CONNECTOR DEVICE

Abstract

A connector with an interlock housing, to which an interlock terminal is attached, separately from a lever that performs connection and disconnection of main terminals with a mating connector, and a first spring piece is formed on the lever. After the main terminals are mutually connected by rotating the lever from a first position to a second position, the lever is slid from the second position to a third position and the interlock housing is pushed down from an opening position to a closing position. When the lever is on the third position and the interlock housing is on the opening position, the first spring piece generates a first elastic restoring force. When applying no external force that slides the lever to the third position against the first elastic restoring force, the lever moves away from the third position and the interlock housing cannot be pushed down.

Claims

1. A connector device, comprising: a connector that includes a housing, a lever, a main terminal, an interlock housing, and an interlock terminal; and a mating connector that includes a mating housing, a mating main terminal, and a mating interlock terminal, wherein a guide groove is formed on one of the lever and the housing and a guide shaft is formed on an other of the lever and the housing, the lever is attached to the housing so that the guide shaft is positioned in the guide groove and as a result, the lever is rotatable between a first position and a second position and is slidable between the second position and a third position, the first position, the second position, and the third position being positions for the lever to take with respect to the housing, one of a cam groove and a driven boss, the cam groove and the driven boss constituting a cam mechanism, is formed on the lever and an other of the cam groove and the driven boss is formed on the mating housing, when the connector of which the lever is in the first position is in a fitting preparation position with respect to the mating connector, a rotation of the lever from the first position to the second position causes the connector to be drawn to a fitting position by the cam mechanism, the fitting position being closer to the mating connector than the fitting preparation position is thereto, and causes the main terminal and the mating main terminal to be mutually connected thereby, the interlock terminal is attached to the interlock housing, the interlock housing is formed with a spring piece and a protruding piece, the spring piece having on an end thereof a protrusion portion protruding outward, wherein the protrusion portion is configured to be displaced from a natural position to a retracted position when the protrusion portion is pressed, the housing is provided with an abutting surface, the interlock housing is attached to the housing in a manner to be slidable between an opening position and a closing position, wherein the interlock housing in the opening position is blocked from sliding to the closing position when the protrusion portion is in the natural position by abutting of the protrusion portion on the abutting surface, and is slidable to the closing position when the protrusion portion is in the retracted position, the interlock terminal and the mating interlock terminal are mutually disconnected when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the interlock housing is in the opening position, the interlock terminal and the mating interlock terminal are mutually connected when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the interlock housing is in the closing position, the lever is provided with a pressing portion, the protrusion portion is in the natural position when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the lever is in the second position, the protrusion portion is in the retracted position being pressed by the pressing portion when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the lever is in the third position, a first spring piece is formed on the lever, when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector, the lever is in the third position, and the interlock housing is in the opening position, the first spring piece is abutted on the protruding piece and generates a first elastic restoring force for sliding the lever toward the second position, and in a state applying no external force for sliding the lever to the third position against the first elastic restoring force being generated, the lever moves away from the third position by the first elastic restoring force so that the protrusion portion is positioned in the natural position by not being pressed by the pressing portion.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the lever is formed with an interference portion, and when the interlock housing is in the closing position, the protruding piece, on which the first spring piece is not abutted on, interferes with the interference portion so that the lever is blocked from sliding to the second position.

3. The connector device according to claim 1, wherein a second spring piece is formed on the lever and a protruding portion is formed on the mating housing, when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the lever is in the second position, the second spring piece is abutted on the protruding portion and generates a second elastic restoring force for rotating the lever toward the first position, and in a state applying no external force for rotating the lever to the second position against the second elastic restoring force being generated, the lever moves away from the second position by the second elastic restoring force to be positioned in a position closer to the first position than the second position is to the first position.

4. The connector device according to claim 2, wherein a second spring piece is formed on the lever and a protruding portion is formed on the mating housing, when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the lever is in the second position, the second spring piece is abutted on the protruding portion and generates a second elastic restoring force for rotating the lever toward the first position, and in a state applying no external force for rotating the lever to the second position against the second elastic restoring force being generated, the lever moves away from the second position by the second elastic restoring force to be positioned in a position closer to the first position than the second position is to the first position.

5. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the lever is in the third position, the second spring piece is not abutted on the protruding portion.

