Connector locking mechanism and connector assembly provided with same

Abstract

The present invention makes a locking mechanism for a connector compact. In the connector locking mechanism for locking a first connector and a second connector, the first connector is provided with a cantilever-beam-shaped locking part, a first locking shape part is formed on the locking part, and a first releasing part which is an inclined surface is formed between a fixed end of the locking part and the first locking shape part. The second connector is provided with a release member which is held to be movable, the second connector is provided with a second lock shape portion which engages with a first lock shape portion formed on the lock member, and a second release portion is formed on the release member. The second release portion is an inclined surface which is in opposed contact with a first release portion of the first connector when the second connector is fitted to or pulled out of the first connector, and the lock member and the release member are located at positions overlapping in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction in the locked state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a connector and a connector assembly including the locking mechanism for a connector. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a connector assembly formed by fitting a first connector and a second connector to each other, a locking mechanism for a connector for locking the fitted state when the first connector and the second connector are fitted is known. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, as Figure 28 and Figure 29 shown, an electrical connector (100) including a locking mechanism for a connector is disclosed, and the locking mechanism for a connector fixes and holds the fitted state when the first connector (30) and the second connector (40) are fitted. The electrical connector (100) includes: a first locking member (3) in a shape of a cantilever beam extending rearward in the fitting direction in the first connector (30); a locking portion (31) formed as an opening between a fixed end and a free end of the first locking member (3); a second locking member (5) formed as a protrusion that engages with the locking portion (31) in the second connector (40); and a release member (7) held so as to be movable in the second connector (40). The second locking member (5) and the release member (7) are located at positions separated from each other in the fitting direction, that is, in the front-rear direction, in the locked state.

[0003] Moreover, the process of unlocking the locking mechanism for a connector included in the electrical connector (100) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is as follows: (i) moving the release member (7) located at a position separated from the first locking member (3) in the front-rear direction forward; (ii) sliding the release member (7) under the cantilever beam-shaped first locking member (3); (iii) at this time, the release member (7) lifting the free end of the first locking member (3) upward; and thus (iv) the second locking member (5) disengaging from the locking portion (31) of the cantilever beam-shaped first locking member (3) to release the lock. In addition, reference numerals related to the description of the prior art documents are distinguished from those of the embodiments of the present invention by being enclosed in parentheses.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0118886 Summary of the Invention

[0007] (I) Technical Problem to be Solved

[0008] However, in the technical field of connectors having the above-described locking mechanism for connectors, there is a demand for miniaturization of the locking mechanism for connectors. For example, in the case of the electrical connector (100) disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, since the locking portion (31) of the first locking member (3) in the shape of a cantilever beam having a length in the fitting direction between the first connector (30) and the second connector (40) is configured to engage with the second locking member (5), there is a technical problem that the overall length of the locking mechanism for connectors becomes large in the fitting direction between the connectors. That is, in the electrical connector (100) disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the first locking member (3) and the second locking member (5) for performing locking and unlocking are configured to be arranged in a row in the fitting direction, that is, the front-rear direction, there is a technical problem that the size in the fitting direction becomes large.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism for a connector that is more compact than the prior art and a connector assembly including the locking mechanism for a connector for locking the fitting state when the first connector is fitted to the second connector.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] The locking mechanism for a connector of the present invention is a locking mechanism for a connector that locks a first connector and a second connector, and is characterized in that the first connector includes a locking member in the shape of a cantilever beam extending in a first direction, which is the fitting direction with the second connector, a first locking shape portion is formed on the locking member, and an inclined surface, that is, a first release portion, is formed between a fixed end of the locking member and the first locking shape portion. The second connector includes a release member that is held so as to be movable along the first direction, which is the fitting direction with the first connector. In addition, the second connector includes a second locking shape portion that engages with the first locking shape portion formed on the locking member, and a second release portion is formed on the release member. The second release portion is an inclined surface that is opposed to and contacts the inclined surface of the first release portion of the first connector when the second connector is fitted to or removed from the first connector. The locking member and the release member are located at positions overlapping in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction in the locked state.

