1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a connector.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,908 discloses a waterproof connector with first and second housings that are fit together by operating a lever. The first housing has a frame with concave accommodation parts and sub-connectors having terminal fittings are accommodated in the concave accommodation parts. A collective rubber stopper is accommodated in the concave accommodation parts to seal gaps between electric wires pulled out of the sub-connectors and inner peripheries of the concave accommodation parts. An engaging part is formed on the outer surface of the frame and defines a supporting shaft for pivotably supporting the lever. The lever has a cam groove that engages a cam follower of the second housing. Pivoting the lever generates a cam action between the cam groove and the cam follower that urges the first and second housings together.
Fit-on resistance between the first and second housings creates a reaction force that acts on the engaging part when a pivotal operation force is imparted to the lever. Thus, there is a fear that the outer wall of the frame will deform. Such a deformation will generate a gap between inner surfaces of the concave accommodation portions and the outer surface of the collective rubber stopper and could adversely affect the waterproof performance.
The invention has been completed based on the above-described situation. It is an object of the invention to prevent deterioration of the waterproof performance of a connector.