Connector holder

Abstract

To easily unlock the connector. [Solution] The connector holder of the embodiment is a connector holder for releasing the locked state of a connector that has been fitted to a mating portion which is a target for mating, and comprises a holder body that holds either the male connector or the female connector in the locked state, and a release button that is supported so as to be pushable relative to the holder body, wherein when the release button is pressed relative to the holder body, the claw portion in the locked state is pressed, and the lock state is released when the claw portion disengages from the mating portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector holder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a connector is known in which a claw portion of a male connector is configured to be fittable to a female connector. Basically, the connector is configured such that while the claw portion of the male connector is easy to fit (easy to lock) to the female connector, the claw portion of the male connector is hard to come off (hard to unlock) from the female connector. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cable-side connector with a locking mechanism, comprising: a connector socket having a contact portion with a counterpart connector provided therein; a locking mechanism that engages with the counterpart connector; and a pair of lock release buttons that release the locked state of the locking mechanism by finger pressing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional connectors, since the claw portion is hard to come off (hard to unlock) from the non-fitting portion, it is desired to easily perform the unlocking of the connector.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector holder capable of easily performing unlocking of a connector.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) A connector holder according to one aspect of the present invention is a connector holder for releasing the locked state of a connector that has been fitted to a mating portion which is a target for mating, wherein a claw portion provided on a male connector or a female connector is fitted to, the holder holder comprises a holder body that holds either the male connector or the female connector in the locked state, and a release button that is supported so as to be pushable relative to the holder body, wherein the release button is pressed relative to the holder body, which pushes the claw portion in the locked state, causing the claw portion to disengage from the mating portion and thereby releasing the locked state.

[0007] With this configuration, pressing the release button on the holder body pushes the claw portion in the locked state, causing the claw portion to disengage from the mating portion, thereby releasing the lock. Therefore, the connector can be easily unlocked.

[0008] (2) In the connector holder described in (1) above, the holder body is provided with an inner wall surface that forms a housing space that opens vertically so as to be able to accommodate the one, and the inner wall surface may be formed in a shape that conforms to the outer shape of the one when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0009] With this configuration, the one object can be held more stably compared to the case where the inner wall surface of the holder body, when viewed from above, is formed in a shape different from the outer shape of the one object.

[0010] (3) In the connector holder described in (2) above, the holder body may be provided with an engaging portion that protrudes in the left-right direction and engages with one of the above.

[0011] With this configuration, the engaging portion of the holder body protrudes in the left-right direction and engages with the aforementioned one, thereby holding the aforementioned one in place so that it does not come loose.

[0012] (4) In the connector holder described in any of (1) to (3) above, the holder body may be provided with a retaining portion that restricts movement of the holder body in the direction opposite to the direction in which the release button is pressed.

[0013] With this configuration, the retaining part of the holder body prevents the lock release button from coming out of the holder body.

[0014] (5) In the connector holder described in any of (1) to (4) above, the holder body may include an upper holding member positioned above the release button and a lower holding structure positioned below the release button and facing the upper holding member so as to sandwich the release button.

[0015] With this configuration, the release button is held between the upper holding member and the lower holding structure, thereby suppressing (positioning) misalignment of the release button in the vertical direction.

[0016] (6) The connector holder described in (5) above may further include an upper and lower fixing structure for fixing the upper holding member and the lower holding structure.

[0017] With this configuration, the upper and lower fixing structure can be fixed together.

[0018] (7) In the connector holder described in (6) above, the upper retaining member and the lower retaining structure are formed with a pair of left and right upper and lower through holes that open in the vertical direction via the lock release button, and the upper and lower fixing structure may include a pair of left and right nuts provided in the lower retaining structure at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right upper and lower through holes, and a pair of left and right bolts that are screwed into the pair of left and right nuts through the pair of left and right upper and lower through holes.

[0019] According to this configuration, the upper holding member and the lower holding structure can be firmly fixed by screwing bolts into nuts through the pair of left and right vertical through holes of the upper holding member and the lower holding structure.

[0020] (8) In the connector holder according to any one of (5) to (7) above, the lower holding structure may include a front holding member disposed on the front side of the one component held by the holder main body, and a rear holding member disposed on the rear side of the one component held by the holder main body, and opposed to the front holding member so as to sandwich the one component held by the holder main body.

[0021] According to this configuration, the one component held by the holder main body is sandwiched by the front holding member and the rear holding member, so that positional displacement (positioning) of the one component in the front-rear direction can be suppressed.

