Connector member having lock release mechanism and connector device using same

Abstract

The present invention is provided with: a base part which can be attached to a connector main body part having a locking elastic locking piece protruding in a cantilever beam shape on one end side in the longitudinal direction; and an operation rod and a release rod which are axially supported on the outer surface of the base part in a state of being capable of seesaw movement and extend along the length direction. The operating rod comprises an operating part arranged on the side away from the free end of the elastic clamping piece in the length direction and an acting part arranged on the side close to the free end. The release lever includes an acted portion disposed on a side away from the free end in the longitudinal direction, and a release portion provided so as to be capable of engaging with the free end. The acted part is arranged in a state of clamping the acting part between the acted part and the outer surface of the base part and in a state of not being physically connected with the acting part. When the operation part is operated, the acting part moves towards the abutting side of the acting part through the first seesaw movement of the operation rod, and the releasing part enables the free end to move in the releasing direction of the elastic clamping piece through the second seesaw movement of the releasing rod by utilizing the abutting between the acting part and the acting part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector component having a locking release mechanism and a connector device using the connector component. Background Technology

[0002] Sometimes, locking levers are provided in connectors such as modular sockets used for connecting to electronic devices to prevent them from falling off. The locking lever engages with a portion of the receiving part (socket) of the receiving connector when connected to the electronic device, thereby locking the connector relative to the receiving part. This locking state can be released by pressing down on the locking lever.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a release mechanism for a connector having the aforementioned locking lever, wherein the locking lever can be pressed down even when the protrusion of the connector plug 1 from the housing 4 of a communication or automation device integrated with the connector socket 3 is small and difficult to operate. This release mechanism includes an actuating element 100 acting on a locking piece 13. The actuating element 100 further includes a first deflector 101 and a second deflector 102 rotatable about rotation axes 110 and 120 that are transversely oriented relative to the long-side axis 10 of the connector plug 1. The first deflector 101 is connected to the spring-loaded locking piece 13 at its first end and to the first end of the second deflector 102 via a hinge at its second end. The second deflector 102 can be moved by applying force towards the long-side axis 10 of the connector plug 1, and in response to this movement, the first end of the hinged second deflector 102 and the second end of the first deflector 101 rotate away from the long-side axis 10 of the connector plug 1. As a result, the first end of the first deflection rod 101 moves toward the long side axis 10 of the connector 1, thereby acting on the locking piece 13 and releasing the lock.

[0004] Patent Document 1: European Patent Application Publication No. 4312322 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a connector component having an improved locking release mechanism and a connector device using the connector component.

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention relates to a connector component equipped with a locking release mechanism, characterized by the following features: a locking release mechanism comprising: a base, which can be mounted at one end in the longitudinal direction to a connector body having a locking elastic locking piece protruding in a cantilever beam shape; an operating lever, which is axially supported on the outer surface of the base in a seesaw motion state and extends along the longitudinal direction; and a release lever, which is axially supported on the outer surface of the base in a seesaw motion state and extends along the longitudinal direction, wherein the operating lever includes an operating portion disposed in the longitudinal direction away from the free end of the elastic locking piece when the base is mounted to the connector body. The release lever includes an action portion disposed near the free end, and an action portion disposed on the side away from the free end in the length direction when the base is mounted on the connector body, and a release portion disposed in a manner that can engage with the free end. The action portion is disposed in a state in which the action portion is clamped between the base and the outer surface of the base and is not physically connected to the action portion. When the operation unit is operated, the action portion moves toward the contact side with the action portion by the first seesaw movement of the operation lever. The release portion, by contact between the action portion and the action portion, moves the free end toward the release direction of the elastic locking piece by the second seesaw movement of the release lever.

[0007] According to this connector component, the actuating part and the actuated part can be directly related through a simple abutment structure.

[0008] The present invention provides a connector component having an improved locking release mechanism and a connector device using the connector component. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view obtained from above, showing the connector device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 Viewed from below Figure 1 The three-dimensional diagram obtained from the connector device.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side view of the connector assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a perspective view obtained from above, showing the connector component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 Viewed from below Figure 3The three-dimensional view obtained from the connector components.

