Connector

Abstract

A lock mechanism (120) provided in a connector (100) has a spring section (121), an extension section (122), a lock section (123), an operation section (124), and a pressed load section (125). The pressed load portion (125) is provided on the inner side of the connector (100) in the extension portion (122). Two island parts (107) provided in a housing (101) constituting a connector (100) are each provided with two pressing load parts (107a). When the operation part (124) is located at the release position, the pressed load parts (125) face any corresponding pressing load part (107a), when the operation part (124) is located at the non-release position, the pressed load parts (125) make contact with the corresponding pressing load parts (107a), and when the operation part (124) is located at the release position, the pressed load parts (125) are separated from the corresponding pressing load parts (107a). As a result, it is possible to define the positions of the lock part and the operation part, which are provided in connection with a U-shaped plate-like spring member, which is a constituent member of the lock mechanism, without deviation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a connector is known that engages or disengages an object-side connector by moving it along a third direction (e.g., vertical) orthogonal to an imaginary plane formed by a first direction (e.g., horizontal) and a second direction (e.g., front-back). Such connectors include those with a locking mechanism that maintains the engagement of the object-side connector with the connector.

[0003] For example, patent document 1 below discloses a device having Figure 31 The connector with the locking mechanism shown. That is, in the connector (100) disclosed in Patent Document 1, two of each of the two additional parts (400) provided in the connector (100) are provided with a total of four limiting mechanisms (500). The four limiting mechanisms (500) are each U-shaped plate-shaped spring members, with a protrusion (511) formed as a locking part at the root side of the elastically deformable locking part, and an operating part (550) formed at the front end side of the spring member. The operator moves the protrusion (511) formed at the root side of the spring by operating the operating part (550) formed at the front end side of the spring. That is, the structure is formed such that the connectors are kept in a mating state by engaging with the target connector by the protrusion (511), and the mating state of the connectors is released by separating from the target connector by the protrusion (511). In addition, parentheses are added to the reference numerals related to the description of the prior art documents to distinguish them from the embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181824 Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] However, the limiting mechanism (500) of the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a component formed by stamping a metal plate. Therefore, during stamping, there is a technical problem: it is difficult to control the opening size of the front end of the limiting mechanism (500), which is a U-shaped plate-like spring component, with high precision, and deviations in the opening size of this spring component are unavoidable during manufacturing. The U-shaped plate-like spring component has an operating part (550) for receiving operations from the operator and a protrusion (511) as a locking part; deviations in the opening size of the spring component mean deviations in these positions within the connector. Especially in the connector of Patent Document 1, the positional deviation of the operating part (550) on the front end of the spring component is large.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connector having a mechanism comprising a U-shaped plate-shaped spring member and an operating part and a locking part connected thereto, which can eliminate the deviation of the opening size of the U-shaped plate-shaped spring member, so that the operating part or the locking part has no positional deviation.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] The connector of the present invention engages or disengages a target-side connector by moving the target-side connector along a third direction orthogonal to an imaginary plane formed by mutually orthogonal first and second directions. The connector is characterized by comprising a housing, a plurality of terminals, and two additional components. The housing includes a terminal holding portion and two island portions. The plurality of terminals are held in the terminal holding portion and arranged in the housing along the first direction. The two additional components are held in the housing and respectively located at both ends of the housing along the first direction. Each of the two additional components has two locking mechanisms that are mutually opposed to each other in the second direction. Each component comprises a spring portion, an extension portion, a locking portion, an operating portion, and a pressable load portion. The spring portion is a U-shaped, plate-like elastic member that is closed on one side (outer or inner) of the connector in the first direction and open on the other side (outer or inner). The outer end of the connector in the second direction of the U-shape is formed as a fixed end, and the inner end of the connector in the second direction of the U-shape is formed as a free end. The extension portion is formed by extending continuously in the first direction from the free end of the inner end of the connector in the second direction of the U-shaped spring portion, thereby enabling the use of the spring portion... The elastic force displaces in the second direction. The locking portion is formed inside the connector in the second direction of the extension and has a locking surface facing one of the third directions. The operating portion is formed in the first direction of the extension at a position further outward than the locking portion of the connector and inside the connector in the second direction of the extension. Additionally, the operating portion can move between a non-release position and a release position. The release position is the position further outward of the connector in the second direction than the non-release position when receiving a pressing operation towards the outside of the connector in the second direction. The pressed load portion is... The position between the locking part and the operating part in the first direction of the extension is located inside the connector in the second direction of the extension. The two islands each have a total of two pressing load parts facing away from each other towards the outside of the connector in the second direction. The pressed load parts are respectively opposite to any one of the corresponding pressing load parts in the second direction. When the operating part is in the non-release position, the pressed load parts are in contact with the corresponding pressing load parts and receive pressing loads towards the outside of the connector in the second direction. When the operating part is in the release position, the pressed load parts are separated from the corresponding pressing load parts.