[0012] That is, the existing locking mechanism for a connector disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has a configuration relationship of "fulcrum (fixed end of the first locking member (3)) - point of application (engagement position between the second locking member (5) and the locking portion (31)) - point of force (position where the release member (7) lifts the first locking member (3))". In contrast, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present invention, it is configured as "fulcrum (fixed end of the locking member) - point of force (position where the second release portion and the first release portion are opposed and in contact) - point of application (engagement position between the first locking shape portion and the second locking shape portion)". Therefore, compared with the prior art, the displacement amount of the point of application in the vertical direction is enlarged, and it is sufficient that the horizontal movement amount of the release member is small.

[0013] In addition, in the existing locking mechanism for a connector disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the second locking member (5) and the release member (7) are arranged at positions separated in the front-rear direction in the locked state, and are slid in an overlapping manner to release the lock. In contrast, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present invention, the locking member and the release member overlap in the vertical direction in the locked state, and the release member can be unlocked with a small pulling amount, so that the overall length of the locking mechanism in the locked state can be shortened.

[0014] In addition, in the existing locking mechanism for a connector disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is necessary to perform two operations of pushing the release member (7) forward and then pulling the second connector (40) backward. In contrast, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present invention, the lock can be released and the second connector can be pulled out backward from the first connector by performing only one operation of pulling the release member backward.

[0015] In the locking mechanism for a connector of the present invention, the first release portion and the first locking shape portion formed on the first connector can be arranged side by side in a first direction.

[0016] In addition, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present invention, the locking member can be formed by cutting off a part of the metal shell constituting the outer contour of the first connector, and the inclined surface of the first release portion of the locking member can be formed by bending the locking member.

[0017] In addition, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present invention, it can be set that the second connector has a restricting portion, and after the release member moves in the first direction to a locked state release state, the release member abuts against a part of the second connector, thereby restricting the relative movement range of the release member with respect to the second connector.

[0018] In addition, in the locking mechanism for a connector according to the present invention, it is possible to provide that the first release portion of the locking member included in the first connector and the second release portion of the release member included in the second connector each have inclined surfaces that come into opposed contact when the release member is moved in the first direction.

[0019] In addition, in the locking mechanism for a connector according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an elastic member that, after the release member included in the second connector is moved in the first direction and enters a locked state release state, applies an elastic force for moving the release member and returning it to its initial position.

[0020] In addition, the present invention includes a connector assembly, characterized in that it is formed by fitting together the first connector and the second connector each provided with the above-described locking mechanism for a connector.

[0021] (III) Advantageous Effects

[0022] According to the present invention, for a locking mechanism for a connector used for locking the engaged state when the first connector and the second connector are engaged, a locking mechanism for a connector that is more compact than the prior art and a connector assembly provided with the locking mechanism for a connector are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the first connector of the present embodiment as viewed from the upper right front.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of the first connector of the present embodiment as viewed from the lower left rear.

[0025] Figure 3 is a right side view of the first connector of the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 is a top view of the first connector of the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 is a representation of Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in

[0028] Figure 6 is a representation of Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in

[0029] Figure 7 is a representation of Figure 4 a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the appearance of the second connector of the present embodiment as viewed from the upper right front.

[0031] Figure 9 The perspective view shows the appearance of the second connector of the present embodiment as viewed from the lower left rear.

[0032] Figure 10 The right side view shows the second connector of the present embodiment.

[0033] Figure 11 The top view shows the second connector of the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 12 The exploded perspective view shows the second connector of the present embodiment as viewed from the upper right front.

[0035] Figure 13 The perspective view is used to illustrate the operation of the release member included in the second connector of the present embodiment. In sub - figure (a) of the drawing, the release member is located in the front, and in sub - figure (b), the release member is located in the rear.

[0036] Figure 14 The right side view is used to illustrate the operation of the release member included in the second connector of the present embodiment. In sub - figure (a) of the drawing, the release member is located in the front, and in sub - figure (b), the release member is located in the rear.

[0037] Figure 15 The perspective view shows the appearance of the first connector and the second connector constituting the connector assembly of the present embodiment as viewed from the upper right front, showing the state where the first connector and the second connector are not engaged.

[0038] Figure 16 The right side view shows the first connector and the second connector constituting the connector assembly of the present embodiment as viewed from the right, showing the state where the first connector and the second connector are not engaged.

[0039] Figure 17 The top view shows the first connector and the second connector constituting the connector assembly of the present embodiment as viewed from above, showing the state where the first connector and the second connector are not engaged.

