Connector

Abstract

The invention provides a means of reducing the force required for fitting a lever connector. A connector 20 is divided into partitioned housings 22L and 22R. The timing of the fitting operation differs for each of the partitioned housings 22L and 22R, thereby causing the time at which peak fitting resistance occurs to differ. The peak fitting resistance being dispersed over the period between the beginning and the ending of the fitting operations of the two partitioned housings 22L and 22R. As a result, the overall peak value of the fitting resistance (the force required for the fitting operation) is reduced for the connector as a whole.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connector wherein the force required for a fitting operation is reduced.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Friction between terminal fittings causes multipolar connectors to have a high fitting resistance. In order to deal with this, one connector may be provided with a lever, and the other connector provided with cam pins. The lever is moved after the cam pins have been fitted into cam grooves, the cam operation thereby reducing the force required for the fitting operation.

In this type of connector, the cam operation of the lever is used to reduce the force required for the fitting operation, and the operating force increases commensurately with the number of terminal fittings. Since connectors having several dozen terminal fittings have recently come into common use, a means is required which will further reduce the operating force.

The present invention has taken the above problem into consideration, and aims to present a connector wherein the force for the fitting operation is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a connector assembly comprising

a first connector having first connector portions,

a second connector having second connector portions for respective engagement with said first connector portions,

a plurality of cams being provided on one of said first and second connectors, each cam corresponding with respective connector portions,

cam followers being provided on the other of said first and second connectors and for co-operation with a respective cam, such that movement of the cams draws said connector portions into engagement,

wherein said cams and cam followers have a different timing whereby respective connector portions are engaged in a predetermined sequence.

Such an arrangement reduces the peak fitting force by separating the connection sequence of the connector portions. Accordingly the initial relatively high connection force, as the terminals make initial engagement, is distributed.

The cams may be pivotable or slidable linearly. The cams may be actuated in sequence, or may define different shaped tracks. The cam followers may be engaged sequentially. In the case of pivotable cams, a control mechanism may be provided to ensure the desired movement sequence as the connectors are engaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagonal view of a first embodiment showing a state prior to fitting.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of partitioned housings at the beginning of a fitting operation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings part-way through the fitting operation.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings at the end of the fitting operation.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of partitioned housings at the beginning of a fitting operation of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings part-way through the fitting operation.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings part-way through the fitting operation.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings at the end of the fitting operation.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of partitioned housings at the beginning of a fitting operation of a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings part-way through the fitting operation.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings part-way through the fitting operation.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing cam movement and the fitting state of the partitioned housings at the end of the fitting operation.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A first embodiment of the invention is described below with the aid of FIGS. 1 to 4 .

A connector assembly is formed from a first connector 10 and a second connector 20 . The second connecor 20 is provided with two partitioned left and right housings 22 L and 22 R capable of being fitted separately to the first connector 10 , and two left and right levers 24 L and 24 R that correspond respectively to the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R. In the following description, the left-right direction is with respect to the first connector 10 . That is, the left-right direction of the second connector 20 is that of the first connector 10 .

The first connector 10 has a shape whereby left and right fitting members 12 L and 12 R protrude in an anterior direction from a base member 11 . A plurality of terminal fittings (not shown) are housed within these fitting members 12 L and 12 R. Cam followers 13 L and 13 R, which are provided coaxially and have a long and narrow cylindrical shape, protrude from left and right side faces of the fitting members 12 L and 12 R. The cam followers 13 L and 13 R are also provided coaxially between the fitting members 12 L and 12 R. In FIG. 1 , only the right cam follower 13 R provided on the right side face of the fitting member 12 R is shown.

The second connector 20 is provided with a housing main body 21 and the two partitioned left and right housings 22 L and 22 R, these being supported in the housing main body 21 in a manner whereby they can move in an anterior-posterior direction (that is, in a direction parallel to the fitting direction with the first connector 10 ). Each of the partitioned left and right housings 22 L and 22 R can move separately in an anterior-posterior direction. A pair of supporting axes 23 L and 23 R protrude in a coaxial manner on left and right side faces of each of the partitioned left and right housings 22 L and 22 R. These supporting axes 23 L and 23 R are also coaxial with the left and right fitting members 12 L and 12 R.