[0022] (9) The connector holder according to (8) above may further include a front-rear fixing structure for fixing the front holding member and the rear holding member.

[0023] According to this configuration, the front holding member and the rear holding member can be fixed by the front-rear fixing structure.

[0024] (10) In the connector holder according to (9) above, the front holding member is formed with a pair of left and right front-rear through holes that open in the front-rear direction via the one component held by the holder main body, and the front-rear fixing structure may include a pair of left and right female threaded portions provided at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right front-rear through holes in the rear holding member, and a pair of left and right bolts that are screwed into the pair of left and right female threaded portions through the pair of left and right front-rear through holes.

[0025] According to this configuration, the front holding member and the rear holding member can be firmly fixed by screwing bolts into the female threaded portions of the rear holding member through the pair of left and right front-rear through holes of the front holding member.

[0026] (11) In the connector holder according to any one of the above (1) to (10), the lock release button may include a protruding portion that protrudes toward the claw portion in the locked state, and when the lock release button is pushed into the holder main body, the protruding portion comes into contact with the claw portion in the locked state, the claw portion is pushed by the protruding portion, and the claw portion is disengaged from the fitted portion, whereby the locked state may be released.

[0027] According to this configuration, when the lock release button is pushed into the holder main body, the protruding portion comes into contact with the claw portion in the locked state, the claw portion is pushed by the protruding portion, and the claw portion is disengaged from the fitted portion, whereby the locked state can be released. Therefore, the unlocking of the connector can be performed more easily.

[0028] (12) In the connector holder according to the above (11), the protruding portion may be arranged at a position overlapping the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the lock release button is pushed into the holder main body.

[0029] According to this configuration, compared with the case where the protruding portion is arranged offset from the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the lock release button is pushed into the holder main body, the pressing force of the protruding portion is directly transmitted to the claw portion. Therefore, the unlocking of the connector can be easily performed.

[0030] (13) In the connector holder according to the above (12), the protruding portion may be formed in a shape smaller than the outer shape of the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the lock release button is pushed into the holder main body.

[0031] According to this configuration, compared with the case where the protruding portion is formed to have a size equal to or larger than the outer shape of the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the lock release button is pushed into the holder main body, the protruding portion smoothly comes into contact with the claw portion in the locked state. Therefore, the unlocking of the connector can be easily performed.

[0032] (14) In the connector holder described in any of (1) to (13) above, the unlock button may be provided with an operating part located outside the holder body when viewed from a direction intersecting the direction in which the unlock button is pressed against the holder body.

[0033] With this configuration, the unlock button can be easily pressed against the holder body, compared to when the operating part of the unlock button is located inside the holder body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to this embodiment of the connector holder, the connector can be easily unlocked. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the connector holder according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the separated state (unlocked state) of the male and female connectors of the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the mating state (connector locked state) of the male and female connectors of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Front view of a connector holder that holds either a male or female connector in a locked state. [Figure 5] Top view of the connector holder as seen from arrow V in Figure 4. [Figure 6] A view of the connector holder from the direction of arrow VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Left side view of the connector holder as seen from arrow VII in Figure 4. [Figure 8] Right side view of the connector holder as seen from arrow VIII in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Rear view of the connector holder as seen from arrow IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10]A perspective view showing the mating state (locked state of the connectors) of the male and female connectors in a modified connector holder. [Figure 11] A perspective view showing the separated state (unlocked state of the connectors) of the male and female connectors in a modified connector holder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show an XYZ coordinate system as necessary. In this specification, each direction will be defined and described along the XYZ coordinate system as necessary. In this embodiment, the X direction is an example of a first direction and is a direction along the horizontal plane. The Y direction is an example of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the horizontal plane. The Z direction is an example of a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions and is a direction along the vertical direction. The +Z direction corresponds to the upper side of the vertical direction. The -Z direction corresponds to the lower side of the vertical direction. In the drawings used in the following description, characteristic parts may be shown enlarged in order to make the features of the present invention easier to understand. In the drawings used in the following description, the dimensional ratios of each component may not be the same as in reality.

[0037] <Connector holder> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector holder 1 of the embodiment. Figure 2 shows the separated state of the male connector 101 and female connector 102 of the embodiment (unlocked state of connector 100). Figure 3 shows the mated state of the male connector 101 and female connector 102 of the embodiment (locked state of connector 100). Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the connector holder 1 is for releasing the locked state of the connector 100 when the claw portion 110 provided on the male connector 101 or female connector 102 is fitted to the mating portion 120 that is the object to be mated.

