Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2198431
CONNECTOR CONNECTION STRUCTURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector connection
structure for electrically connecting first and second mating
connectors together.
To enhance the connectability of a multi-pole connector
having many terminals that present a large connecting
resistance, there has been proposed a structure, for example,
in Japanese Utility Model Unexamined Publication No. 3-126379.
The proposed connector structure includes an operating member
having a manipulation portion operable by the operator, and a
cam plate for driving a pair of connectors in a direction to
connect them together. The manipulation portion amplifies a
driving force inputted thereto and converts the driving force
into a connecting force for connecting the two connectors
together. Thus, the two connectors are connected together
using this particular operating member.
In the above connector connection structure, the driving
force of the manipulation portion driven by the operator is
amplified by the operating member, and is converted into the
connecting force for connecting the two connectors together.
There is an advantage that even in a multi-pole connector,
which exhibits a large connecting resistance, the pair of
connectors can be positively connected together. However,
after housings of the two connectors are provisionally engaged
- 1 -
2198431
with each other, the two connectors must be shifted into a
completely-connected condition by driving the manipulation
portion of the operating member, thus requiring a two-stage
operation. Consequently, there is a problem in that the two-
stage connecting operation is troublesome.
The above two-stage connecting operation is particularly
troublesome when one of the two connectors is mounted on a
distal end portion of an electronic unit, such as a meter unit
or an air-conditioning unit on an instrument panel of an
automobile. The manipulation portion of the operating member
cannot be driven after the electronic unit is assembled on the
instrument panel. Therefore, assemblage of the electronic unit
must be completed after the connectors are connected together,
resulting in an assembling operation that is quite troublesome .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To overcome the above-mentioned problems, it is an
objective of the present invention to provide a connector
connection structure capable of positively connecting a pair of
connectors together by a simple operation.
According to the present invention, a connector connection
structure comprises a first connector; a second connector
connectable to the first connector; a holder having a support
portion for supporting the first connector such that the first
connector slides in a direction of connection of the second
connector to the first connector; at least one swingable lever
swingably supported between the holder and the first connector;
- 2 -
2198431
a drive portion that swingably displaces the at least one
swingable lever in response to a sliding movement of the first
connector during connection of the second connector to the
first connector; and an operating portion that increases a
driving force of the swingable lever, and transmits the driving
force to the second connector, thereby moving the second
connector in a direction to connect the second connector to the
first connector.
In the above preferred structure, the first connector may
be displaced by sliding along the support portion of the
holder, in response to the operating force, toward the second
connector. The swingable lever is swung and displaced in
response to the driving force inputted from the drive portion.
As the driving force is increased and transmitted to the second
connector, the first connector and the second connector are
connected together with a large force.
Further, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, the swingable lever may be provided between
a wall surface of the holder and a surface of the first
connector opposed to the wall surface. Therefore, the
swingable lever is prevented from projecting out of the
connector-mounting range.
Further in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a plurality of swingable levers may be
provided between a wall surface of said holder and a surface of
said first connector disposed in opposed relation to said wall
- 3 -
2198431
surface. Therefore, the drive forces applied from the driving
portion are divided into the plurality of the swingable levers .
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
invention, at least one pair of swingable levers may be
provided in adjacent, facing relation to opposite wall surfaces
of the holder, respectively, and the swingable levers are
disposed in a point-symmetrical manner.
In the above preferred structure, the driving forces are
inputted respectively from the swingable levers to the point-
symmetrical portions of the second connector. Consequently,
the large connecting forces are applied to the portions of the
second connector on a diagonal line.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, at least one pair of swingable levers may be
provided between the holder and the first connector. The
swingable levers are positioned on opposite surfaces of the
first connector and are swingable in opposite directions toward
an inner surface of the holder.
In the above structure, when the first connector is
displaced by sliding along the holder, in response to an
operating force to connect the first connector and the second
connector together, the pair of swingable levers are swingingly
displaced in opposite directions, respectively. As a result of
the swinging displacement of the swingable levers, drive forces
are inputted respectively from the operating portions of the
two swingable levers to the second connector.
- 4 -
2198431
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention the swingable levers may be of the same
configuration, allowing efficient mass production of the
swingable levers. Furthermore, the opposed swingable levers
are preferably disposed in an inverted manner with respect to
the swinging direction, such that the levers swing in opposite
directions in response to an operating force.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a retaining portion for limiting forward
withdrawal of the first connector may be formed at a portion of
connection between the holder and the first connector.
In the above structure, the retaining portion prevents the
first connector, supported in the holder, from being withdrawn
from the holder, thus preventing the first connector from being
disconnected from the holder. Consequently, the holder and the
first connector are kept in a stably-connected condition.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a provisionally-retaining portion, for
provisionally retaining the first connector in a connection
stand-by position, may be provided at a portion of connection
between the holder and the first connector. The first
connector is provisionally retained by the provisionally-
retaining portion until the first connector is released in
response to an operating force, which connects the first
connector and the second connector together.
- 5 -
2198431
In the above structure, before the two connectors are
connected together, the first connector is provisionally
retained in the connection stand-by position by the
provisionally-retaining portion. When the two connectors are
to be connected together, an operating force is applied to the
first connector to overcome the provisionally-retaining force
of the provisionally-retaining portion so that the first
connector is allowed to be displaced by sliding along the
holder.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a provisional retaining-release portion, for
urging the provisionally-retaining portion of the first
connector into a provisional retaining-release position, is
formed on the second connector. When the second connector is
to be connected to the first connector, the provisionally-
retained condition of the first connector is released by the
provisional retaining-release portion.
In the above structure, when the two connectors are to be
connected together, the provisional retaining-release portion
on the second connector abuts against the provisionally-
retaining portion of the first connector and urges the
provisionally-retaining portion of the first connector into a
provisional retaining-release position, so that the first
connector is released, and the first connector is allowed to be
displaced by sliding along the holder.
- 6 -
2198431
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a withdrawal drive portion may be provided
between the first connector and the second connector . When the
first connector and the second connector are to be disconnected
from each other, the withdrawal drive portion slidingly
displaces the first connector to withdraw the first connector
into the connection stand-by position.
In the above structure, the second connector is pulled to
be disconnected from the first connector. The withdrawal drive
portion drives the first connector to be slidingly displaced
forwardly in response to the movement of the second connector,
so that the first connector is moved into the forward
connection stand-by position.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, there is provided a disengagement prevention
mechanism for preventing said second connector from being
disengaged from said holder during the connection release
operation of releasing the connected condition of said first
and second connectors, and the condition of disengagement
prevention of said second connector by said disengagement
prevention mechanism is released when said first connector is
withdrawn into the connection stand-by position by said
withdrawal drive portion.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a limitation portion, which applies a
withdrawing resistance to said second connector during the
2198431
connection release operation of releasing the connected
condition of said first and second connectors, is provided
between said swingable lever and the operating portion
therefor.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, during the final stage of connection of the
second connector to the first connector, the two connectors may
be slidingly displaced in unison along the holder.
