Electric connector and connector device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric connector and a connector device. A connector device includes a plug connector and a lock member. The lock member has: a lock engagement portion configured to be engageable with a connector engagement portion provided in the receptacle connector; and a release operation part configured to be capable of performing an operation of releasing the engagement between the connector engagement part and the lock engagement part. The plug connector is provided with a guide part which abuts against a part of the lock buckling part when the buckling is released. When the operation of releasing the buckling is carried out, the guiding part abuts against the releasing guiding part of the locking buckling part, so that the operation direction is limited to the direction of releasing the buckling between the connector buckling part and the locking buckling part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connector and a connector device. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-35851), a connector device is disclosed in which a cable-side connector and a substrate-side connector are fitted in the vertical direction. A locking hole is formed in a first locking portion of the cable-side connector, and a locking projection is formed in a second locking portion of the substrate-side connector. When fitting, the locking projection is fitted into the locking hole. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the connector device, a tab is provided as a pulling member for pulling the cable-side connector away from the substrate-side connector in the vertical direction. However, when the direction for releasing the tab is not the normal direction, the locking projection remains fitted in the locking hole and the locking cannot be released smoothly.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical connector and a connector device that can release the locking smoothly.

[0005] An electrical connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a connector portion configured to be fitted to a mating connector in a first direction and connected to a connection body extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a locking member attached to the connector portion and configured to maintain a fitted state of the connector portion and the mating connector; the locking member having: at least one locking engagement portion configured to be engaged with at least one connector engagement portion provided on the mating connector; and at least one release operation portion connected to the locking engagement portion and configured to perform an operation for releasing the engagement between the connector engagement portion and the locking engagement portion; the connector portion having: a guide portion that abuts against a part of the locking engagement portion when performing the release engagement operation; and when performing the release engagement operation, the guide portion restricts the direction of the operation to the direction for releasing the engagement between the connector engagement portion and the locking engagement portion by abutting against a part of the locking engagement portion.

[0006] Alternatively, the connector portion may include a plurality of conductive terminals, a housing holding the plurality of conductive terminals, and a housing covering the housing, and the guide portion is formed on the housing.

[0007] Alternatively, the locking member may further have a main body portion configured to sandwich the connector portion in the fitted state between the mating connector and connected to the locking engagement portion, and the direction in which the locking engagement portion extends is orthogonal to the direction in which the main body portion extends.

[0008] Alternatively, a notch may be formed in a part of the locking engagement portion.

[0009] Alternatively, the locking member may further include: a main body portion configured to sandwich a connector portion in a mated state between the mating connector; and a connecting portion connecting the locking engagement portion and the main body portion; the direction in which the locking engagement portion extends is orthogonal to the direction in which the main body portion extends, and the connecting portion extends in a U-shape and is connected to the locking engagement portion and the main body portion.

[0010] Alternatively, a notch may be formed in at least a part of at least one of the locking engagement portion and the connecting portion.

[0011] Alternatively, when the operation of releasing the engagement is performed, the locking engagement portion rocks about the center of the U-shaped axis of the connecting portion as a rotation axis.

[0012] A connector device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first connector connected to a connecting body extending in a second direction intersecting a first direction; a second connector connected to a substrate and fitted to the first connector along the first direction; and a locking member mounted on the first connector and configured to hold the mated state of the first connector and the second connector; the locking member has: at least one locking engagement portion configured to be engageable with at least one connector engagement portion provided on the second connector; and at least one release operation portion connected to the locking engagement portion and configured to be able to perform an operation of releasing the engagement between the connector engagement portion and the locking engagement portion; the first connector has: a guiding portion that abuts against a part of the locking engagement portion when the operation of releasing the engagement is performed; and when the operation of releasing the engagement is performed, the guiding portion restricts the operation direction to the direction of releasing the engagement between the connector engagement portion and the locking engagement portion by abutting against a part of the locking engagement portion.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, an electrical connector and a connector device capable of smoothly releasing the lock can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the connector device of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 top view of the connector device of.

[0016] Figure 3 is showing Figure 1 side view of the connector device of.

[0017] Figure 4 is a view enlarging a part of the rear view showing the Figure 1 connector device of.

[0018] Figure 5 is a view enlarging a part of the cross-sectional view taken along the V-V line along Figure 2 of.

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI of Figure 2 .

[0020] Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views of a receptacle connector included in the connector device of Figure 1 .

[0021] Figs. 8(a) and 8(b) are perspective views of a plug connector and a locking member included in the connector device of Figure 1 .

[0022] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a plug connector other than the locking member included in the connector device of Figure 1 .

[0023] Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) are perspective views of a locking member included in the connector device of Figure 1 .

[0024] Figures 11(a) to 11(d) is a diagram schematically showing the unlocking sequence of the connector device.

[0025] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a part of the connector device according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 is a diagram enlarging a part of the rear view of the connector device of Figure 12 .

[0027] Figure 14 is a side view of the connector device of Figure 12 .

[0028] Figs. 15(a) and 15(b) are perspective views of a locking member included in the connector device of Figure 12 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements or elements having the same function, and redundant description is omitted. In some of the drawings, the directions indicated by the arrows are referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. Also, in each of the drawings, the positive Z-axis direction is referred to as "up", and the negative Z-axis direction is referred to as "down". Moreover, in each of the drawings, the positive X-axis direction is referred to as "rear", and the negative X-axis direction is referred to as "front". Hereinafter, the description will be made with the first direction along the Z-axis direction, the second direction along the X-axis direction, and the third direction along the Y-axis direction. Since the embodiments of the present disclosure described below are examples for explaining the present invention, the present invention should not be limited to the following content.

[0030] [First Embodiment]

[0031] [Connector Device]

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the outline of the connector device 1 will be described. As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the connector device 1 includes a socket connector 10 (mating connector, second connector), and an electrical connector including a plug connector 20 (connector portion, first connector) and a locking member 30. The socket connector 10 is mounted on the circuit substrate 50 and electrically connected to the circuit substrate 50. The plug connector 20 is mounted on a cable 60 (connector body) and electrically connected to the cable 60.

[0033] The socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are configured to be mutually engaged and disengaged in a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) intersecting the main surface 50s (e.g., the XY plane) of the circuit substrate 50. The locking member 30 is configured to maintain the engaged state in which the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are engaged. In the engaged state of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20, a conductive path (e.g., wiring, not shown) formed on the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50 is electrically connected to the cable 60. Thus, the connector device 1 is a device for electrically and physically connecting the conductive path to the cable.