[0038] The connector 100 that is subject to unlocking is a connector in which the claw portion 110 of the male connector 101 is configured to be mated with the female connector 102 (mating portion 120). Wiring or the like may be connected to the ends of the male connector 101 and the female connector 102 opposite to the mating portions.

[0039] Basically, the connector 100 is configured such that the claw portion 110 of the male connector 101 is easy to mate (lock) with the female connector 102, while the claw portion 110 of the male connector 101 is difficult to detach (unlock) from the female connector 102. In other words, it is easy to change the connector 100 from the unlocked state shown in Figure 2 to the locked state shown in Figure 3, but it is difficult to change the connector 100 from the locked state shown in Figure 3 to the unlocked state shown in Figure 2.

[0040] The connector holder 1 of this embodiment is for releasing the locked state of the connector 100 when the claw portion 110 provided on the male connector 101 is mated with the mating portion 120 of the female connector 102. In this embodiment, the locked state is released when the claw portion 110 of the male connector 101 is pressed and the claw portion 110 disengages from the mating portion 120 of the female connector 102.

[0041] Although not shown in the diagram, the connector to be unlocked may be a female connector whose claws are configured to be matable with a male connector. The connector holder may be for releasing the locked state of a connector that has been mated with the mating portion of a male connector to which the claws on the female connector are mated. The locked state may also be released when the claws on the female connector are pressed and the claws disengage from the mating portion of the male connector.

[0042] Figure 4 is a front view of the connector holder 1, which holds either the male connector 101 or the female connector 102 in the locked state. Referring also to Figure 4, the connector holder 1 comprises a holder body 2 that holds either a male connector 101 or a female connector 102 in the locked state, and a release button 3 that is supported so as to be pushable relative to the holder body 2. The connector holder 1 is released when the release button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2, which pushes the claw portion 110 in the locked state, causing the claw portion 110 to disengage from the mating portion 120. In this embodiment, the holder body 2 holds a female connector 102 as one of the connectors, and a male connector 101 is mated into it from above.

[0043] <Holder body> Figure 5 is a top view of connector holder 1 as seen from arrow V in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a bottom view of connector holder 1 as seen from arrow VI in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a left side view of connector holder 1 as seen from arrow VII in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a right side view of connector holder 1 as seen from arrow VIII in Figure 4. Figure 9 is a rear view of connector holder 1 as seen from arrow IX in Figure 8. Referring to Figures 4 to 9, the holder body 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. When viewed from the X direction (front-to-back direction), the holder body 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangle that is long in the Y direction (left-to-right direction). When viewed from the left-to-right direction, the holder body 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangle that is long in the Z direction (up-down direction). When viewed from the up-and-down direction, the holder body 2 is formed in the shape of a rectangle that is long in the left-to-right direction. Note that the shape of the holder body 2 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0044] The holder body 2 includes an inner wall surface 20 that forms a housing space 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "connector housing space 10") that opens vertically to accommodate the one connector. The inner wall surface 20 is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the one connector when viewed from the vertical direction. The inner wall surface 20 is shaped like a rectangle that is elongated horizontally when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0045] The holder body 2 has an engaging portion 21 that protrudes in the left-right direction and engages with the one. The one has a body portion 121 that is long in the vertical direction when housed in the holder body 2. A constricted portion 122 that is recessed toward the inside of the body portion 121 is formed on the vertical center side of the body portion 121. The constricted portion 122 is formed over the entire outer circumference of the body portion 121. When viewed from the front-rear direction, the engaging portion 21 of the holder body 2 protrudes inward in the left-right direction so as to fit into the constricted portion 122 of the one. The engaging portion 21 of the holder body 2 may also be formed over the entire inner circumference of the inner wall surface 20 so as to fit into the constricted portion 122 of the one.

[0046] The holder body 2 is equipped with retaining portions 22 that restrict movement of the holder body 2 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the release button 3 is pressed. When the direction in which the release button 3 is pressed relative to the holder body 2 is the +X direction (rear direction), the retaining portions 22 restrict movement of the release button 3 in the -X direction (forward direction). The retaining portions 22 are formed on both sides of the left and right inner surfaces of the upper holding member 25 of the holder body 2. The retaining portions 22 protrude inward in the left and right directions from the front ends of the left and right inner surfaces of the upper holding member 25 of the holder body 2.

