Connector assembly, lid, and cover member

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector device that can prevent the engagement between the lid and the plug connector from being easily disengaged. [Solution] A connector assembly comprising: a first connector having a recess; a lid which is attached to the first connector in a state that it is rotatable between an open position in which a convex portion of a second connector can be fitted into the recess through an opening in the recess, and a closed position in which the opening is closed; and an elastic portion which, through the rotation of the lid from the closed position to the open position, contacts the first connector or the lid and generates an elastic force moving from the open position to the closed position, wherein the lid has a first engaging portion which can engage with a second engaging portion provided on the second connector, and the first engaging portion maintains engagement with the second engaging portion by the elastic force of the elastic portion when the convex portion is fitted into the recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, a lid, and a cover member.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a connector device that fits a convex portion of a plug connector into a concave portion of a receptacle connector is known. In a connector device, a lid may be provided to prevent foreign matters such as dust and water droplets from entering the concave portion. For example, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 8, a connector device including a socket 12 (receptacle connector) of a camera body 11, a jack 13 (plug connector) that can be inserted into this socket, and a protective cap 14 (lid) partially supported by the camera body is disclosed. This connector device has a retaining structure for preventing disconnection, which includes a locking recess 13e formed in the jack and an engaging projection 14b formed in the protective cap that can be engaged with the locking recess when the jack is inserted into the socket.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above Patent Document 1, since the protective cap 14 is supported on the camera body 11 via a thin-walled extension portion 14a extending from a part thereof, there is a possibility that the engagement between the locking recess 13e of the jack and the engaging projection 14b of the protective cap may be relatively easily released.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and its objective is to provide a connector assembly, lid, and cover member that can prevent the engagement between the lid and the plug connector from being easily disengaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A connector assembly that solves the above problem comprises a first connector having a recess, a lid which is attached to the first connector in a state that it is rotatable between an open position in which the protrusion of the second connector and the recess can be fitted through the opening of the recess, and a closed position in which the opening is closed, and an elastic part which, through the rotation of the lid from the closed position to the open position, contacts the first connector or the lid and generates an elastic force toward the open position, wherein the lid has a first engaging part which can engage with a second engaging part provided on the second connector, and it is preferable that the first engaging part maintains engagement with the second engaging part by the elastic force of the elastic part when the protrusion is fitted into the recess.

[0007] With the above configuration, the first engaging portion of the lid and the second engaging portion of the second connector engage due to the elastic force of the elastic part, thus preventing the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily released.

[0008] (2) In the connector assembly described in (1) above, it is preferable that the elastic part is provided in the first connector.

[0009] According to the above configuration, if there is a problem with the elastic part, only the elastic part can be replaced, and the condition of the first connector can be maintained.

[0010] (3) In the connector assembly described in (1) above, the elastic part is preferably provided on the lid.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the lid and the elastic part can be formed by integral molding, thereby reducing the number of steps involved in the manufacturing of the lid.

[0012] (4) The connector assembly described in (1) to (3) above preferably has a cover that is detachable from the first connector.

[0013] With the above configuration, if there is a problem with the lid, it can be replaced, and the condition of the first connector can be maintained.

[0014] (5) In the connector assembly described in any one of (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that the elastic part abuts against the outer wall or cover of the first connector when the convex part is fitted into the concave part.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the contact portion reliably contacts the first connector, preventing the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily disengaged.

[0016] (6) In the connector assembly described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the first engaging portion is preferably a projection that protrudes toward the closed position in the rotational direction of the lid, and the second engaging portion is preferably a recess provided in the second connector at the corresponding position of the first engaging portion.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the projection of the first engaging part engages with the recess of the second engaging part, This prevents the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily disengaged.

[0018] (7) In the connector assembly described in any one of (1) to (6) above, it is preferable that the second engaging portion is provided on the cover member of the second connector.

[0019] With the above configuration, the engaging portion of the lid and the cover member engage, thus preventing the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily released.

[0020] (8) In the connector assembly described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the first connector preferably includes a body with a recess and a mounting portion for attaching the body to an object to be attached.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the first connector can be fixed to the attached body, and it is possible to prevent the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily released.

[0022] (9) In the connector assembly according to any one of (1) to (8) above, the elastic portion is preferably an elastic piece portion that extends toward the first connector or the lid side when the convex portion is fitted into the concave portion.

[0023] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the elastic piece portion from abutting against the first connector and the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily released.