[0040] Figure 18 It shows Figure 17 The cross - sectional view of the 18 - 18 line in

[0041] Figure 19 It shows Figure 17 The cross - sectional view of the 19 - 19 line in

[0042] Figure 20 It shows Figure 18 The cross - sectional view showing the engaged state of the first connector and the second connector shown in

[0043] Figure 21 It shows Figure 19A cross-sectional view of the mating state of the first connector and the second connector shown. In sub-diagram (a) of the figure, the state where the first connector and the second connector are fully mated is shown, and in sub-diagram (b), the state where the first connector and the second connector are in the middle of mating is shown.

[0044] Figure 22 It is a diagram for explaining the mechanism when the first connector and the second connector of the connector assembly constituting the present embodiment are mated. Sub-diagram (a) in the figure shows the present embodiment, and sub-diagram (b) shows the prior art shown in Reference Document 1 as a comparative example.

[0045] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing various modified examples that the second connector of the present invention can take, and it is an external perspective view of the modified second connector observed from the upper right front.

[0046] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing various modified examples that the second connector of the present invention can take, and it is an external perspective view of the modified second connector observed from the lower left rear.

[0047] Figure 25 It is a diagram showing various modified examples that the second connector of the present invention can take, and it is a right side view of the modified second connector observed from the right side.

[0048] Figure 26 It is a diagram showing various modified examples that the second connector of the present invention can take, and it is a top view of the modified second connector observed from above.

[0049] Figure 27 It is a diagram showing various modified examples that the second connector of the present invention can take, and it is an exploded perspective view of the modified second connector observed from the upper right front.

[0050] Figure 28 It is a top view of the electrical connector of Patent Document 1.

[0051] Figure 29 It is a perspective view of the electrical connector of Patent Document 1.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0053] 10: First connector (of the present embodiment) 11: First mating opening

[0054] 12: Metal shell 13: Cutout

[0055] 14: Locking member 14a: Free end

[0056] 14b: Fixed end 15: Engaging hole (first locking shape portion)

[0057] 16: First release part 20: Second connector (of the present embodiment)

[0058] 21: Second connector housing 21a: Second fitting opening

[0059] 21b: Holding shape part 21c: Restricting part

[0060] 22: Frame member 22a: Protrusion (second locking shape part)

[0061] 23: Release member 23a: Arm part

[0062] 23b: Second release part 23c: Mounting hole

[0063] 24: Operating member 24a: Mounting groove part

[0064] 25: Electric wire 40: Second connector (of the modified embodiment)

[0065] 41: Tapered shape part 43: Spring plate shape part (elastic member)

[0066] 100: Connector assembly Detailed implementation mode

[0067] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the present invention, a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction are defined. In the drawings, for the sake of convenience of explanation, each direction is represented as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. In this specification, the first direction is the front-back direction. In the drawings, the front-back direction is represented as the X direction. In particular, the front is set as the +X direction, and the rear is set as the -X direction. In addition, in this specification, the second direction is the left-right direction. In the drawings, the left-right direction is represented as the Y direction. In particular, the right is set as the +Y direction, and the left is set as the -Y direction. In addition, in this specification, the third direction is the up-down direction. In the drawings, the up-down direction is represented as the Z direction. In particular, the upper side is set as the +Z direction, and the lower side is set as the -Z direction.

[0068] In addition, each of the following embodiments does not limit the invention of each claim, and in addition, the combinations of the features described in each embodiment are not all necessary for the solution means of the invention.

[0069] First, with reference to Figures 1 - 7 , the first connector 10 of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the overall outer contour shape of the first connector 10 of the present embodiment is substantially cubic, and a first fitting opening 11 is formed at the rear for fitting with a second connector 20 described later. In addition, the front sides of the upper surface, left and right side surfaces, and lower surface of the first connector 10 are formed by a metal shell 12 formed by bending a flat metal plate, and the metal shell 12 constitutes the main part of the substantially cubic outer contour of the first connector 10.

[0070] As Figure 1 shown, two cut portions 13 formed by cutting from the rear toward the front are formed on the upper surface of the metal shell 12 constituting the outer contour of the first connector 10. Moreover, the portion sandwiched between the two cut portions 13 is formed into a cantilever beam-shaped locking member 14 extending in the fitting direction of the second connector 20 described later, that is, the first direction (-X direction).