[0034] The circuit substrate 50 is various substrates on which an electronic circuit or electronic components are mounted, such as a printed wiring substrate or a flexible printed substrate. The socket connector 10 is mounted on the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50 by soldering or the like.

[0035] The cable 60 is a wiring for transmitting signals or the like between various circuit substrates incorporated in a small electronic device such as a mobile phone. In the engaged state of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20, the cable 60 extends in a second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) intersecting the first direction. The cable 60 includes an inner conductor 61 composed of a linearly extending metal wire (e.g., a copper wire), an insulator 62 covering the circumferential surface of the inner conductor 61, an outer conductor 63 composed of a cylindrical metal braid and covering the circumferential surface of the insulator 62, and a protective coating 64 covering the circumferential surface of the outer conductor 63 (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 ).

[0036] As the cable 60 extends from the front end portion (terminal portion) of the mounting plug connector 20 toward the base end portion (terminal portion opposite to the front end portion), the inner conductor 61, the insulator 62, the outer conductor 63, and the protective film 64 are sequentially exposed in a segmented manner. For example, the cable 60 is a coaxial cable or the like. The cable 60 may also have a plurality of coaxial cables arranged in the Y-axis direction. That is to say, the plug connector 20 may also be a connector for a coaxial cable extending along a third direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction and the second direction. In addition, the cable 60 may also have a structure different from that of the coaxial cable.

[0037] [Socket connector]

[0038] Reference Figures 5 to 7(a) , Fig. 7(b), the socket connector 10 will be described in detail. The socket connector 10 is a long and narrow connector extending integrally in the Y-axis direction and is mounted on the main surface 50s of the circuit board 50 (reference Figure 1 ). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(a), one end 10a and the other end 10b of the socket connector 10 face each other in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b), the socket connector 10 includes a housing 11, an outer shell 12, and a plurality of conductive terminals 13.

[0039] The outer shell 12 is made of an insulating material containing resin, holds a plurality of conductive terminals 13, and insulates between the housing 11 and the conductive terminals 13. As Figures 5 to 7(a) , Fig. 7(b) shows, for example, the outer shell 12 includes side walls 12a, 12b, an intermediate wall 12c, side walls 12d, 12d, and a bottom wall 12e. The bottom wall 12e is a plate-like body having a substantially rectangular shape. The side walls 12a, 12b, the intermediate wall 12c, and the side walls 12d, 12d are respectively provided on the bottom wall 12e in a manner of standing upright from the bottom wall 12e.

[0040] The side walls 12a, 12b are respectively located near the long sides of the bottom wall 12e and extend in the Y-axis direction along the long sides. Therefore, the side walls 12a, 12b face each other in the X-axis direction. The side wall 12a is provided so as to house a part of the conductive terminal 13 inside it (surround a part of the conductive terminal 13). The outer surface and the inner surface of the side wall 12b in the X-axis direction are covered by the side wall 11b (described later) of the housing 11. The side walls 12d, 12d are respectively located near the short sides of the bottom wall 12e and extend in the X-axis direction along the short sides. Therefore, the side walls 12d, 12d face each other in the Y-axis direction. The outer surface and the inner surface of the side walls 12d, 12d in the Y-axis direction are covered by the side wall 11c (described later) of the housing 11.

[0041] The intermediate wall 12c is located in the space surrounded by the side walls 12a, 12b, 12d, 12d in a state separated from the side walls 12a, 12b, 12d, 12d. The intermediate wall 12c extends between the side walls 12a, 12b along the side walls 12a, 12b (the extending direction of the side walls 12a, 12b is the Y-axis direction). Therefore, the intermediate wall 12c faces the side walls 12a, 12b in the X-axis direction. On the surface of the intermediate wall 12c facing the side wall 12a, a plurality of notches 12x are formed for exposing the conductive terminals 13.

[0042] The housing 12 includes side walls 12a, 12b, an intermediate wall 12c, side walls 12d, 12d, and a bottom wall 12e, and thus has a concave portion V in the shape of a quadrangular ring. The concave portion V is a space for accommodating the plug connector 20 and has a pair of concave portions V1, V2. The concave portion V1 is formed by the space surrounded by the side wall 12a, the intermediate wall 12c, and the bottom wall 12e, and accommodates the convex portion W1 of the plug connector 20 (refer to Fig. 8(b)). The concave portion V2 is formed by the space surrounded by the side wall 12b, the intermediate wall 12c, and the bottom wall 12e, and accommodates the convex portion W2 of the plug connector 20 (refer to Fig. 8(b)).

[0043] The housing 11 is formed of, for example, a plate-like member of metal processed by stamping and has elasticity and conductivity. As shown in Figs. 7(a) and 7(b), for example, the housing 11 includes side walls 11a, 11b, 11c, 11c, a plurality of protrusions 11e, and connector engaging portions 11g, 11g. The housing 11 is fixed to the housing 12 by the protrusions formed on the side wall 12b of the housing 12 engaging with the notches formed on the side wall 11b. Other fixing methods may also be used.

[0044] As Figure 6As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the side walls 11a and 11b face each other in the X-axis direction and extend in the Y-axis direction. The side wall 11a is located outside the side wall 12a of the housing 12 in the X-axis direction. The side wall 11a extends upward from the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50, and bends toward the side wall 11b at its upper end (that is, folds back toward the inside in the X-axis direction), and is configured to be elastically deformable in the X-axis direction. In the folded-back portion (the portion inside in the X-axis direction) of the side wall 11a, a plurality of slits 11x are formed. Thus, the side wall 11a is easily bent in the X-axis direction. The side wall 11b is provided to cover the outer surface and the inner surface in the X-axis direction of the side wall 12b of the housing 12. The side wall 11b extends upward from the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50 along the outer surface of the side wall 12b, and bends toward the side wall 11a at its upper end (that is, folds back toward the inside in the X-axis direction and extends downward along the inner surface of the side wall 12b), and is configured to be elastically deformable in the X-axis direction. In the folded-back portion (the portion inside in the X-axis direction) of the side wall 11b, a plurality of slits 11y are formed. Thus, the side wall 11b is easily bent in the X-axis direction. The height (the length in the Z-axis direction) of the side wall 11b is approximately about half of that of the side wall 11a.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), the side walls 11c, 11c face each other in the Y-axis direction and extend in the X-axis direction. The side walls 11c are provided to cover the outer surface and the inner surface in the Y-axis direction of the side wall 12d of the housing 12. The side walls 11c, 11c are connected to the side walls 11a, 11b. The side wall 11c has a ground contact portion 11z in the middle portion in its X-axis direction. The ground contact portion 11z is a portion that bends from the upper end of the side wall 11c toward the opposing side wall 11c (in the direction of the recess V), and is configured to be elastically deformable in the Y-axis direction. A notch for making it easily bendable may also be formed in the ground contact portion 11z.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), a plurality of protrusions 11e are provided to protrude outward (opposite to the recess V side) at the lower ends of the side walls 11a, 11b and are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The protrusions 11e may also be provided to further protrude outward (opposite to the recess V side) at the lower ends of the side walls 11c, 11c. The surface of the protrusion 11e facing the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50 is electrically connected to the conductive path of the circuit substrate 50 by solder or the like, for example. That is, the protrusion 11e includes a mounting surface configured to be mounted on the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50.