The pair of levers 24 L and 24 R, which can be rotated using the supporting axes 23 L and 23 R as their centre, are supported on each of the partitioned left and right housings 22 L and 22 R. A cam groove 25 is formed in each of the levers 24 L and 24 R. These cam grooves 25 have an approximate arc shape and are located along side the supporting axes 23 L and 23 R. Each cam groove 25 has an opening 26 that is open to an outer circumference of the levers 24 L and 24 R. Fitting grooves 27 , which are formed so as to adjoin inner ends of the cam grooves 25 (i.e., the opposite ends to the openings 26 ), have an arc shape, with the supporting axes 23 L and 23 R serving as their centre.

Moreover, a guiding pin 28 protrudes outwards from each lever 24 L and 24 R at a location at the opposite end to the opening 26 of each cam groove 25 , the supporting axes 23 L and 23 R being located therebetween. When viewed from the side, the shape and location of the cam grooves 25 , as well as the location of the guiding pins 28 , is identical in both levers 24 L and 24 R.

As shown in FIG. 2 , when the levers 24 L and 24 R are in a waiting position before the fitting operation of the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R commences, the openings 26 of the cam grooves 25 of these levers 24 L and 24 R are open in the direction of the first connector 10 , the guiding pins 28 waiting in a location at a posterior end relative to the fitting direction with the first connector 10 . As shown in FIG. 4 , when the fitting operation of the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R has been completed, the levers 24 L and 24 R have been rotated by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the waiting position.

A pair of left guiding grooves 29 L and a pair of right guiding grooves 29 R are formed in the housing main body 21 . The guiding pins 28 of the levers 24 R of the right fitting member 12 R fit into the right guiding grooves 29 R. The guiding pins 28 of the levers 24 L of the left fitting member 12 L fit into the left guiding grooves 29 L. Both right guiding grooves 29 R are identical in shape and location, and both left guiding grooves 29 L are identical in shape and location. However, the right guiding grooves 29 R are not located in the same position as the left guiding grooves 29 L. That is, the right guiding grooves 29 R are located further towards the posterior, relative to the fitting direction with the first connector 10 , and fitting grooves 29 F adjoin base end portions of the left guiding grooves 29 L, these fitting grooves 29 F extending in a straight line parallel with the fitting direction with the first connector 10 .

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the two connectors 10 and 20 are to be fitted together, both partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R are temporarily maintained in the waiting position, and the openings 26 of the cam grooves 25 of the levers 24 L and 24 R are temporarily maintained so as to be open in the direction of the first connector 10 . In this state, the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R are both shallowly fitted to the fitting members 12 L and 12 R of the first connector 10 . Then the cam followers 13 L and 13 R are inserted into the openings 26 of the cam grooves 25 .

Next, from this state, the housing main body 21 is moved towards the first connector 10 . Then, the guiding pins 28 of the right partitioned housing 22 R are first fitted into the right guiding grooves 29 R, this causing the rotating operation of the right lever 24 R to begin. While the right lever 24 R is rotated, the right cam followers 13 R begin to be fitted into the cam grooves 25 . The cam operation resulting from the right cam followers 13 R being fitted into the cam grooves 25 causes the right partitioned housing 22 R to be drawn towards the first connector 10 . In this manner, the right partitioned housing 22 R is fitted to the right fitting member 12 R. While this occurs, the left guiding pins 28 move above the fitting grooves 29 F. Consequently, the left levers 24 L are not rotated, and the left partitioned housing 22 L is not yet fitted with the fitting member 12 L.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the right partitioned housing 22 R has been fitted to a certain degree to the right fitting member 12 R, the left guiding pins 28 reach the fitting grooves 29 L. At this juncture, the right fitting operation continues, while simultaneously, at the left side, the left guiding pins 28 are fitted into the left guiding grooves 29 L, this causing the rotating operation of the left lever 24 L to begin. The cam followers 13 L are fitted into the cam grooves 25 , this causing the left partitioned housing 22 L to be fitted to the left fitting member 12 L.