In the above structure, the two connectors are slidingly
displaced a predetermined distance along the holder after the
second connector is completely connected to the first
connector.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a lock mechanism for preventing said second
connector, connected to said first connector, from moving in a
connection release direction, is provided between said second
connector and said holder.
In the above structure, when the first and second
connectors are connected, the connecting state is securely
maintained by locking the second connector with the holder.
Furthermore, in the connector connection structure of the
present invention, a retaining portion for preventing said
first connector, supported on said holder, from being withdrawn
rearwardly, is provided at a portion of connection between said
holder and said first connector.
_ g _
2198431
In the above structure, when the terminal is removed from
the first connector, the first connector is prevented from
withdrawing rearwardly by the retaining portion.
These and other objects and salient features will be
described in or apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in detail with reference to
the following drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements and wherein:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred
embodiment of a connector connection structure of the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is an exploded, perspective view showing the
specific structure of a first connector;
Fig. 3 is a side-elevational, cross-sectional view showing
a condition wherein the first connector is retained on a holder
by retaining portions;
Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a
condition wherein the first connector is provisionally retained
in a connection stand-by position by provisionally-retaining
portions;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the specific structure
of a second connector;
_ g _
2198431
Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a
condition before the first and second connector are connected
together;
Fig. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the
process of connecting the second connector to the first
connector;
Fig. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a
condition wherein the first and second connectors are connected
together;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of
a connector connection construction of the invention;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a second preferred
embodiment of a connector connection structure of the present
invention;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the second preferred
embodiment, showing a condition before connectors are connected
together;
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the second preferred
embodiment, showing the process of connecting the connectors
together;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a third preferred
embodiment of a connector connecting structure of the present
invention;
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the third preferred
embodiment, showing a condition before connectors are connected
together;
- 10 -
2198431
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the third preferred
embodiment, showing the process of connecting the connectors
together;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred
embodiment of a connector connection structure of the present
invention;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the operation of the
fourth preferred embodiment;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred
embodiment of a connector connection structure of the present
invention;
Fig. 19 is a view showing the operation of the fifth
preferred embodiment;
Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment
of a connector connection construction of the invention;
Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition
before the connectors are connected together in the above
embodiment;
Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of a
connector connection release operation in the above embodiment;
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a further
embodiment of a connector connection construction of the
invention;
Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of a
connector connection release operation in the above embodiment;
- 11 -
2198431
Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth preferred
embodiment of a connector connection structure of the present
invention;
Fig. 26 is a view showing the operation of the sixth
preferred embodiment;
Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a further embodiment
of a connector connection construction of the invention;
Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of
connecting connectors together in the above embodiment;
Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing a condition in
which the connectors are connected together in the above
embodiment;
Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a further
embodiment of a connector connection construction of the
invention;
Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing a further
embodiment of a connector connection construction of the
invention;
Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing a further
embodiment of a connector connection construction of the
invention; and
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a modified second
connector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a connector
connection structure of the present invention. The connector
- 12 -
2198431
comprises a holder 1 mounted on a mounting portion S such as a
stay member of an automobile, a first connector 2 slidably
supported by the holder 1, a second connector 4 mounted on a
circuit board 3 of an electronic unit 22, and swingable levers
for driving the second connector 4 in a direction to connect
the second connector to the first connector 2.
As shown in Fig. 2, a preferred holder 1 has a tubular
shape and comprises a pair of upper and lower horizontal plates
6, and a pair of right and left side plates 7. The holder is
fitted in a mounting hole formed through the mounting portion
S, and is preferably secured to the mounting portion S by
screws or other suitable means. A horizontally-extending
support portion, formed by a pair of upper and lower grooves 8
of a U-shaped cross-section, is formed in an inner surface of
each of the right and left side plates 7 for slidably
supporting the first connector 2.
A guide groove 10 is formed in each horizontal plate 6.
Guide groove 10 has an introduction portion 10a extending
rearwardly from the front side of the holder l, a drive groove
portion lOb of an arcuate shape extending rearwardly and
inwardly from a rear end of the introduction portion 10a, and
a retaining groove portion lOc extending rearwardly from a rear
end of the drive groove portion 10b. Drive groove portions
10a, lOb and lOc provide a track for an engagement pin 9 on an
outer surface of each swingable lever 5, the pin being at a
rear end of swingable lever 5. The drive groove portion lOb of
- 13 -
2198431
the guide groove 10 and the engagement pin 9 cooperate with
each other to provide a drive portion which swingingly
displaces the swingable lever 5 in response to a sliding
displacement of the first connector 2 in a direction toward the
second connector.
In this preferred embodiment, although the drive groove
portion lOb of the guide groove 10 has an arcuate shape, the
drive groove portion 10b, formed in the holder 1, may linearly
extend rearwardly and inwardly from the rear end of the
introduction portion 10a, or may extend in a curved (e. g.
parabolic) manner. The drive groove design can be selected
from any design as long as the objectives of the present
invention are met.
The guide groove 10 formed in the upper horizontal plate 6,
and the guide groove 10 formed in the lower horizontal plate 6,
are arranged in a point-symmetrical manner, that is,
symmetrical with respect to a point . The swingable lever 5
mounted on the upper side of the first connector 2, and the
swingable lever 5 mounted on the lower side of the first
connector 2, are swingably displaced in opposite directions,
respectively. More specifically, when viewed from the front
side of the holder 1, the guide groove 10 formed in the upper
horizontal plate 6, is provided at the right side of the upper
horizontal plate, and the drive groove portion lOb extends left
obliquely. When viewed from the front side of the holder 1,
the guide groove 10 formed in the lower horizontal plate 6, is
- 14 -
2198431
provided at the left side of the lower horizontal plate, and
the drive groove portion lOb extends right obliquely. Thus,
the two drive groove portions lOb are arranged in opposite
directions.
The first connector 2 comprises a female connector housing
14, which is inserted and slidably held in the holder 1, and a
plurality of female terminals 15 mounted respectively in
terminal receiving chambers in the connector housing 14. A
pair of upper and lower projections 16 for sliding movement
along the respective U-shaped grooves 8 are formed on each of
opposite side surfaces of the connector housing 14 at a rear
end portion of connector housing 14. Projections 17, for
retaining engagement with associated retaining step portions
12b, discussed below, are formed respectively at the upper,
lower, right and left surfaces of the rear portion of the
connector housing 14.
As shown in Fig. 3, a pair of slits 12a are formed,
respectively, in right and left end portions of each of the
horizontal plates 6 of the holder 1. Slits 12a provide
retaining portions 12 for retaining the first connector 2 in a
front stand-by position. A retaining step portion 12b for
facing a projection 17, formed on the rear portion of the first
connector 2, is formed at a distal end of the retaining portion
12. When a front surface of each projection 17 abuts against
a rear surface of the associated retaining step portion 12b,
the first connector 2 is prevented from being forwardly
- 15 -
19<~4~1
withdrawn from the holder. The retaining step portion 12b has
a slanting or tapering surface 12c, and a tapering
configuration.