[0047] The holder body 2 comprises an upper holding member 25 positioned above the unlock button 3, and a lower holding structure 26 positioned below the unlock button 3 and facing the upper holding member 25 so as to sandwich the unlock button 3.

[0048] The upper retaining member 25 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction. The thickness of the upper retaining member 25 (maximum thickness in the vertical direction) is greater than the thickness of the lock release button 3 (maximum thickness in the vertical direction). A housing space 11 (hereinafter also referred to as "button housing space 11") is formed at the lower part of the upper retaining member 25 to accommodate the lock release button 3 (the part of the lock release button 3 opposite to the operating part 32).

[0049] The upper retaining member 25 is formed in a concave shape (an inverted U-shape elongated in the left-right direction) that surrounds the button housing space 11 from above and from the left and right when viewed from the front. The upper retaining member 25 is formed in a concave shape (an inverted U-shape elongated in the left-right direction) that surrounds the button housing space 11 from the rear and from the left and right when viewed from above. The button housing space 11 is sized to allow displacement of the release button 3 in the direction in which the release button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 (front-back direction). The button housing space 11 is approximately the same size as the thickness of the release button 3 (maximum thickness in the vertical direction) in the vertical direction. Note that the shape of the upper retaining member 25 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0050] The lower retaining structure 26 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the left-right direction. The height of the lower retaining structure 26 (maximum height in the vertical direction) is greater than the thickness of the upper retaining member 25 (maximum thickness in the vertical direction). The upper surface of the lower retaining structure 26, together with the upper retaining member 25, defines the button housing space 11. The upper surface of the lower retaining structure 26 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper retaining member 25 in parts other than the button housing space 11 (left and right outer ends and rear end). The upper surface of the lower retaining structure 26 is in contact with the lower surface of the unlock button 3 in parts other than the contact area with the upper retaining member 25 (the part facing the button housing space 11). The engaging portion 21 that engages with one of the above is formed on the vertically central side of the portion of the inner wall surface 20 that is composed of the lower retaining structure 26. Note that the shape of the lower retaining structure 26 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0051] The connector holder 1 further comprises an upper and lower fixing structure 4 for fixing the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26. The upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26 have a pair of left and right upper and lower through holes 40 that open vertically via a lock release button 3. The upper and lower fixing structure 4 includes a pair of left and right nuts 41 provided in the lower holding structure 26 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right upper and lower through holes 40, and a pair of left and right bolts 42 that are screwed into the pair of left and right nuts 41 through the pair of left and right upper and lower through holes 40.

[0052] The pair of upper and lower through holes 40 penetrate vertically through the left-right outer ends and the front-rear center of the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26. The upper surface of the left-right outer end of the upper holding member 25 functions as a seating surface for receiving the heads of the pair of left and right bolts 42. The lower part of the left-right outer end of the lower holding structure 26 is formed into a concave shape into which the pair of left and right nuts 41 fit. With the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26 stacked vertically, the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26 can be fixed together by screwing each bolt 42 into each nut 41 through the upper and lower through holes 40.

[0053] In the state in which the upper retaining member 25 and the lower retaining structure 26 are fixed together (hereinafter also referred to as the "upper and lower fixed state"), the lower surface of each nut 41 is located above the lower surface of the lower retaining structure 26. In the upper and lower fixed state, the tip of each bolt 42 protrudes below the lower surface of the lower retaining structure 26. Note that the arrangement of each bolt 42 and each nut 41 in the upper and lower fixed state is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0054] The lower holding structure 26 includes a front holding member 27 positioned on the front side of one of the holders held by the holder body 2, and a rear holding member 28 positioned on the rear side of one of the holders held by the holder body 2, facing the front holding member 27 so as to sandwich the one that is held by the holder body 2.