6. The connector device according to claim 4, wherein when the connector is in the fitting position with respect to the mating connector and the lever is in the third position, the second spring piece is not abutted on the protruding portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional example of a connector device.

[0040] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a lever of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 2B is a lateral view of the lever of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3A is an elevational view illustrating a state in which the lever is positioned between a rotation starting position and a rotation completion position.

[0043] FIG. 3B is an elevational view illustrating a state in which the lever is positioned on the rotation completion position.

[0044] FIG. 3C is an elevational view illustrating a state in which the lever is positioned on a fitting completion position.

[0045] FIG. 4A is a partial sectional view illustrating a mounting completion state of the connector device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view illustrating principal portions of FIG. 4A.

[0047] FIG. 5A is an upper perspective view illustrating a connector of a connector device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 5B is a lower perspective view of the connector illustrated in FIG. 5A.

[0049] FIG. 6A is an elevational view illustrating a mating connector of the connector device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 6B is a front side perspective view of the mating connector illustrated in FIG. 6A.

[0051] FIG. 6C is a rear side perspective view of the mating connector illustrated in FIG. 6A.

[0052] FIG. 7A is an elevational view of a housing of FIG. 5A.

[0053] FIG. 7B is a right side view of the housing of FIG. 5A.

[0054] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 5A viewed from above the housing.

[0055] FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 5A viewed from below the housing.

[0056] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a lever of FIG. 5A viewed from above.

[0057] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the lever of FIG. 5A viewed from below.

[0058] FIG. 9A is a plan view of the lever illustrated in FIG. 8A.

[0059] FIG. 9B is an elevational view of the lever illustrated in FIG. 8A.

[0060] FIG. 9C is a right side view of the lever illustrated in FIG. 8A.

[0061] FIG. 9D is a rear view of the lever illustrated in FIG. 8A.

[0062] FIG. 9E is a sectional view taken along the G-G line of FIG. 9B.

[0063] FIG. 9F is a sectional view taken along the H-H line of FIG. 9B.

[0064] FIG. 10A is an elevational view of an interlock housing to which an interlock terminal of FIG. 5A is attached.

[0065] FIG. 10B is a right side view of the interlock housing to which the interlock terminal of FIG. 5A is attached.

[0066] FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the interlock housing to which the interlock terminal of FIG. 5A is attached and which is viewed from an upper front side.

[0067] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the interlock housing to which the interlock terminal of FIG. 5A is attached and which is viewed from a lower front side.

[0068] FIG. 10E is a perspective view of the interlock housing to which the interlock terminal of FIG. 5A is attached and which is viewed from an upper rear side.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the connector of the connector device according to the embodiment of the present invention is on a fitting preparation position.

[0070] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the lever is rotated to a second position from the state illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0071] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the lever is slid to a third position from the state illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the interlock housing is slid to a closing position from the state illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0073] FIG. 15A is a right side view of the state illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0074] FIG. 15B is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 15A.

[0075] FIG. 16A is a right side view of the state illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0076] FIG. 16B is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the D-D line of FIG. 16A.

[0077] FIG. 16C is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the E-E line of FIG. 16A.

[0078] FIG. 17A is a right side view of the state illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0079] FIG. 17B is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the D-D line of FIG. 17A.

[0080] FIG. 17C is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the E-E line of FIG. 17A.

[0081] FIG. 18A is a right side view of the state illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0082] FIG. 18B is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the E-E line of FIG. 18A.

[0083] FIG. 18C is a partially enlarged view of a central longitudinal section of FIG. 18A.

[0084] FIG. 18D is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along the F-F line of FIG. 18A.

[0085] FIG. 19A is a plan view of the state illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0086] FIG. 19B is a sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 19A.

[0087] FIG. 20A is a plan view of the state illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0088] FIG. 20B is a sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 20A.

[0089] FIG. 21A is a plan view of the state illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0090] FIG. 21B is a sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 21A.

[0091] FIG. 22A is a plan view of the state illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0092] FIG. 22B is a sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 22A.

[0093] FIG. 23A is a plan view illustrating a state obtained when a force that rotates the lever is removed from the state which is illustrated in FIG. 12 and in which the lever is rotated.

[0094] FIG. 23B is a sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 23A.

