1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a lever-type connector, to a connector assembly and to an assembling method therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-14142 discloses a lever-type connector with first and second housings that are connectable with each other. A lever formed with a cam groove is mounted in first housing and the second housing includes a cam pin. A jaw bulges radially out at the leading end of the cam pin and engages a step at an intermediate position of the cam groove. The step extends substantially horizontally at the same depth along the cam groove, and a space above the step accommodates the jaw. The cam pin enters the cam groove when the two housings are fit lightly together. The lever then is rotated so that the cam pin moves towards the back of the cam groove to urge the housings to a properly connected state. The jaw slides on the step so that the lever does not come out of the first housing during the connecting operation.
A clearance is formed between the step of the cam groove and the jaw due to a dimensional tolerance or the like. If this clearance is too small, it may be difficult for the jaw to move above the step. Thus, a contact pressure of the step of the cam groove and the jaw becomes too high, which might result in difficulty in starting the lever rotation. On the other hand, if this clearance is too large, the central axis of the cam pin may incline with respect to a vertical axis upon the receipt of connection resistance of the two housings while the cam pin is moving in the cam groove. In short, there is no problem if the clearance is set suitably, but it is difficult to constantly define a specified clearance for each product in view of variation in production.
The invention was developed in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to improve the operability of a movable member for connecting or assisting the connection of a connector with a mating connector.