As shown in Fig. 4, provisionally-retaining portions 18 are
formed respectively on the right and left side surfaces of the
connector housing 14, and provisionally retain the first
connector 2 at the connection stand-by position so that the
first connector 2 will not be forced into the holder 1 before
the connecting operation (described later) is effected. The
provisionally-retaining portion 18 comprises a proximal end
portion 18a extending from the side surface of the connector
housing 14, a plate-like portion 18b which extends rearwardly
toward holder 1 along a side surface of the connector housing
14, and is spaced a predetermined distance from the side
surface, and a projection 18c formed on an outer surface of the
plate-like portion 18b at a rear end portion of plate-like
portion 18b. The projection 18c of the provisionally-retaining
portion 18 preferably has a triangular shape when seen in a
plan view, and has a pair of slanting (tapering) outer
surfaces.
Projections 19 are preferably formed on left and right
front sides of the holder 1. Each projection 19 has a pair of
slanting (tapering) surfaces corresponding, respectively, to
the slanting surfaces of associated projection 18c of
provisionally-retaining portion 18. When the rear slanting
surfaces of projections 18c of the provisionally-retaining
- 16 -
2198431
portion 18 abut, respectively, against the front slanting
surfaces of projections 19 formed on the holder 1, the first
connector 2 is provisionally retained in a connection stand-by
position.
As shown in Fig. 5, the second connector 4 comprises a male
connector housing 20, for fitting on the connector housing 14
of the first connector 2, and a plurality of male terminals 21
mounted, respectively, in terminal receiving chambers in the
connector housing 20. The connector housing 20 is preferably
secured to the circuit board 3 by screws or other suitable
means. Connection portions 21a of the male terminals 21 extend
outwardly from the rear side of the connector housing, and are
preferably connected by soldering, or other means, to conductor
portions on the circuit board 3 (see Fig. 1).
The second connector 4 and the circuit board 3 are mounted
within a casing of the electronic unit 22. A pair of driving
pins 23 are formed, respectively, on upper and lower walls of
the connector housing 20, and are driven by the swingable
levers 5, respectively. A pair of slits 24 are formed,
respectively, in upper and lower walls of the connector housing
20 such that slits 24 are disposed in registry with swing
pivots 11 of the swingable levers 5, respectively.
As shown in Fig. 6, the swingable levers 5 are swingably
supported on the connector housing 14 of the first connector 2
by respective swing pivots 11, each swing pivot 11 comprising
a support pin or other support means. The swingable levers 5
- 17 -
21984~i
are disposed, respectively, in registry with the guide grooves
formed in the holder 1. The engagement pin 9, formed on the
outer surface at the rear end of each swingable lever 5 (that
is, the upper surface of the upper swingable lever 5, and the
lower surface of the lower swingable lever 5) is fitted in the
guide groove 10.
An engagement groove 25 is formed in the reverse surface of
each swingable lever 5 (that is, the lower surface of the upper
swingable lever 5, and the upper surface of the lower swingable
lever 5) at a front end portion of each swingable lever 5.
Driving pins 23, formed on the connector housing 20 of the
second connector 4, are engageable with the engagement grooves
25, respectively.
The engagement groove 25 in the swingable lever 5 has an
opening portion 25a, serving as an introduction portion for the
driving pin 23, and an operating groove portion 25b
continuously extending rearwardly from the opening portion 25a
toward an inner side of the swingable lever 5. The distance
from the operating groove portion 25b to the swing pivot 11
decreases progressively from the front end of groove portion
25b toward its rear end. With this arrangement, the operating
groove portion 25b and the driving pin 23 of the second
connector 4 cooperate with each other to provide an operating
portion, which transmits the driving force inputted to the
swingable lever 5 from the above-mentioned drive portion, to
the second connector 4.
- 18 -
219431
More specifically, the distance from the operating groove
portion 25b to the swing pivot 11 is designed such that the
operating groove portion 25b approaches the swing pivot 11
progressively from its front end toward its rear end. With
this arrangement, connection of the first and second connectors
2 and 4 is accomplished by forcing or pushing the first
connector 2 into the holder 1. The first connector is
slidingly displaced, and in response to the sliding
displacement of the first connector 2, each driving pin 23 of
the second connector 4 is drawn toward the associated swing
pivot 11, thereby moving the second connector 4 toward the
first connector 2.
The position of the drive groove portion lOb of each guide
groove 10 relative to the associated swing pivot 11, the
position of the operating groove portion 25b of each engagement
groove 25 relative to the associated swing pivot 11, and their
configurations are designed such that the amount of movement of
the second connector 4 in the connecting direction is smaller
than the amount of movement of the first connector 2 resulting
from forcing or pushing into the holder 1. With this
arrangement, the driving force inputted to the swingable lever
from the drive portion is increased, and is transmitted to
the driving pin 23 of the second connector 4 from the operating
groove portion 25b.
For connecting the first connector 2 and the second
connector 4 together, the first connector 2 has female
- 19 -
2198431
terminals 15 mounted in the female connector housing 14.
Female terminals 15 are opposed to the front opening of the
holder 1 as shown in Fig. 2. The connector housing 14 is
pushed in a direction, indicated by the arrow, to be inserted
into the holder 1, thereby setting the first connector 2 in the
connection stand-by position as shown in solid lines in Fig. 3.
More specifically, by insertion of the first connector 2
into the holder 1, the projections 17 of the connector housing
14 are pressed respectively against the slanting surfaces 12c
of the retaining portions 12, formed on the horizontal plates
6 of the holder 1. Projections 17 elastically deform retaining
portions 12. Then, the projections 17 pass the retaining step
portions 12b of the retaining portions 12, and are received in
the holder 1. The projections 18c of the provisionally-
retaining portions 18, formed on the opposite sides of the
connector housing 14, are abutted respectively against the
front surfaces of the projections 19 formed on the side plates
7 of the holder 1. In this condition, the first connector 2 is
provisionally retained in the connection stand-by position.
When the first connector 2 is inserted, the engagement pins
9, formed respectively at the rear ends of the swingable levers
, are introduced respectively into the guide grooves 10 in the
holder 1. The engagement pins 9 are disposed respectively at
the rear end portions of the introduction portions 10a of the
guide grooves 10 when first connector 2 is in the connection
stand-by position.
- 20 -
219431
Then, the holder 1 is secured to the mounting portion S of
a vehicle body. The electronic unit 22, having the second
connector 4 mounted thereon, is opposed to the first connector
2. The electronic unit is pushed, so that the connector
housing 20 of the second connector 4 is fitted on the connector
housing 14 of the first connector 2, thereby electrically
connecting the first connector 2 and the second connector 4
together.
During the process of connecting connectors 2 and 4
together, the first connector 2 is pushed rearwardly by the
second connector 4. The rearward force causes the projections
18c of the provisionally-retaining portions 18, formed
respectively on the opposite side surfaces of the first
connector 2, to be pressed by the projections 19 on the holder
1, respectively. The plate-like portions 18b of the
provisionally-retaining portions 18 are elastically deformed.