[0095] FIG. 24A is a plan view of the state illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0096] FIG. 24B is a sectional view taken along the C-C line of FIG. 24A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0097] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] FIGS. 5A and 5B and FIGS. 6A to 6C respectively illustrate a connector 100 and a mating connector 200 that constitute a connector device for high voltage and large current, including HVILs, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, 30 denotes a housing and 40 denotes a lever. Further, 50 denotes an interlock housing and interlock terminals 60 are attached to the interlock housing 50 as described later. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, 300 denotes a cable. The connector 100 is attached to terminals of two cables 300 in this example. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, 70 denotes main terminals that are respectively connected with the two cables 300, and 80 denotes a cable cover that is attached to the housing 30.

[0099] The configurations of the housing 30, the lever 40, and the interlock housing 50 of the connector 100 will be first described.

[0100] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the housing 30 is roughly composed of a fitting portion 31, a cable accommodating portion 32 that adjoins the rear portion of the fitting portion 31, and an attaching portion 33 that is positioned on the front surface of the fitting portion 31. The fitting portion 31 has a box-like shape whose bottom is opened. The main terminals 70 are accommodated and positioned in this fitting portion 31. On both lateral surfaces of the fitting portion 31, guide shafts 34 are formed in a pair in a manner to protrude mutually outward.

[0101] The attaching portion 33 is a portion to which the interlock housing 50 is attached and has a substantially cylindrical shape opening in a vertical direction. On an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the attaching portion 33, slits 35 are formed in a pair on mutually opposed positions. The slit 35 extends rearward from the front end of the attaching portion 33. Further, slits 36 are formed in a pair on mutually opposed positions from the upper end of the attaching portion 33 to respective slits 35. The rear end sides of the slits 35 and the slits 36 communicate the inside and the outside of the attaching portion 33.

[0102] The lever 40 includes a pair of arm portions 41, a coupling portion 42, and an operation portion 43, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A to 9F. The arm portion 41 has a plate shape. The coupling portion 42 couples proximal ends of the pair of arm portions 41. The operation portion 43 is positioned on an opposite side to the coupling portion 42 with the arm portions 41 interposed therebetween. The operation portion 43 is positioned below the lower end of the coupling portion 42 (in FIG. 8A), and reinforcing walls 44, which are provided in a pair and extend in the vertical direction (in FIG. 8A), are positioned on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion 43 in a manner to be continuously formed between the coupling portion 42 and the operation portion 43.

[0103] On the respective arm portions 41 of the pair, guide grooves 41a are formed and cam grooves 41b are further formed. The guide grooves 41a extend in the longitudinal direction of the arm portions 41. The cam groove 41b has a curved shape and the distal end of the cam groove 41b is positioned on the distal end of the arm portion 41, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A to 9F. Further, held portions 41c having a concave shape are formed on outer surfaces on the lower end parts (in FIG. 8B) of the distal ends of respective arm portions 41.

[0104] An opening 42a is formed in the lower half portion (in FIG. 9B) of the coupling portion 42 and an opening 43a is also formed on the operation portion 43. The opening 43a communicates with the opening 42a. On both sides of the opening 43a in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion 43, wall portions 45 extending in the vertical direction (in FIG. 8B) are respectively formed. In the mutually-inner sides of a pair of wall portions 45, protruding portions 46 are formed in a pair along respective wall portions 45.

[0105] The protruding portion 46 has an L-shaped cross section and extends in the longitudinal direction of the arm portion 41. One half portions of respective L shapes that are orthogonal to the respective wall portions 45 and mutually protrude inward serve as slide insertion portions 46a. An end portion, positioned closer to the arm portion 41, of the slide insertion portion 46a functions as a pressing portion 46b and a cut-out portion adjacent to the pressing portion 46b functions as an interference portion 46c. On mutual outer surfaces of the pair of wall portions 45, held portions 47 having a shaft shape are respectively formed in a protruding manner.

[0106] In this example, a pair of first spring pieces 48 and a pair of second spring pieces 49 are further formed on the operation portion 43. Each of the first spring pieces 48 is provided between a corresponding wall portion 45 of the pair of wall portions 45 and a corresponding protruding portion 46 of the pair of protruding portions 46. Each of the second spring pieces 49 is provided on an outer side of the held portion 47 that is formed on the outer surface of each of the pair of wall portions 45. The first spring piece 48 has a shape whose proximal end (fixed end) is on the lower end side (in FIG. 9F) of the operation portion 43 and that extends diagonally upward toward the direction of the arm portion 41 as illustrated in FIG. 9F. The second spring piece 49 has a shape whose proximal end is on the upper end side (in FIG. 9E) of the operation portion 43 and that extends diagonally downward toward the direction of the arm portion 41 as illustrated in FIG. 9E.