[0024] (10) In the connector assembly according to any one of (1) to (9) above, the first connector has a rotation axis, the lid has a bearing hole that is rotatably supported by the rotation axis, and a mechanism for temporarily holding the lid in the open position and / or the closed position with respect to the first connector is provided in each of the rotation axis and the bearing hole. It is preferable that

[0025] According to the above configuration, the workability is improved by the temporary position holding structure, and it is possible to prevent the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily released.

[0026] (11) In the connector assembly according to any one of (1) to (10) above, the lid preferably has an operation portion at an end portion on the opposite side of the elastic portion across the attachment position with respect to the first connector.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the workability of the operation of moving the lid to the open position and the closed position is improved, and it is possible to prevent the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily released.

[0028] (12) In the connector assembly described in any one of (1) to (11) above, it is preferable that the first engaging portion is positioned closer to the opening than the mounting position of the cover on the first connector, in the direction along the fitting direction of the second connector on the first connector, when the convex portion is fitted into the concave portion.

[0029] With the above configuration, the first engaging portion of the lid and the second engaging portion of the second connector engage more securely, thus preventing the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily disengaged.

[0030] (13) In the connector assembly described in any one of (1) to (12) above, it is preferable that the contact portion in which the elastic portion contacts the outer wall or cover of the first connector is provided at the mounting position of the cover to the first connector, or in a direction along the mating direction of the second connector to the first connector, on the side of the mounting position that is opposite to the opening.

[0031] With the above configuration, the contact portion of the lid makes more reliable and elastic contact with the first connector, thus preventing the engagement between the lid and the second connector from being easily disengaged.

[0032] (14) In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that a cover can be used in the connector assembly described in any one of (1) to (13) above.

[0033] According to the above configuration, the lid can be attached to a connector assembly of the same standard, and the engagement between the lid and the second connector can be prevented from being easily disengaged.

[0034] (15) In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the connector assembly can use a cover member that is attached to the second connector used in any of the connector assemblies described in any one of (1) to (14) above.

[0035] According to the above configuration, cover members of the same standard can be attached to various second connectors, and the engagement between the lid and the second connector can be prevented from being easily disengaged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1A] This is a perspective view showing an example of how the connector assembly is used in one embodiment, with the lid in the open position. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view of an example of how a connector assembly is used in one embodiment, showing the state in which the second connector is mated to the first connector, as shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] This is a perspective view showing an example of how the connector assembly is used in one embodiment, with the lid in the closed position. [Figure 2A] This shows an example of how a connector assembly is used in one embodiment, including an exploded perspective view from the front and an enlarged view of the rotating shaft. [Figure 2B] This is an exploded perspective view from the rear, showing an example of how a connector assembly is used in one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the first connector in an example of how the connector assembly is used in one embodiment. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of the lid as seen from above, in an example of how the connector assembly is used in one embodiment. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view of the lid as seen from below, in an example of how the connector assembly is used in one embodiment. [Figure 4C] This is a side view of the lid in an example of how the connector assembly is used in one embodiment. [Figure 4D] In one embodiment, an example of how the connector assembly is used is shown in the centerline cross-section of the lid (4D-4D cross-section in Figure 2A). [Figure 5A] This is a top view of the connector assembly in the mated state. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5B-5B in Figure 5A. [Figure 5C] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5C-5C in Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] This is a perspective view from the rear of a modified example of a connector assembly in one embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is a side view of Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] This is a perspective view of a connector assembly in another embodiment, before mating. [Figure 7B] Figure 7A is a perspective view from a different angle. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional connector device retaining structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Illustrative embodiments for carrying out the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, usage, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0038] Figures 1A to 1C show a perspective view illustrating an example of how a connector assembly is used in one embodiment of the present invention. The X-axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y-axis represents the width direction, and the Z-axis represents the height direction. The axes shown in each drawing are based on Figure 1A. The connector assembly 100 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the height direction Z (Z-axis) and includes a first connector 200, a resin cover 300 detachably attached to the first connector 200, and an elastic part 352 provided on the first connector 200 or the cover 300. Note that in Figures 1A to 1C, the elastic part 352 is located in a position that is not visible.

[0039] The first connector 200 includes a roughly cylindrical body 284 extending in the longitudinal direction X, and a flange-shaped mounting portion 240 erected near the middle of the body 284 in the longitudinal direction X. These are integrally molded from resin.