[0012] That is, in the connector of the present invention, a pressing load portion is provided in the housing, and a pressed load portion is provided in the extension portion of the spring portion, which is a U-shaped plate-like elastic member, where a locking portion and an operating portion are continuously provided. When the locking is not released (i.e., when the operating portion is in the non-released position), the pressing load portion always contacts and presses the pressed load portion to apply a preload. Therefore, the opening of the spring when the operating portion is in the non-released position is not determined based on the natural state of the component, but is determined by the pressing load portion, and the position of the locking portion or the operating portion is always defined in a predetermined position by the pressing load portion provided in the housing.

[0013] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, a connector can be provided that eliminates the manufacturing deviation of the opening size of the U-shaped plate-shaped spring component (the spring portion and the extension portion as elastic components) of the locking mechanism responsible for maintaining and releasing the engagement state of the connectors, and defines the position of the locking portion or operating portion provided connected to the spring component without deviation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view showing the connector and the object-side connector of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 Top view of the connector and the object-side connector.

[0017] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A bottom view of the connector and the object-side connector.

[0018] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 The front view of the connector and the object-side connector.

[0019] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 The right-side view of the connector and the object-side connector.

[0020] Figure 6 It is represented along line 6-6. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the connector on the object side and the connector on the object side.

[0021] Figure 7 It is represented along line 7-7. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connector on the object side and the connector on the object side.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view showing the state where the target-side connector is pulled out from the connector of this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a lower perspective view showing the object-side connector of this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a lower perspective view showing the state of the object-side connector of this embodiment being disassembled.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a top perspective view of the connector according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a top perspective view showing the connector of this embodiment disassembled.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a top perspective view showing the additional components that constitute the connector in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a lower perspective view showing the additional components that constitute the connector in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a top view showing the additional components that constitute the connector in this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a bottom view showing the additional components that constitute the connector in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 17 This is a front view showing the additional components that constitute the connector in this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 18 It is represented along the 18-18 line. Figure 17 A sectional view of the additional components.

[0033] Figure 19 This is a right-side view showing the additional components that constitute the connector in this embodiment.

[0034] Figure 20 This is a left-side view showing the additional components that constitute the connector in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 21 This is a front view showing the connector of this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 22 It is represented along line 22-22. Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of the connector.

[0037] Figure 23 It means Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of a modified example of the connector of this embodiment is shown. Furthermore, in Figure 23 The middle part indicates the locking mechanism of the additional component located on the left side of the connector.

[0038] Figure 24 This is a lower perspective view showing the locking release clamp of this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 25 This is a front view illustrating the method of using the locking release clamp of this embodiment, showing the state of the connector assembly before the locking is released. In the figure, the first circuit board and the second circuit board are indicated by dashed lines.

[0040] Figure 26 This is a front view illustrating the method of using the locking release clamp of this embodiment, showing the state of the connector assembly when the lock is released. In the figure, the first circuit board and the second circuit board are indicated by dashed lines.

[0041] Figure 27 This is a right-side view used to illustrate the method of using the locking release fixture of this embodiment, showing the state of the connector assembly when the lock is released.

[0042] Figure 28 It is represented along the 28-28 line. Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of the connector, the object-side connector, and the locking release clamp.

[0043] Figure 29 It is represented along line 29-29. Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of the connector, the object-side connector, and the locking release clamp.

[0044] Figure 30 This is a diagram used to illustrate the relationship between the locking release clamp, the connector, and the object-side connector in this embodiment, showing a perspective view of the connector and the object-side connector from above.

[0045] Figure 31 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the schematic structure of the connector of Patent Document 1. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The preferred embodiments for implementing the present invention will now be described using the accompanying drawings. In this invention, a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction are defined. For ease of explanation, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined in the drawings. In this specification, the first direction is the left-right direction. In the drawings, the left-right direction is represented by the X direction. Specifically, the right is designated as the +X direction and the left as the -X direction. Furthermore, in this specification, the second direction is the front-back direction. In the drawings, the front-back direction is represented by the Y direction. Specifically, the front is designated as the +Y direction and the rear as the -Y direction. Further, in this specification, the third direction is the up-down direction. In the drawings, the up-down direction is represented by the Z direction. Specifically, the top is designated as the +Z direction and the bottom as the -Z direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the following embodiments do not limit the invention of each claim, and the combinations of features described in each embodiment are not all necessary for the solution of the invention.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the connector 100 and the object-side connector 500 together constitute the connector assembly 10. In this embodiment, the object-side connector 500 is configured as a plug connector, and the connector 100 is configured as a socket connector.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the connector assembly 10 moves the object-side connector 500 along a third direction (Z: up and down direction) orthogonal to the imaginary plane, thereby engaging or disengaging the object-side connector 500 from the connector 100. The imaginary plane is formed by a first direction (X: left and right direction) and a second direction (Y: front and back direction) that are orthogonal to each other.

[0050] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the object-side connector 500 of this embodiment includes: an object-side housing 501, a plurality of object-side terminals 505, and two object-side additional components 510.