[0107] The interlock housing 50 includes a cylindrical portion 51 and an operation portion 52 as illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10E. The operation portion 52 is positioned on an upper end of the cylindrical portion 51 and has a shape that lids the cylindrical portion 51. The interlock terminals 60 which serve as short terminals are attached and fixed in the inside of the cylindrical portion 51.

[0108] On the cylindrical portion 51, a pair of spring pieces 53, a pair of protruding pieces 54, a locking piece 55, and a retaining piece 56 are integrally formed. The pair of spring pieces 53 is formed by making slits in the vertical direction on a circumferential wall 51a of the cylindrical portion 51 and these spring pieces 53 are provided on mutually opposed positions on the circumferential wall 51a. Upper ends of the pair of spring pieces 53 are proximal ends and on respective lower ends (distal ends) of the spring pieces 53, protrusion portions 53a are formed in a manner to protrude mutually outward.

[0109] When the protruding directions of the protrusion portions 53a of the pair of spring pieces 53 are defined as a left-right direction, the locking piece 55 is formed in a manner such that the locking piece 55 extends upward from the lower end of the circumferential wall 51a at the front side of the circumferential wall 51a. On the distal end (upper end) of the locking piece 55, an operation protrusion portion 55a is formed in a manner to protrude frontward. In the middle of the extending direction of the locking piece 55, a protrusion 55b is formed in a manner to protrude frontward. The retaining piece 56 is formed on a position, opposed to the position of the locking piece 55, on the circumferential wall 51a in a manner such that the retaining piece 56 extends upward from the lower end of the circumferential wall 51a. On the distal end of the retaining piece 56, a protrusion 56a is formed in a manner to protrude rearward.

[0110] The protruding pieces 54, provided in a pair, are formed adjacent to respective spring pieces 53 on the frontward side, that is, on the side on which the locking piece 55 is positioned. The protruding pieces 54 are formed in a manner to be further protruded and extended outward from respective plate portions 57 that are formed in a manner to protrude mutually outward from the circumferential wall 51a and extend in the vertical direction.

[0111] The interlock housing 50 that has the above-described configuration and holds the interlock terminals 60 is inserted into from the upper side and attached to the attaching portion 33 of the housing 30, and the interlock housing 50 is retained by the engagement of the protrusion 56a of the retaining piece 56. Further, the lever 40 is attached to the housing 30 in a manner such that the guide shafts 34, provided in a pair, of the housing 30 are inserted in and positioned on the respective guide grooves 41a of the pair of arm portions 41. The lever 40 can rotate between a first position and a second position and can slide between the second position and a third position with respect to the housing 30, where the first position, the second position, and the third position are positions for the lever 40 to take as described later. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a state in which the lever 40 is in the first position.

[0112] On the other hand, in FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrating the mating connector 200, 110 denotes a mating housing and 120 denotes a mating main terminal Further, 130 denotes a mating interlock terminal. The mating connector 200 is to be mounted on a substrate.

[0113] The mating housing 110 includes a plate portion 111 and a fitted portion 112. The fitted portion 112 has a frame shape opening upward and is positioned on the plate portion 111 in a protruding manner. Of a frame shaped circumferential wall 112a of the fitted portion 112, portions at the left and right positions have each driven bosses 113 in a pair formed on their outer surfaces in a manner to protrude mutually outward. Further, a rearward portion of the circumferential wall 112a is largely cut with a cutout 114. A pair of mating main terminals 120 is contained and positioned in the inside of the fitted portion 112.

[0114] On the plate portion 111 of the mating housing 110, an attaching portion 115, a pair of protruding portions 116, and a pair of holding portions 117 are further formed. The attaching portion 115 is positioned on the front side of the fitted portion 112 and has a cylindrical shape opening upward. The mating interlock terminals 130 are attached and fixed in the attaching portion 115.

[0115] The protruding portions 116 are provided in a pair at the left and the right sides of the attaching portion 115 in front of the fitted portion 112. Each of the protruding portions 116 has a shape in which an eaves-like portion 116a directing frontward is supported by an upright portion 116b which vertically rises from the plate portion 111. The holding portions 117 are provided in a pair at the left and the right sides of the rear portion of the fitted portion 112. The holding portion 117 has a plate surface orthogonal to the plate portion 111. On the plate surfaces of the pair of holding portions 117, protrusions 117a are formed in a manner to protrude mutually inward.