[0047] The connector engaging portions 11g, 11g are configured to be engageable with the locking engaging portion 32 of a locking member 30 described later. The connector engaging portions 11g, 11g are respectively disposed at the ends 10a, 10b. As Figure 5As shown in FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b), the connector engaging portions 11g, 11g are recesses formed in the side walls 11c, 11c. The connector engaging portions 11g, 11g are disposed at the rear side in the side walls 11c, 11c. In addition, the shape of the connector engaging portions 11g, 11g is not limited to the recesses, and may be, for example, notches provided in the side walls 11c, 11c.

[0048] The plurality of conductive terminals 13 are constituted by, for example, a plate-like member of metal processed by stamping, and have elasticity and conductivity. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the plurality of conductive terminals 13 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. As Figure 6 shown, each conductive terminal 13 extends in the X-axis direction and includes a base end portion 13a, an intermediate portion 13b, and a contact portion 13c.

[0049] The base end portion 13a is disposed on the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50 and is electrically connected to the circuit substrate 50 through, for example, solder. The base end portion 13a is located below the side wall 12a of the housing 12.

[0050] The intermediate portion 13b connects the base end portion 13a and the contact portion 13c. The intermediate portion 13b extends along the side wall 12a of the housing 12, and after being further bent in a U shape inside, extends along the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50 to the vicinity of the intermediate wall 12c.

[0051] As Figure 6 shown, in the engaged state of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20, the contact portion 13c contacts the conductive terminal 23 of the plug connector 20 described later. The contact portion 13c extends upward along the intermediate wall 12c, and bends the front end portion, and a part thereof is exposed between the side wall 12a in the recess V (exposed from the notch 12x of the intermediate wall 12c). Thus, the contact portion 13c is configured to be elastically deformable in the X-axis direction.

[0052] [Plug Connector]

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b), and Figure 9 , the plug connector 20 will be described in detail. The plug connector 20 is configured to be engaged with the mating connector, that is, the socket connector 10, in the Y-axis direction, and is a connector connected to the cable 60. As shown in FIG. 8(a) and FIG. 8(b), the plug connector 20 includes a housing 21, an outer shell 22, and a plurality of conductive terminals 23.

[0054] The outer shell 22 is made of an insulating material including resin, holds the plurality of conductive terminals 23, and insulates between the housing 21 and the conductive terminals 23. As Figure 6, as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), for example, the housing 22 includes side walls 22a, 22b, side walls 22c, 22c, and an upper wall 22d. The upper wall 22d (refer to Figure 6 ) is a plate-like body having a substantially rectangular shape. The upper surface of the upper wall 22d is covered by the upper wall 21a (described later) of the housing 21. The side walls 22a, 22b and the side walls 22c, 22c are provided so as to hang down from the upper wall 22d respectively.

[0055] The side walls 22a, 22b are respectively located near the respective long sides of the upper wall 22d and extend in the Y-axis direction along the long sides. Therefore, the side walls 22a, 22b face each other in the X-axis direction. As Figure 6 shown, a conductive terminal 23 is provided on the side wall 22a. A part of the outer surface and the inner surface of the side wall 22a in the X-axis direction is covered by the conductive terminal 23. The inner surface and the outer surface of the side wall 22b in the X-axis direction are covered by the side wall 21b (described later) of the housing 21. The side walls 22c, 22c are respectively located near the respective short sides of the upper wall 22d and extend in the X-axis direction along the short sides. Therefore, the side walls 22c, 22c face each other in the Y-axis direction. At the upper end portions of the side walls 22c, 22c, there are provided protruding portions 22x that further protrude outward in the Y-axis direction from the side walls 22c, 22c (refer to FIG. 8(b)). As shown in FIG. 8(b), in a state where the locking member 30 is mounted on the plug connector 20, the protruding portion 22x functions as a portion for placing the locking member 30.

[0056] When the plug connector 20 is engaged with the socket connector 10, the side walls 22a, 22b, 22c, 22c are housed in the recess V of the socket connector 10. Therefore, the side walls 22a, 22b, 22c, 22c constitute a convex portion W that protrudes as a whole. The side walls 22a, 22b constitute a pair of convex portions W1, W2 and are housed in a pair of recesses V1, V2. That is, the side wall 22a that constitutes the convex portion W1 is housed in the recess V1, and the side wall 22b that constitutes the convex portion W2 is housed in the recess V2. (Refer to Figure 6 ). As Figure 6 shown, in a state where the plug connector 20 is engaged with the socket connector 10, a part of a signal circuit is formed by the contact between the conductive terminal 23 provided on the side wall 22a (convex portion W1) and the conductive terminal 13 exposed from the notch 12x of the intermediate wall 12c that constitutes the recess V2.

[0057] The housing 21 is constituted by, for example, a plate-like member made of metal formed by stamping and has elasticity and conductivity. As Figure 5 , Figure 6 , and as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), for example, the housing 21 includes an upper wall 21a, a side wall 21b, a front portion 21c (refer to Figure 6 ), a ground contact portion 21d, and a bearing 21e (refer toFigure 6 )。

[0058] As Figure 6 shown, the upper wall 21a covers the front end portion of the cable 60 and covers the upper surface of the upper wall 22d of the housing 22. As Figure 5 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 8(a), the upper wall 21a extends in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the upper wall 21a has a portion that covers the upper surface and the outer surface (side surface) in the Y-axis direction of the protruding portion 22x (refer to FIG. 8(b)). After the locking member 30 is placed (installed) on the plug connector 20, the wall 21a in the housing 21 is installed on the housing 22.