When the rearward force exceeds the provisionally-retaining
force, projections 18c of the provisionally-retaining portions
18 pass the respective projections 19 of the holder 1 and the
connector housing 14 of the first connector 2 is slidingly
displaced rearwardly along the support portions of the holder
1 as shown in Fig. 7. The driving pins 23 of the second
connector 4 are introduced, respectively, into the engagement
grooves 25 of the swingable levers 5 , and thus are engaged with
the swingable lever 5, respectively.
- 21 -
2198431
Furthermore, when the second connector 4 is further pushed
to slidingly displace the first connector 2 rearwardly, the
engagement pins 9 of the swingable levers 5, supported on the
first connector 2 slide respectively along the drive groove
portions lOb of the guide grooves 10, so that the rear end
portions of the swingable levers 5 move inwardly toward the
central rear end of the holder 1 as the swingable levers 5 are
swingingly displaced about the respective swing pivots 11. In
response to the swinging displacement of each swingable lever
5, the associated driven pin 23 on the second connector 4
slides along the operating groove portion 25b, formed in the
front end portion of the swingable lever 5, so that the driven
pin 23 is drawn toward the swing pivot 11, and the second
connector 4 is moved toward the first connector 2.
The amount of movement of the second connector 4 , driven by
the swingable levers 5, in the connecting direction is smaller
than the amount of displacement of the first connector 2, which
swingingly displaces the swingable levers 5. The resulting
driving force inputted to each swingable lever 5 from the drive
portion is increased, and is simultaneously transmitted to the
associated driving pin 23 from the operating groove portion
25b. Consequently, in response to the driving forces inputted
respectively to the driving pins 23 from the drive groove
portions 25b of the swingable levers 5 in response to the
sliding displacement of the first connector 2, the second
connector 4 is pushed toward the first connector 2 with a large
- 22 -
2198431
force, resulting in the first connector 2 and the second
connector 4 being positively connected together.
Then, at the final stage of the connection of the second
connector 4 to the first connector 2, the engagement pin 9 of
each swingable lever 5 is introduced into the retaining groove
portion lOc of the associated guide groove 10. The engagement
pin 9 moves straight toward the rear end of the holder 1 as
shown in Fig. 8, so that the first connector 2 and the second
connector 4 are slidingly displaced in unison along the support
portions of the holder 1, without swingingly displacing the
swingable levers 5.
For disconnecting the first connector 2 and the second
connector 4 from each other, the electronic unit 22 is pulled
to slidingly displace the second connector 4 to a connection
release position, so that the swingable levers 5 are swingingly
displaced in directions opposite to the swinging directions
during the connecting operation. The swingable levers 5 and
the first connector 2 are slidingly displaced forwardly, and
then the two connectors 2 and 4 are disconnected from each
other.
As described above, the first connector 2 is preferably
supported by the holder 1 mounted on the mounting portion S,
for sliding movement in its connecting direction. The
swingable levers 5 are swingingly displaceable in response to
the sliding displacement of the first connector 2. The driving
force is increased in response to the swinging displacement of
- 23 -
2198431
the swingable levers 5, and is transmitted to the second
connector 4, thereby driving the second connector 4 in the
direction toward the first connector 2. With the above
structure, a simple operation of merely pushing the second
connector 4 relative to the first connector 2 in a connection
direction connects the two connectors 2 and 4 with a large
connecting force.
Moreover, in a multi-pole connector, which includes
multiple female terminals 15 mounted in a first connector 2,
multiple male terminals 21 mounted in a second connector 4, and
requires a large connecting force, the multi-pole connectors 2
and 4 can be positively connected with a single operation.
An additional advantage of the present invention is
apparent when the second connector 4 is mounted on a rear side
of an electronic unit 22, such as a meter unit, an air-
conditioning unit or a navigation unit of an automobile, and
the first connector 2 is mounted on the bottom of a mounting
hole in which the electronic unit 22 is mounted. In such a
situation, even when the hand of the operator can not be
inserted into the connecting portion of the two connectors 2
and 4 , the two connectors 2 and 4 can be connected together
easily and positively.
In the above embodiment, each swingable lever 5 is provided
between the inner surface of the holder 1 and the outer surface
of the first connector 2, facing the holder 1. The swingable
levers 5 do not project beyond a connector-mounting portion,
- 24 -
2198431
and therefore, do not form any dead space and are allowed to be
swingingly displaced. Furthermore, the swingable lever 5 has
a plate-like configuration and a small thickness, enabling the
vertical dimension of the connector to remain substantially
small, relative to connectors without such swingable levers.
In the above embodiment, the swingable levers 5 are
provided in adjacent, facing relation to the upper and lower
inner surfaces of the holder 1, respectively, and are disposed
in a point-symmetrical manner. The simple structure provides
uniform connecting forces to the two connectors 2 and 4, so
that the two connectors are properly and easily connected
together.
In a further embodiment, where the width of the connector
is large, the swingable levers 5 are provided respectively on
opposite side portions of the connector. In this embodiment,
the connecting forces act respectively on opposite side
portions of the connector along a diagonal line of the
connector. This effectively prevents an improper connection,
which would otherwise result from the localized application of
the connecting force on one side portion of the second
connector 4.
In the above further embodiment, the swingable levers 5 are
provided in adjacent, facing relation to opposed right and left
inner surfaces of the holder 1. The swingable levers 5 are
swingingly displaceable in opposite directions, respectively.
In this embodiment, the driving forces, transmitted
- 25 -
2198431
respectively from the two swingable levers 5 to the second
connector 4, are exerted in the opposite directions,
respectively, as shown in Fig. 7. The widthwise components of
the driving forces, transmitted respectively from the two
swingable levers 5 to the second connector 4, cancel each
other. Therefore, the second connector 4 is displaced by
sliding straight along the holder 1 and is properly connected
to the first connector 2.
In the above embodiment, at least one pair of swingable
levers 5 of the same configuration are provided in adjacent,
facing relation to the opposed side surfaces of the holder 1,
and the opposed swingable levers 5 are disposed in an inverted
manner with respect to their opposite sides. Consequently, the
number of dissimilar component parts is reduced, and the
productivity of component parts is enhanced. Further, the
directions of swinging motion of the two swingable levers 5 are
opposite, so that the second connector 4 is slidingly displaced
in a straight direction as described above.
As an alternative embodiment to the above structure, the
swingable lever 5 may be provided on only one of the upper and
lower sides of the first connector 2. Also, as shown in Fig.
9, there may be provided a construction in which a pair of
right and left swingable levers 5 (or more than two swingable
levers 5) are provided on each of the upper and lower sides of
the first connector 2, and driven pins 23, corresponding in
number to the swingable levers 5, are formed on the connector
- 26 -
2198431
housing 20 of the second connector 4. Where the pair of
swingable levers 5 are provided on each side, the directions of
swinging motion of these levers do not always need to be
opposite, but the two swingable levers 5 may be swingingly
displaceable in the same direction.
