems, and the like can be avoided.
[0010]
In the present invention, it is desirable to provide a locking means for the lever with respect to the housing, and the locking means is configured to function at least one of the lever storage position and the protruding position. Thus, when the lever locking means for the housing is provided, the lever can be reliably positioned at the target position. Thereby, an erroneous operation of the lever can be prevented and operability can be improved.
[0011]
As the locking means, it is desirable to include a first locking means that functions at the lever retracted position and a second locking means that functions at the protruding position of the lever. If it does in this way, it will become possible to position in both the storing position and the protrusion position of a lever.
[0012]
The first locking means may include a hook piece that is elastically deformable provided on the lever, and a locking projection that is provided on the housing and locks the hook piece. Further, the second lock means may include a convex portion provided on the lever and a concave portion provided on the housing and into which the convex portion is fitted at the protruding position of the lever.
[0013]
The lever control means includes a protrusion provided on the housing of the mating connector and a guide groove provided on the lever that allows the protrusion to enter during insertion of the connector into the mating connector, and the protrusion hooks during insertion of the connector. It is desirable that the setting is made so that the function of the first locking means is released by contacting the piece.
[0014]
When configured in this manner, the lever is pushed up by the protrusion in the middle of the insertion of the connector into the mating connector. Thereafter, since the protrusion enters the guide groove, the lever cannot be pushed up any further. Therefore, the protrusion exhibits the function of releasing the first locking means in addition to the function of pushing up the lever.
[0015]
It is desirable that the protruding position of the lever when the protrusion enters the guide groove corresponds to the maximum inclination state of the lever. If it does in this way, it can be set as the structure which does not restrict | limit the operation | movement and function of a lever.
[0016]
It is desirable that the lever operating portion does not protrude from the upper surface of the housing when the lever is in its storage position. In this way, the height when the lever is accommodated can be sufficiently suppressed, so that the space occupied by the lever is further reduced, which can greatly contribute to the miniaturization of the connector.
[0017]
The lever preferably has an action point that rotates about a fulcrum, and a coupling means is provided between the action point of the lever and the housing of the mating connector. In this way, the coupling means can be realized with a simple configuration.
[0018]
The coupling means preferably includes a boss provided in the housing of the mating connector, and a coupling groove provided at the lever operating point and into which the boss enters as the lever rotates. In this way, a simple and reliable coupling means can be constructed by utilizing the lever principle of the lever.
[0019]
Preferably, the lever is pin-coupled to a side surface of the connector housing and is rotatable along the side surface, and the protrusion and the boss are provided on the inner surface of the mating connector housing. In this way, the housing and the lever can be set to be relatively thin and can be made compact.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lever coupling type connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state before the connector is coupled to a mating connector. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view of the initial insertion state in which the connector is coupled to the mating connector. 3 and 4 are enlarged views showing the locking means. For convenience of understanding, terminals, electric wires and the like are omitted in the drawings.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 1, this lever-coupled connector includes a connector 20 provided with a lever 10 and a mating connector 30 into which the connector 20 is inserted. The connector 20 includes a resin housing 21 that holds a female terminal (not shown). The housing 21 has a substantially rectangular tube shape, and is provided with reinforcing ribs 24 that also serve as partitions.
[0022]
The lever 10 is formed in a gate shape as a whole, and a pair of left and right plate-like portions 11 and 11 disposed so as to follow the both side surfaces 21a and 21a of the housing 21, respectively, and one end of the plate-like portions 11 and 11 And a connecting portion 12 for connecting the sides. The lever 10 is pin-coupled to the side surface 21 a of the housing 21 by a pin 13 at a position closer to the other end than the intermediate portion in the length direction of the plate-like portion 11.
[0023]
As a result, the lever 10 is configured such that when the concave operating portion 14 on one end side is pushed, the lever 10 is rotated as a whole with the pin 13 as a fulcrum, and the free end portion on the other end side functions as the action point portion 15. Has been.
[0024]
The mating connector 30 includes a resin housing 31 having a size capable of receiving the housing 21 of the connector 20 provided with the lever 10.