[0059] As Figure 6 shown, the side wall 21b is provided to cover the side wall 22b of the housing 22. The side wall 21b has a first portion 21x and a second portion 21y. The first portion 21x extends in the Y-axis direction so as to sandwich the front end portion of the cable 60 between it and the upper wall 21a. The second portion 21y is continuous with the front end in the X-axis direction of the first portion 21x, and is provided along the shape of the side wall 22b so as to cover a part of the outer surface and the inner surface in the X-axis direction of the side wall 22b. That is, the second portion 21y extends downward from the front end of the first portion 21x along the outer surface of the side wall 22b, bends toward the inner surface of the side wall 22b at the lower end of the side wall 22b, and extends upward along the inner surface of the side wall 22b.

[0060] As Figure 6 shown, the front portion 21c covers the outer surface in the X-axis direction of the upper wall 22d of the housing 22. The front portion 21c has a first portion 21v and a second portion 21w. The first portion 21v is provided to extend downward at a position near the front end portion of the upper wall 21a. The second portion 21w is continuous with the lower end of the first portion 21v and extends rearward in the X-axis direction to cover the lower surface of the upper wall 22d. As Figure 6 shown, in a state where the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10 are engaged, the second portion 21w is provided along the upper surface of the side wall 12a of the housing 12 of the socket connector 10.

[0061] As Figure 5 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 8(b), the ground contact portion 21d is provided to cover a part of the outer surface in the Y-axis direction of the side wall 22c of the housing 22. As Figure 5 shown, in a state where the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10 are engaged, the ground contact portion 21d forms a part of the ground circuit by contacting the ground contact portion 11z of the socket connector 10.

[0062] The bearing 21e holds the rotation shaft 34 of the locking member 30 described later. As Figure 6As shown, the bearing 21e is provided at the front end of the upper wall 21a in the X-axis direction, and is provided throughout the Y-axis direction or at least at both ends in the Y-axis direction. The bearing 21e is provided on the lower surface of the upper wall 21a. For example, as Figure 6 shown, it has a U-shaped cross-section with a hollowed-out middle, and is configured to support (mount) the rotating shaft 34 together with the upper wall 21a and the first part 21v.

[0063] The front end of the upper wall 21a is bent in the Z-axis direction to form a flange portion 21m. The flange portion 21m contacts the side wall 11a of the socket connector 10 and constitutes a part of the ground circuit.

[0064] As Figure 9 shown, the housing 21 further includes a rear portion 21f and a guiding portion 21g.

[0065] The rear portion 21f is provided continuously with both ends in the Y-axis direction and the rear end in the X-axis direction of the upper wall 21a. The rear portion 21f is provided on the surface on the rear end side in the X-axis direction of the upper wall 21a. The rear portion 21f has: a bent portion 21h, which is continuous with the surface on the rear end side in the X-axis direction of the upper wall 21a and extends while bending backward and downward; and a flat plate portion 21i, which is continuous with the lower end of the bent portion 21h and extends downward. The flat plate portion 21i has a plane orthogonal to the X-axis direction.

[0066] The guiding portion 21g is a component that abuts against a part of the locking engaging portion 32 when performing the operation of releasing the engagement between the connector engaging portion 11g and the locking engaging portion 32 (details will be described later). When performing the operation of releasing the engagement, the guiding portion 21g restricts the operation direction to the direction of releasing the engagement between the connector engaging portion 11g and the locking engaging portion 32 by abutting against a part of the locking engaging portion 32 (details will be described later). Thus, in the present embodiment, the guiding portion 21g is formed on the housing 21. The guiding portion 21g is provided continuously with both ends in the Y-axis direction and the rear end in the X-axis direction of the upper wall 21a.

[0067] The guiding portion 21g is provided on the side surface of the end portion in the Y-axis direction in the upper wall 21a. The guiding portion 21g has a bent portion 21j, a flat plate portion 21k, and an inclined portion 21l. The bent portion 21j is continuous with the side surface of the end portion in the Y-axis direction of the upper wall 21a, and extends while bending outward and downward in the Y-axis direction. The flat plate portion 21k is continuous with the lower end of the bent portion 21j and extends downward. The flat plate portion 21k has a plane orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. The inclined portion 21l is continuous with the lower end of the flat plate portion 21k and extends downward while inclining inward in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the inclined portion 21l extends outward in the Y-axis direction from the lower side toward the upper side. When a part of the locking engaging portion 32 at the time of unlocking abuts against such an inclined portion 21l, the locking engaging portion 32 moves outward in the Y-axis direction as it is pulled upward (details will be described later).

[0068] In addition, the side wall 21b and the front portion 21c in the housing 21 are integrally formed, or may be separately formed from the upper wall 21a. The side wall 21b and the front portion 21c are fixed to the outer housing 22 by insert molding, and the portion including the upper wall 21a is press-fitted and fixed to the outer housing 22. The method of assembling the housing 21 to the outer housing 22 is not limited to the above method.

[0069] The plurality of conductive terminals 23 are constituted by, for example, a plate-like member of metal processed by stamping and have conductivity. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the plurality of conductive terminals 23 are arranged in the Y-axis direction. As Figure 6 shown, each conductive terminal 23 extends in the X-axis direction and includes a connecting portion 23a, an intermediate portion 23b, and a contact portion 23c.

[0070] The connecting portion 23a extends along the inner conductor 61 of the front end portion of the cable 60 on the upper end surface of the side wall 22b and is connected to the exposed inner conductor 61 with solder or the like. The intermediate portion 23b connects the connecting portion 23a and the contact portion 23c. The intermediate portion 23b is continuous with the front end in the X-axis direction in the connecting portion 23a and extends downward, and then extends rearward (toward the intermediate portion 12c of the socket connector 10) along the lower surface of the side wall 22a. In the engaged state of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20, the contact portion 23c contacts the conductive terminal 13 of the socket connector 10. The contact portion 23c is continuous with the rear end in the X-axis direction in the intermediate portion 23b and extends upward along the side wall 22a.