While the fitting operation of the left partitioned housing 22 L and the left fitting member 12 L is continuing, the fitting operation of the right partitioned housing 22 R and the right fitting member 12 R is completed. Next, the right cam followers 13 R are moved from the cam grooves 25 to the fitting grooves 27 , this halting the cam operation on the right side. The fitting operation caused by the cam operation now continues only on the left side. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the fitting operation on the left side is completed, the left cam followers 13 L are in an ending position within the guiding grooves 29 L.

In this manner, when fitting occurs, the fitting operation of the right partitioned housing 22 R and the fitting member 12 R begins first. Then, while this fitting operation takes place, the fitting operation of the left partitioned housing 22 L and the fitting member 12 L begins. The fitting of the right side is completed first, and the fitting of the left side is completed thereafter. Moreover, when the two connectors 10 and 20 are to be separated, the process takes place in the reverse order to that described above. That is, the separating operation of the left partitioned housing 22 L begins first, and while this separating operation takes place, the separating operation of the right partitioned housing 22 R begins. The separation of the left side is completed first, and the separation of the right side is completed thereafter.

In the embodiment described above, the left and right partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R of the second connector 20 are separate. Consequently, the number of terminal fittings, and the peak value of the fitting resistance is reduced in each individual partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R. Furthermore, the left and right levers 24 L and 24 R (the cam grooves 25 ) begin and finish moving at mutually differing times, this causing the timing of the fitting operations of the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R to differ. Consequently, the time at which fitting resistance occurs differs for each of the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R, the peak fitting resistance being dispersed over the period between the beginning and the ending of the fitting operations of the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R. As a result, the peak value of the fitting resistance (the force required for the fitting operation) is reduced for the connector as a whole.

A second embodiment of the invention is described below with the aid of FIGS. 5 to 8 .

In embodiment 2, the timing of the fitting operation of each left and right partitioned housing 22 L and 22 R differs as a result of using a means which has a different configuration from that of embodiment 1. The remaining configuration is the same as embodiment 1 and accordingly the same symbols are used and an explanation of the structure, operation and effects thereof is omitted.

In the first embodiment, each left lever 24 L had the same shape, as did each right lever 24 R, and the cam grooves 25 thereof. Moreover, the timing of the fitting operations of the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R was made to differ as a result of the left and right levers 24 L and 24 R beginning and ending their movement at mutually differing times. In embodiment 2, left and right levers 31 L and 31 R are rotated with the same timing (although this is not shown, the configuration of guiding grooves thereof is identical at both left and right sides), and the timing of the fitting operations of the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R is made to differ as a result of cam grooves 32 L and 32 R (these correspond to the cams of the present invention) having mutually differing shapes.

That is, the cam groove 32 R of the right lever 31 R has an opening 32 RE that opens out towards an outer circumference of the lever 31 R, a fitting groove member 32 RF that adjoins an innermost side of the opening 32 RE, and a cam operating member 32 RC that adjoins an innermost side of the fitting member 32 RF. The cam groove 32 L of the left lever 31 L has an opening 32 LE that opens out towards an outer circumference of the lever 31 L, a cam operating member 32 LC that adjoins an innermost side of the opening 32 LE and a fitting groove member 32 LF that adjoins an innermost side of the cam operating member 32 LC That is, the position of the fitting groove members 32 LF and 32 RF and the cam operating members 32 LC and 32 RC, these being located above the fitting paths of the cam followers 13 L and 13 R, are mutually reversed on the left and right sides. If either the left lever 31 L or the right lever 31 R is rotated while the cam followers 13 L or 13 R are fitted with the fitting groove members 32 LF or 32 RF respectively, the cam operation does not occur. However, if the left lever 31 L or the right lever 31 R is rotated while the cam followers 13 L or 13 R are fitted with the cam operating members 32 LC or 32 RC respectively, the cam operation does occur.