[0040] The first connector 200 can be attached to a mounting surface 10, such as the wall of a housing, using the mounting portion 240. Although not shown in particular, a through hole (not shown) is provided near the center of the mounting surface 10, through which the rear portion 50 of the main body 284 (see Figures 2A, 2B, and 3 described later) can pass. With the rear portion 50 of the main body 284 passed through the through hole and the mounting portion 240 in surface contact with the mounting surface 10, the mounting portion 240 is fixed to the mounting surface 10 by fasteners 40 such as screws. In this way, the first connector 200 can be fixed to the mounting surface 10. The mounting surface 10 only needs to be able to accommodate the first connector 200, and various shapes and materials can be selected.

[0041] A conductive recess 280 with a substantially trapezoidal cross-section is provided at the front of the main body 284. A conductive member (not shown) is provided in an exposed state in the recess 280, penetrating both the main body 284 and the mounting portion 240. When a part of the second connector 400, or more specifically, a protrusion 430 having a shape corresponding to the recess 280, is fitted through the opening 282 provided at the front end, the protrusion 430 and the recess 280 become electrically conductive. The second connector 400 has the same structure as commercially available connectors, such as a cable connector including a cable 440 as shown in the figure, except that the cover member 420 covering the second connector body 402 has been slightly modified as described later. Therefore, commercially available products can be used. Although not shown, the modified cover member 420 can be attached to commercially available products.

[0042] The opening 282 of the recess 280 can be opened and closed by a cover 300 pivotally supported on the first connector 200. In the first connector 200, Figure 1A shows the cover 300 in the open position 30, Figure 1B shows the second connector 400 fitted to the first connector 200 in the state shown in Figure 1A, and Figure 1C shows the cover 300 in the closed position 20. The cover 300 is pivotally supported on the first connector 200 in a state that allows it to rotate between the open position 30 and the closed position 20, and further, as will be explained later, in a state that allows it to temporarily hold both the open position 30 and the closed position 20. Note that "pivot support" is just one example of "mounting," and the method of mounting the cover 300 is not limited to pivot support.

[0043] As is clear from Figures 1A and 1B, by setting the lid 300 to the open position 30, the protrusion 430 can be brought closer to the recess 280 (fitting direction X1 in Figure 1A), that is, fitted along the longitudinal direction X of the main body 284. At this time, the first engaging portion 330 on the lid 300 and the second engaging portion 410 provided on the second connector 400 can also be engaged. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 330 is formed as a pair of protrusions projecting toward the closed position 20 in the rotation direction R1 of the lid 300, while the second engaging portion 410 is formed as a pair of recesses recessed from the surface of the cover member 420. The protrusions, which are the first engaging portion 330, have a substantially triangular shape in side view and are provided on the side ends of the lid 300, spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y. On the other hand, the recessed portion, which is the second engaging portion 410, is positioned at the corresponding position where the first engaging portion 330 is located when the convex portion 430 and the concave portion 280 are fitted together. In other words, the first engaging portion 330 is positioned closer to the opening 282 than the pivot position (250, 310) in the direction along the fitting direction X1 of the second connector 400 to the first connector 200 (corresponding to the longitudinal direction X). The engagement state of these first engaging portions 330 and second engaging portions 410 can be maintained by the function of the elastic portion 352, which will be described later. The first engaging portions 330 are provided at two locations on both ends in the width direction Y, but are not limited to this, and there may be one first engaging portion 330 or three or more. The second engaging portion 410 may be at any position corresponding to the first engaging portion 330, and may have any shape that can engage with the first engaging portion 330.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1C, when the first connector 200 is not in use, the opening 282 can be closed by positioning the cover 300 in the closed position 20. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and water droplets can be prevented from entering the recess 280. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 330 is formed as a projection that protrudes toward the closed position 20 side, but these projections do not hinder the closing by the cover 300. As explained above, the recess 280 has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, that is, a shape with an upper and lower base. This creates a space 220 (see enlarged view of Figure 1A) in the slanted side connecting the upper and lower bases, and the first engaging portion 330 can be positioned in this space 220. In this case, there is no need to newly provide a space to house the first engaging portion 330, which contributes to miniaturization of the connector assembly 100.