[0014] Figure 6 It is Figure 3 The figure shows a side view of the connector component together with a modified example of the upper surface of the actuating part.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the operating state of the connector assembly.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the connector components before assembly, viewed from the front.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Side view of the connector component.

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Front view of the connector component.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a perspective diagram illustrating the installation sequence of the connector components and cables before assembly.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a perspective diagram illustrating the installation sequence of the connector components and cables before assembly.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective diagram illustrating the installation sequence of the connector components and cables before assembly.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1…Connector assembly; 2…Connector body; 21…Elastic locking piece; 22…Free end; 30…Base; 40…Operating lever; 43…Operating part; 44…Actuating part; 50…Release lever; 53…Actuated part; 54…Release part. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments involved in this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Only preferred embodiments are shown here, and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, in the following description, terms indicating specific directions and positions (e.g., terms including "upper," "lower," "side," and "end") are used as needed. The purpose of using these terms is to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and is not to limit the technical scope of the invention by the meaning of these terms. Additionally, the drawings are schematic, and the proportions of various dimensions may not necessarily correspond to reality.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly taken from below. Figure 3 A side view of the connector assembly is shown.

[0026] The connector device 1 includes a connector body portion 2 and a connector component 3 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The connector body portion 2 forms the front portion of the connector device 1 in the longitudinal direction "Y", while the connector component 3 forms the rear portion of the connector device.

[0027] The connector body 2 is a so-called "modular plug connector" and is an RJ45-based connector. The connector body 2 has the same structure and function as the front part of a typical connector assembly. The front end of the cable 5 is housed inside the connector body 2. The rear end of the cable 5, after passing through the connector body 2 and connector component 3, is removed to the outside via a rear exit port 32 along the length direction "Y". At the bottom of the front end of the connector body 2, multiple terminals 23, each connected to the cable 5, are arranged along the width direction "X" orthogonal to the length direction "Y". Additionally, at the top of the front end of the connector body 2, a locking elastic locking tab 21 protrudes obliquely rearward in a cantilever beam shape. The elastic locking tab 21 engages with a portion of the receiving part of the receiving connector assembly 1 when connected to electronic devices, thereby locking the connector assembly 1 relative to the receiving part. This locking state, like that of a typical connector assembly, can be released by pressing down on the elastic locking tab 21.

[0028] Figures 4 to 6 Will Figure 1 , Figure 2 The connector component 3 shown is illustrated as a single item. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of connector component 3 obtained from above. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the connector component 3 taken from below. Figure 6 This is a side view of the connector component 3. The connector component 3 has the same locking release mechanism as the device in Patent Document 1. More specifically, it has a mechanism that allows the elastic locking piece 21 to be pressed down even when the amount of the connector device protruding from the receiving part is small and it is difficult to operate the elastic locking piece 21.

[0029] Connector component 3 is a one-piece molded resin product. Connector component 3, as described later, has an assembly-ready structure, but... Figures 1 to 6 The connector component 3 shown is in its assembled state. The connector component 3 mainly includes: a base 30, and an operating lever 40 and a release lever 50 that extend in the length direction "Y" and are mounted on the base 30.

[0030] The base 30 has a cylindrical receiving space 31 capable of accommodating the cable 5. The receiving space 31 has a generally rectangular cross-section "XZ plane" along the length direction "Y" and orthogonal to the length direction "Y". The base 30 is mounted to the connector body 2 at one end along the length direction "Y". The connector component 3 and the connector body 2 are respectively provided with a locking hole 34 and a locking protrusion 24. Furthermore, the terms "length direction", "width direction", and "height direction" in this specification are used to distinguish the three directions and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention. Therefore, for example, "length direction" does not necessarily mean longer than "width direction" or "height direction".