As described above, in the construction in which the
plurality of swingable levers 5 are provided between the wall
surface of the holder 1 and the surface of the first connector
2 opposed thereto, when connecting the first and second
connectors 2 and 4 together, a uniform connecting force can be
exerted at a plurality of portions in the direction of the
width thereof, and therefore even if the connector width is
large, the first and second connectors 2 and 4 are prevented
from tilting relative to each other, and hence can be suitably
connected together. And besides, the driving force, inputted
per swingable lever 5 in accordance with the pushing of the
second connector 4, can be reduced, and therefore the diameter
of the swing pivots 11 of the swingable levers 5 can be
reduced, and also the thickness of the plate of the swingable
lever 5 can be reduced. Thus, there is an advantage that the
overall size of the connector can be reduced.
In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the retaining
portions 12 for preventing the first connector 2 from being
withdrawn forwardly are formed on the horizontal plate 6 of the
holder 1, and the projections 17, corresponding respectively to
the retaining step portions 12b of the retaining portions 12,
- 27 -
2198431
are formed on the connector housing 14 of the first connector
2. Therefore, by abutting the projections 17 respectively
against the retaining step portions 12b, the holder 1 and the
first connector 2 can be kept in the stably-connected
condition.
The retaining step portion 12b has a slanting surface 12c
and a tapering configuration. Slit 12a is provided between the
horizontal plate 6 of the holder 1 and each retaining portion
12. Each projection 17 on the connector housing 14 is pressed
against the slanting surface 12c of the associated retaining
step portion 12b to elastically deform the retaining portion
12. In this case, the connection of the first connector 2 to
the holder 1 is easily effected with one touch. Furthermore,
by elastically deforming the retaining portions 12, the first
connector 2 is withdrawn outwardly from the holder 1.
In the above embodiment, the provisionally-retaining
portions 18 are formed respectively on the right and left side
surfaces of the connector housing 14 of the first connector 2,
as shown in Fig. 4. The projections 18c of the provisionally-
retaining portions 18 are held against the front side of the
holder 1, thereby provisionally retaining the first connector
2 in a connection stand-by position. With such a simple
structure, the first connector 2 is effectively prevented from
being pushed into the holder 1 prior to the connecting
operation.
- 28 -
2198431
As described above, the provisionally-retaining portion 18
comprises a proximal end portion 18a extending from a side
surface of the connector housing 14, the plate-like portion 18b
which extends in a direction toward the holder 1 along the side
surface of the connector housing 14, and the projection 18c
formed on the outer surface of the plate-like portion 18b at
the distal end portion thereof. The projection 18c has a pair
of slanting (tapering) outer surfaces.
Projections 19 each have a pair of slanting (tapering)
surfaces corresponding respectively to the slanting surfaces of
the associated projection 18c. Projections 19 are formed at
the front side of the holder 1. In this case, when the two
connectors 2 and 4 are to be connected together, the mating
tapering surfaces are pressed against each other to elastically
deform each plate-like portion 18b. When the pressing force
becomes greater than the provisionally-retaining force, the
provisionally-retained condition is overcome.
In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the two connectors
are to be connected together, the tapering surface of the
projection 18c of each provisionally-retaining portion 18 is
pressed against the tapering surface of the associated
projection 19 on the front side of the holder 1. The
provisionally-retaining portion 18 is elastically deformed,
thereby releasing the provisionally-retained condition of the
first connector 2.
- 29 -
2198431
In an alternative structure of the above embodiment, there
may be provided a structure wherein projections 28 (provisional
retaining-release portions) for respectively pressing the
provisionally-retaining portions 18 into their provisional
retaining-release positions, are formed on the connector
housing 20 of the second connector 4. In this embodiment, an
additional projection 29 is formed on an outer surface of each
provisionally-retaining portion 18 at a rear end portion
thereof, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. The additional
projection 29 provides a surface against which the associated
projection 28 can abut.
When the second connector 4 is to be connected to the first
connector 2, each projection 28 on the second connector 4 is
abutted against the projection 29 of the associated
provisionally-retaining portion 18 to pivotally move the
provisionally-retaining portion 18 into the provisional
retaining-release position, thereby reducing the provisionally-
retaining force on the first connector 2, as shown in Fig. 12.
In this construction, the retaining projections 18c do not
need to be formed respectively on the rear end portions of the
provisionally-retaining portions 18, and also the tapering
surfaces for elastically deforming the provisionally-retaining
portions 18 do not need to be formed respectively on the
projections 19 of the holder 1, and therefore advantageously,
the rear surface of each retaining projection 18c can be formed
perpendicularly to the connector connecting direction, so that
- 30 -
2198431
the first connector 2 can be stably retained in the connection
stand-by position. And besides, when connecting the first and
second connectors 2 and 4, the projection 28 is abutted against
the projection 29 of the provisionally-retaining portion 18,
and by doing so, the provisionally-retained condition, effected
by the provisionally-retaining portion 18, is positively
released, and the first connector 2 is slidingly displaced
along the holder 1 so that the two connectors 2 and 4 can shift
into the connected condition.
In the above embodiment, the provisionally-retaining
portions 18 are formed on the connector housing 14 of the first
connector 2. In a further embodiment, a structure is provided
wherein plate-like provisionally-retaining portions 18 are
formed on the holder 1, projections 19 are formed on side
surfaces of the first connector 2, and each projection 19 abuts
against a retaining projection 18c formed on a distal end of
the associated provisionally-retaining portion 18. This
configuration retains the first connector 2 in a connection
stand-by position, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.
In this particular embodiment, projections 28 are formed on
the second connector 4. Each projection 28 elastically deforms
the associated provisionally-retaining portion 18 into a
provisional retaining-release position when the second
connector 4 is to be connected to the first connector 2. A
projection 29, for abutment against the associated projection
28, is formed at the distal end of each provisionally-retaining
- 31 -
~ 1 .9843 i
portion 18. Further, each projection 28 is pressed against the
associated projection 29 to pivotally move the provisionally-
retaining portion 18, thereby releasing the provisionally-
retained condition of the first connector 2, as shown in Fig.
15.
Instead of providing the provisionally-retaining portions
18 described above, an urging member for urging the first
connector 2 forward is provided in a structure of a further
preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, an urging force of
the urging member forces the projections 16 on the connector
housing 14 respectively against the retaining step portions 12b
of the retaining portions 12, thereby retaining the first
connector 2 in the connection stand-by position.
As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, a structure is provided
wherein plate-like withdrawal drive portions 30, for slidingly
displacing or withdrawing the first connector 2 into the
connection stand-by position when the first connector 2 and the
second connector 4 are to be disconnected from each other, are
formed respectively on the upper wall and bottom wall of the
second connector 4. Projections 31 are formed on the first
connector 2, and a projection 32 of a tapering configuration,
having a pair of tapering surfaces, is formed on a distal end
portion of each withdrawal drive portion 30.