[0071] The rear end of the locking member 14 formed on the upper surface of the first connector 10 is a free end 14a, and the portion on the line connecting the front cut end portions of the two cut portions 13 is a fixed end 14b. Therefore, when the cantilever beam-shaped locking member 14 extending in the -X direction is subjected to an external force in the up and down direction, the locking member 14 will flex with a position near the fixed end 14b as a fulcrum. However, since the cantilever beam-shaped locking member 14 exerts elastic force, when the external force in the up and down direction disappears, it will return to a horizontal state relative to the upper surface of the metal shell 12. That is to say, the locking member 14 is configured to maintain a horizontal state relative to the upper surface of the metal shell 12 in the normal state without being subjected to an external force.

[0072] In addition, two engaging holes 15 opening at the left and right positions at the rear are formed in the locking member 14, and the two engaging holes 15 function as the first locking shape portion of the present invention. Moreover, on the locking member 14, a first release portion 16 serving as an inclined surface is formed between the fixed end 14b of the locking member 14 and the two engaging holes 15 serving as the first locking shape portion (refer to Figures 5 - 7 ).

[0073] The two engaging holes 15 serving as the first locking shape portion of the present invention function as a function of locking the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 by engaging with a second locking shape portion (two protrusions 22a) provided on the second connector 20 described later. On the other hand, the inclined surface of the first release portion 16 provided on the locking member 14 is formed by bending the locking member 14 so that the inclined surface faces downward. The inclined surface of the first release portion 16 has the following function: the locking member 14 is deflected upward by receiving a force in the upward direction (+Z direction) from a second release portion 23b provided on the second connector 20 described later.

[0074] Above, the first connector 10 of the present embodiment has been described. Next, with reference to Figures 8 - 14 , the second connector 20 of the present embodiment will be described. As Figure 12 shown, the second connector 20 of the present embodiment includes: a second connector housing 21 into which a wire 25 is inserted at the rear; a metal frame member 22 embedded in the front of the second connector housing 21; a release member 23 configured to be movable in the front-rear direction above the second connector housing 21; and an operation member 24 mounted on the release member 23 and performing a moving operation of the release member 23 in the front-rear direction (X direction).

[0075] As Figure 8 and Figure 12 etc. shown, on the second connector housing 21, a second fitting opening 21a for fitting with the first connector 10 is formed at the front. In addition, the frame member 22 can be embedded and fixed in the front of the second connector housing 21. Moreover, holding shape portions 21b for holding the release member 23 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction and a restricting portion 21c for restricting the amount of movement of the release member 23 held by the holding shape portion 21b in the front-rear direction are formed at the left and right positions above the second connector housing 21.

[0076] On the frame member 22, two protrusions 22a are formed at the left and right positions above. The two protrusions 22a are portions that function as the second locking shape portion of the second connector 20 of the present invention. Therefore, when the first connector 10 is fitted with the second connector 20, the two protrusions 22a are engaged with two engaging holes 15 formed as the first locking shape portion on the locking member 14 of the first connector 10, thereby realizing the locked state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20.

[0077] The release member 23 is a member that is held so as to be movable in the fitting direction of the first connector 10, that is, the first direction (X direction). The release member 23 includes a pair of arm portions 23a extending in the left-right direction. Since the pair of arm portions 23a are held by the holding shape portion 21b of the second connector housing 21, the release member 23 can move back and forth above the second connector housing 21. In addition, the pair of arm portions 23a move within the range where the restricting portion 21c is formed on the second connector housing 21 and abut against a part of the wall surface shape constituting the restricting portion 21c, thereby defining the movable region during the rearward movement. In addition, the movable region of the forward movement of the release member 23 is defined by the rear end of the frame member 22. That is, with respect to the release member 23 of the present embodiment, the relative movement range with respect to the second connector 20 is restricted by the restricting portion 21c formed on the second connector housing 21 and the rear end of the frame member 22.

[0078] In addition, regarding the release member 23, a second release portion 23b serving as an inclined surface is formed at the front central position. The inclined surface of the second release portion 23b of the release member 23 is formed by bending the release member 23 so that the inclined surface faces upward. The inclined surface of the second release portion 23b is an inclined surface that faces and contacts the inclined surface of the first release portion 16 of the first connector 10 when the second connector 20 is engaged with or disengaged from the first connector 10. Therefore, the inclined surface of the second release portion 23b has the following function: by applying an upward force (+Z direction) to the first release portion 16 of the first connector 10 described later, the locking member 14 is deflected upward.