[0051] The object-side housing 501 is a component that functions as an insulator, i.e., an insulator, and is, for example, formed of a resin material. In addition, the object-side housing 501 has an object-side terminal holding portion 503, and a plurality of object-side terminals 505 are provided relative to the object-side terminal holding portion 503.

[0052] The plurality of object-side terminals 505 are made of conductive metal material, for example, a component formed by stamping a metal sheet. In this embodiment, the plurality of object-side terminals 505 are held in the object-side terminal holding portion 503 of the object-side housing 501 and arranged in a direction along the left-right direction, which is a first direction. The object-side housing 501 and the plurality of object-side terminals 505 can be integrally formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0053] The two object-side attachments 510 are components held in the object-side housing 501 and located at both ends of the object-side housing 501 in the left-right direction, which is the first direction. In this embodiment, the two object-side attachments 510 are installed in the housing 501 by being inserted from below to above (in the +Z direction) relative to both ends of the housing 501, which has a plurality of object-side terminals 505 integrally formed by injection molding or the like. The object-side attachments 510 are formed of, for example, a metal material.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two object-side additional components 510 each have locking holes 511 on their front and rear surfaces. That is, the object-side connector 500 of this embodiment has a total of four locking holes 511, one on each of the front and rear surfaces at its left and right ends. These four locking holes 511 are engaged with the locking portion 123 of the locking mechanism 120 provided by the connector 100 (described later) to achieve a locked state, thereby maintaining the mating state of the object-side connector 500 relative to the connector 100.

[0055] On the other hand, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the connector 100 of this embodiment includes: a housing 101, a plurality of terminals 105, and two additional components 110.

[0056] The housing 101 is a component that functions as an insulator, i.e., an insulator, and is formed, for example, from a resin material. The housing 101 also includes a terminal holding portion 103 and two island portions 107. Furthermore, a plurality of terminals 105 are provided relative to the terminal holding portion 103. On the other hand, the two island portions 107 are formed at positions corresponding to the two additional components 110 described later.

[0057] The multiple terminals 105 are made of conductive metal material, for example, a component formed by stamping a metal plate. In this embodiment, the multiple terminals 105 are held in the terminal holding portion 103 of the housing 101 and arranged in a left-right direction, which is a first direction. The housing 101 and the multiple terminals 105 can be integrally formed, for example, by injection molding. In this case, the terminal holding portion 103 is formed simultaneously with the injection molding and is in a state where it cannot be separated from the multiple terminals 105. However, in this embodiment, the housing 101 can also be a housing 101 made of resin material in advance, and the multiple terminals 105 can be formed by embedding them into the pre-formed terminal holding portion 103.

[0058] The two additional components 110 are held in the housing 101 and are located at both ends of the object-side housing 101 in the left-right direction, which is the first direction. In this embodiment, the two additional components 110 are respectively inserted into the housing 101 from top to bottom (in the -Z direction) relative to both ends of the housing 101, which has a plurality of terminals 105 integrally formed by injection molding or the like. The positions of the two additional components 110 overlap with the positions of the two island portions 107 in the left-right direction (X direction). More specifically, in this embodiment, the position range of the island portion 107 in the left-right direction (X direction) is included in the position range of the corresponding additional component 110. In addition, in this embodiment, each additional component 110 has a concave shape that can cover the corresponding island portion 107 protruding upward (in the +Z direction) from top to bottom (in the -Z direction). That is, the two additional components 110 are respectively inserted into the corresponding portions of the island portion 107 at both ends of the housing 101 and are thus installed in the housing 101. The additional components 110 are formed of, for example, a metallic material.

[0059] Furthermore, each of the two additional components 110 in this embodiment is equipped with a locking mechanism 120, which achieves a locked state by engaging with the four locking holes 511 of the object-side connector 500. Two locking mechanisms 120 are provided for each of the two additional components 110. That is, the connector 100 has two locking mechanisms 120 at each of its left and right ends, for a total of four locking mechanisms 120.

[0060] Secondly, refer to Figures 13-22 This describes the detailed structure of the additional component 110 of the connector 100, which includes the locking mechanism 120. Furthermore, in Figures 13-20 In the middle, it indicates the additional component 110 located on the right side of the connector 100.

[0061] like Figure 16 As shown, the additional component 110 of this embodiment includes two locking mechanisms 120 that are positioned opposite each other in the second direction, i.e., the front-rear direction. In addition, each of the two locking mechanisms 120 includes a spring portion 121, an extension portion 122, a locking portion 123, an operating portion 124, and a pressed load portion 125.

[0062] In this example, the spring portion 121 is a plate-shaped elastic member that is U-shaped when viewed in the third direction, i.e., the vertical direction. The U-shape is closed on the outside of the connector 100 in the first direction, i.e., the horizontal direction, and open on the inside. The outer end of the connector 100 in the second direction, i.e., the front-back direction, of the U-shape of the spring portion 121 is connected and fixed to a part other than the locking mechanism 120 in the additional member 110 (the bent portion 112 described later in this example) to form a fixed end, while the inner end of the connector 100 in the second direction, i.e., the front-back direction, of the U-shape is formed as a free end.