[0025]
Between the lever 10 of the connector 20 and the housing 31 of the mating connector 30, a coupling means C1 for coupling the connector 20 to the mating connector 30 by rotating the lever 10, and a lever for controlling the pivot position of the lever 10 Control means C2 is provided.
[0026]
The lever 10 is housed in a storage position (see FIG. 2) that is substantially parallel to the housing 21 and a protruding position (see FIG. 1) in which the operation portion 14 of the lever 10 is greatly rotated away from the upper surface of the housing 21. ) To be reciprocally rotatable.
[0027]
Further, the lever control means C2 is configured to rotate the lever 10 from the storage position to the protruding position when the connector 20 is inserted into the mating connector 30.
[0028]
The lever control means C <b> 2 according to the illustrated example is provided with a columnar protrusion 32 provided on the inner surface 31 a of the housing 31 of the mating connector 30, and the protrusion 32 is inserted while the connector 20 is being inserted into the lever 10. The structure includes an allowable guide groove 16, and a lower surface portion 1a and a lower side portion 10a that are in contact with the protrusion 32 during the insertion from the initial insertion of the connector 20 (see FIGS. 1 to 3).
[0029]
Therefore, in the middle of the insertion of the connector 20 into the mating connector 30, the lever 10 is pushed up by the protrusion 32, and thereafter the protrusion 32 enters the guide groove 16 so that the lever 10 is not pushed up further. Designed.
[0030]
More specifically, it is designed as follows.
Locking means for the lever 10 with respect to the housing 21 is provided. The locking means includes first locking means L1 (see FIG. 3) that functions at the storage position of the lever 10, and second locking means L2 (see FIG. 4) that functions at the protruding position of the lever 10.
[0031]
As shown in the enlarged FIG. 3, the first locking means L <b> 1 includes an elastically deformable hook piece 1 provided on the lever 10, and a locking protrusion 2 provided on the housing 21 for locking the hook piece 1. It is configured. The hook piece 1 is provided with a hook portion 1b that locks the hook piece 1 in close contact with the locking protrusion 2. The locking projection 2 is provided with a tapered surface 2a for facilitating the hook portion 1b to get over it.
[0032]
As shown in the enlarged FIG. 4, the second locking means L <b> 2 includes a convex portion 5 provided on the lever 10 and a concave portion 6 provided on the housing 21 into which the convex portion 5 is fitted at the protruding position of the lever 10. Has been. Here, by setting the convex portion 5 so as to be closely fitted in the concave portion 6, the lever 10 can be positioned at the protruding position.
[0033]
When the lever 10 is in the storage position illustrated in FIG. 2, the lower portion of the lever 10 contacts the protrusion 32. The contact position is initially the lower surface portion 1 a of the hook piece 1 and is closer to the operation portion 14 of the lever 10. After that, it moves to the lower side portion 10a of the lever 10 following the lower surface portion 1a. In other words, the reaction force accompanying the insertion of the connector 20 into the mating connector 30 acts on the lever 10 via the protrusion 32 and rotates the operation portion 14 side of the lever 10 upward.
[0034]
The guide groove 16 provided in the lever 10 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the lever 10 is in the maximum inclination state shown in FIG. In this state, the inlet 16a of the guide groove 16 faces downward. At this time, the contact of the protrusion 32 with the lower side portion 10 a of the lever 10 is released, and the protrusion 32 can enter the guide groove 16.
[0035]
An intermediate portion of the guide groove 16 is formed in an arc-shaped hole 16 b centering on the pin 13. This is because when the lever 10 is rotated, the protrusion 32 can smoothly enter the guide groove 16 to the back. A slide hole 16 c extending in the length direction of the lever 10 is formed in the back of the guide groove 16.
[0036]
The operation portion 14 of the lever 10 is configured not to protrude from the upper surface of the housing 21 when the lever 10 is in the storage position. As a result, the height when the lever 10 is stored can be sufficiently suppressed, so that the space occupied by the lever 10 is further reduced, which can greatly contribute to the miniaturization of the connector 20. A small protrusion 18 that engages with a vertical hole 34 provided in the housing 31 of the mating connector 30 is provided on the inner surface of the connecting portion 12 of the lever 10.