[0079] Moreover, the release member 23 has a mounting hole 23c for mounting the operating member 24 at the rear central position. As Figure 12 shown, the operating member 24 has a mounting groove portion 24a at the front. By fitting the groove shape of the mounting groove portion 24a into the mounting hole 23c, the release member 23 and the operating member 24 are combined. The user can move the release member 23 in the front-rear direction (X direction) by pushing the operating member 24 forward or pulling it backward.

[0080] As described above, regarding the release member 23 of the second connector 20, the movable area for rearward movement is defined by the wall shape of the restricting portion 21c, and the movable area for forward movement is defined by the rear end of the frame member 22. Here, in Figure 13 subfigure (a) and Figure 14 subfigure (a), the situation where the release member 23 of the second connector 20 is located in front of the movable area is shown. In Figure 13 subfigure (b) and Figure 14 subfigure (b), the situation where the release member 23 of the second connector 20 is located behind the movable area is shown. In particular, as Figure 14 shown, the movable dimension of the release member 23 in the front-rear direction is such that it can move a distance indicated by the reference numeral α. By this movement amount of the distance α, the inclined surface, i.e., the second release portion 23b, formed on the release member 23 moves, and at least the locked state between the locking member 14 and the release member 23 can be switched to the released state.

[0081] The second connector 20 of the present embodiment has been described above. Next, with reference to Figures 15 - 21 , the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0082] As Figures 15 - 19As shown, on the basis of opposing the first fitting opening 11 that opens to the rear of the first connector 10 and the second fitting opening 21a that opens to the front of the second connector 20, the second connector is moved forward (+X direction) relative to the first connector 10, so that the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be fitted. At this time, the user directly inserts while keeping the release member 23 of the second connector 20 in front of the movable area, so that as shown in the sub-diagram (b) of Figure 21 , the second release portion 23b of the second connector 20 and the first release portion 16 of the first connector 10 have their inclined surfaces opposed and in contact with each other. At this time, since the locking member 14 having the inclined surface of the first release portion 16 is formed as a cantilevered member, the downward inclined surface of the first release portion 16 receives an upward (+Z direction) force from the upward inclined surface of the second release portion 23b, so that the locking member 14 deflects upward. When further inserting the second connector 20 toward the first connector 10 from the state shown in the sub-diagram (b) of Figure 21 , the contact between the inclined surface of the first release portion 16 and the inclined surface of the second release portion 23b is eliminated, achieving the fitting state shown in the sub-diagram (a) of Figure 21 . At this time, for the locking member 14 of the first connector 10, the force from the release member 23 is eliminated and it returns to the horizontal state, and as shown in Figure 20 , the two protrusions 22a of the second connector 20 are engaged with the two engaging holes 15 formed in the locking member 14 of the first connector 10, thus achieving the locked state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20. As described above, in the connector assembly 100 of the present embodiment, the fitting state and the locked state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 can be achieved by one action.

[0083] On the other hand, as shown in the sub-diagram (a) of Figure 20 and Figure 21 , in order to release the fitting state of the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 from the state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted in the locked state, the user can perform it with one action by pulling the operation member 24 backward (-X direction). That is, when the user pulls the operation member 24 backward (-X direction) from the locked state shown in the sub-diagram (a) of Figure 21 , the release member 23 connected to the operation member 24 moves backward (-X direction) within the range of distance α. When the release member 23 moves backward (-X direction) within the range of distance α, as shown in Figure 21As shown in sub - figure (b), the second release portion 23b of the second connector 20 and the first release portion 16 of the first connector 10 have their inclined surfaces facing each other in contact. At this time, the locking member 14 forming the inclined surface of the first release portion 16 is formed as a cantilever - shaped member. Therefore, the downward inclined surface of the first release portion 16 receives an upward force (+Z direction) from the upward inclined surface of the second release portion 23b, causing the locking member 14 to flex upward. When the locking member 14 flexes upward, Figure 20 the engagement relationship between the two engagement holes 15 of the locking member 14 formed in the first connector 10 shown in [reference] and the two protrusions 22a of the second connector 20 is eliminated. Thus, the state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are locked is released. The user directly continues to pull the operating member 24 backward (-X direction) from this state. Thereby, the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 move from Figure 21 the state of sub - figure (b) in [reference] to Figure 19 the state of [reference], achieving the action of pulling out the second connector 20 from the first connector 10 in one operation.