[0045] In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the recess 280 has a roughly trapezoidal cross-section, but it can also be made into other shapes such as a roughly circular, roughly elliptical, or roughly rectangular shape, depending on the application. Furthermore, the space 220 does not have to be provided, in which case the first engaging portion 330 may be positioned near the outside of the recess 280 or inside the recess 280.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the lid 300 has a marker 360. The marker 360 is formed on the surface of the lid 300 in the shape of a triangular prism that indicates the insertion direction of the second connector 400 when the lid 300 is positioned in the open position 30, for example as shown in Figure 1A. The marker 360 is a protruding shape, but is not limited to this, and may be engraved like a mark. In Figure 1A, the marker 360 is formed in the center of the surface of the lid 300, but is not limited to this, and may be formed anywhere on the surface. The marker 360 may not be formed at all. Hereafter, in the lid 300, the surface is the surface on which the marker 360 is formed, and the back surface is the surface opposite to the surface.

[0047] The lid 300 can also be colored. The coloring may be applied to the entire lid 300 or only to the marker 360. This allows for replacement of the lid 300 if there is a defect, preventing the incorrect installation of the second connector 400 on the first connector 200, while improving work efficiency.

[0048] The configurations of the first connector 200 and the cover 300 are described in more detail with reference to Figures 2A to 4D. Figures 2A and 2B are exploded perspective views of the connector assembly 100 from the front and from the rear, respectively. Figure 3 is a side view of the first connector 200. Figures 4A to 4D are perspective views of the cover 300 from above, below, as well as a side view and a centerline cross-section, respectively.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, the first connector 200 extends along the longitudinal direction X, in other words, along the mating direction X1 (see Figure 1A). The body 284 constituting the first connector 200 includes a front portion on which the cover 300 is pivotally supported, as well as a smaller diameter rear portion 50 located behind it via a mounting portion 240. The mounting portion 240 has an opening 230 through which a fastener 40 (see Figure 1A, etc.) passes.

[0050] The opening 230 can be located at any position on the mounting portion 240 as long as it is attached to the mounting body 10. The fastener 40 is a circular screw in the example shown in Figure 1A, but is not limited to this; for example, a hexagonal screw, rivet, bolt, nut, adhesive, welding, etc., can be used to secure the first connector 200 according to the application of the mounting body 10. The rear portion 50 may be shaped to cover the connector formed on the mounting body 10, or it may be connected to the connector on the mounting body 10 after being inserted into the mounting body 10. Furthermore, the rear portion 50 may be made of the same material as the outer wall 210, and the rear portion 50 and the outer wall 210 may be formed separately or integrally formed by insert molding, etc. As shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the rear portion 50 may not be formed at all.

[0051] The first connector 200 is provided with a pair of substantially cylindrical rotating shafts 250 projecting outward from both sides in the width direction Y of the front portion, in order to pivotally support the lid 300. Each rotating shaft 250 is provided with a temporary holding portion 260 for temporarily holding the lid 300 in the open position 30 (Figure 1A) and the closed position 20 (Figure 1C), and an inclined portion 270 to facilitate the attachment of the lid 300 when attaching it to the first connector 200.

[0052] As clearly shown in the enlarged view of Figure 2A, the temporary holding portion 260 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends along the longitudinal direction X in the direction that brings the convex portion 430 closer to the concave portion 280 from the rotation axis 250 (fitting direction X1 in Figure 1A). When the lid 300 is attached to the first connector 200, the temporary holding portion 260, together with the mechanism 370 described later, temporarily holds the lid 300 in either the closed position 20 or the open position 30. On the other hand, the inclined portion 270 has a taper 272 that inclins toward the mounting side of the lid 300. By providing the taper 272, the dimension in the width direction Y can be narrowed, making it easier to attach the lid 300. The temporary holding portion 260 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and extends in the X-axis direction, but is not limited to this, and may extend in any direction and have any shape as long as it can temporarily hold the lid in either the closed position 20 or the open position 30. Furthermore, the direction of the taper 272 of the inclined portion 270 is not limited to the direction shown in Figure 2A.

[0053] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 4A to 4D, the lid 300 is formed as a substantially flat plate-like body having a length direction, a width direction Y, and a thickness direction (corresponding to the Z-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and X-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.).

[0054] The lid 300 has a pair of bearing holes 310 at one end in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.), corresponding to the rotating shaft 250. The bearing holes 310 are annular through holes rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 250, and are provided on both ends of the width direction Y, on the same side as the projections that constitute the first engaging portion 330. That is, the bearing holes 310 are provided so as to protrude toward the closed position 20 (Figure 1C) in the rotation direction R1 of the lid 300, and so as to protrude more than the projections (first engaging portion 330) in the thickness direction (X-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.). The bearing holes 310 can have any shape and form as long as they can switch the lid 300 between the closed position 20 (Figure 1C) and the open position 30 (Figure 1A) to match the shape of the rotating shaft 250.