[0071] [Locking member]

[0072] Refer to Figures 1 to 6 , FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 10(a), 10(b), and 11(a), 11(b), and the locking member 30 will be described in detail. The locking member 30 is configured to be mounted on the plug connector 20 and maintain the engaged state of the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10. AsFigures 1 to 3 As shown, for example, the locking member 30 faces the main surface 50s of the circuit substrate 50, extends in the Y-axis direction, and is mounted on the plug connector 20.

[0073] The locking member 30 is formed of, for example, a plate-like member made of metal processed by stamping, and has elasticity and conductivity. As shown in FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 10(a), and 10(b), the locking member 30 includes a main body portion 31, locking engaging portions 32, 32, release operation portions 33, 33, a rotation shaft 34, and connecting portions 35, 35.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 10(a), the main body portion 31 is a plate-like member along the XY plane, and is configured to sandwich the plug connector 20 in a mated state mated with the socket connector 10 between the main body portion 31 and the socket connector 10. The main body portion 31 is substantially rectangular plate-shaped, and has an intermediate portion 31a extending in the Y-axis direction, and outer end portions 31b, 31b extending outward in the Y-axis direction from both ends in the Y-axis direction of the intermediate portion 31a. The rear end portion in the X-axis direction of the outer end portion 31b extends in a manner that expands rearward in the X-axis direction as it extends outward in the Y-axis direction. The outer end portion 31b is connected to the locking engaging portion 32. The extending direction (Y-axis direction) of the main body portion 31 is orthogonal to the extending direction (Z-axis direction) of the locking engaging portion 32 described later.

[0075] The locking engaging portions 32, 32 are members configured to be able to engage with the connector engaging portions 11g, 11g disposed at the end portions 10a, 10b of the socket connector 10. When the direction in which the cable 60 extends approaching the plug connector 20 in the X-axis direction is defined as the front, and the direction in which the cable 60 extends away from the plug connector 20 is defined as the rear, the locking engaging portions 32, 32 are disposed at the rear of the plug connector 20. Here, the rear, for example, is a region that is at least more than half rearward in the entire X-axis direction of the plug connector 20. More specifically, the locking engaging portions 32, 32 are disposed rearward of the rotation shaft 34 and forward of the release operation portions 33, 33 (that is, at a position sandwiched between the rotation shaft 34 and the release operation portions 33, 33) in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 8(a), 8(b), 10(a), and 10(b), the locking engaging portion 32 has a first vertical portion 32a, a second vertical portion 32b, and a connecting portion 32c.

[0076] The first hanging-down part 32a is a part that extends downward (in the Z-axis direction and in the direction approaching the socket connector 10 in the engaged state) from the outer end in the Y-axis direction of the main body part 31 (specifically, the outer end part 31b). The first hanging-down part 32a has: a first part 32d, which is continuous with the outer end in the Y-axis direction of the outer end part 31b and extends outward and downward in the Y-axis direction; a second part 32e, which is continuous with the lower end of the first part 32d and extends downward. The lengths (widths) of the first part 32d and the second part 32e in the X-axis direction are of the same degree. A slit 36 (notch) is formed in the middle part in the X-axis direction of the first part 32d and the second part 32e (specifically, the upper end part of the second part 32e that is continuous with the first part 32d). Thus, the slit 36 is continuously formed across a part of the locking engagement part 32, that is, the first part 32d and the second part 32e of the first hanging-down part 32a. The second part 32e is a plate-like member along the XZ plane and has a plane orthogonal to the Y-axis direction below the slit 36.

[0077] On the plane below the part where the slit 36 is formed in the second part 32e, a fastening part 32h is provided. The fastening part 32h is provided on the inner surface in the Y-axis direction of the second part 32e and is a protruding part protruding toward the inner side in the Y-axis direction. As Figure 5 shown, in the engaged state, the fastening part 32h is fastened to the connector fastening part 11g of the socket connector 10.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b), the connecting part 32c is a structure that connects the first hanging-down part 32a and the second hanging-down part 32b. The connecting part 32c is connected to the rear end part in the X-axis direction of the second part 32e of the first hanging-down part 32a.

[0079] As Figure 4 and shown in FIG. 10(b), the second hanging-down part 32b is connected to the first hanging-down part 32a via the connecting part 32c and is a plate-like member along the YZ plane. The second hanging-down part 32b has a flat part 32f and a release guiding part 32g. The flat part 32f is a plate-like member that is continuous with the connecting part 32c and extends in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The upper end of the flat part 32f is continuous with the release operation part 33.

[0080] The unlocking guide portion 32g is provided on the surface of the planar portion 32f on the inner side in the Y-axis direction, and is a protruding portion protruding toward the inner side in the Y-axis direction. The unlocking guide portion 32g is provided, for example, below the middle portion in the Z-axis direction in the planar portion 32f. In a state where the locking member 30 is mounted on the plug connector 20 and the engaging portion 32h is engaged with the connector engaging portion 11g, the unlocking guide portion 32g abuts against the inclined portion 211 of the guide portion 21g. In addition, in the engaged state, the unlocking guide portion 32g may not necessarily abut against the inclined portion 211, as long as it moves along the inclined portion 211 when pulled upward as described later. In the above state, when the unlocking operation portion 33 is pulled upward to release the engagement between the connector engaging portion 11g and the engaging portion 32h, the unlocking guide portion 32g moves upward along the inclined portion 211. Here, the inclined portion 211 extends from the lower side toward the upper side and toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the unlocking guide portion 32g moving upward along the inclined portion 211 moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction as it moves upward. When the unlocking guide portion 32g moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction, the second portion 32e of the first hanging portion 32a also moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction via the planar portion 32f and the connecting portion 32c. Therefore, the engaging portion 32h provided on the second portion 32e also moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the engaged state between the engaging portion 32h and the connector engaging portion 11g is released. In this way, when performing the unlocking operation, the guide portion 21g (specifically, the inclined portion 211) restricts the operation direction to the direction of releasing the engagement between the connector engaging portion 11g and the engaging portion 32h (the outer side in the Y-axis direction) by abutting against a part of the locking engaging portion 32 (specifically, the unlocking guide portion 32g).

[0081] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the unlocking operation portions 33, 33 are connected to the locking engaging portions 32, 32 (specifically, the planar portion 32f of the second hanging portion 32b), and are configured to be able to perform the unlocking of the engagement between the connector engaging portion 11g of the socket connector 10 and the locking engaging portion 32 (specifically, the engaging portion 32h) (refer to Figure 5 ). The unlocking operation portions 33, 33 are arranged at the rear in the plug connector 20 in the X-axis direction. More specifically, the unlocking operation portions 33, 33 are arranged behind the locking engaging portions 32, 32 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 10(b), the unlocking operation portion 33 is a plate-like member continuous with the upper end of the planar portion 32f and along the XY plane. The upper surface (main surface) of the unlocking operation portion 33 is arranged substantially flush with the upper surface (main surface) of the main body portion 31.