[0084] Next, by adding Figure 22 reference to the accompanying drawings, a locking mechanism for connectors that locks the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 will be described. Here, Figure 22 sub - figure (a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking mechanism for connectors of the present embodiment. Sub - figure (a1) shows the locked state, and sub - figure (a2) shows the unlocked state. In addition, Figure 22 sub - figure (b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking mechanism for connectors of the prior art disclosed in Reference Document 1. Sub - figure (b1) shows the locked state, and sub - figure (b2) shows the unlocked state.

[0085] As shown in Figure 22As shown, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the prior art disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the configuration relationship is "fulcrum (fixed end of the first locking member (3)) - point of application (engagement position between the second locking member (5) and the locking portion (31)) - point of force (position where the release member (7) lifts the first locking member (3))". In this case, since the distance between the fulcrum and the point of application is short and the distance between the point of force and the point of application is long, in order to move the point of application to release the locked state, it is necessary to increase the movement amount of the release member (7) that applies force to the point of force. That is to say, in the prior art, the locked state cannot be released without increasing the movement amount of the release member (7). In contrast, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present embodiment, the configuration relationship of "fulcrum (fixed end 14b of the locking member 14) - point of force (position where the second release portion 23b and the first release portion 16 are opposed and in contact) - point of application (engagement position between the first locking shape portion (two engagement holes 15) and the second locking shape portion (two protrusions 22a))" is adopted. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the point of force is located in the center and the point of application is arranged away from the free end side, according to the lever principle, compared with the prior art, the advantage that the displacement amount of the point of application in the vertical direction is enlarged and the movement amount of the release member in the horizontal direction can be less can be obtained.

[0086] In addition, in the existing locking mechanism for a connector disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the second locking member (5) and the release member (7) are arranged at positions separated in the front-rear direction in the locked state, and are slid in an overlapping manner to release the lock. In contrast, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present embodiment, the locking member 14 and the release member 23 overlap in the vertical direction (the third direction, i.e., the Z direction) in the locked state, and the release member 23 can be unlocked with a small pulling amount. Therefore, the advantage that the overall length of the locking mechanism in the locked state can be shortened can be obtained.

[0087] In addition, in the existing locking mechanism for a connector disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, two operations are required: pushing the unlocking member (7) forward and then pulling the second connector (40) backward. That is to say, in the prior art, the direction of pulling the second connector (40) is opposite to the direction of the press-in unlocking member (7). In contrast, in the locking mechanism for a connector of the present embodiment, as described above, the locking can be released and the second connector 20 can be pulled out backward from the first connector 10 by a single operation of pulling the unlocking member 23 backward. That is to say, in the present embodiment, since the direction of pulling the second connector 20 out of the first connector 10 is the same as the direction of moving the unlocking member 23, the advantage of excellent operability can be obtained. In addition, regarding this advantage, in addition to the above-described configuration relationship of "fulcrum (fixed end 14b of the locking member 14) - force point (position where the second unlocking portion 23b and the first unlocking portion 16 are opposed and in contact) - point of action (engagement position between the first locking shape portion (two engaging holes 15) and the second locking shape portion (two protrusions 22a))" of the present embodiment, it is also obtained by the configuration relationship in which the first unlocking portion 16 formed on the first connector 10 and the first locking shape portion (two engaging holes 15) are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (the first direction, i.e., the X direction).

[0088] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various changes or improvements can be made in the above embodiments.

[0089] For example, regarding the above-mentioned second connector 20, on the basis of maintaining the structure that exhibits the above-mentioned effects, further modified forms can be adopted. Then, with reference to Figures 23 - 27 , examples of various modified forms that the second connector of the present invention can adopt will be described. In addition, regarding the second connector 40 of the modified form, the mating connector on the other side as the fitting object is the same as the first connector 10 of the present embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 - 7 . In addition, regarding the components that are the same as or similar to the above-mentioned second connector 20 of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and the description is omitted.

[0090] Figures 23 - 27 The second connector 40 of the modified form shown has a spring plate-shaped portion 43 as an elastic member that applies elastic force to the central position of the unlocking member 23. The spring plate-shaped portion 43 is a cantilever-shaped member extending backward (-X direction) and always maintains a horizontal state in parallel with the upper surface of the unlocking member 23.