[0116] A fitting operation between the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 which are described above will now be described.

[0117] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate respective states 1 to 4 in the fitting process between the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 in order, and FIGS. 15A and 15B, FIGS. 16A to 16C, FIGS. 17A to 17C, and FIGS. 18A to 18D illustrate details of principal portions in the respective states 1 to 4. Here, the states 1 to 4 are states in a series of a fitting process performed based on an intention of an operator.

State 1: FIGS. 11, 15A, and 15B

[0118] The state 1 is a state in which the fitting portion 31 of the housing 30 in the connector 100 whose lever 40 is in the first position is fitted to the fitted portion 112 of the mating housing 110 in the mating connector 200 and the connector 100 is in a fitting preparation position with respect to the mating connector 200. The driven bosses 113, provided in a pair, of the mating connector 200 are inserted in respective cam grooves 41b of the lever 40 in the connector 100. In the state 1, the main terminals 70 and the mating main terminals 120 are not connected with each other yet.

[0119] In the interlock housing 50 that is attached to the attaching portion 33 of the housing 30 in the connector 100, the protrusion portions 53a of the pair of spring pieces 53 are positioned in natural positions in a manner to be in the respective slits 35 of the attaching portion 33 as illustrated in FIG. 15B. Accordingly, the interlock housing 50 cannot be pushed down even though the operation portion 52 thereof is pushed because the protrusion portions 53a are abutted on abutting surfaces 35a, which are lower inner surfaces of the slits 35. In this way, the interlock housing 50 is in an opening position, blocked from sliding to a closing position to be described later in which the interlock terminals 60 of the connector 100 and the mating interlock terminals 130 of the mating connector 200 are mutually connected.

State 2: FIGS. 12, 16A, 16B, and 16C

[0120] The state 2 is a state in which the lever 40 is rotated from the first position to the second position. The connector 100 is drawn to a fitting position, which is closer to the mating connector 200 than the fitting preparation position of the state 1, by a cam mechanism so that the state 2 is achieved. The cam mechanism is composed of the cam grooves 41b of the lever 40 and the driven bosses 113, which enter the cam grooves 41b, of the mating connector 200. The main terminals 70 of the connector 100 and the mating main terminals 120 of the mating connector 200 are connected with each other in the state 2, as illustrated in FIG. 16B.

[0121] The interlock housing 50 is in the opening position the same as in the state 1 in which the protrusion portions 53a of the spring pieces 53 are in natural positions. The sliding of the interlock housing 50 to the closing position is blocked and even though the connector 100 is brought closer to the mating connector 200, the interlock terminals 60 and the mating interlock terminals 130 are not connected with each other yet and are still disconnected from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 16C.

[0122] Incidentally, when the connector 100 whose lever 40 is in the second position is in the fitting position of the state 2 with respect to the mating connector 200, a rotation of the lever 40 to the first position causes the connector 100 to be pushed back to the fitting preparation position of the state 1 by the cam mechanism so that the connection between the main terminals 70 and the mating main terminals 120 is released.

State 3: FIGS. 13, 17A, 17B, and 17C

[0123] The state 3 is a state in which the lever 40 is slid from the second position to the third position and the slide insertion portions 46a of the pair of protruding portions 46 of the lever 40 respectively enter the slits 35 of the housing 30. Accordingly, the protrusion portions 53a of the pair of spring pieces 53 of the interlock housing 50 are pressed by the pressing portions 46b on the ends of the slide insertion portions 46a, being displaced from the natural positions to retracted positions, as illustrated in FIG. 17B. The displacement of the protrusion portions 53a to the retracted positions enables the interlock housing 50, which is attached to the attaching portion 33 of the housing 30 in a manner to be slidable between the opening position and the closing position for the interlock housing 50 to take, to slide to the closing position.

[0124] Note that as the lever 40 becomes slidable only if the slide insertion portions 46a enter the slits 35 of the housing 30, the lever 40 cannot be slid to the third position when, for example, the lever 40 is not completely rotated into the second position of the state 2 and the slide insertion portions 46a thereby cannot enter the slits 35.