[0055] The front retaining member 27 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction. The thickness of the front retaining member 27 (maximum thickness in the front-rear direction) is thinner than the thickness of the other member (maximum thickness in the front-rear direction). The upper surface of the front retaining member 27, together with the upper retaining member 25 and the rear retaining member 28, defines the button housing space 11. The engaging portion 21 (the portion that engages from the front) that engages with the other member is formed on the vertically central side of the portion of the inner wall surface 20 that is composed of the front retaining member 27 (the rear surface of the front retaining member 27). The rear surface of the front retaining member 27 is in contact with the front surface of the rear retaining member 28, excluding the portion that contacts the connector housing space 10 (the left and right outer ends). The rear surface of the front retaining member 27 is in contact with the body portion 121 (front surface) of the other member, excluding the portion that contacts the rear retaining member 28 (the portion that faces the connector housing space 10). Note that the shape of the front retaining member 27 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0056] The rear retaining member 28 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the left-right direction. The thickness of the rear retaining member 28 (maximum thickness in the front-rear direction) is greater than the thickness of the front retaining member 27 (maximum thickness in the front-rear direction). The thickness of the rear retaining member 28 (maximum thickness in the front-rear direction) is greater than the thickness of the other one (maximum thickness in the front-rear direction). The engaging portion 21 that engages with the other one (the portion that engages from the left and right outer sides and the rear side) is formed on the vertically central side of the portion of the inner wall surface 20 that is composed of the rear retaining member 28 (the front surface of the rear retaining member 28). The front surface of the rear retaining member 28 is in contact with the rear surface of the portion of the front retaining member 27 other than the connector housing space 10 (the left and right outer ends). The front surface of the rear retaining member 28 is in contact with the body portion 121 of the other one (the left and right outer sides and the rear surface) in the portion other than the contact portion with the front retaining member 27 (the portion facing the connector housing space 10). Note that the shape of the rear retaining member 28 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0057] The connector holder 1 further comprises a front and rear fixing structure 5 for fixing a front holding member 27 and a rear holding member 28. The front holding member 27 has a pair of left and right front and rear through holes 50 that open in the front and rear direction through the one held by the holder body 2. The front and rear fixing structure 5 includes a pair of left and right female threaded portions 51 provided in the rear holding member 28 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right front and rear through holes 50, and a pair of left and right bolts 52 that are screwed into the pair of left and right female threaded portions 51 through the pair of left and right front and rear through holes 50.

[0058] The pair of front-to-rear through holes 50 penetrate the front-to-rear outer portion (the portion closer to the engagement portion 21) and the vertical center of the front retaining member 27 in the left-to-right direction. The pair of front-to-rear through holes 50 are positioned inward in the left-to-right direction compared to the pair of vertical through holes 40. The front surface of the left-to-right outer portion of the front retaining member 27 functions as a seating surface for receiving the heads of the pair of left-to-right bolts 52. The pair of left-to-right female threaded portions 51 open forward on the left-to-right outer portion (the portion closer to the engagement portion 21) and the vertical center of the rear retaining member 28. The front retaining member 27 and the rear retaining member 28 can be fixed together by screwing each bolt 52 into each female threaded portion 51 through each front-to-rear through hole 50 while the front retaining member 27 and the rear retaining member 28 are stacked in the front-to-rear direction.

[0059] In the state where the front retaining member 27 and the rear retaining member 28 are fixed together (hereinafter also referred to as the "front-rear fixed state"), the bottom surface of each female thread portion 51 is located in front of the rear surface of the rear retaining member 28. In the upper-lower fixed state, the tip of each bolt 52 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the front retaining member 27. Note that the arrangement of each bolt 52 and each female thread portion 51 in the front-rear fixed state is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0060] <Unlock button> The unlock button 3 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction. The unlock button 3 has a projection 31 that protrudes toward the claw portion 110 in the locked state. When the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 of the connector holder 1, the projection 31 comes into contact with the claw portion 110 in the locked state, the claw portion 110 is pushed by the projection 31, and the lock state is released as the claw portion 110 disengages from the mating portion 120.

[0061] The unlock button 3 is formed in a shape that combines a Y-shaped portion 30 that is long in the left-right direction when viewed from above and below, and a convex portion (protruding portion 31) that is directed towards the rear. The protruding portion 31 is positioned so as to overlap with the claw portion 110 in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed into the holder body 2 (front-to-back direction).

[0062] The protruding portion 31 is formed to be smaller than the outer shape of the claw portion 110 in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the release button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 (front-to-back direction). The protruding portion 31 is formed to be long in the left-to-right direction when viewed from the direction in which the release button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 (front-to-back direction). Note that the shape of the protruding portion 31 when viewed from the direction in which the release button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0063] The unlock button 3 includes an operating part 32 located outside the holder body 2 when viewed from a direction intersecting the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 (up / down or left / right direction). The operating part 32 is formed in a convex shape towards the front when viewed from the up / down direction. The left-right central part (convex part) of the operating part 32 is positioned to overlap with the protruding part 31 when viewed from the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 (front / back direction). The left-right central part (convex part) of the operating part 32 is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the protruding part 31 when viewed from the up / down direction.