[0031] The operating lever 40 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, as clearly shown in the side view, it has multiple bends 421, 422, and 423 arranged along the length direction "Y". The bend 422 located at the center of the operating lever 40 bends upwards, while the bends 421 and 423 located before and after it bend downwards. A reinforcing rib 420 is provided near the upper center of the operating lever 40 when viewed from above. This rib 420 extends from the bend 421 and through the bend 423, increasing its thickness in the height direction "Z" orthogonal to the length direction "Y" and the width direction "X". By providing the rib 420 and further increasing its thickness, the strength of the operating lever 40 can be improved. A support portion 41 is provided below the bends 422, which axially supports the operating lever 40 in a seesaw-like motion on a step portion 45 provided in the base 30.

[0032] An operating part 43 is provided on one end of the operating lever 40, more specifically on the side (rear side) of the free end 22 in the longitudinal direction "Y" when the base 30 is installed on the connector body 2, away from the elastic locking piece 21. Figure 6 , Figure 7 (The middle is the right side). On the other hand, an actuating part 44 is provided on the other end side, more specifically on the other end side (front side) located near the free end 22 of the elastic locking piece 21 in the longitudinal direction "Y". Normally, the operating lever 40 is elastically held in a forward-leaning posture relative to the outer surface of the base 30 by the action of the support part 41. If the operating part 43 is operated against the elastic force of the support part 41, the operating part 43 and the actuating part 44 together perform a seesaw motion centered on the support part 41. More specifically, when the operating part 43 moves away from the base 30, the actuating part 44 moves towards the base 30. Moreover, when the operating part 43 moves towards the base 30, the actuating part 44 moves away from the base 30. When the operation of the operating part 43 is stopped, the operating lever 40 returns to its original forward-leaning posture by the action of the support part 41.

[0033] The support portion 41 has an elastically bent portion 410 that bends in a generally C-shape along the longitudinal direction "Y" from the operating portion 43 toward the action portion 44. The surface of the support portion 41 relative to the mounting portion 411 of the base 30, particularly the surface on the operating portion 43 side, is formed as an inclined surface 413 that is inclined in a generally straight line as it approaches the base 30 along the longitudinal direction "Y" from the action portion 44 toward the operating portion 43 side. On the other hand, the surface on the action portion 44 side is formed as a bent recessed portion 412 that bends in a generally C-shape from the action portion 44 toward the operating portion 43 side. As a result, the surface on the operating portion 43 side is more flexible than the surface on the action portion 44 side. Furthermore, the inclined surface 413 and the bent recessed portion 412 effectively disperse the force on the support portion 41 when the elastically bent portion 410 bends.

[0034] Like the operating lever 40, the release lever 50 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, as clearly shown in the side view, it has a bend 510 arranged along the length direction "Y". The bend 510, located approximately in the center, bends upwards. A reinforcing rib 520 is provided near the upper center of the release lever 50 when viewed from above. This rib 520 increases in thickness along the height direction "Z" from one end of the release lever 50 to the other. By providing the rib 520 and further increasing its thickness, the strength of the release lever 50 can be improved. Below the bend 510, a support portion 51 is provided, which axially supports the release lever 50 in a seesaw-like motion on a step portion 55 provided in the base 30.

[0035] A receptive portion 53 is provided on one end of the release lever 50, more specifically, on the end (rear side) located away from the free end 22 in the longitudinal direction "Y" when the base 30 is mounted to the connector body 2. On the other hand, a release portion 54 is provided on the other end, more specifically, on the other end (front side) located near the free end 22 of the elastic locking piece 21 in the longitudinal direction "Y". The receptive portion 53 is configured such that, in the height direction "Z" while the actuating portion 44 is clamped between it and the outer surface of the base 30, a portion of the lower surface 530 of the receptive portion can abut against a portion of the upper surface 440 of the actuating portion. A protrusion 441 protruding upward toward the lower surface 530 of the receptive portion may also be provided on the upper surface 440 of the actuating portion (only). Figure 6(This is shown in a partially enlarged view). By providing the protrusion 441, the timing of the contact between the upper surface 440 of the operating part and the lower surface 530 of the affected part can be adjusted when operating the operating part 40. This timing can also be fine-tuned by adjusting the degree of protrusion of the protrusion 441. The affected part 53 is not physically connected to the operating part 44. Therefore, movement is not performed by simply moving the operating part 44; movement only begins when a certain force is applied through contact with the operating part 44. Normally, the release lever 50 is elastically held in a slightly backward tilted position relative to the outer surface of the base 30 by the action of the support part 51. If a force is applied to the affected part 53 against the elasticity of the support part 51, the affected part 53 and the release part 54 perform a seesaw motion centered on the support part 51. More specifically, when the affected part 53 moves away from the base 30, the release part 54 moves towards the base 30. Furthermore, when the affected part 53 moves toward the base 30, the release part 54 moves away from the base 30. When no longer a force is applied to the affected part 53, the release lever 50 returns to its original backward tilting posture by the action of the support part 51.