[0125] And since the slide insertion portions 46a of the lever 40 is configured to enter the slits 35 of the housing 30, the lever 40 in the third position cannot be rotated in the state 3.

[0126] In addition to this, in the state 3 in which the lever 40 is on the third position, as illustrated in FIG. 17B in this example, the protrusions 117a of the holding portions 117 equipped by the mating connector 200 enter the concave-shaped held portions 41c formed in the pair of arm portions 41, and further, the pair of shaft-shaped held portions 47 equipped by the operation portion 43 of the lever 40 come under the respective eaves-like portions 116a of the protruding portions 116 equipped by the mating connector 200. In this way, the held portions 41c and 47 are held respectively by the holding portions 117 and the protruding portions 116 so that the lever 40 is firmly fixed to the mating housing 110 of the mating connector 200.

State 4: FIGS. 14, 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D

[0127] The state 4 is a state in which the interlock housing 50, which is positioned on the opening position in the state 3, is pushed along with pushing of the operation portion 52 thereof and slid to be positioned in the closing position. In the state 4, the interlock terminals 60 and the mating interlock terminals 130 are mutually connected as illustrated in FIG. 18D. Consequently, fitting is detected.

[0128] Note that in the state in which the interlock housing 50 is pushed down to the closing position, the pair of protruding pieces 54 equipped by the interlock housing 50 enter the interference portions 46c which are formed as cut-out portions of the slide insertion portions 46a of the lever 40, as illustrated in FIG. 18B. In this way, the lever 40 is fixed in the third position and cannot be slid, that is, the protruding pieces 54 interfere with the interference portions 46c so that the lever 40's sliding to the second position is blocked.

[0129] The interlock housing 50 positioned in the closing position is locked in the closing position by engagement between the protrusion 55b of the locking piece 55 and an engaging portion 37 formed on the attaching portion 33 of the housing 30 as illustrated in FIG. 18C. Unlocking is performed by pushing the operation protrusion portion 55a of the locking piece 55, enabling the interlock housing 50 to slide-return to the opening position and then enabling the lever 40 to slide-return to the second position.

[0130] The states 1 to 4 in a series of the processes for fitting the connector 100 to the mating connector 200, which is performed based on an intention of an operator, have been described above. In this example, the lever 40 of the connector 100 includes the pair of first spring pieces 48 and the pair of second spring pieces 49. The first spring pieces 48 and the second spring pieces 49 act, for example, to prevent the lever 40 from easily sliding against the operator's intention when the operator halts the operation in the state 2, or, as the case may be, act to prevent the HVILs from being easily connected against the operator's intention when the operator halts the operation in the state 3. The description will be provided below on this point.

[0131] FIGS. 19A and 19B, FIGS. 20A and 20B, and FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate respective states of the first spring piece 48 in the states 2 to 4. In the state 2 which is illustrated in FIGS. 19A and 19B and in which the lever 40 is positioned in the second position, the first spring piece 48 is in a natural state (free state) without coming into contact with other components. In the state 3 in which the lever 40 had been operated to be slid to the third position, the end of the first spring piece 48 is abutted on the protruding piece 54 of the interlock housing 50 as illustrated in FIG. 20B. As a result, the first spring piece 48 generates a first elastic restoring force for sliding (pushing back) the lever 40 toward the second position. However, the state 3 is maintained when an operator applies a force that presses the lever 40 against the first elastic restoring force, that is, applies an external force, illustrated with an arrow a, for sliding the lever 40 to the third position.

[0132] On the other hand, if an operator halts the operation and releases his/her hand from the lever 40 in the state 3, then the external force illustrated with the arrow a is not applied any more and, consequently, the lever 40 is pushed back by the first elastic restoring force of the first spring piece 48 moving away from the third position. This releases the pressing by the pressing portions 46b against the protrusion portions 53a of the pair of spring pieces 53 of the interlock housing 50 which has been displaced to the retracted position by the press of the pressing portions 46b of the lever 40 in the state 3 as described above, letting the protrusion portions 53a return to the natural position. This blocks the interlock housing 50 from sliding to the closing position, that is, it becomes impossible to perform the operation for connecting (closing) the HVILs. Thus, when an operator halts the operation and releases his/her hand from the lever 40 in the state 3, the HVILs are not connected even in a case where an external force for sliding the interlock housing 50 to the closing position is applied to the interlock housing 50 against the operator's intention.