[0037]
The coupling means C1 includes a cylindrical boss 33 provided on the inner surface of the housing 31 of the mating connector 30 and a coupling groove provided on the action point portion 15 of the lever 10 into which the boss 33 enters as the lever 10 rotates. 17. With this configuration, the simple and reliable coupling means C1 can be configured using the principle of “lever” of the lever 10.
[0038]
More specifically, it is designed as follows.
When the lever 10 is in the storage position shown in FIG. 2, the boss 33 and the coupling groove 17 do not correspond. When the lever 10 is pushed up and rotated to reach the maximum inclination state shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the inlet 17 a of the coupling groove 17 faces obliquely downward and corresponds to the boss 33. The coupling groove 17 has an elongated hole portion 17b that curves in an obtuse angle and extends in the lateral direction (the length direction of the lever 10) following the inlet 17a portion.
[0039]
A pin hole 19 through which the pin 13 serving as a fulcrum of the lever 10 passes is formed as a long hole. The length direction of the long hole corresponds to the length direction of the lever 10. Thus, the lever 10 is slidable within a certain range in its own length direction due to the presence of the pin hole 19 formed in the long hole, the presence of the long hole portion 17b of the coupling groove 17, and the presence of the slide hole 16c. It is configured.
[0040]
Further, a positioning mechanism L is provided between the lever 10 and the housing 21 to position the lever 10 at a sliding position to one side and a sliding position to the other side. This positioning mechanism L is shown in FIGS. 11 and 14. In this example, a rectangular groove 7 provided in the plate-like portion 11 of the lever 10 and a quadrangular columnar protrusion 8 provided on the inner surface of the housing 31 are configured.
[0041]
The rectangular groove 7 extends in the length direction of the lever 11. The rectangular groove 7 is partitioned into a first groove 7b and a second groove 7c by a protrusion 7a provided near the center in the length direction. A rectangular columnar protrusion 8 is configured to be able to enter the first groove 7b and the second groove 7c.
[0042]
The state in which the quadrangular columnar projection 8 enters the first groove 7b corresponds to the pulling position of the lever 10, and the state in which the protrusion 8 enters the second groove 7c corresponds to the pushing position (storage position) of the lever 10. Since the 1st groove | channel 7b is long, in it, the square-column-shaped protrusion 8 can move a little. However, it is set so as not to move in the second groove 7c. Therefore, the lever 10 is configured so that it can be firmly positioned at the storage position.
[0043]
The operation and action of the lever-coupled connector having such a configuration will be described below.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the initial state in which the housing 21 of the connector 20 is inserted into the housing 31 of the mating connector 30, the lever 10 is in the storage position, and the protrusion 32 is in contact with the lower surface portion 1 a of the hook piece 1.
[0045]
When the connector 20 is inserted into the mating connector 30 from the state shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 32 pushes up the lower surface portion 1 a of the hook piece 1 and releases the locked state between the hook portion 1 b and the locking protrusion 2. At this time, the hook piece 1 releases the locked state with the locking projection 2 by its elastic deformation.
[0046]
When the connector 20 is further inserted, the lever 10 is pushed up by the protrusion 32, and the operating portion 14 side of the lever 10 rotates in the direction of arrow A about the pin 13 as shown in FIG. At this time, the lever 10 rotates in the arrow A direction while sliding in the direction in which the operation unit 14 projects. The lever 10 can be operated to push in the connector 20 while applying a force for pulling out the lever 10.
[0047]
When the connector 20 is inserted into the mating connector 30 until the state shown in FIG. 6 is inserted, the protrusion 32 is disengaged from the lower side portion 10 a and reaches the inlet 16 a of the guide groove 16. In this state, the second locking means L2 functions and the lever 10 is locked at the protruding position. At this time, the lever 10 is in the maximum inclined state. In the state shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 32 enters the guide groove 16, and at the same time, the boss 33 enters the coupling groove 17.
[0048]
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing the positions of the pin 13, the protrusion 32, and the boss 33 at this time. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the second locking means L2 is functioning when the convex portion 5 is closely fitted into the concave portion 6 in the maximum tilt state of the lever 10. Thereby, the reversal prevention effect of the lever 10 is also acquired.