In this preferred structure, when the first and second
connectors 2 and 4 are to be connected together, the front
tapering surface of each projection 32 is pressed against the
- 32 -
219431
associated projection 31 on the first connector 2, thereby
elastically deforming the withdrawal drive portion 30. As a
result, the distal end portion (and hence the projection 32) of
the withdrawal drive portion 30 is advanced toward the rear
side of the first connector 2. When the two connectors are to
be disconnected from each other, the second connector 4 is
pulled in a direction of an arrow in Fig. 17, and the rear
tapering surface of each projection 32 is abutted against the
associated projection 31 on the first connector 2. When the
second connector 4 is further pulled or slidingly displaced to
withdraw the first connector 2 toward the front side of the
holder 1, the displacement of the second connector
automatically moves the first connector 2 into the connection
stand-by position shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, a further structure is
provided wherein plate-like withdrawal drive portions 30 are
formed on the first connector 2, and projections 31 for
abutting respectively against projections 32 of the withdrawal
drive portions 30 are formed on the second connector 4. By
pulling the second connector 4 away from the first connector,
the first connector 2 is slidingly displaced toward the front
side of the holder 1.
As shown in Figs . 20 and 21, preferably, a projection 33 is
formed on an outer surface of the distal end of each
provisionally-retaining portion 18 which is formed on the
holder 1 for provisionally retaining the first connector 2 in
- 33 -
2198431
the connection stand-by position, and projections 34, which can
face the projections 33, respectively, are formed at the front
end of the second connector 4. The projection 33 and
projection 34 joint constitute a disengagement prevention
mechanism by which the second connector 4 is prevented from
being disengaged from the holder 1 until the first connector 2
is withdrawn into the connection stand-by position.
Namely, the amount of projecting of the projection 33 of
the provisionally-retaining portion 18, as well as the amount
of projecting of the projection 34 of the second connector 4,
is so determined that normally, they will not interfere with
each other, and when connecting the connectors together, the
second connector 4 can be fitted on and connected to the first
connector 2 without interference of the disengagement
prevention mechanism. During the connector connection release
process in which each projection 28 of the second connector 4
abuts against the projection 29 of the provisionally-retaining
portion 18 to push the distal end portion of the provisionally-
retaining portion 18 outwardly (that is, at the stage before
the projection 19 of the first connector 2 slides past the
projection 18c of the provisionally-retaining portion 18 as
shown in Fig. 22), the projection 33 interferes with the
projection 34, thereby preventing the disengagement of the
second connector 4. And, at the time when the first connector
2 moves to the connection stand-by position, so that the
pushed-condition of the provisionally-retaining portion 18 is
- 34 -
2198431
released, the interference of the projection 33 with the
projection 34 is released, so that the second connector 4 can
be disengaged from the holder 1.
In the above construction, there are occasions when an
external force is applied at the time of the connector
connection release operation when the first connector 2 is
withdrawn toward the front side of the holder 1 into the
connection stand-by position by the withdrawal drive portions
30, and in such a case the disengagement prevention mechanism
prevents the situation in which the second connector 4 is
prevented from being disengaged, with the first connector 2
prevented from movement into the connection stand-by position.
Therefore, the first connector 2 can be moved into the
connection stand-by position by the withdrawal drive portions
30, and the swingable levers 5 can be set to their initial
position where the opening portions 25a of the engagement
grooves 25, formed respectively in the swingable levers 5, are
opposed to the driven pins 23 formed on the second connector 4.
As shown in Fig. 23, there may be provided a construction
in which a limitation portion 44 in the form of a projection is
formed at the open end portion of the engagement groove 25
formed in the swingable lever 5, and during the connection
release operation of releasing the connected condition of the
first and second connectors 2 and 4, a flange or the like of
the driven pin 23, formed on the connector housing 20 of the
second connector 4, is abutted against the limitation portion
- 35 -
2198431
44, thereby applying a withdrawing resistance to the second
connector 4. With this construction, even if the second
connector 4 is withdrawn or pulled obliquely during the
connection release operation as shown in Fig. 24, there can be
effectively avoided a situation in which the connection between
the first and second connectors 2 and 4 is released, with the
first connector 2 kept inclined.
Namely, without the limitation portions 44, when the second
connector 4 is pulled obliquely as described above, the
withdrawing resistance to the second connector 4 is reduced at
the time of disengagement of one end 4a of the second connector
4 from the holder 1, and therefore the first connector 2 is
inevitably kept oblique, with the first and second connectors
2 and 4 disengaged from each other. On the other hand, when
there are provided the limitation portions 44 for applying a
withdrawing resistance to the second connector 4, the connected
condition of the first and second connectors 2 and 4 is
maintained by the limitation portions 44 (which are disposed
centrally of the width of the second connector 4) even if the
one end 4a of the second connector 4 is disengaged from the
holder 1, and the pulling drive force can be exerted about the
limitation portions 44 in a direction to correct the
inclination of the first connector 2, and therefore the first
connector 2 can be corrected into a suitable posture.
As described above, each guide groove 10 formed in the
holder 1 has a retaining groove portion lOc at its rear end
- 36 -
2198431
portion. The engagement pins 9, respectively in the retaining
groove portions 10c, are moved directly rearward toward the
back of holder 1. With this structure, the final stage of
connection of the second connector 4 to the first connector 2
takes place without swinging displacement of the swingable
levers 5. The first connector 2 and the second connector 4 are
slidingly displaced in unison along the support portions of the
holder 1.
Given the above configuration, even when a force tending to
disconnect the first connector 2 and the second connectors 4
from each other is applied to move each engagement pin 9 in the
associated guide groove 10C, the force will not swingingly
displace the swingable levers 5. Consequently, the two
connectors 2 and 4 are stably kept in the connected condition.
Furthermore, within the range of the retaining groove portions
10c, the first connector 2, the second connector 4 and the
engagement pins 9 move in unison back and forth relative to the
holder 1, and therefore, even if there is a variation in the
amount of pushing of the electronic unit 22, the two connectors
2 and 4 are shifted into the completely-connected condition.
The above structure comprises guide grooves 10 in the
holder 1 which each have retaining groove portion 10c, which
results in the first connector 2 and the second connector 4
being slidingly displaced in unison in the holder 1 during the
final stage of connection. An alternative structure provides
a retaining groove portion 25c of an arcuate shape, which is
- 37 -
2 i 98431
equidistant from the swing pivot 11 of the swingable lever 5
throughout its length and extends continuously from the
operating groove portion 25b of the engagement groove 25, as
shown in Fig. 25.
In this alternative structure, when the second connector 4
is to be connected to the first connector 2, the swingable
levers 5 are swingingly displaced in response to the sliding
movement of the second connector 4, and each driving pin 23,
formed on the second connector 4, is introduced into the
associated retaining groove portion 25c as shown in Fig. 26A.
When each swingable lever 5 is further swingingly displaced,
the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 are slidingly
displaced in unison in the holder 1 since the distance between
each driven pin 23 and the associated swing pivot 11 will not
vary, as shown in Fig. 26B.