[0082] Figures 11(a) to 11(d) It is a diagram schematically showing the unlocking sequence of the connector device 1. As Figure 4As shown in Fig. 11(a), in the engaged state of the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20, and in the state where the locking member 30 is mounted on the plug connector 20 and the engaging portion 32h is engaged with the connector engaging portion 11g (refer to Figure 5 ), the release guiding portion 32g of the locking engaging portion 32 abuts against the lower end portion of the inclined portion 211 of the guiding portion 21g. As shown in Fig. 11(b), when the release operation portion 33 is operated upward from the above state, the release guiding portion 32g moves upward and outward in the Y-axis direction along the inclined portion 211. Along with this, the engaging portion 32h of the second portion 32e provided on the first vertical portion 32a also moves outward in the Y-axis direction. Moreover, when the release guiding portion 32g crosses the inclined portion 211 and reaches the flat portion 21k of the guiding portion 21g, the engagement between the engaging portion 32h that has moved outward in the Y-axis direction and the connector engaging portion 11g is released, thereby releasing the locking.

[0083] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 11(c), when the release operation portion 33 is further operated upward, as shown in Fig. 11(d), after the release guiding portion 32g reaches above the bent portion 21j of the guiding portion 21g, the release guiding portion 32g becomes a state where it does not return downward (that is, the engaging portion 32h does not return to the engaging position with the connector engaging portion 11g). In the above state, the locking member 30 is removed.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 10(a) and Fig. 10(b), the rotation shaft 34 extends in the Y-axis direction. As Figure 6 shown, the rotation shaft 34 is arranged in the front part of the plug connector 20. Here, the front part is, for example, a region that is at least more than half in the entire X-axis direction of the plug connector 20. The rotation shaft 34 is connected to the main body portion 31 via connecting portions 35, 35 provided at the front end in the X-axis direction and both end portions in the Y-axis direction of the main body portion 31. The connecting portion 35 is provided so as to bend downward from the main body portion 31 toward the rotation shaft 34. As Figure 6 shown, the rotation shaft 34 is held by being placed on the bearing 21e and clamped by the bearing 21e and the upper wall 21a. Thus, the locking member 30 can be rotatably mounted on the plug connector 20 with the rotation shaft 34 as the center. When the engagement between the engaging portion 32h and the connector engaging portion 11g is released, by the operation of lifting the release operation portion 33, the engagement is released, and the locking member 30 further rotates with the rotation shaft 34 as the center.

[0085] [Function]

[0086] As described above, the connector device 1 includes: a plug connector 20; and a locking member 30 that is attached to the plug connector 20 and configured to maintain the engaged state of the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10. The locking member 30 has: a locking engagement portion 32 configured to be engageable with a connector engagement portion 11g provided on the socket connector 10; and a release operation portion 33 connected to the locking engagement portion 32 and configured to be able to perform an operation to release the engagement between the connector engagement portion 11g and the locking engagement portion 32. The plug connector 20 includes a guide portion 21g that abuts against a part of the locking engagement portion 32 when performing the operation to release the engagement. The guide portion 21g (specifically, the inclined portion 211) restricts the direction of the operation to the direction of releasing the engagement between the connector engagement portion 11g and the locking engagement portion 32 by abutting against a release guide portion 32g of the locking engagement portion 32 when performing the operation to release the engagement.

[0087] In the connector device 1 of the present embodiment, in a state where the locking engagement portion 32 of the locking member 30 is engaged with the connector engagement portion 11g of the socket connector 10, when the release operation portion 33 performs an operation to release the engagement, the inclined portion 211 of the guide portion 21g abuts against the release guide portion 32g of the locking engagement portion 32, restricting the direction of the operation to the direction of releasing the engagement. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation where the engagement is not released due to the direction of the operation, and the locking can be released smoothly.

[0088] The plug connector 20 includes a plurality of conductive terminals 23, a housing 22 that holds the plurality of conductive terminals 23, and a housing 21 that covers the housing 22, and the guide portion 21g is formed on the housing 21. By forming the guide portion 21g on the housing 21, the guide portion 21g can be appropriately used to guide the release guide portion 32g at a position where it is easy to come into contact with the locking member 30.

[0089] The locking member 30 further has a main body portion 31 that is configured to sandwich the plug connector 20 in the engaged state between the main body portion 31 and the socket connector 10 and is connected to the locking engagement portion 32, and the direction in which the locking engagement portion 32 extends and the direction in which the main body portion 31 extends may be orthogonal. By having such a main body portion 31 and the locking engagement portion 32, the locking member 30 can be appropriately used to maintain the engaged state.

[0090] A slit 36 may be formed in a part of the locking engagement portion 32. According to this configuration, for example, it is easy to shake when releasing the engagement, and the locking can be released more smoothly.

[0091] [Second Embodiment]

[0092] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 12 to 14Referring to FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Figure 12 FIG. is a perspective view showing the connector device 1A of the second embodiment. Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The rear view of the connector device 1A of. Figure 14 It is shown Figure 12 The side view of the connector device 1A of. FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) are perspective views showing the locking member 30A included in the connector device 1A of. Figure 12 The perspective view of the locking member 30A included in the connector device 1A of.

[0093] As Figures 12 to 14 shown, the connector device 1A includes a socket connector 10 (mating connector, second connector), and an electrical connector including a plug connector 20A (connector portion, first connector) and a locking member 30A. In the connector device 1A of the second embodiment, the socket connector 10 is the same as the connector device 1 of the first embodiment. Here, the plug connector 20A and the locking member 30A different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0094] The plug connector 20A is substantially the same as the plug connector 20 of the connector device 1 of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the housing 21A, specifically, the configuration of the guiding portion 21Ag provided in the housing 21A is different from that of the plug connector 20. As Figure 12 And Figure 13 shown, the guiding portion 21Ag is provided on the side surface of the end portion in the Y-axis direction of the upper wall 21a. The guiding portion 21Ag has a bending portion 21Aj, a first flat portion 21Ak, an inclined portion 21Al, and a second flat portion 21Am. The bending portion 21Aj is continuous with the side surface of the end portion in the Y-axis direction of the upper wall 21a, and extends while bending outward and downward in the Y-axis direction. The first flat portion 21Ak is continuous with the lower end of the bending portion 21Aj and extends downward. The first flat portion 21Ak has a plane orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. The inclined portion 21Al is continuous with the lower end of the first flat portion 21Ak, and extends downward while inclining inward in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the inclined portion 21Al extends from the lower side upward and outward in the Y-axis direction. When a part of the locking engagement portion 32A at the time of unlocking abuts against such an inclined portion 21Al, the locking engagement portion 32A moves outward in the Y-axis direction as it is pulled upward. The second flat portion 21Am is continuous with the lower end of the inclined portion 21Al and extends downward. The second flat portion 21Am has a plane orthogonal to the Y-axis direction.