[0055] The bearing hole 310 is provided with a mechanism 370 including a closed position groove 380 and an open position groove 390, corresponding to the temporary holding portion 260 of the rotating shaft 250. These closed position groove 380 and open position groove 390 each extend radially outward from the bearing hole 310 with the same width and are at approximately 90 degrees to each other. When the bearing hole 310 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the rotating shaft 250 due to the rotation of the lid 300, the closed position groove 380 engages with the temporary holding portion 260, temporarily holding the lid 300 in the closed position 20 (Figure 1C). Similarly, the open position groove 390 engages with the temporary holding portion 260, temporarily holding the lid 300 in the open position 30 (Figure 1A). The lid 300 can be attached to the rotating shaft 250 in the posture shown, for example, in Figure 2A. During installation, the tapered section 272 provided on the inclined section 270 and the elasticity of the closed position groove 380 can be used to install the device with relatively little force. Although not shown in the figures, the mechanism 370 can be provided with a structure having the same function as the tapered section 272, and can be used in place of or simultaneously with the tapered section 272.

[0056] The lid 300 is further provided with an elongated rectangular thin elastic piece 350 as an elastic portion 352 on one end in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.). In this embodiment, the elastic portion 352 is an elastic piece 350 that contacts the first connector 200 through the rotation of the lid 300 from the closed position 20 to the open position 30, and generates an elastic force moving from the open position 30 to the closed position 20. The elastic piece 350 is positioned in the width direction Y (Y-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.) to be sandwiched by a pair of bearing holes 310. One end of the long side of the elastic piece 350 extending in the width direction Y (Y-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.) is fixed to the lid body 304 of the lid 300. Similarly, the other end of the long side extending in the width direction Y (Y-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.) extends to the same side as the projection which is the first engaging portion 330 and the bearing hole 310. Specifically, the elastic piece 350 extends diagonally towards the closed position 20 (Figure 1C) in the rotational direction R1 of the lid 300, forming an acute angle with the lid body 304 of the lid 300. The other long end of the protruding piece functions as a contact portion 320 that elastically abuts against the outer wall 210 of the first connector 200 when the convex portion 430 and the concave portion 280 are fitted together. The contact portion 320 maintains the engaged state of the first engaging portion 330 and the second engaging portion 410 through the elastic force transmitted through this contact. When the lid 300 is in the open position 30 and the elastic piece 350 comes into contact with the outer wall 210, the end of the elastic piece 350 functions as a contact portion 320. Therefore, the position where the contact portion 320 is provided is either at the pivot position (250, 310) or on the opposite side of the opening 282 from the pivot position (250, 310) in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the latter position is adopted, but as will be clear from the following explanation, the former position can also be used to make the contact portion 320 function.

[0057] The outer wall 210 of the first connector 200 may be the entire outer surface of the recess 280. The outer wall 210 may be made of resin so as to cover the entire first connector 200 except for the opening 282. In this case, the rotating shaft 250 may be provided on the outer wall 210, or the outer wall 210 may be made thin so that the rotating shaft 250 protrudes. The rotating shaft 250 may be formed integrally with the recess 280, or it may be attached after the recess 280 is formed. The rotating shaft 250 may be formed integrally with the outer wall 210, or it may be attached after the outer wall 210 is formed. Furthermore, while it is preferable that the rotating shaft 250 be formed on the side surface of the recess 280 and near the opening 282, it is not limited to this, and it is sufficient as long as the lid 300 can be rotated between the closed position 20 and the open position 30. Furthermore, the closed position groove 380 and the open position groove 390 are approximately 90° apart, but are not limited to this. Any configuration in which the lid 300 closes the opening 282 when in the closed position 20 and performs the function of the contact portion 320 when in the open position 30 is acceptable.

[0058] An operating portion 340 extending along the width direction Y is provided at the other end of the lid 300 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.), in other words, at the end opposite the pivot support position (250, 310). By providing the operating portion 340, it becomes easy to operate the lid 300 with a finger or the like when the lid 300 is attached to the first connector 200. The operating portion 340 has a stepped portion 342 and is formed by bending the edge of the plate-like body in a stepped shape of approximately 90 degrees in the thickness direction (corresponding to the X-axis direction in Figure 2A, etc.) on the side opposite to the bearing hole 310, etc. By bending it in a stepped shape, a gap is created between the lid 300 and the connector outer wall 411 even after the lid 300 has come into contact with the connector outer wall 411 of the second connector 400. In this embodiment, the stepped portion 342 is composed of three stages, but it may be a smooth curve or a roughly sharp shape.

