Abstract: Male sub-connectors 3 are accommodated in apertures 2 formed in a male frame 1, and female sub-connectors 23 are accommodated in apertures 22 formed in a female frame 21. A guide wall 15, on the inside of which the female frame 21 fits closely, is provided around the entire periphery of the top surface of the male frame 1. The female frame 21 is temporarily assembled with hooks 56, which engage longitudinal grooves 57 in the guide wall 15. When a lever 40 is operated so as to draw the male and female frame together, the guide wall 15 ensures the connectors themselves are relieved of lateral loads. In an alternative embodiment a similar arrangement is provided between one pair of connectors tightly engaged in the respective frames.

Abstract: When a short-circuit terminal 4 is inserted into a 22, a first engaging projection 46 formed in the terminal 4 is engaged with an engaging member 24, thereby realizing first engagement. Thereafter, when a retainer 5 is pressed to its main locking position, a second engaging projection 48 of the terminal 4 is engaged with the rear edge of guide surfaces 55, thereby realizing second engagement. The terminal 4 can be securely locked in the cavity 22 by the two engaging mechanisms. At the same time, supply terminals 3 are also doubly locked in cavities 21.

Abstract: In order to prevent a connector capable of keeping a short-circuited state released even if a movable member for releasing a short-circuited state is disengaged, (+)- and (-)-supply terminals 4 are short-circuited by a short-circuit terminal 5 in an apparatus side connector housing 2. When a movable member 3 is rotated to its locking position, the apparatus side connector housing 2 is coupled with a supply side connector housing 1. Simultaneously, a pressing portion 33 presses the short-circuit terminal 5, thereby releasing the short-circuited state, with the result that an apparatus can be connected in an operative state. An elastic locking portion 56 of the short-circuit terminal is engaged with an engaging projection 15. Thus, even in the event where the movable member 3 is disengaged, the short circuit state can remain released since the engaging projection 15 acts to hold the short-circuit terminal 5 out of contact with the supply terminals 4.