[0063] The extension 122 is a component that is continuous with the inner end of the connector 100 in the second direction, i.e., the front-back direction, which is formed as a free end in the U-shaped spring portion 121. The extension 122 is formed by extending in the first direction, i.e., the left-right direction, so that it can be displaced in the second direction, i.e., the front-back direction, by the elastic force of the spring portion 121.

[0064] A locking part 123 is formed inside the connector 100 in the second direction, i.e., the front-to-back direction, of the extension part 122. For example... Figure 7 As shown in the cross-sectional shape, the locking part 123 has an inclined surface 123a on the upper side and a locking surface 123b on the lower side. The locking surface 123b is a plane facing downward in one of the three directions, namely the vertical direction. Therefore, when the connector 100 is inserted into the object-side connector 500, when the object-side connector 500 is moved downward in the -Z direction relative to the connector 100, the surface of the object-side attachment member 510 of the object-side connector 500 slides on the inclined surface 123a of the locking part 123 while pressing the locking part 123 inward. The extension part 122 moves outward in the second direction of the connector 100, namely the front-rear direction, and then moves inward in the second direction of the connector 100, namely the front-rear direction. Thus, the locking part 123 is inserted into the locking hole 511 of the object-side attachment member 510, thereby achieving a smooth engagement state based on the inclined surface 123a of the locking part 123. Furthermore, once the locking part 123 is inserted into the locking hole 511 of the target-side auxiliary component 510, the locking surface 123b below the locking part 123 faces the inner surface of the locking hole 155 of the target-side auxiliary component 510. Even when the target-side connector 500 moves in the direction (+Z direction) from which the target-side connector 500 is pulled out of the connector 100 while the target-side connector 500 is engaged with the connector 100, the upward movement of the target-side connector 500 in the third direction, i.e., the vertical direction, is restricted by the locking surface 123b abutting against the inner surface of the locking hole 511. In other words, the locking surface 123b facing the locking part 123 in one of the third directions, i.e., the vertical direction, i.e., the downward direction, restricts the movement of the target-side connector 500 in the third direction, i.e., the vertical direction, thus preventing it from being pulled out of the connector 100.

[0065] like Figure 16 As shown, the operating part 124 is formed between the spring part 121 and the locking part 123 in the first direction (left-right direction) of the extension 122 and inside the connector 100 in the second direction (front-back direction) of the extension 122. Furthermore, the operating part 124 is configured to move between a non-released position and a release position. The non-released position is the position when no pressing operation is received, and the release position is the position when a pressing operation is received towards the outside of the connector 100 in the second direction (front-back direction), and is a position further outward of the connector 100 in the second direction (front-back direction) than the non-released position. Regarding these non-released and release positions of the operating part 124, as follows... Figure 7 As shown, the state in which the locking part 123 is embedded in the locking hole 511 of the object-side attachment 510 is the non-release position, and the state in which the locking part 123 moves from the locking hole 511 of the object-side attachment 510 to the left and right sides of the connector 100 and disengages from the locking hole 511 to release the engagement state is the release position.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the operating part 124 is formed with a sliding ramp 124a at the top. The operating part 124 is pressed by pushing it outward in the second direction, i.e., the front-back direction, by the locking release clamp 700 described later. This pressing operation is an operation in which the pressing foot 701 of the locking release clamp 700 presses down in the -Z direction relative to the sliding ramp 124a of the operating part 124 from the top position. In this pressing operation, since the pressing foot 701 applies pressing force while sliding on the surface of the sliding ramp 124a of the operating part 124, the sliding ramp 124a of the operating part 124 makes it extremely difficult to cause an operational error by mistakenly pressing the operating part 124 down due to the pressing foot 701. The pressing foot 701 allows the operating part 124 to move smoothly from the non-released position to the released position.

[0067] Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 120 of this embodiment, since the operating part 124 is arranged on the root side of the locking mechanism 120 related to elastic deformation, which is close to the U-shaped spring part 121 of the locking mechanism 120 that functions as an elastic member, i.e., the extension part 122 is displaced, and the locking part 123 is arranged at the front end, when the operating part 124 is pressed and moves from the non-released position to the released position, the locking part 123, which moves in conjunction with the operating part 124, moves by a larger amount than the operating part 124. In other words, the locking mechanism 120 of this embodiment can ensure the necessary displacement of the locking part 123, and compared with the prior art, the displacement of the operating part 124 can be set to be smaller. Therefore, compared with the prior art, when the connector 100 is viewed in a third direction (vertical direction), the amount of protrusion of the operating part 124 in the direction of movement opposite to the released position in the non-released position can be set to be smaller. An example of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 15 In this paper, the size by which the operating part 124 protrudes from the top plate 111 in the second direction (front-back direction), i.e., the size by which the operating part 124 protrudes from the top plate 111 in preparation for receiving a pressing operation, is set to be smaller than that of the prior art.

[0068] In addition, such as Figures 13-20 The additional component 110 shown in this embodiment also includes a top plate 111 and a bending portion 112.