[0036] The support portion 51 is inclined in a generally straight line as it approaches the base 30 along the longitudinal direction "Y" from the applied portion 53 toward the release portion 54. The support portion 51 has a curved recess 513 that is generally C-shaped, curving from the applied portion 53 toward the release portion 54, relative to the surface of the mounting portion 511 of the base 30, particularly the surface on the applied portion 53 side. On the other hand, the surface on the release portion 54 side has an inclined surface 512 that is generally straight, curving from the applied portion 53 toward the release portion 54 side as it approaches the base 30 along the longitudinal direction "Y". As a result, the surface on the applied portion 53 side is more flexible than the surface on the release portion 54 side. Furthermore, the inclined surface 413 and the curved recess 513 allow for appropriate distribution of the force on the support portion 51.

[0037] Figures 1 to 6 The diagram shows the non-operational state of the operating lever 40 when it is not operated. In this state, the operating part 43 of the operating lever 40 is positioned away from the base 30, while the actuating part 44 is positioned close to the base 30. In addition, the activated part 53 of the release lever 50 is positioned close to the base 30, while the release part 54 is positioned away from the base 30.

[0038] Figure 7 The operating status of the connector device is compared with... Figure 3 The same side view is shown. Relative to... Figures 1 to 6 The non-operational state shown is in Figure 7In the operating state shown, the operating part 43 is pressed down in the "a" direction, thereby positioning it close to the base 30. Correspondingly, the actuating part 44 is pushed in the "b" direction toward the contact side with the acted part 53 via a first seesaw movement based on the operating lever 40, thereby positioning it away from the base 30. At this time, by utilizing the contact between the actuating part 44 and the acted part 53, the acted part 53 is pushed in the "c" direction, thereby positioning it away from the base 30. Correspondingly, the releasing part 54 is pressed down downwards in the "d" direction via a second seesaw movement based on the releasing lever 50. As a result, the releasing part 54 causes the free end 22 to move in the release direction of the elastic locking piece 21. According to this structure, the actuating part 44 and the acted part 53 can be directly connected through a simple contact structure. In other words, almost all the force from the actuating part 44 can be transmitted to the acted part 53 in the height direction "Z" instead of being dispersed in the length direction "Y," thus minimizing force transmission loss. Furthermore, when a connecting part is provided between the actuating part 44 and the acted part 53, the durability of the connecting part may become a problem due to the force applied to it by repeated use. However, in the abutment structure, such a problem does not need to be considered.

[0039] The release portion 54 preferably has a shape that allows it to easily engage with the free end 22. For example, the release portion 54 has a holding portion that holds the free end 22. The holding portion may be a space 541 formed by two plates 540 that hold the free end 22 in the width direction "X".

[0040] To reliably operate the operating unit 43, an extension 36 is preferably provided at the cable 5 outlet 32 ​​of the base 30. The extension 36 is provided at the cable 5 outlet 32 ​​in a manner extending in the cable 5 removal direction "Y", so that a portion of the cable 5 taken out through the outlet 32 ​​can be positioned between the extension 36 and the operating unit 43. By providing the extension 36, when the operating unit 43 is pressed down in the "a" direction, one finger can be positioned on the operating unit 43, and another finger can be positioned on the stable extension 36 instead of the unstable cable 5. Therefore, force can be easily and reliably applied to the operating unit 43.

[0041] Figures 8 to 10 This indicates the state of connector component 3 before assembly. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of connector component 3 before assembly, viewed from the front. Figure 9 This is its side view. Figure 10 This is its main view.