In this embodiment, a distance L designates the difference
in the distance between a front surface of holder 1 and a rear
surface of connector 4 when the holder 1 and connector 4 are in
positions A and B. Position A (Fig. 26A) represents a position
where the driving pin 23 is introduced into the retaining
groove portion 25b of the engagement groove 25 and position B
(Fig. 26B) represents a position where the driving pin 23
reaches the end of the retaining groove portion 25b. The
distance L serves as "play" for the connection of the second
connector 4 to the first connector 2. Consequently, even if
the push position at the final stage of the connection of the
- 38 -
_ 219843
second connector 4 to the first connector 2 is displaced
forwardly or rearwardly within the range of the distance L
because of an manufacturing error of the connectors or some
other reason, the two connectors 2 and 4 are always shifted
into the completely-connected condition.
As shown in Figs. 27 and 28, there may be provided a lock
mechanism which comprises a lock arm 35 formed at each of the
opposite side walls of the holder 1, and an engagement
projection 36 formed on each of the opposite side walls of the
second connector 4. The lock arm 35 is separated from the side
wall of the holder 1 by slits 38 interrupted at a connection
portion 37 provided at a central portion of this side wall, and
by deforming the connection portion 37 in a twisted manner, the
lock arm 35 can be swung. A lock projection 39, which can be
opposed to the engagement projection 36, is formed on an inner
surface of the lock arm 35 at a front end thereof. A
projection 40 for effecting the swinging operation is formed on
an outer surface of the lock arm 35 at a rear end thereof.
Slanting surfaces, which can face each other, are formed on the
engagement projection 36 and the lock projection 39,
respectively.
In the above construction, when the first connector 2,
supported by the holder 1, is to be connected to the second
connector 4, the lock projection 39 of the lock arm 35 is
pressed or pushed by the engagement projection 36 of the second
connector 4 to twistingly deform the connection portion 37,
- 39 -
2198431
thereby swingingly displacing the lock arm 35, so that the
engagement projection 36 can shift into a locked condition
shown in Fig. 29. Therefore, in the connected condition of the
two connectors 2 and 4, the lock mechanism prevents the second
connector 4 from moving in the connection release direction,
and even when an external force, tending to release the
connection between the first and second connectors 2 and 4, is
exerted, the connected condition of the two connectors 2 and 4
is positively maintained, and the disconnection of the two
connectors 2 and 4 due to swinging displacement of the
swingable lever 5 in a lock release direction is effectively
prevented.
For releasing the connection between the first and second
connectors 2 and 4, the swinging operation projection 40 is
pressed inwardly to swingingly displace the lock arm 35 in a
direction to release the engagement between the engagement
projection 36 and the lock projection 39, and in this condition
the second connector 4 is pulled rearwardly, so that the
locking of the second connector 4 by the lock mechanism is
released, and the second connector 4 is moved in the connection
release direction, thereby disconnecting the second connector
4 from the first connector 2.
The lock arms 35 each having the lock projection 39 may be
provided at the second connector 4 while the engagement
projections 36 for engagement with the respective lock
projections 39 may be provided on the holder 1. The projection
- 40 -
2198431
40 for swinging the lock arm 35 in the lock release direction
does not always need to be provided, and the lock arm 35 may be
swung in the lock release direction through the lock projection
39 or other portion, or the lock arm 35 may be swingingly
displaced in accordance with the operating force to pull the
first and second connectors 2 and 4 in the connection release
direction.
Preferably, in order to prevent the first connector 2 from
being withdrawn from the holder 1, for example, when rearwardly
pulling the terminals off the first connector 2 supported by
the holder 1, retaining portions 41 are formed on the inner
surface of the holder 1 at the rear end thereof as shown in
Fig. 30, and the retaining portions 41 abut against the rear
end surface of the first connector 2 to prevent the first
connector 2 from being withdrawn rearwardly from the holder 1.
With this construction, the terminals can be easily attached or
removed without disengaging the first connector 2 from the
holder 1, that is, with the first connector 2 retained adjacent
to the rear side of the holder 1 by the retaining portions 41
of the holder 1.
As shown in Fig. 31, there may be provided a construction
in which thin, movable walls 42 are provided at the upper and
bottom walls of the holder 1, and the above retaining portions
41 are formed respectively on the movable walls 42. In this
construction, there is an advantage that the movable walls 42
are swingingly displaced when the first connector 1 is inserted
- 41 -
L19~431
into the holder 1 from the rear side of the holder 1, so that
the first connector can be easily inserted into the holder 1.
As shown in Fig. 32, there may be provided a construction
in which a provisionally-retaining projection 43 is provided
forwardly of the retaining portion 41 formed on each movable
wall 42, and the provisionally-retaining projection 43 abuts
against the front surface of the associated projection 17,
formed at the rear portion of the first connector 2, to
provisionally retain the first connector 2 at a position
adjacent to the rear side of the holder 1. In this
construction, there is an advantage that the terminals can be
easily inserted, with the first holder 2 retained at the above
provisionally-retaining position adjacent to the rear side of
the holder 1.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it is
not always necessary to mount the second connector 4 (which is
to be connected to the first connector 2 supported on the
mounting portion S) on the circuit board 3 provided in the
electronic unit 22. The second connector 4, comprising a male
connector housing 20 and male terminals 27 connected at their
rear ends to a harness 26 as shown in Fig. 33, may be connected
directly to the first connector 2. Furthermore, the holder 1
and the first connector 2 do not always need to be supported on
the mounting portion S. The holder 1 and the first connector
2, while held by the operator, may be connected directly to the
second connector 4.
- 42 -
- 2198431
In the above embodiments, the first connector 2 is slidably
supported by the holder 1 which is mounted on the mounting
portion S of the vehicle body, while the second connector 4, to
be connected to the first connector 2, is mounted on the
electronic unit 22. Alternatively, the first connector 2
including the swingable levers 5, the female connector housing
14, and the holder 1 may be mounted on the electronic unit 22,
and the second connector 4 including the male connector housing
20, may be mounted on the mounting portion S. In this case,
the electronic unit 22 serves as the mounting portion for the
first connector 2. Furthermore, the holder 1 which holds the
first connector 2 may be integrally formed with a molding
component such as a case of the electronic unit, a instrument
panel of the vehicle, or a trim cover.
Instead of the above structure in which the engagement pins
9, formed respectively on the swingable levers 5, are
introduced into and engaged in the respective guide grooves 10
formed in the holder 1, a structure is provided wherein the
engagement pins 9 are formed on the holder 1, and the guide
grooves 10, in which the engagement pins 9 are engageable,
respectively, are formed in the swingable levers 5,
respectively. The swingable levers 5 are swingably supported
on the holder 1, and the drive groove portions 10b, forming the
drive portions for swingingly displacing the swingable levers
and for receiving the engagement pins 9, and provided on the
connector housing 14 of the first connector 2.
- 43 -
2198431
In the present invention, a holder has a support portion
for supporting a first connector such that the first connector
is slidable in the direction of connection of a first and a
second connector relative to each other, swingable levers are
swingingly displaced in response to the sliding movement of the
first connector, and a driving force of the swingable levers is
increased and transmitted to a portion of connection between
the first and second connectors. By a one-touch operation for
connecting the second connector to the first connector, a
strong connecting force is exerted at the connecting portion
between the two connectors. Therefore, the present invention
is applicable even if a multi-pole connector, requiring a large
connecting force, is mounted in a position inaccessible by the
hand of an operator. In such a situation, the connection of
the two connectors relative to each other is effected easily
and positively in the present invention.