[0069] The top plate 111 is a component that, when viewed downwards in a third direction (i.e., the vertical direction), is formed at a position that at least partially covers the spring portion 121 and the extension portion 122, and is formed by an extension parallel to an imaginary plane formed in a first direction (i.e., the left-right direction) and a second direction (i.e., the front-back direction).

[0070] The bending portion 112 is a component that is formed in a bent shape that connects the outer end of the connector 100 in the second direction, i.e. the front-to-back direction, of the U-shape constituting the spring portion 121 to the top plate 111.

[0071] That is, the locking mechanism 120 is formed by connecting the outer end of the U-shaped spring portion 121 in the front-back direction to the lower end of the bent portion 112.

[0072] Furthermore, the additional component 110 in this embodiment includes a clamping member 113. For example... Figure 14 , Figure 17 , Figure 20As shown, the clamping member 113 is formed continuously with the end 111a of the top plate 111, which is formed inside the connector 100 in the first direction (left-right direction), and extends from this end 111a in the downward direction (-Z direction). In this clamping member 113, at the end opposite to the connection portion connected to the end 111a, that is, at the lower end, a welding portion 113a is provided, for example... Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, when the lower surface of the connector 100 is placed on the second circuit board 151, the solder portion 113a can be soldered to the second circuit board 151. By soldering the solder portion 113a of the clamping member 113 to the second circuit board 151, the mounting of the additional member 110, which has an upward external force applied when the connector 500 on the target side is pulled out, to the second circuit board 151 becomes more secure.

[0073] Furthermore, the additional component 110 in this embodiment includes a limiting portion 114. In this example, the limiting portion 114 is as follows: Figures 13-15 , Figure 18 , Figure 20 As shown, the portion extending from the top plate 111 to the vicinity of the extension 122 is formed and has a limiting surface 114a facing downward in the vertical direction (third direction). That is, the limiting surface 114a is fixed relative to the top plate 111 and faces downward. On the other hand, regarding the extension 122, the surface of the portion on the extension 122 that faces the limiting surface 114a is formed as the restricted surface 122a. Moreover, when the operating unit 124 is in the non-released position and no upward external force is applied to the locking mechanism 120 including the extension 122, the limiting surface 114a and the restricted surface 122a face each other with a gap. When the locking part 123 is inserted into the locking hole 511 of the target connector 500, and an upward external force is applied to the extension 122 on which the locking part 123 is formed, the restricted surface 122a abuts against the limiting surface 114a. Thus, when the restricted surface 122a has abutted against the restricted surface 114a, the restrictive part 114 strongly restricts the irregular upward movement of the extension part 122. That is, the restrictive part 114 is formed to allow the locking mechanism 120 to function more reliably. By providing the restrictive part 114 in the additional component 110 of this embodiment, damage to the locking mechanism 120 due to unreasonable operation can be appropriately prevented.

[0074] Furthermore, the locking portion 123 formed on the extension 122 and the restricted surface 122a are preferably arranged in such a way that they at least partially overlap in the X direction (left-right direction), i.e., the first direction, on the extension 122 (see reference). Figure 13(etc.). The locking part 123, which is subjected to an upward force, and the restricted surface 122a, which is subjected to a downward force and abuts against the restricting surface 114a, are positioned to overlap in the extension direction of the extension part 122, i.e., the X direction (first direction). This arrangement can prevent the generation of torque or bending stress in the extension part 122, make the function of the restricting part 114 effective, and properly prevent damage to the locking mechanism 120 and other adverse conditions.

[0075] And, as Figure 16 and a cross-sectional view of the connector 100 viewed from below along the vertical direction. Figure 22 As shown, the pressed load portion 125 of the locking mechanism 120 in this embodiment is located between the locking portion 123 and the operating portion 124 in the first direction (left-right direction) of the extension portion 122, and is formed inside the connector 100 in the second direction (front-back direction) of the extension portion 122. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 and Figure 22 As shown, the connector 100 of this embodiment has two locking mechanisms 120 on each of the two additional components 110, totaling four. On the other hand, the two island portions 107 of the housing 101 each have two pressing load portions 107a that face away from each other towards the outer side of the connector 100 in the second direction, i.e., the front-rear direction. That is, for comparison... Figure 12 and Figure 22 As can be seen, in the connector 100 of this embodiment, the locking mechanism 120 has a total of four pressed load parts 125, which are respectively arranged opposite to any one of the corresponding pressed load parts 107a in the second direction, that is, the front-back direction.

[0076] Furthermore, when the operating part 124 is in the non-released position, the pressed load part 125 contacts the corresponding pressed load part 107a, and receives the pressed load towards the outside of the connector 100 in the second direction, i.e., the front-rear direction (see reference). Figure 22 (state).