As is the case with the first embodiment, when the two connectors 10 and 20 are to be fitted together, the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R are first maintained in a waiting position, and the levers 31 L and 31 R are temporarily maintained in a position whereby the openings 32 LE and 32 RE of the cam grooves 32 L and 32 R are open in the direction of the first connector 10 (this is located at the lower side in FIGS. 5 to 8 ). In this state, the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R are both shallowly fitted to the fitting members 12 L and 12 R of the first connector 10 . Then, as shown in FIG. 5 , the cam followers 13 L and 13 R are inserted into the openings 32 LE and 32 RE of the cam grooves 32 L and 32 R.

From this state, the housing main body 21 is moved towards the first connector 10 , while the left and right levers 31 L and 31 R are simultaneously rotated. Next, the cam operating members 32 LC of the left lever 31 L are firstly fitted with the cam followers 13 L, and the cam operation begins, this drawing the left partitioned housing 22 L towards the first connector 10 , thereby fitting the left partitioned housing 22 L with the fitting member 12 L. Meanwhile, in the right lever 31 R, the cam followers 13 R are moved into the fitting groove members 32 RF, and the cam operation does not occur. As a result, the right partitioned housing 22 R and the fitting member 12 R are not yet fitted together.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 , when the left partitioned housing 22 L has been fitted to a certain degree to the fitting member 12 L, the right cam followers 13 R reach the cam operating members 32 RC. At this juncture, the left fitting operation continues, while simultaneously, at the right side, the right cam followers 13 R are fitted into the cam operating members 32 RC, this causing the right partitioned housing 22 R to be fitted to the right fitting member 12 R.

While the fitting operation of the right partitioned housing 22 R and the right fitting member 12 R is continuing, the fitting operation of the left partitioned housing 22 L and the left fitting member 12 L is completed (see FIG. 7 ). Next, the cam followers 13 L in the left lever 31 L move from the cam operating members 32 LC to the fitting groove members 32 LF this halting the cam operation on the left side. The fitting operation, which is caused by the cam operation, now continues only on the right side. Then, the fitting operation on the right side is also completed (see FIG. 8 ).

In this manner, when fitting occurs, the fitting operation of the left partitioned housing 22 L and the fitting member 12 L begins first. Then, while this fitting operation takes place, the fitting operation of the right partitioned housing 22 R and the fitting member 12 R begins. The fitting of the left side is completed first, and the fitting of the right side is completed thereafter. Moreover, when the two connectors 10 and 20 are to be separated, the process takes place in the reverse order to that described above. That is, the separating operation of the right partitioned housing 22 R begins first, and while this separating operation takes place, the separating operation of the left partitioned housing 22 L begins. The separation of the right side is completed first, and the separation of the left side is completed thereafter.

In the embodiment described above, the left and right partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R of the second connector are separate. Consequently, the number of terminal fittings, and the peak value of the fitting resistance is reduced in each individual partitioned housing 22 L and 22 R. Furthermore, the left and right cam grooves 32 L and 32 R have mutually differing shapes, this causing the timing of the fitting operations of the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R to differ. Consequently, the time at which fitting resistance occurs differs for each of the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R, the peak fitting resistance being dispersed over the period between the beginning and the ending of the fitting operations of the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R. As a result, the peak value of the fitting resistance (the force required for the fitting operation) is reduced for the connector as a whole.

Next a third embodiment of the invention is described below with the aid of FIGS. 9 to 12 .

In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the timing of the fitting operation of each left and right partitioned housing. 22 L and 22 R differs as a result of using a configuration whereby left and right cam grooves 41 L and 41 R (these correspond to the cams of the present invention), have mutually differing shapes. The cam configuration differs from that of embodiment 2 due to the levers 40 L and 40 R. The remaining configuration is the same as embodiment 2 and accordingly the same symbols are used and an explanation of the structure, operation and effects thereof is omitted.