[0042] To facilitate cable installation, connector component 3 employs an assembly method. In this method, the cable receiving space 31 of connector component 3, located at base 30, is divided into two parts along the length direction "Y" on the cross-section "XZ plane" of the receiving space 31, which is orthogonal to the length direction "Y". The first base portion 30A and the second base portion 30B, which are divided into two parts, are hinged together by hinge 38. The first base portion 30A is provided with a locking protrusion 35, and correspondingly, the second base portion 30B is provided with a locking recess 37. By rotating the first base portion 30A toward the second base portion 30B in the "θ" direction with hinge 38 as the center, the protrusion 35 and the recess 37 are locked together, thereby enabling simple assembly of connector component 3.

[0043] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The 3D diagram shown is for use Figure 8 , Figure 9 The installation sequence of connector component 3 to cable 5 before assembly will be explained. First, as shown... Figure 11 As shown, the middle portion of the cable 5, on which the connector body 2 is mounted, is positioned at a predetermined location in the second base portion 30B. Next, as... Figure 12 As shown, with the cable 5 clamped, the first base portion 30A is rotated relative to the second base portion 30B, and they are secured using the locking protrusion 35 and recess 37. Finally, the connector body 2 and the cable 5 are pulled rearward relative to the connector component 3, as shown. Figure 13 As shown, the free end 22 of the elastic locking piece 21 provided on the connector body 2 is positioned on the underside of the release part 54 by being clamped by the plate part 540 in the width direction "X". Then, the locking protrusion 24, which is triangular in shape when viewed from the side, provided on the connector body 2, is inserted into the locking hole 34 provided on the connector component 3, thereby completing the installation.

[0044] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be appropriately modified and embodied without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the cable receiving space 31 of the connector component 3 located on the base 30 does not necessarily need to be divided into two parts, but can be divided into three parts, etc. In addition, they do not necessarily need to be connected by a hinge, and can be separated.

[0045] Alternatively, the release lever and the elastic locking plate can be integrated from the beginning.

Claims

1. A connector component, characterized in that, Equipped with a lock-release mechanism, The lock release mechanism has the following features: The base can be mounted on one end of the connector body, which has a locking elastic locking piece protruding in the shape of a cantilever beam; The operating lever is axially supported on the outer surface of the base in a state that enables seesaw motion, and extends along the length direction; as well as The release lever, in a state capable of seesaw motion, is axially supported on the outer surface of the base and extends along the length direction. The operating lever includes an operating portion disposed along the length direction away from the free end of the elastic locking piece when the base is mounted on the connector body, and an action portion disposed along the side close to the free end. The release lever includes an activated portion disposed on the side away from the free end in the length direction when the base is mounted on the connector body, and a release portion disposed in a manner that can engage with the free end. The activated portion is disposed in a state in which the activated portion is clamped between itself and the outer surface of the base and is not physically connected to the activated portion. When the operating part is operated, the actuating part moves toward the contact side with the actuated part via the first seesaw movement of the operating rod, and the releasing part, by utilizing the contact between the actuating part and the actuated part, moves the free end toward the release direction of the elastic locking piece via the second seesaw movement of the releasing rod.

2. The connector component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release part has a holding part that holds the free end.

3. The connector component according to claim 1, characterized in that, An extension is provided at the outlet of the cable connected to the connector body at the base. The extension extends toward the cable removal direction so that a portion of the cable removed through the outlet can be positioned between the extension and the operating part.

4. The connector component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating lever is axially supported on the base by a first support portion, the first support portion having an elastically curved portion that bends in the length direction in a manner that protrudes from the operating portion toward the action portion.

5. The connector component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release lever is axially supported on the base by a second support portion, which is inclined in a generally straight line as it approaches the base from the affected portion toward the release portion in the length direction.

6. The connector component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing space of the base of the cable is divided along the length direction on the cross section of the housing space orthogonal to the length direction.

7. A connector device, characterized in that, The connector body is a modular plug connector. The connector device has: The modular plug connector, and The connector component according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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