[0077] Here, the opening size of the front end of the U-shaped spring member, which includes the spring portion 121 and the extension portion 122, in its natural state deviates due to the difficulty in controlling the stamping process during the manufacture of the additional component 110. In other words, the position of the front end of the extension portion 122, which functions as a free end, in the second direction (i.e., the front-rear direction) away from the spring portion 121, deviates in the natural state when the extension portion 122 is not subjected to external force. However, in the present invention, as described above, even when the operating portion 124 is in the non-released position, the spring member is not in its natural state; rather, the pressed load portion 125 of the extension portion 122 is in contact with the pressed load portion 107a, receiving a pressed load as an external force. In other words, even when the operating portion 124 is in the non-released position, the position of the extension portion 122 in the second direction (i.e., the front-rear direction) is still determined by the pressed load portion 107a provided in the housing 101.

[0078] That is, in the connector 100 of this embodiment, by providing a pressing load portion 107a in the housing 101, a preload is always applied by pressing the extension portion 122, which is elastically supported by the spring portion 121, when the lock release operation is not performed (i.e., when the operation portion 124 is in the non-release position). Therefore, when the lock release operation is not performed (i.e., when the operation portion 124 is in the non-release position), the positions of the locking portion 123 and the operation portion 124 are always defined at predetermined positions by the pressing load portion 107a provided in the housing 101. Therefore, the influence of the deviation in the opening size of the spring member (a U-shaped elastic member consisting of the spring portion 121 and the extension portion 122) that is unavoidable in the manufacturing of the additional component 110 can be eliminated.

[0079] On the other hand, when the operating part 124 is in the released position, that is, when the operating part 124 is operated and the locking part 123 is released from the locking hole part 511, the two pressed load parts 125 that are in contact with the two pressed load parts 107a of the island part 107 move to the outside of the connector 100 in the second direction, that is, the front-back direction, and separate from the corresponding pressed load parts 107a.

[0080] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the connector 100 can absorb the manufacturing dimensional deviation of the opening size of the U-shaped plate-shaped spring member (elastic member) of the locking mechanism 120, which is responsible for maintaining and releasing the mating state of the connector 100 and the target-side connector 500. In particular, it can realize the position of the locking part 123 in the locked state is determined without deviation. Therefore, it is possible to provide a connector 100 that can stably realize the locked state of the mating state of the connector 100 and the target-side connector 500.

[0081] The above describes the detailed structure of the two additional components 110 of connector 100, each having two locking mechanisms totaling four. Next, the operation of the object-side connector 500 when it is engaged or disengaged from connector 100 will be described.

[0082] When the connector 500 is mated relative to the connector 100 on the mating object side, such as Figure 8 As shown, by moving the object-side connector 500 downwards (i.e., in the -Z direction), the object-side connector 500 is inserted into the connector 100. At this time, the object-side connector 500 is pressed into the connector 100 while its surface slides against the inclined surface 123a of the locking portion 123 due to the surface of the object-side attachment 510. Therefore, the extension portion 122 temporarily displaces outwards in the second direction (front-rear direction) of the connector 100. Then, the extension portion 122 displaces inwards in the second direction (front-rear direction) of the connector 100, thereby inserting the locking portion 123 into the locking hole portion 511 of the attachment 510. Through this action, the following is achieved: Figure 7 The locking hole 511 shown engages with the locking part 123 to achieve a locked state in which the object-side connector 500 and connector 100 are engaged.

[0083] When releasing the locking state between the object-side connector 500 and connector 100, use the locking release clamp 700. Figure 24 This refers to the locking release clamp 700 of this embodiment. That is, the four operating parts 124 of the two additional components 110 of the connector 100, each having two locking mechanisms 120, totaling four operating parts 124, can be operated simultaneously by the locking release clamp 700.