[0064] <Modified connector holder> Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the mating state (connector locked state) of the male connector 101 and female connector 102 in the modified connector holder 1. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the separated state (connector unlocked state) of the male connector 101 and female connector 102 in the modified connector holder 1. In the connector holder 1 of the embodiment, the holder body 2 holds the female connector 102 as one of the connectors, and the male connector 101 is fitted into it from above, as described in the example, but it is not limited to this. Referring together to Figures 10 and 11, the holder body 2 may also hold the female connector 102 as one of the connectors, and the male connector 101 may be fitted into it from below. The male connector 101 may be held in a different holder 201 than the holder that holds the female connector 102. The mating direction of the male connector 101 and the female connector 102 can be changed according to the design specifications. The holder body 2 only needs to hold either the male connector 101 or the female connector 102 when locked.

[0065] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the connector holder 1 according to this embodiment is a connector holder for releasing the locked state of a connector 100 that has been fitted to a mating portion 120 into which a claw portion 110 provided on a male connector 101 or a female connector 102 is to be fitted. The connector holder 1 comprises a holder body 2 that holds either the male connector 101 or the female connector 102 in the locked state, and a release button 3 that is supported so as to be pushable relative to the holder body 2. The connector holder 1 releases the locked state when the release button 3 is pushed relative to the holder body 2, which pushes the claw portion 110 in the locked state, causing the claw portion 110 to disengage from the mating portion 120. With this configuration, when the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2, the claw portion 110 in the locked state is pressed, and the claw portion 110 disengages from the mating portion 120, thereby releasing the locked state. Therefore, the connector can be easily unlocked.

[0066] The holder body 2 according to this embodiment includes an inner wall surface 20 that forms a housing space 10 that opens vertically to accommodate the one of the aforementioned objects. The inner wall surface 20 is formed in a shape that conforms to the outer shape of the one of the aforementioned objects when viewed from the vertical direction. With this configuration, the one object can be held more stably compared to the case where the inner wall surface 20 of the holder body 2, when viewed from above, is formed in a shape different from the outer shape of the one object.

[0067] The holder body 2 according to this embodiment includes an engaging portion 21 that protrudes in the left-right direction and engages with one of the aforementioned parts. With this configuration, the engaging portion 21 of the holder body 2 protrudes in the left-right direction and engages with the one, thereby holding the one so that it does not come off.

[0068] The holder body 2 according to this embodiment includes a retaining portion 22 that restricts movement of the holder body 2 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed. With this configuration, the retaining portion 22 of the holder body 2 prevents the lock release button 3 from coming out of the holder body 2.

[0069] The holder body 2 according to this embodiment includes an upper holding member 25 positioned above the unlock button 3, and a lower holding structure 26 positioned below the unlock button 3 and facing the upper holding member 25 so as to sandwich the unlock button 3. With this configuration, the release button 3 is held between the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26, thereby suppressing (positioning) misalignment of the release button 3 in the vertical direction.

[0070] The connector holder 1 according to this embodiment further includes an upper and lower fixing structure 4 for fixing the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26. With this configuration, the upper and lower fixing structure 4 can fix the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26 together.

[0071] In this embodiment, the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26 are formed with a pair of left and right vertical through holes 40 that open vertically via the lock release button 3. The upper and lower fixing structure 4 includes a pair of left and right nuts 41 provided in the lower holding structure 26 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right vertical through holes 40, and a pair of left and right bolts 42 that are screwed into the pair of left and right nuts 41 through the pair of left and right vertical through holes 40. With this configuration, the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26 can be firmly fixed together by screwing a bolt 42 into a nut 41 through a pair of upper and lower through holes 40 on the left and right sides of the upper holding member 25 and the lower holding structure 26.

[0072] The lower holding structure 26 according to this embodiment includes a front holding member 27 positioned on the front side of one of the holders held by the holder body 2, and a rear holding member 28 positioned on the rear side of one of the holders held by the holder body 2, and facing the front holding member 27 so as to sandwich the one that is held by the holder body 2. With this configuration, the front holding member 27 and the rear holding member 28 hold the one part that is held by the holder body 2, thereby suppressing (positioning) any misalignment of the one part in the front-rear direction.