In the third embodiment, the levers 40 L and 40 R provided on the second connector 20 are moved in a direction at a right angle to the fitting direction of the two connectors 10 and 20 (the fitting direction is the up-down direction in FIGS. 9 to 12 ). Furthermore, cam grooves 41 L and 41 R are formed in left and right sides of the levers 40 L and 40 R. These left and right cam grooves 41 L and 41 R have mutually differing shapes. Each cam groove 41 R of the right lever 40 R has an opening 41 RE that opens out towards an outer circumference of the lever 40 R, a cam operating member 41 RC that adjoins an innermost side of the opening 41 RE and extends in a direction diagonal to the fitting direction, and a fitting groove member 41 RF that adjoins an innermost side of the cam operating member 41 RC and extends in a direction at a right angle to the fitting direction. Each cam groove 41 L of the left lever 40 L has an opening 41 LE that opens out towards an outer circumference of the lever 40 L, a fitting groove member 41 LF that adjoins an innermost side of the opening 41 LE and extends in a direction at a right angle to the fitting direction, and a cam operating member 41 LC that adjoins an innermost side of the fitting groove member 41 LF and extends in a direction diagonal to the fitting direction. The position of the fitting groove members 41 LF and 41 RF and the cam operating members 41 LC and 41 RC, these being located above the fitting paths of the cam followers 13 L and 13 R, are mutually reversed on the left and right sides. If either the left lever 40 L or the right lever 40 R is moved while the cam followers 13 L or 13 R are fitted with the fitting groove members 41 LF or 41 RF respectively, the cam operation does not occur. However, if the left lever 40 L or the right lever 40 R is moved while the cam followers 13 L or 13 R are fitted with the cam operating members 41 LC or 41 RC respectively, the cam operation does occur. Further, in embodiment 3, left and right sides are each provided with a pair of cam followers 13 L and 13 R respectively, and a pair of cam grooves 41 L and 41 R respectively.

As is the case with the first and second embodiments, when the two connectors 10 and 20 are to be fitted together, the two partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R are first maintained temporarily in a waiting position, and the levers 40 L and 40 R are temporarily maintained in a position whereby the openings 41 LE and 41 RE of the cam grooves 41 L and 41 R are open in the direction of the first connector 10 (this is located at the upper side in FIGS. 9 to 12 ). In this state, the partitioned housings 22 L and 22 R are both shallowly fitted to the fitting members 12 L and 12 R of the first connector 10 . Then, as shown in FIG. 9 , the cam followers 13 L and 13 R are inserted into the openings 41 LE and 41 RE of the cam grooves 41 L and 41 R.

From this state, the left and right levers 40 L and 40 R are simultaneously moved in a direction at a right angle to the fitting direction. Next, the cam operating members 41 RC of the right lever 40 R are first fitted with the cam followers 13 R , and the cam operation begins, this drawing the right partitioned housing 22 R and the right lever 40 R towards the first connector 10 , and thereby fitting the right partitioned housing 22 R with the fitting member 12 R. Meanwhile, in the left lever 40 L, the cam followers 13 L are moved into the fitting groove members 41 LF, and the cam operation does not take place. As a result, the left partitioned housing 22 L and the fitting member 12 L are not yet fitted together.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the right partitioned housing 22 R has been fitted to a certain degree to the fitting member 12 R, the right cam followers 13 R reach the cam operating members 41 RC. At this juncture, the right fitting operation continues, while simultaneously, at the left side, the left cam followers 13 L are fitted into the cam operating members 41 LC, this causing the left partitioned housing 22 L to be fitted to the left fitting member 12 L.

While the fitting operation of the left partitioned housing 22 L and the left fitting member 12 L continues, the fitting operation of the right partitioned housing 22 R and the right fitting member 12 R is completed (see FIG. 11 ). Next, the cam followers 13 R, which are positioned in the right lever 40 R, move from the cam operating members 41 RC to the fitting groove members 41 RF, this halting the cam operation on the right side. The fitting operation, which is caused by the cam operation, now continues only on the left side. Then, the fitting operation on the left side is also completed (see FIG. 12 ).

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with the aid of figures. For example, the possibilities described below also lie within the technical range of the present invention. In addition, the present invention may be embodied in various other ways without deviating from the scope thereof.