[0059] Referring to Figures 5A to 5C, the function of the cover 300 in maintaining the engaged state of the first engaging portion 330 and the second engaging portion 410 will be explained. Figure 5A is a top view of the connector assembly 100 in the mated state, Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of 5B-5B in Figure 5A, and Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of 5C-5C in Figure 5A.

[0060] Although not entirely clear from the drawings, let us assume that the convex portion 430 and the concave portion 280 are in an un-fitted state, for example, in an in-progress state. When the first engaging portion 330 is sliding with its tip colliding with the connector outer wall 411 of the second connector 400, the lid 300 is pushed up in the rotational direction r1 through the collision between the first engaging portion 330 and the connector outer wall 411 of the second connector 400. As a result, the user receives a force r2 in the opposite direction to the rotational direction r1 through the contact between the contact portion 320 of the elastic piece 350, which is located on the opposite side of the pivot position (250, 310), and the outer wall 210 of the first connector 200. By resisting this opposing force r2 and moving the convex portion 430 further to the opposite side of the opening 282 relative to the pivot position (250, 310) of the concave portion 280, the convex portion 430 and the concave portion 280 are fitted together, and the first engaging portion 330 and the second engaging portion 410 can be engaged.

[0061] As the tip of the first engaging portion 330 moves from contacting the connector outer wall 411 to reaching the second engaging portion 410, the lid 300 is pressed in the opposite direction r2 by the stress of the elastic piece portion 350, generating a slight vibration. The user can recognize that the first connector 200 and the second connector 400 have been connected by the vibration transmitted to the hand holding the second connector 400. Furthermore, the back surface of the lid 300, or the portion of the back surface between one first engaging portion 330 and the other first engaging portion 330, collides with the connector outer wall 411, which can also be perceived as sound.

[0062] As is clear from Figures 5B and 5C, when the lid 300 is in the fitted state, an elastic force is generated in the lid 300 through the contact between the contact portion 320 and the outer wall 210 of the first connector 200, and this elastic force rotates the lid 300 in opposite directions r2 around the pivot position (250, 310). As a result, the first engaging portion 330, which protrudes toward the closed position 20 in the opposite direction r2, is constantly biased toward the second engaging portion 410, thereby maintaining the engaged state of the first engaging portion 330 and the second engaging portion 410. Furthermore, the temporary holding state of the open position 30 formed by the temporary holding portion 260 and the open position groove 390 can be maintained.

[0063] This mating state can be released by using the operating part 340 provided on the lid 300. For example, it can be easily released by inserting a finger into the gap between the operating part 340 and the connector outer wall 411 of the second connector 400 formed by the stepped portion 342 of the operating part 340, and lifting the lid 300 in the rotational direction r1 around the pivot position (250, 310).

[0064] A modified example of the connector assembly in one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A is a perspective view from the rear of the assembled connector 110 in a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6B is a side view of Figure 6A.

[0065] Although there are differences in the position where the elastic portion 352 is provided between the embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 5C and the modified example shown in Figures 6A and 6B, substantially identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the assembly-type connector 110 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the height direction Z and includes a first connector portion 202 and a resin cover portion 302 that is detachably attached to the first connector portion 202.

[0067] An elongated rectangular thin plate-shaped elastic portion 352 is further provided on the upper surface side of the outer wall 210 of the first connector portion 202 in the height direction Z. In this modified example, the elastic portion 352 is an elastically deformable portion 354 that contacts the lid portion 302 through the rotation of the lid portion 302 from the open position 30 to the closed position 20, and generates an elastic force moving from the closed position 20 to the open position 30. The elastically deformable portion 354 is positioned in the width direction Y to be sandwiched by a pair of rotation shafts 250. One end of the long side of the elastically deformable portion 354 extending in the width direction Y is fixed to the outer wall 210, and similarly, the other end of the long side extending in the width direction Y extends in a state where it protrudes diagonally, forming an acute angle with the outer wall 210. The other protruding end of the long side functions as a contact portion 322 that elastically abuts against the back surface of the lid portion 302 when the convex portion 430 and the concave portion 280 are fitted together. This contact generates an elastic force, which maintains the engaged state of the first engaging portion 330 and the second engaging portion 410. When the lid portion 302 is in the open position 30 and the elastically deformable portion 354 contacts the outer wall 210, the end of the elastically deformable portion 354 functions as a contact portion 322. The position where the contact portion 322 is provided is either at the pivot position (250, 310) or on the opposite side of the opening 282 from the pivot position (250, 310) in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the latter position is adopted, but the former position can also be used to make it function as a contact portion 322.