[0073] The connector holder 1 according to this embodiment further includes a front and rear fixing structure 5 for fixing the front holding member 27 and the rear holding member 28. With this configuration, the front and rear fixing structure 5 can fix the front holding member 27 and the rear holding member 28.

[0074] In this embodiment, the front holding member 27 has a pair of left and right front and rear through holes 50 that open in the front-rear direction through one of the holder bodies 2 which is held by the holder body 2. The front and rear fixing structure 5 includes a pair of left and right female threaded portions 51 provided in the rear holding member 28 at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right front and rear through holes 50, and a pair of left and right bolts 52 that are screwed into the pair of left and right female threaded portions 51 through the pair of left and right front and rear through holes 50. With this configuration, the front retaining member 27 and the rear retaining member 28 can be firmly fixed together by screwing a bolt 52 into the female threaded portion 51 of the rear retaining member 28 through a pair of front and rear through holes 50 on the left and right sides of the front retaining member 27.

[0075] The unlock button 3 according to this embodiment includes a projection 31 that protrudes toward the claw portion 110 in the locked state. When the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2 of the connector holder 1, the projection 31 comes into contact with the claw portion 110 in the locked state, the claw portion 110 is pushed by the projection 31, and the locked state is released as the claw portion 110 disengages from the mating portion 120. With this configuration, when the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2, the protrusion 31 comes into contact with the claw portion 110 in the locked state, and the claw portion 110 is pushed by the protrusion 31, causing the claw portion 110 to disengage from the mating portion 120, thereby releasing the locked state. Therefore, unlocking the connector can be made easier.

[0076] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 31 is positioned to overlap with the claw portion 110 in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2. With this configuration, compared to the case where the protrusion 31 is offset from the claw portion 110 in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2, the pressure from the protrusion 31 is directly transmitted to the claw portion 110. Therefore, the connector can be easily unlocked.

[0077] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 31 is formed to be smaller than the outer shape of the claw portion 110 in the locked state, when viewed from the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2. With this configuration, compared to the case where the protrusion 31 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the claw portion 110 in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2, the protrusion 31 makes smoother contact with the claw portion 110 in the locked state. Therefore, the connector can be easily unlocked.

[0078] The unlock button 3 according to this embodiment includes an operating part 32 that is located outside the holder body 2 when viewed from a direction intersecting the direction in which the unlock button 3 is pressed against the holder body 2. With this configuration, the unlock button 3 can be easily pressed against the holder body 2, compared to the case where the operating part 32 of the unlock button 3 is located inside the holder body 2.