[0084] The locking release clamp 700 is a component that, when used in the connector assembly 10 in a position where the connector 100 and the target-side connector 500 are mutually engaged, such as... Figure 24 As shown, the vertically elongated cubic component has two downwardly protruding pressing feet 701 at its lower left and right ends in the vertical direction (Z direction). Each pressing foot 701 has a total of two pressing operation surfaces 701a facing outwards in the front-back direction (Y direction). That is, the lock release clamp 700 has a total of four pressing operation surfaces 701a. The lock release clamp 700 is designed to release components from... Figure 25 The state shown becomes as follows Figure 26 The connector assembly 10, in the state shown, is used by moving downwards (i.e., in the -Z direction) from its position above the connector 500, which is already engaged with the connector 100. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in the state where the connector 100 and the target connector 500 are engaged, the additional components 110, with their two locking mechanisms 120 positioned opposite each other in the front-rear direction, form an upwardly open space. The two pressing feet 701 of the locking release clamp 700 are simultaneously inserted from above into two upwardly open spaces on either side of the engaged connector assembly 10 in the left-right direction. At this time, the protrusion of the operating part 124 into each of these spaces, specifically the size of the operating part 124 exposed from the top plate 111 towards the inside in the Y direction (front-rear direction) when viewed from above along the Z direction, is significantly smaller than in the prior art (see reference). Figure 15 ). Relative to the connector assembly 10, such as Figure 26 As shown, when the locking release clamp 700 is pressed downwards (in the -Z direction), the two pressing feet 701 of the locking release clamp 700, each with two pressing operation surfaces 701a (totaling four in total), press the locking mechanism 120 of the connector 100, each with one operation part 124 (totaling four in total), in a way that pushes them outwards in their respective second direction (front-rear direction), causing them to move from the non-released position to the released position. Consequently, the extension 122 moves outwards in the second direction (front-rear direction) using the U-shaped spring part 121 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the locking part 123, located further away from this fulcrum along the extension 122 than the operation parts 124, moves in the same direction as the operation parts 124 but by a greater amount than the movement of the operation parts 124 from the non-released position to the released position. In the initial state of this operation, i.e., when the connector assembly 10 is awaiting insertion of the locking release clamp 700, the size of the operating part 124 protruding from the top plate 111 is small, as described above. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for the operating part 124 or the extension part 122 to be mistakenly pressed down by the pressing foot 701. Furthermore, as... Figure 13 and Figure 15As shown, the exposed portion of the operation part 124, which protrudes from the top plate 111 in a small size, is formed as a sliding ramp 124a. Therefore, if the pressing foot 701 of the locking release clamp 700 presses down in the downward direction (-Z direction) relative to the sliding ramp 124a, the pressing foot 701 pushes the operation part 124 outward in the second direction (front-back direction) while sliding on the surface of the sliding ramp 124a. Therefore, the pressing foot 701 can smoothly move the operation part 124 from the non-released position to the released position. In addition, in this embodiment, when the locking part 123 and the operating part 124 are in a state where no locking release operation is performed (that is, when the operating part 124 is in the non-release position), the positions of the locking part 123 and the operating part 124 are always defined at a predetermined position by the pressing load part 107a provided on the housing 101. Therefore, the sliding ramp 124a is always exposed from the top plate 111 by the same amount of protrusion, so that the pressing operation received from the pressing foot part 701 of the locking release clamp 700 can always be stably received. Furthermore, since the amount of operation (movement amount) required to move the operating part 124 to the non-release position is small, the locking release operation is improved and made easier compared to the prior art. By moving the locking part 123 as described above, the engagement of the locking part 123 embedded in the locking hole part 511 of the object-side additional member 510 is released, that is, the locking surface 123b will not contact or oppose the inner surface of the locking hole part 511 in the vertical direction, so that the upper part of the locking part 123 is opened and can move upward. The engagement between the locking hole 511 and the locking part 123 has been released, i.e. Figure 26 In the state shown, the operator can pull the object-side connector 500 upwards in the +Z direction to remove the object-side connector 500 from the connector 100.

[0085] Here, in the stage before the pressing operation surface 701a of the locking release clamp 700 presses the operation part 124, that is, in the state of waiting for the insertion of the locking release clamp 700, the pressed load part 125 contacts the pressing load part 107a and receives the pressing load. As a result, the position of the operation part 124 is always defined at a predetermined position. Therefore, the locking release operation of the locking mechanism 120 based on the locking release clamp 700 can always be executed stably.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figures 27-30As shown, when the operating part 124 is pressed by the locking release clamp 700, causing the operating part 124 to move from the released position to the released position, the connector 100 and the locking release clamp 700 in this embodiment are configured to form three contact surfaces α, β, and γ between each other. Thus, by providing multiple contact surfaces α, β, and γ of the connector 100 and the locking release clamp 700 that receive downward pressure in the -Z direction from the locking release clamp 700, the posture of the locking release clamp 700 in contact with the connector 100 can be stabilized, thereby appropriately preventing adverse conditions such as jamming of the locking release clamp 700.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, a connector-side operation-feeling portion 115, formed as a protrusion, can be provided relative to the additional component 110, and a clamp-side operation-feeling portion 705, formed as a corresponding recess (a through hole in this example), can be provided relative to the locking release clamp 700. Furthermore, as... Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the connector-side operation sensation imparting part 115 and the clamp-side operation sensation imparting part 705 of the locking release clamp 700 are preferably formed with a size and shape having clearance when they are engaged with each other. By adopting this structure, when the operation part 124 is operated by the locking release clamp 700 to move from the released position to the released position, the operator operating the locking release clamp 700 can be given an operation sensation (click sensation) when the connector-side operation sensation imparting part 115 and the clamp-side operation sensation imparting part 705 are engaged.