[0095] As Figures 12 to 14As shown in FIG. 15(a) and FIG. 15(b), the locking member 30A includes a main body portion 31, locking engaging portions 32A, release operation portions 33, 33, a rotation shaft 34, connecting portions 35, 35, and a connecting portion 37A. The configuration of the locking member 30A other than the locking engaging portions 32A, 32A and the connecting portion 37A is the same as that of the locking member 30, but the configuration of the locking engaging portion 32A is different from that of the locking member 30, and the connecting portion 37A is provided.

[0096] The connecting portion 37A is a member that connects the locking engaging portion 32A and the main body portion 31. The connecting portion 37A extends in a U-shape and is connected to the locking engaging portion 32A and the main body portion 31. The connecting portion 37A has a hanging portion 37Aa and a folding portion 37Ab.

[0097] The hanging portion 37Aa is a portion that extends downward (in the Z-axis direction and in the direction approaching the socket connector 10 in the engaged state) from the outer portion in the Y-axis direction of the main body portion 31 (specifically, the outer end portion 31b). The hanging portion 37Aa has: a first portion 37Ad, which is continuous with the outer end (outer end portion) of the outer end portion 31b and extends downward; a second portion 37Ae, which is continuous with the lower end of the first portion 37Ad and extends downward. The length (width) of the second portion 37Ae in the X-axis direction is approximately half of that of the first portion 37Ad, and it is only continuous with the rear portion in the X-axis direction of the lower end of the first portion 37Ad. In addition, a slit 36A is formed in the middle portion of the second portion 37Ae in the X-axis direction and is divided into two in the X-axis direction. The slit 36A is continuously formed up to the folding portion 37Ab described later.

[0098] The folding portion 37Ab is a portion that bends and extends in a manner of folding back from the lower end of the hanging portion 37Aa (specifically, the lower end of the second portion 37Ae of the hanging portion 37Aa) toward the inner side in the Y-axis direction, and further bends and extends in a manner of folding back upward from the inner end in the Y-axis direction. As described above, in the folding portion 37Ab, a slit 36A is also formed in the middle portion in the X-axis direction. Thus, in a part (the second portion 37Ae and the folding portion 37Ab) of the connecting portion 37A, the slit 36A is formed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 15(b), the locking engaging portion 32A has a first extension portion 32Ac, a second extension portion 32Aj, and a connecting portion 32Ak.

[0100] The first extension portion 32Ac has a flat plate portion 32Ag that is continuous with the upper end in the folding portion 37Ab and extends upward, and a engaging portion 32Ah. The engaging portion 32Ah is provided on the inner surface in the Y-axis direction of the flat plate portion 32Ag and is a protruding portion that protrudes toward the inner side in the Y-axis direction. In the engaged state, the engaging portion 32Ah engages with the connector engaging portion 11g of the socket connector 10.

[0101] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the connecting portion 32Ak is configured to connect the first extension portion 32Ac and the second extension portion 32Aj. The connecting portion 32Ak is connected to the rear end portion in the X-axis direction of the first extension portion 32Ac.

[0102] As Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown, the second extension portion 32Aj is connected to the first extension portion 32Ac via the connecting portion 32Ak and is a plate-like member along the YZ plane. The second extension portion 32Aj has a flat portion 32A1 and a release guide portion 32Am. The flat portion 32A1 is a plate-like member that is continuous with the connecting portion 32Ak and extends in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The upper end of the flat portion 32A1 is continuous with the release operation portion 33.

[0103] The release guide portion 32Am is provided on the surface on the inner side in the Y-axis direction in the flat portion 32A1 and is a protruding portion that protrudes toward the inner side in the Y-axis direction. The release guide portion 32Am is provided, for example, near the central portion in the Z-axis direction in the flat portion 32A1. In a state where the locking member 30A is attached to the plug connector 20A and the engaging portion 32Ah is engaged with the connector engaging portion 11g, the release guide portion 32Am abuts against the second flat portion 21Am of the guide portion 21Ag. In addition, in the above-described engaged state, the release guide portion 32Am may not necessarily abut against the second flat portion 21Am, as long as it moves along the inclined portion 21Al when pulled upward as described later. In the above state, when the release operation portion 33 is pulled upward to release the engagement between the connector engaging portion 11g and the engaging portion 32Ah, the release guide portion 32Am moves upward along the inclined portion 21Al. Here, the inclined portion 21Al extends from the lower side toward the upper side and toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the release guide portion 32Am that moves upward along the inclined portion 21Al moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction as it moves upward. When the release guide portion 32Am moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction, the flat portion 32Ag of the first extension portion 32Ac also moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction via the flat portion 32A1 and the connecting portion 32Ak. Therefore, the engaging portion 32Ah provided on the flat portion 32Ag also moves toward the outer side in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the engaged state between the engaging portion 32Ah and the connector engaging portion 11g is released. In this way, when performing the operation of releasing the engagement, the guide portion 21Ag (specifically, the inclined portion 21Al) restricts the operation direction to the direction of releasing the engagement between the connector engaging portion 11g and the engaging portion 32Ah (the outer side in the Y-axis direction) by abutting against a part of the locking engagement portion 32A (specifically, the release guide portion 32Am).

[0104] In addition, in the operation of releasing the above-described engagement, as Figure 13As shown, it can rock with the center C1 of the U-shaped shaft of the connecting portion 37A (that is, the lower end portion in the folding-back portion 37Ab) as the rotation axis, or it can also rock with the center C2 of the upper shaft (that is, the upper end portion in the vertical portion 37Aa) as the rotation axis by locking the rigidity of the entire engaging portion 32A.