[0049]
The insertion operation of the connector 20 is stopped here, and then the lever 10 is operated. The operation part 14 of the lever 10 is pushed down in the arrow B direction in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the lever 10 rotates around the pin 13. As a result, the protrusion 32 enters the back of the guide groove 16, and the boss 33 enters the back of the coupling groove 17 (before the long hole portion 17b).
[0050]
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the positions of the pin 13, the protrusion 32 and the boss 33 at this time. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view showing an operating state of the positioning mechanism L. FIG. As shown in the figure, the quadrangular columnar protrusion 8 is located in the first groove 7b.
[0051]
As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the connector 20 and the mating connector 30 are firmly coupled to each other when the lever 10 is shifted to a horizontal state where the lever 10 is located. However, in this state, the lever 10 is not in a completely stored form. This is because, although the lever 10 is in a horizontal state, the lever 10 is slid toward the operation portion 14 and the amount of protrusion from the side surface of the housing 21 is large.
[0052]
Therefore, the lever 10 is pushed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 9, and is slid to the action point portion 15 side as shown in FIG. Thereby, it can accommodate in the state which made the protrusion amount of the lever 10 small.
[0053]
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the positions of the pin 13, the protrusion 32 and the boss 33 at this time. FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view showing the operating state of the positioning mechanism L. FIG. As shown in the figure, the quadrangular columnar protrusion 8 is located in the second groove 7c. That is, by pushing the lever 10 in the direction of the arrow C, the quadrangular columnar protrusion 8 moves over the protrusion 7a and relatively moves from the first groove 7b to the second groove 7c. Thereby, the lever 10 is positioned at the storage position shown in FIG.
[0054]
When the lever 10 is in the state shown in FIG. 12, the pin 13 enters the back of the pin hole 19, the protrusion 32 enters the slide hole 16c from the guide groove 16, and the boss 33 extends from the coupling groove 17 to the long hole portion. Each enters 17b.
[0055]
To release this coupled state, the lever 10 is pulled out to the operation unit 14 side as shown in FIG. 9, and then the lever 10 is rotated in the direction in which the operation unit 14 is lifted, and then the connector 20 is moved to the mating position. The operation of pulling out from the connector may be performed.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
According to the lever coupling type connector of the present invention, the lever is rotated from the storage position to the protruding position when the connector is inserted into the mating connector by the lever control means. Therefore, the lever can be stored in the storage position both before and after the connector is inserted into the mating connector. Furthermore, the lever is provided so as to be slidable within a certain range in the length direction of the lever itself with respect to the housing. Therefore, the slide position in the length direction of the lever during storage can be adjusted and stored. As a result, the connector alone can be sufficiently miniaturized, and space problems, transportation problems, damage problems, terminal loading problems, and the like can be avoided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a lever coupling type connector according to the present invention before coupling; FIG. 2 is a partial sectional perspective view showing an initial insertion state of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the second locking means of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the middle of coupling of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of coupling of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention. Fig. 9 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention. Fig. 9 is a partial sectional perspective view showing a state of completion of coupling of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention. Fig. 10 is a partial enlarged view of the lever coupling type connector according to the present invention. Perspective view [Fig. 11] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a lever coupling-type connector positioning mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a partially sectional perspective view showing a lever storage state of the lever-coupled connector according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a positioning mechanism of a lever coupling type connector according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hook piece 1a Lower surface part 1b Hook part 2 Locking protrusion 2a Tapered surface 5 Convex part 6 Concave part 7 Rectangular groove | channel 8 Square columnar protrusion 10 Lever 10a Lower side part 11 Plate-like part 12 Connection part 13 Pin 14 Operation part 15 Action Point portion 16 Guide groove 16a Inlet 16b Arc-shaped hole 16c Slide hole 17 Connection groove 17a Inlet 17b Long hole portion 18 Small protrusion 19 Pin hole 20 Connector 21 Housing 21a Side surface 24 Reinforcement rib 30 Mating connector 31 Housing 32 Projection 33 Boss 34 Vertical Hole C1 Coupling means C2 Lever control means L Positioning mechanism L1 First lock means L2 Second lock means

Claims (12)