[0133] In the state 4 in which the interlock housing 50 had been slid to the closing position, the protruding piece 54 of the interlock housing 50 was displaced downward and released from the abutment of the first spring piece 48 as illustrated in FIG. 21B. As the first spring piece 48 is back in the natural state in this way, settling of the first spring piece 48 can be prevented even when fitting of the connector device is kept over a long period of time.

[0134] States of the second spring piece 49 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 22A and 22B, FIGS. 23A and 23B, and FIGS. 24A and 24B.

[0135] In the state 1 illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B in which the lever 40 is positioned in the first position, the second spring piece 49 is in a natural state without coming into contact with other components. In the state 2 in which the lever 40 had been rotated to the second position, in contrast, the end of the second spring piece 49 is abutted on the upper surface of the eaves-like portion 116a of the upper part of the protruding portion 116 which is provided to the mating connector 200. As a result, the second spring piece 49 generates a second elastic restoring force for rotating (pushing back) the lever 40 toward the first position. However, the state 2 is maintained when an operator applies a force that presses the lever 40 against the second elastic restoring force, that is, applies an external force for rotating the lever 40 to the second position.

[0136] On the other hand, if an operator halts the operation and releases his/her hand from the lever 40 in the state 2, then the external force that rotates the lever 40 to the second position is not applied any more and, consequently, the lever 40 is pushed back by the second elastic restoring force of the second spring piece 49 and moves away from the second position to be positioned in a position closer to the first position than the second position is to the first position. FIG. 23B illustrates this state and the lever 40 cannot be slid to the third position in this state. Thus, when an operator halts the operation and releases his/her hand from the lever 40 in the state 2, the lever 40 is not slid to the third position even in a case where an external force for sliding the lever 40 to the third position is applied to the lever 40 against the operator's intention.

[0137] FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate the state 3 in which the lever 40 had been slid to the third portion. In the state 3, the eaves-like portion 116a of the protruding portion 116 is released from the abutment of the second spring piece 49 as illustrated in FIG. 24B. Accordingly, the second spring piece 49 returns to be in the natural state, and therefore, settling of the second spring piece 49 can be prevented even when fitting of the connector device is kept over a long period of time.

[0138] The configuration and the fitting operation of the connector device according to the embodiment of the present invention that comprises the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 have been described above. A circuit device is provided outside the connector device, which supplies large current between the main terminals 70 and the mating main terminals 120 when the interlock terminals 60 and the mating interlock terminals 130 for HVILs are connected to each other to close the HVIL circuit on condition that the main terminals 70 and the mating main terminals 120 for large current are connected with each other.

[0139] According to the connector device described above, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0140] (1) In this example, the connection and disconnection of the HVILs are performed by pushing down and pulling up the interlock housing 50 that is provided separately from the lever 40. That is, the connection of the HVILs is performed in a manner such that after the main terminals 70 and the mating main terminals 120 are mutually connected through the rotation operation of the lever 40, the sliding operation of the lever 40 is performed and further, the interlock housing 50 is pushed down. On the other hand, the disconnection between the main terminals 70 and the mating main terminals 120 is performed in a manner such that after the HVILs are mutually disconnected by pulling up the interlock housing 50, the sliding operation of the lever 40 is performed and further, the rotation operation of the lever 40 is performed.

[0141] Thus, compared to a conventional connector device in which connection and disconnection of terminals for large current and connection and disconnection of HVILs are performed only by a lever operation comprising rotation and sliding of the lever, this example requires an additional step of pushing down or pulling up the interlock housing 50 between the connection or disconnection of main terminals for large current and the connection or disconnection of HVILs, providing a larger time interval between these two.

[0142] Accordingly, even if an operator gets used to a fitting operation and a detachment operation of the connector device and starts performing the operations fast, the connection or disconnection of main terminals for large current and the connection or disconnection of HVILs are performed with a sufficient time interval therebetween, being able to enhance safety in the fitting and detachment work of the connector device compared to the related art.

[0143] (2) When an operator halts an operation and releases his/her hand from the lever 40 in the state 2 in which the lever 40 had been rotated to the second position, the lever 40 moves away from the second position because of the action of the second spring pieces 49 and, accordingly, the lever 40 cannot be slid to the third position. Therefore, in this case, even though an external force for sliding the lever 40 is applied against the operator's intention, the lever 40 is not slid to the third position and accordingly, the HVILs are not connected.