[0088] Furthermore, regarding the locking release clamp 700 of this embodiment, as follows: Figure 26 As shown, the preferred profile shape is one that does not protrude from the outline of the connector assembly 10 when viewed in a third direction, i.e., the vertical direction, when used on the connector assembly 10. By setting the profile shape of the locking release clamp 700 to a size that does not protrude from the outline of the connector assembly 10, interference with other parts disposed on the substrate can be avoided, thus contributing to improved operability.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, such as Figure 22 As shown, the spring portion 121 is located on the outer side of each locking mechanism 120 in the first direction (left-right direction), and is U-shaped when viewed in the third direction (up-down direction). This U-shape is closed on the outer side and open on the inner side of the connector 100 in the first direction (left-right direction). However, the invention is not limited to this, and other methods may also be used... Figure 23 The variant shown (in addition, in Figure 23In the diagram, a locking mechanism 120 (located on the left side of the connector 100) is used to reverse the direction of the spring portion 121 in the first direction (left-right direction) and position it inside the locking mechanism 120 in the first direction (left-right direction). That is, in this modified example, when the spring portion 121 is viewed from the third direction (up-down direction), it is U-shaped. This U-shape is closed inside the connector 100 in the first direction (left-right direction) and open outside. However, in the extension 122, an operating portion 124 is arranged on the outside of the first direction (left-right direction), a locking portion 123 is arranged on the inside, and a pressed load portion 125 is arranged between the operating portion 124 and the locking portion 123. These points are similar to... Figure 22 The implementation method is the same as that shown. In this variation, such as... Figure 23 As shown, the operating part 124 is located at the front end of the open side of the U-shaped spring member, thus ensuring a high degree of stability in defining the position of the operating part 124. Therefore, in this modified example, the locking release clamp 700 can consistently and stably perform the locking release action on the locking mechanism 120.

[0090] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above; however, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments.

[0091] For example, regarding the connector assembly 10 composed of the object-side connector 500 and the connector 100 in the above-described embodiment, such as... Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, this is particularly effective when used as a substrate connector that electrically connects a first circuit board 551 on which the object-side connector 500 is mounted to a second circuit board 151 on which the connector 100 is mounted.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the structure is such that the object-side connector 500 is configured as a plug connector, the connector 100 is configured as a receptacle connector, and a locking mechanism 120 is provided for the connector 100. However, within the scope where the locking mechanism of the present invention can achieve the same effect as in the above-described embodiment, the connector can be either a plug connector or a receptacle connector. Additionally, in the present invention, the object-side connector and the connector can include any form of connector.

[0093] Such modifications or improvements are also included within the scope of this invention, as can be seen from the claims.

[0094] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0095] 10: Connector assembly; 100: Connector; 101: Housing; 103: Terminal holding part; 105: Multiple terminals; 107: Island part; 107a: Pressing load part; 110: Additional part; 111: Top plate; 111a: End; 112: Bending part; 113: Clamping part; 113a: Welding part; 114: Restricting part; 114a: Restricting surface; 115: Connector side operation feel imparting part (protrusion); 120: Locking mechanism; 121: Spring part; 122: Extension part; 122a: Restricted surface; 123: Locking part; 123a: Inclined surface; 123b 124: Locking surface; 124a: Operating part; 125: Sliding inclined surface; 126: Pressed load part; 151: Second circuit board (board); 500: Object-side connector; 501: Object-side housing; 503: Object-side terminal holding part; 505: Multiple object-side terminals; 510: Object-side additional part; 511: Locking hole part; 551: First circuit board (board); 700: Lock release clamp; 701: Pressing foot part; 701a: Pressing operating surface; 705: Clamp-side operating sensation imparting part (recess); α, β, γ: (Contact surfaces that contact the lock release clamp)

Claims

1. A connector that engages or disengages an object-side connector by moving the object-side connector along a third direction orthogonal to an imaginary plane formed by mutually orthogonal first and second directions, characterized in that... The connector includes a housing, multiple terminals, and two additional components. The housing has a terminal holding portion and two island portions. The plurality of terminals are held in the terminal holding portion and arranged in the first direction within the housing. The two additional components are held in the housing and are located at both ends of the housing in the first direction, respectively. The two additional components each have two locking mechanisms that are positioned opposite each other in the second direction. The two locking mechanisms each include a spring, an extension, a locking, an operating part, and a pressed load part. The spring portion is a U-shaped, plate-like elastic member that is closed on one side (outer or inner side) of the connector in the first direction and open on the other side (outer or inner side). The outer end of the connector in the second direction of the U-shape is formed as a fixed end, and the inner end of the connector in the second direction of the U-shape is formed as a free end. The extension portion is formed by extending continuously in the first direction from the end of the connector inside the U-shaped spring portion, which is a free end, thereby enabling displacement in the second direction using the elastic force of the spring portion. The locking portion is formed inside the connector in the second direction of the extension portion, and has a locking surface facing one of the third directions. The operating portion is formed on the extension portion in the first direction at a position further outward than the locking portion of the connector, and on the extension portion in the second direction inside the connector. The operating part can move between a non-released position and a release position, which is the position located further outward of the connector in the second direction than the non-released position when receiving a pressing operation towards the outside of the connector in the second direction. The position of the pressed load portion between the locking portion and the operating portion in the first direction of the extension portion is provided inside the connector in the second direction of the extension portion. The two island sections each have a total of two pressing load portions facing away from each other on the outer side of the connector in the second direction. The pressed load portion is respectively opposite to any one of the corresponding pressed load portions in the second direction. When the operating part is in the non-released position, the pressed load part contacts the corresponding pressed load part, and receives the pressed load towards the outside of the connector in the second direction. When the operating part is in the released position, the pressed load part is separated from the corresponding pressed load part.

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