[0068] In the connector assembly 100, if the elastic piece 350 undergoes plastic deformation due to repeated opening and closing of the cover 300, the entire cover 300 needs to be replaced. In contrast, in the assembly-type connector 110, if the elastic deformation part 354 undergoes plastic deformation due to repeated opening and closing of the cover part 302, only the elastic deformation part 354 provided on the first connector part 202 can be replaced.

[0069] The elastic portion 352 may be formed integrally with the first connector portion 202. The elastic portion 352 may also be made of the same material as the outer wall 210, or it may be formed integrally with the outer wall 210. Furthermore, the elastic portion 352 may be formed as a separate component, and attachment to the outer wall 210 may be done by common methods such as using adhesive materials or screws. The attachment position of the elastic portion 352 may be any position on the outer wall 210, as long as it functions as an elastically deformable portion 354. Furthermore, the elastic portion 352 may be attached to the attachment portion 240. In this embodiment and its modifications, the elastic portion 352 is in the shape of an elongated rectangular plate, but as long as it functions as an elastically deformable portion 354, the elastic portion 352 may be in any shape or made of any material, such as a spring.

[0070] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Figure 7A is a perspective view of a connector assembly in another embodiment of the present invention in a state before mating, and Figure 7B is a perspective view of Figure 7A from a different angle.

[0071] Although there are differences in the shape of the connectors between the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 5C and the other embodiments shown in Figures 7A and 7B, substantially identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the circular connector assembly 150 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the Z-axis and includes a third connector 500 and a resin cover 600 that is detachably attached to the third connector 500.

[0073] The third connector 500 includes a substantially cylindrical conductive third connector body 584 extending in the longitudinal direction X, and a flange-shaped mounting portion 240 made of resin erected near the middle of the third connector body 584 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0074] A conductive mating recess 580 with a substantially circular cross-section is provided at the front of the third connector body 584. A part of the fourth connector 700, or more precisely, a conductive mating projection 720 having a shape corresponding to the mating recess 580, can be fitted into the mating recess 580 through the third connector opening 582 provided at the front end. The fourth connector 700 has the same structure as commercially available connectors, such as a cable connector including the cable 440 shown in the figure, except that the connector cover member 710 covering the fourth connector body 702 has been modified as described later. Therefore, commercially available products can be used. Although not shown, the modified connector cover member 710 can be attached to commercially available products. A conductive mating projection 720 having a shape corresponding to the mating recess 580 can be fitted into it.

[0075] The third connector opening 582 of the mating recess 580 can be opened and closed by a cover 600 pivotally supported on the third connector 500. The cover 600 is pivotally supported on the third connector 500 in a state where it can rotate between an open position 30 and a closed position 20, and further in a state where it can temporarily hold the open position 30 and the closed position 20.

[0076] By opening the cover 600 to the open position 30, the mating projection 720 can be fitted into the mating recess 580, and the mating projection 720 can be positioned to approach the mating recess 580 along the longitudinal direction X of the third connector body 584. At this time, the first engaging portion 330 provided on the cover 600 can also be engaged with the second engaging portion 410 provided on the fourth connector 700. As previously shown, the engaged state can be maintained by the function of the elastic portion 352.

[0077] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the mating recess 580 is provided with a projection 590 along the longitudinal direction X, and the mating projection 720 is provided with a slit 730 corresponding to the projection 590. When mating the mating recess 580 and the mating projection 720, by aligning the position of the slit 730 with the projection 590 in the opening 582 of the third connector, the projection 590 guides the slit 730, making it easier to connect the third connector 500 and the fourth connector 700.