[0144] (3) When an operator halts an operation and releases his/her hand from the lever 40 in the state 3 in which the lever 40 had been slid to the third position, the lever 40 moves away from the third position because of the action of the first spring pieces 48 and, accordingly, the interlock housing 50 cannot be slid to the closing position. Therefore, in this case, even though an external force for sliding the interlock housing 50 is applied against the operator's intention , the interlock housing 50 is not slid to the closing position and accordingly, the HVILs are not connected.

[0145] (4) The lever 40 can be slid only when the sliding operation is performed while applying at the same time a force for rotating the lever 40, and the HVILs can be connected only when the sliding operation of the interlock housing 50 is performed while applying at the same time a force for sliding the lever 40. That is, proper fitting cannot be obtained unless an appropriate operation is performed.

[0146] (5) When the lever 40 is slid to be positioned in the third position, the held portions 41c and 47 provided to the lever 40 are firmly held by the protruding portions 116 and the holding portions 117 of the mating connector 200, being able to prevent the lever 40 from coming off or being rubbed and worn due to vibration, for example.

[0147] (6) When the interlock housing 50 is pushed down to be positioned in the closing position, the protruding pieces 54 of the interlock housing 50 enter the interference portions 46c of the lever 40 and interfere the interference portions 46c thereby, blocking the sliding of the lever 40 to the second position. That is, fitting detection by the HVILs and locking of the lever 40, in other words, connector position assurance (CPA) can be performed through one action which is pushing down the interlock housing 50. Accordingly, a component for the CPA function does not have to be separately provided, being able to reduce the number of components.

[0148] The foregoing description of the embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive and to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0149] 11: connector housing

[0150] 11a: terminal hood portion

[0151] 11b: guide pin

[0152] 12: lever

[0153] 12a: arm plate portion

[0154] 12b: arm plate portion

[0155] 12c: operation portion

[0156] 12d: connector portion

[0157] 13: terminal

[0158] 14: guide groove

[0159] 15: cam groove

[0160] 16: fitting detection male terminal

[0161] 21: connector housing

[0162] 21a: cam pin

[0163] 21b: mounting space

[0164] 21c: terminal hood accommodating portion

[0165] 21d: connector portion

[0166] 22: terminal

[0167] 23: fitting detection female terminal

[0168] 30: housing

[0169] 31: fitting portion

[0170] 32: cable accommodating portion

[0171] 33: attaching portion

[0172] 34: guide shaft

[0173] 35: slit

[0174] 35a: abutting surface

[0175] 36: slit

[0176] 37: engaging portion

[0177] 38: concave portion

[0178] 39: frame portion

[0179] 40: lever

[0180] 41: arm portion

[0181] 41a: guide groove

[0182] 41b: cam groove

[0183] 41c: held portion

[0184] 42: coupling portion

[0185] 42a: opening

[0186] 43: operation portion

[0187] 43a: opening

[0188] 44: reinforcing wall

[0189] 45: wall portion

[0190] 46: protruding portion

[0191] 46a: slide insertion portion

[0192] 46b: pressing portion

[0193] 46c: interference portion

[0194] 47: held portion

[0195] 48: first spring piece

[0196] 49: second spring piece

[0197] 50: interlock housing

[0198] 51: cylindrical portion

[0199] 51a: circumferential wall

[0200] 52: operation portion

[0201] 53: spring piece

[0202] 53a: protrusion portion

[0203] 54: protruding piece

[0204] 55: locking piece

[0205] 55a: operation protrusion portion

[0206] 55b: protrusion

[0207] 56: retaining piece

[0208] 56a: protrusion

[0209] 57: plate portion

[0210] 58: stepped portion

[0211] 60: interlock terminal

[0212] 70: main terminal

[0213] 80: cable cover

[0214] 100: connector

[0215] 110: mating housing

[0216] 111: plate portion

[0217] 112: fitted portion

[0218] 112a: circumferential wall

[0219] 113: driven boss

[0220] 114: cutout

[0221] 115: attaching portion

[0222] 116: protruding portion

[0223] 116a: eaves-like portion

[0224] 116b: upright portion

[0225] 117: holding portion

[0226] 117a: protrusion

[0227] 120: mating main terminal

[0228] 130: mating interlock terminal

[0229] 200: mating connector

[0230] 300: cable