[0105] [Function]

[0106] As described above, in the connector device 1A of the second embodiment, the connecting portion 37A extends in a U shape and is connected to the locking engaging portion 32A and the main body portion 31. With this configuration, by means of the easily rockable U-shaped structure, the locking member 30A can hold the engaged state and the locking member 30A can be smoothly loaded and unloaded.

[0107] In addition, slits 36A can be formed in at least a part of the locking engaging portion 32A and the connecting portion 37A (in this embodiment, the second portion 37Ae and the folding-back portion 37Ab of the connecting portion 37A). With this configuration, for example, it is easy to rock when releasing the engagement, and the locking can be released more smoothly.

[0108] In addition, when performing the operation of releasing the engagement of the locking engaging portion 32A, it can also rock with the center C1 of the U-shaped shaft of the connecting portion 37A (that is, the lower end portion in the folding-back portion 37Ab) as the rotation axis. With this configuration, for example, it is easy to rock when releasing the engagement, and the locking can be released more smoothly.

[0109] [Symbol Explanation]

[0110] 1, 1A Connector device

[0111] 10 Socket connector

[0112] 20, 20A Plug connector

[0113] 21, 21A Housing

[0114] 21g, 21Ag Guide portion

[0115] 22 Outer shell

[0116] 23 Conductive terminal

[0117] 30, 30A Locking member

[0118] 31 Main body portion

[0119] 32, 32A Locking engaging portion

[0120] 33 Release operation portion

[0121] 36, 36A Slit

[0122] 37A connecting part.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: a connector portion configured to be fitted to a mating connector in a first direction and connected to a connecting body extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a locking member mounted on the connector portion and configured to maintain a fitted state in which the connector portion is fitted to the mating connector; the locking member has: at least one locking engaging portion configured to be able to engage with at least one mating connector engaging portion of the mating connector; and at least one release operation portion connected to the locking engaging portion and configured to be able to perform an operation of releasing the engagement between the mating connector engaging portion and the locking engaging portion; the connector portion includes: a guiding portion that abuts against a part of the locking engaging portion when performing the operation of releasing the engagement, thereby realizing the operation of releasing the engagement.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the guiding portion has: an inclined portion that extends outward in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction while extending in a direction from the mating connector toward the connector portion.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein when performing the operation of releasing the engagement, the release operation portion is pulled in a direction from the mating connector toward the connector portion, and the locking engaging portion abuts against the inclined portion and moves outward in the third direction.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein in the fitted state, the locking engaging portion abuts against the inclined portion, when performing the operation of releasing the engagement, the release operation portion is pulled in a direction from the mating connector toward the connector portion, and the locking engaging portion moves outward in the third direction.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the guiding portion further has: a bent portion that extends outward in the third direction while extending in a direction from the connector portion toward the mating connector; and a flat plate portion continuous with one end of the bent portion, extending in a direction from the connector portion toward the mating connector, and continuous with one end of the inclined portion.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein when the direction in which the connecting body extends toward the connector portion is set as the front in the second direction and the direction in which the connecting body is away from the connector portion is set as the rear in the second direction, the locking engaging portion is disposed at a position closer to the rear side of the locking member than the front side of the locking member in the second direction.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein when the direction in which the connecting body extends toward the connector portion is set as the front in the second direction and the direction in which the connecting body is away from the connector portion is set as the rear in the second direction, the locking engaging portion is disposed in front of the release operation portion in the second direction.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein the locking engaging portion has: a protruding engaging portion that protrudes inward in the third direction and engages with the mating connector engaging portion in the fitted state.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein the locking engagement portion has: a release guide portion that protrudes inward in the third direction and abuts against the inclined portion of the guide portion in the mated state.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein the release guide portion moves outward in the third direction along the inclined portion when performing the operation of releasing the engagement; The protruding engagement portion moves outward in the third direction as the release guide portion moves outward in the third direction, and the engagement state between the protruding engagement portion and the mating connector engagement portion is released.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein the guide portion further has: a bent portion that extends outward in the third direction while extending along the direction from the connector portion toward the mating connector; and a flat plate portion that is continuous with one end of the bent portion and extends along the direction from the connector portion toward the mating connector and is continuous with one end of the inclined portion; and After performing the operation of releasing the engagement, the release operation portion is further pulled in the direction from the mating connector toward the connector portion, and when the release guide portion reaches one end of the bent portion, it does not return to the direction from the connector portion toward the mating connector.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector portion includes a plurality of conductive terminals, a housing that holds the plurality of conductive terminals, and a housing that covers the housing; and The guide portion is formed on the housing.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking member further has: a main body portion configured to sandwich the connector portion in the mated state between the main body portion and the mating connector and connected to the locking engagement portion; and The extending direction of the locking engagement portion is orthogonal to the extending direction of the main body portion.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 13, wherein the upper surface of the release operation portion is disposed substantially flush with the upper surface of the main body portion.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 13, wherein the locking engagement portion has a notch.

16. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking member further has: a main body portion configured to sandwich the connector portion in the mated state between the main body portion and the mating connector; and a connecting portion that connects the locking engagement portion and the main body portion; and The extending direction of the locking engagement portion is orthogonal to the extending direction of the main body portion; The connecting portion extends in a U shape and is connected to the locking engagement portion and the main body portion.

17. The electrical connector according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the locking engagement portion and the connecting portion has a notch.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein when performing the operation of releasing the engagement, the locking engagement portion rocks about the center of the U-shaped axis of the connecting portion as a rotation axis.

19. A connector device, comprising: a first connector connected to a connection body extending in a second direction intersecting a first direction; A second connector that is connected to a substrate and is fitted to the first connector in the first direction; and A locking member that is mounted on the first connector and is configured to maintain a fitted state in which the first connector and the second connector are fitted together; The locking member has: At least one locking engagement portion configured to be able to engage with at least one connector engagement portion of the second connector; and At least one release operation portion connected to the locking engagement portion and configured to be able to perform an operation of releasing the engagement between the connector engagement portion of the second connector and the locking engagement portion; The first connector includes: A guide portion that abuts against a part of the locking engagement portion when performing the operation of releasing the engagement, thereby realizing the operation of releasing the engagement.

20. The connector device according to claim 19, wherein the guide portion has an inclined portion that extends outward in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction while extending in a direction from the second connector toward the first connector.

Images