[0078] When the third connector 500 is not in use, the opening 582 of the third connector can be closed by positioning the cover 600 in the closed position 20. As a result, foreign matter such as dust and water droplets can be prevented from entering the mating recess 580. In this embodiment, the first engaging portion 330 is formed as a projection that protrudes toward the closed position 20 side, but these projections do not hinder the closing by the cover 600. The first engaging portion 330 may be positioned near the outside of the mating recess 580 or inside the mating recess 580, or it may be positioned to enclose the projection 590.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the structure and arrangement of elements in each embodiment are merely illustrative, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the first engaging portion 330 is a projection and the second engaging portion 410 is a recess, but conversely, the first engaging portion 330 may be a recess and the second engaging portion 410 may be a projection. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 330 and the second engaging portion 410 only need to have an engaging structure and are not limited to projections or the like. Furthermore, although the elastic piece 350 was used as the elastic part 352 in this embodiment, it is sufficient to provide an elastic part 352 that has the same function as the elastic piece 350. For example, as the contact part 320, a hemisphere that protrudes toward the first connector 200 when the convex part 430 is fitted into the concave part 280 may be used. Moreover, the part that the contact part 320 contacts is not limited to the outer wall 210 of the first connector 200, but may be any other part or component. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recess 280 and the protrusion 430 are conductive, but it is not essential that the recess 280 and the protrusion 430 are conductive. Either one of the recess 280 or the protrusion 430, or both of the recess 280 and the protrusion 430, may be insulating. Furthermore, although the lid 300 is pivotally supported in this embodiment, it can be mounted in any manner as long as it can be switched between the open position 30 and the closed position 20 and the lid 300 can perform its function. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10: Mounted object 11: Camera body 12: Socket 13: Jack 13e: Locking recess 14: Protective cap 14a: Thin-walled extension 14b: Engagement convex part 20: Closed position 30: Open position 40: Fasteners 50: Rear part 100: Connector assembly 110: Assembled connector 150: Round connector assembly 200: First connector 202: First connector section 210: Exterior wall 220: Space 230: Open hole 240: Mounting part 250: Rotation axis 260: Temporary holding part 270: Inclined part 272: Taper 280: recess 282: Opening 284: Main unit 300: Lid 302: Lid part 304: Lid body 310: Bearing hole 320: Contact part 322: Contact area 330: First engaging part 340:Operation unit 342 :Double part 350: Elastic piece 352: Elastic part 354: Elastic deformation part 360: Marker 370:Mechanism 380: Closed position groove 390: Open position groove 400: Second connector 402: Second connector body 410: Second engaging part 411: Connector exterior wall 420: Cover component 430: Convex part 440: Cable 500: Third connector 580: Fitting recess 582: Third connector opening 584: Third connector body 590:Protrusion 600: Cover 700: Fourth connector 702: Fourth connector body 710: Connector cover component 720: Fitting protrusion 730: Slit R1: Direction of rotation X: Longitudinal direction X1:Mating direction Y: width direction Z: Height direction r1: Direction of rotation r2: Opposite direction

Claims

1. A first connector having a recess, A lid, which is attached to the first connector in a state that allows it to rotate between an open position in which the protrusion of the second connector and the recess can be fitted through the opening of the recess, and a closed position in which the opening is closed. An elastic part that, through the rotation of the lid from the closed position to the open position, contacts the first connector or the lid and generates an elastic force moving from the open position to the closed position, Equipped with, The cover has a first engaging portion that can engage with a second engaging portion provided on the second connector. The first engaging portion is a connector assembly that maintains engagement with the second engaging portion by the elastic force of the elastic portion when the convex portion is fitted into the concave portion.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion is provided on the first connector.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion is provided on the lid.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover is detachable from the first connector.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion abuts against the outer wall or cover of the first connector when the convex portion is fitted into the concave portion.

6. The first engaging portion protrudes toward the closed position in the direction of rotation of the lid, The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second engaging portion is a recess provided in the second connector at a position corresponding to the first engaging portion.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second engaging portion is provided on the cover member of the second connector.

8. The first connector comprises a body having the recess, The connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting portion for attaching the main body to an object to be attached.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion is an elastic piece portion.

10. The first connector has a rotating shaft, The lid has a bearing hole that is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft, The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein a mechanism 370 for temporarily holding the cover in the open position and / or closed position relative to the first connector is provided in both the rotating shaft and the bearing hole.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover has an operating portion at the end opposite the elastic portion, with the mounting position for the first connector in between.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein when the convex portion is fitted into the concave portion, the first engaging portion is positioned in a direction along the fitting direction of the second connector to the first connector, closer to the opening than the mounting position of the cover to the first connector.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the contact portion in which the elastic portion abuts the outer wall of the first connector or the lid is provided at the mounting position of the lid to the first connector, or on the opposite side of the mounting position from the opening in a direction along the mating direction of the second connector to the first connector.

14. A lid for use in a connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A cover member to be attached to the second connector used in the connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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