A connector provided with a lever that is rotatable around a fulcrum with respect to the housing;
A mating connector into which the connector is inserted, and coupling means for coupling the connector to the mating connector by rotating the lever;
Lever control means for controlling the rotation position of the lever,
The lever is provided so as to be rotatable between a storage position that is substantially parallel to the housing and a protruding position in which the operation portion of the lever is rotated in a direction away from the housing. A pin hole that is slidable within a certain range in the length direction of the pin and through which a pin that serves as a fulcrum when the lever rotates passes, the length direction of the pin hole being the length direction of the lever Has a pin hole corresponding to the length direction,
The lever control means is configured to rotate the lever between a storage position and a protruding position when the connector is inserted into the mating connector, and a protrusion provided on a housing of the mating connector; and the lever A guide groove that allows the protrusion to enter during insertion of the connector into the mating connector provided in the connector, adjacent to one end of the guide groove, and extending in the length direction of the lever so that the lever is in the retracted position. A slide hole for allowing the lever to slide, a linear lower side portion provided in the lever, adjacent to the other end of the guide groove and corresponding to the length direction of the pin hole, and a connector for the mating connector And a lower side portion that contacts the projection in the middle of insertion from before insertion,
The lever coupling type connector , wherein the lever fits in the storage position before and after the connector is inserted into the mating connector.   The lever coupling type connector according to claim 1, further comprising a lever locking means for the housing, wherein the locking means is configured to function at least one of a storage position and a protruding position of the lever. The lever coupling type connector according to claim 2, wherein the locking means includes a first locking means that functions at a storage position of the lever, and a second locking means that functions at a protruding position of the lever.   4. The lever-coupled connector according to claim 3, wherein the first locking means includes an elastically deformable hook piece provided on the lever, and a locking projection provided on the housing and locking the hook piece. 5. .   The lever coupling type connector according to claim 3, wherein the second locking means includes a convex portion provided on the lever and a concave portion provided on the housing and into which the convex portion is fitted at a protruding position of the lever. 5. The lever coupling type connector according to claim 4 , wherein the protrusion is set so as to contact the hook piece during the insertion of the connector to release the function of the first locking means.   The lever coupling type connector according to claim 6, wherein a protruding position of the lever when the protrusion enters the guide groove corresponds to a maximum inclination state of the lever. Operating portion of the lever when the lever is in its stowed position, it is configured not to protrude from the upper surface of the housing, the lever coupling type connector according to any one of claims 1-7.   2. The lever coupling according to claim 1, wherein the lever includes an action point that rotates about the fulcrum, and the coupling means is provided between the lever action point portion and the housing of the mating connector. Type connector. The coupling means includes a boss provided on the housing of the mating connector, and a coupling groove provided at an operating point portion of the lever, into which the boss enters as the lever rotates .
When the connector is inserted into the mating connector from the state in which the boss and the coupling groove are separated from each other and the lever is in the stowed position at the housing position before the connector is inserted into the mating connector, When the gap between the boss and the engagement groove is gradually narrowed, the coupling groove allows the boss to enter during insertion, and the lever is rotated in a direction approaching the housing. Enter the depth of the coupling groove, the lever and the mating connector is coupled with the lever fit in the storage position,
The lever coupling type connector according to claim 1 , wherein the coupling groove has a long hole portion extending in a length direction of the lever. 11. The lever according to claim 1, wherein the lever is pin-coupled to a side surface of the housing of the connector and is rotatable along the side surface, and the protrusion and the boss are provided on the inner surface of the housing of the mating connector. The lever coupling type connector according to any one of the above. When the connector is inserted into the mating connector from the state in which the lever is in the storage position, the lever rotates around the pin while sliding in the length direction of the lever. When the contact between the protrusion and the lower side portion is released, the guide groove allows the protrusion to enter, and the protrusion enters the guide groove when the operating portion of the lever rotates in a direction approaching the housing, The lever coupling type connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lever is accommodated in the storage position.

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