[0091] On the other hand, an inclined-shaped portion 41 that protrudes upward with an inclined surface shape is formed at the central position slightly rearward on the upper surface of the second connector housing 21.

[0092] Regarding the positional relationship between the spring plate-shaped portion 43 and the inclined-shaped portion 41, as Figure 23 well as Figure 26 shown, when the release member 23 of the second connector 40 is located in front of the movable region, the spring plate-shaped portion 43 and the inclined-shaped portion 41 do not interfere with each other, and the spring plate-shaped portion 43 does not apply an elastic force to the inclined-shaped portion 41. However, as described above, when the user pulls the operation member 24 backward to move the release member 23 in the backward direction (-X direction) and releases the locked state between the unlocking member 14 and the release member 23, the release member 23 of the second connector 40 moves backward to the rear of the movable region. Therefore, the free end at the rear of the spring plate-shaped portion 43 catches on the inclined-shaped portion 41, and the spring plate-shaped portion 43 applies an elastic force to the inclined-shaped portion 41. This elastic force is the force for the spring plate-shaped portion 43 to push the release member 23 toward the front of the movable region to restore its original horizontal state. Therefore, when the user pulls the operation member 24 backward to move the release member 23 in the backward direction (-X direction) and releases the locked state between the unlocking member 14 and the release member 23, and then the user removes the hand from the operation member 24, the spring plate-shaped portion 43 applies an elastic force for moving the release member 23 forward (+X direction) to return to the initial position. That is to say, according to the second connector 40 of the deformation mode, the release member 23 of the second connector 40 whose locked state and engaged state with the first connector 10 are released can be automatically restored to the initial state, that is, the front position of the movable region.

[0093] Moreover, regarding the locking mechanism for the connector of the present invention, various deformations can be applied within the range where the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments and deformation modes can be exhibited. For example, in the above-described embodiments and deformation modes, regarding the first connector, the following structure is provided: two first locking-shaped portions of the present invention, that is, engaging holes 15, are arranged on the left and right, and a first release portion 16 is arranged between them. Correspondingly, regarding the second connector, the following structure is provided: two second locking-shaped portions of the present invention, that is, protrusions 22a, are arranged on the left and right, and a second release portion 23b is arranged between them. However, in the locking mechanism for the connector of the present invention, the number of the first locking-shaped portion and the second locking-shaped portion can be one, or three or more. Similarly, regarding the number of the first release portion and the second release portion, it can also be two or more. Moreover, regarding the arrangement positions of the first locking-shaped portion and the second locking-shaped portion, as well as the first release portion and the second release portion, various arrangement structures can also be adopted.

[0094] It is obvious from the description of the claims that the modified or improved modes applied in this way are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A locking mechanism for a connector, which locks a first connector with a second connector, characterized in that: The first connector includes a cantilever beam-shaped locking member extending in a first direction, which is a mating direction with the second connector. A first locking shape portion is formed on the locking member, and a first release portion, which is an inclined surface, is formed between the fixed end of the locking member and the first locking shape portion. The second connector includes a release member held to be movable in a first direction, which is a mating direction with the first connector, and The second connector includes a second locking shape portion engaged with the first locking shape portion formed on the locking member. The release member is provided with a second release portion, the second release portion being an inclined surface that faces and contacts an inclined surface of the first release portion of the first connector when the second connector is engaged with or disengaged from the first connector. The locking member and the releasing member are located at positions overlapping each other in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction in a locked state.

2. The connector locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first release portion and the first lock shape portion formed on the first connector are arranged in parallel in a first direction.

3. The connector locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The locking member is formed by cutting off a portion of a metal shell constituting an outer contour of the first connector. The inclined surface of the first release portion of the lock member is formed by bending the lock member.

4. The connector locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second connector includes a restriction portion that restricts a relative movement range of the release member with respect to the second connector by causing the release member to abut against a portion of the second connector after the release member moves in the first direction to enter the unlocked state.

5. The connector locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first releasing portion of the lock member included in the first connector and the second releasing portion of the releasing member included in the second connector each include an inclined surface that faces and contacts each other when the releasing member is moved in the first direction.

6. The connector locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An elastic member is provided for applying an elastic force for moving the release member provided in the second connector and returning the release member to an initial position after the release member is moved in the first direction to be in a lock released state.

7. A connector assembly, characterized in that: The first connector and the second connector, each of which has the connector lock mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, are formed by fitting with each other.

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