Further, a swingable lever is provided between the wall
surface of the holder and the surface of the first connector
opposed to this wall surface. Consequently, the swingable
lever is prevented from projecting out of the connector-
mounting range and advantageously prevents the formation of any
dead space resulting therefrom. Also, the second connector is
driven in the connecting direction by swingingly displacing the
swingable lever.
Furthermore, the plurality of swingable levers are provided
between the wall surface of the holder and the surface of the
- 44 -
2198431
first connector disposed in opposed relation to the wall
surface, and therefore when connecting the first and second
connectors together, a uniform connecting force can be exerted
at a plurality of portions in the direction of the width
thereof, so that the two connectors can be connected together
in a proper condition, and also there is an advantage that by
reducing the thickness of the plate of the swingable lever, the
overall size of the connector can be reduced.
Furthermore, a pair of swingable levers are provided in
adjacent, facing relation to the opposed wall surfaces of the
holder, respectively, and the swingable levers are disposed in
a point-symmetrical manner. Therefore, in response to the
sliding displacement of the first connector resulting from a
drive force to connect the first and second connectors
together, large connecting forces are exerted respectively at
opposite side portions of the two connectors on the diagonal
lines. With the present simple structure, uniform connecting
forces are applied to opposite side portions of the two
connectors, so that the two connectors are properly connected
together.
Furthermore, at least one pair of opposed swingable levers
are provided between the holder and the first connector, and
the opposed swingable levers are swingable in opposite
directions, respectively. Therefore, the widthwise components
of the drive forces, transmitted respectively from the two
swingable levers to the second connector, cancel each other,
- 45 -
198431
resulting in straight displacement of the second connector and
proper connection to the first connector.
Furthermore, at least one pair of swingable levers of the
same configuration are provided in adjacent, facing relation to
the opposed wall surfaces of the holder. The opposed swingable
levers are disposed in an inverted manner with respect to their
opposite sides. Consequently, production of dissimilar parts
is reduced, enhancing mass productivity. The opposed swingable
levers are swingable in the opposite directions, respectively,
so that the second connector is slidingly displaced in a
straight motion.
Furthermore, a retaining portion for limiting forward
withdrawal of the first connector is formed at the portion of
connection between the holder and the first connector. The
holder and the first connector are kept in a stably-connected
condition, thereby effectively preventing the first connector
from being disengaged from the holder.
Furthermore, a provisionally-retaining portion, for
provisionally retaining the first connector in a connection
stand-by position, is provided at the portion of connection
between the holder and the first connector. The first
connector is released by the provisionally-retaining portion
when the operating force, which connects the first connector
and the second connector together, overcomes the provisionally-
retaining force. The present invention advantageously prevents
the first connector from being pushed into the holder before
- 46 -
2198431
the two connectors are connected. When the two connectors are
to be connected together, the retaining condition, achieved by
the provisionally-retaining portion, is released with one
touch.
Furthermore, a provisional retaining-release portion, for
urging the provisionally-retaining portion of the first
connector into the provisional retaining-release position, is
formed on the second connector. When the second connector is
to be connected to the first connector, the provisionally-
retained condition of the first connector is released by the
provisional retaining-release portion. Consequently, the first
connector is stably kept in a connection stand-by position
until the two connectors are to be connected together. At that
time, the provisional retaining force of the provisionally-
retaining portion is easily overcome by a connection force.
Furthermore, a withdrawal drive portion is preferably
provided between the first connector and the second connector.
When the first connector and the second connector are to be
disconnected from each other, the withdrawal drive portion
slidingly displaces and withdraws the first connector into a
connection stand-by position. By pulling the second connector
to disconnect the two connectors from each other, the first
connector is slidingly displaced toward the front side of the
holder, and is automatically moved into the connection stand-by
position.
- 47 -
~~98~.3~
Furthermore, there is provided the disengagement prevention
mechanism for preventing the second connector from being
disengaged from the holder during the connection release
operation of releasing the connected condition of the first and
second connectors, and the condition of disengagement
prevention of the second connector by the disengagement
prevention mechanism is released when the first connector is
withdrawn into the connection stand-by position by the
withdrawal drive portion. There are occasions when an external
force is applied at the time of the connector connection
release operation when the first connector is withdrawn toward
the front side of the holder into the connection stand-by
position by the withdrawal drive portions, and in such a case
the disengagement prevention mechanism prevents the situation
in which the second connector is prevented from being
disengaged, with the first connector prevented from movement
into the connection stand-by position, and the first connector
can be positively moved into the connection stand-by position
by the withdrawal drive portions. Therefore, when connecting
the second connector again to the first connector, the
swingable levers 5 can be set to their initial position so that
the operation of connecting the two connectors together can be
effected properly.
Furthermore, the limitation portion, which applies a
withdrawing resistance to the second connector during the
connection release operation of releasing the connected
- 48 -
219843 ~
condition of the first and second connectors, is provided
between the swingable lever and the operating portion therefor.
Therefore, even if the second connector is pulled obliquely
during the connector release operation, there can be
effectively avoided a situation in which the connection between
the first and second connectors is released, with the first
connector kept inclined.
Furthermore, the final stage of the connection of the
second connector to the first connector corresponds to the two
connectors being slidingly displaced in unison along the
holder. Even if a force tending to disconnect the first and
second connectors from each other is applied, the two
connectors are kept in a stably connected condition.
Furthermore, even if the connector-connecting position is
somewhat varied, the two connectors are shifted into a
completely-connected condition.
Furthermore, the lock mechanism for preventing the second
connector, connected to the first connector, from moving in the
connection release direction, is provided between the second
connector and the holder. Therefore, in the connected
condition of the first and second connectors, the lock
mechanism prevents the second connector from moving in the
connection release direction, and even when an external force,
tending to release the connection between the first and second
connectors, is exerted, the connected condition of the two
connectors 2 and 4 is positively maintained, and the
- 49 -
2198431
disconnection of the two connectors due to swinging
displacement of the swingable lever in a lock release direction
is effectively prevented.
Furthermore, the retaining portion for preventing the first
connector, supported on the holder, from being withdrawn
rearwardly, is provided at the portion of connection between
the holder and the first connector. With this construction,
when removing the terminals from the first connector, the
retaining portion prevents the first connector from being
withdrawn rearwardly from the holder, and therefore the removal
of the terminals can be easily effected.
This invention has been described in detail with reference
to preferred embodiments thereof, which are intended to be
illustrative, but not limiting. particularly, the present
invention is applicable to many kinds of connectors such as a
waterproof connector, a shield connector, a coaxial connector,
a card edge connector, a press fitting connector, an optical
connector, a charging connector, or a block connector. Various
changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
- 50 -