(1) The embodiments described above have two partitioned housings. However, the present invention is equally suitable in the case where there are three or more partitioned housings.

(2) In the embodiments described above, the second connector, which is provided with the partitioned housings, is provided with the levers, and the cam pins are provided on the first connector. However, according to the present invention, the levers may equally well be provided on the first connector, and the cam pins may be provided on the second connector.

(3) In the embodiments described above, the fitting stroke, according to which the partitioned housings are fitted with the first connector, is identical for each of the partitioned housings. However, according to the present invention, this fitting stroke may differ. In that case, even if each lever corresponding to the partitioned housings has the same shape and is moved at the same time, the timing of the fitting operation will differ for each of the partitioned housings.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising:a first connector having first connector portions, a second connector having second connector portions for respective engagement with said first connector portions, a plurality of cams being provided on one of said first and second connectors, each cam corresponding with respective connector portions, cam followers being provided on the other of said first and second connectors and for co-operation with a respective cam, such that movement of the cams draws said connector portions into engagement, wherein said cams and cam followers have a different timing whereby respective connector portions are engaged in a predetermined sequence, so as to reduce the peak engagement force, and said cams and cam followers are the same, a cam control mechanism causing sequential movement of said cams.

2. A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second connector portions are independently movable with respect to said second connector, said cams being movable on said second connector portions and having a control element engageable with a respective control abutment of said second connector, whereby said control abutments engage said control elements sequentially.

3. A connector assembly according to claim 2 wherein said control element comprises a follower pin and said control abutments comprise cam tracks engageable with a respective follower pin.

4. A connector according to claim 3 wherein said cams are pivotally mounted on said second connector.

5. A connector assembly according to claim 4 wherein said cams having a common pivot axis.

6. A connector assembly according to claim 4 wherein said cam pins comprise upstanding cylindrical projections having a common axis.

7. A connector assembly comprising:a first connector having first connector portions, a second connector having second connector portions for respective engagement with said first connector portions, a plurality of cams pivotally mounted on said second connector, each cam corresponding with respective connector portions, cam followers being provided on the first connectors and for co-operation with a respective cam, such that movement of the cams draws said connector portions into engagement, wherein said cams and cam followers have a different timing whereby respective connector portions are engaged in a predetermined sequence so as to reduce the peak engagement force, said second connector portions are independently movable with respect to said second connector, said cams being movable on said second connector portions and having a control element engageable with a respective control abutment of said second connector, whereby said control abutments engage said control elements sequentially.

8. A connector assembly according to claim 7 wherein said cams having a common pivot axis.

9. A connector assembly according to claim 7 wherein said cam pins comprise upstanding cylindrical projections having a common axis.

10. A connector assembly comprising:a first connector having first connector portions, a second connector having second connector portions for respective engagement with said first connector portions, a plurality of cams being provided on one of said first and second connectors, each cam corresponding with respective connector portions, cam followers being provided on the other of said first and second connectors and for co-operation with a respective cam, such that movement of the cams draws said connector portions into engagement, wherein said cams and cam followers have a different timing whereby respective connector portions are engaged in a predetermined sequence so as to reduce the peak engagement force, said cams define different control surfaces whereby engagement with respective cam followers is sequential, and said cams are defined by respective levers movable substantially orthogonally to the direction of engagement of said first and second connectors.

11. A connector assembly according to claim 10 wherein said levers are adapted for simultaneous movement.

12. A connector assembly comprising:a first connector having first connector portions, a second connector having second connector portions for respective engagement with said first connector portions, a plurality of cams being provided on one of said first and second connectors, each cam corresponding with respective connector portions, cam followers being provided on the other of said first and second connectors and for co-operation with a respective cam, such that movement of the cams draws said connector portions into engagement, wherein said cams and cam followers have a different timing whereby respective connector portions are engaged in a predetermined sequence so as to reduce the peak engagement force, said cams define different control surfaces whereby engagement with respective cam followers is sequential, and said cams are pivotally mounted on said second connector.