[0079] <Variation> In the embodiments described above, the holder body is provided with an inner wall surface that forms a housing space opening vertically to accommodate one of the aforementioned items, and the inner wall surface is described as being shaped to conform to the outer shape of the aforementioned item when viewed from the vertical direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, the inner wall surface of the holder body may be shaped differently from the outer shape of the aforementioned item when viewed from the vertical direction. The shape of the inner wall surface of the holder body when viewed from the vertical direction can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0080] In the embodiments described above, the holder body was described as having an engaging portion that protrudes in the left-right direction and engages with one of the aforementioned parts, but it is not limited to this. For example, the holder body may have an engaging portion that protrudes in a direction different from the left-right direction (for example, the up-down direction) and engages with one of the aforementioned parts. The form of the engaging portion that engages with one of the aforementioned parts can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0081] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the holder body is equipped with a retaining part that restricts movement in the direction opposite to the direction in which the release button is pressed relative to the holder body, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a retaining part that restricts movement in the direction opposite to the direction in which the release button is pressed relative to the holder body may be provided on a component separate from the holder body. The manner in which the retaining part is installed can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the holder body was explained with an example comprising an upper holding member positioned above the release button and a lower holding structure positioned below the release button and facing the upper holding member so as to sandwich the release button, but it is not limited to this. For example, the holder body may comprise a left holding member positioned to the left of the release button and a right holding member positioned to the right of the release button and facing the left holding member so as to sandwich the release button. The configuration of the holder body relative to the release button can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0083] In the embodiments described above, the connector holder was described with an example that further includes an upper and lower fixing structure for fixing the upper retaining member and the lower retaining structure, but it is not limited to this. For example, the upper retaining member may be placed on top of the lower retaining structure without being fixed to the lower retaining structure. The manner in which the upper retaining member and the lower retaining structure are fixed can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0084] In the embodiments described above, the upper retaining member and the lower retaining structure are formed with a pair of left and right vertical through holes that open vertically via a release button, and the upper and lower fixing structure is described with an example that includes a pair of left and right nuts provided in the lower retaining structure at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right vertical through holes, and a pair of left and right bolts that are screwed into the pair of left and right nuts through the pair of left and right vertical through holes, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper retaining member and the lower retaining structure may be formed with a pair of front and rear vertical through holes that open vertically via a release button. For example, the upper and lower fixing structure may include a pair of front and rear nuts provided in the lower retaining structure at positions corresponding to the front and rear vertical through holes, and a pair of front and rear bolts that are screwed into the front and rear nuts through the front and rear vertical through holes. For example, the number of vertical through holes, nuts, and bolts may be one or three or more. The manner in which the bolts are screwed into the nuts through the vertical through holes (such as their location and number) can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0085] In the embodiments described above, the lower holding structure was described as comprising a front holding member positioned on the front side of the one held by the holder body, and a rear holding member positioned on the rear side of the one held by the holder body, facing the front holding member so as to sandwich the one held by the holder body. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the lower holding structure may comprise a left holding member positioned on the left side of the one held by the holder body, and a right holding member positioned on the right side of the one held by the holder body, facing the left holding member so as to sandwich the one held by the holder body. The configuration of the lower holding structure relative to the one held by the holder body can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0086] In the embodiments described above, the connector holder was described with an example that further includes a front and rear fixing structure for fixing the front retaining member and the rear retaining member, but it is not limited to this. For example, the front retaining member may be positioned in front of the rear retaining member without being fixed to the rear retaining member. The manner in which the front retaining member and the rear retaining member are fixed can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0087] In the embodiments described above, the front holding member has a pair of left and right front and rear through holes that open in the front-rear direction through the one held by the holder body, and the front-rear fixing structure is described using an example that includes a pair of left and right female threaded portions provided in the rear holding member at positions corresponding to the pair of left and right front and rear through holes, and a pair of left and right bolts that are screwed into the pair of left and right female threaded portions through the pair of left and right front and rear through holes, but it is not limited to this. For example, the front holding member may have a pair of upper and lower front and rear through holes that open in the front-rear direction through the one held by the holder body. For example, the front-rear fixing structure may include a pair of upper and lower female threaded portions provided in the rear holding member at positions corresponding to the upper and lower front and rear through holes, and a pair of upper and lower bolts that are screwed into the upper and lower female threaded portions through the upper and lower front and rear through holes. For example, the number of front and rear through holes, female threaded portions, and bolts may each be one or three or more. The manner in which the bolts are screwed into the female threaded portions through the front and rear through holes (such as their location and number) can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0088] In the embodiments described above, the unlock button has a projection that protrudes toward the claw portion in the locked state, and the connector holder is described as releasing the lock state when the unlock button is pressed against the holder body, causing the projection to contact the claw portion in the locked state, the claw portion to be pushed by the projection, and the claw portion to disengage from the mating portion. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the unlock button may be formed in a shape corresponding to the claw portion in the locked state. The manner in which the unlock state is released when the unlock button is pressed against the holder body, causing the claw portion to be pushed and the claw portion to disengage from the mating portion, can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, the protrusion was described as being positioned so as to overlap with the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the release button is pressed against the holder body, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion may be positioned offset from the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the release button is pressed against the holder body. The arrangement of the protrusion relative to the claw portion in the locked state can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0090] In the embodiments described above, the protrusion was described as being smaller than the outer shape of the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the release button is pressed into the holder body, but it is not limited to this. For example, the protrusion may be formed to be larger than the outer shape of the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the release button is pressed into the holder body. The shape and size of the protrusion relative to the claw portion in the locked state can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0091] In the embodiments described above, the unlock button was described as having an operating part located outside the holder body when viewed from a direction intersecting the direction in which the unlock button is pressed against the holder body, but it is not limited to this. For example, the operating part of the unlock button may be located inside the holder body. The arrangement of the operating part of the unlock button can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment, the connector to be unlocked is a connector in which the claw portion of the male connector is configured to be able to be mated with the female connector (mating portion), and an example was given in which wiring etc. is connected to the ends opposite to the mating portions of the male and female connectors. However, the following matters can be considered. For example, it is conceivable that the connector holder may be made larger than in the above embodiment and a predetermined function may be given to a predetermined part to give the connector itself a predetermined effect (function). For example, it is conceivable that the connector itself may be given waterproof, explosion-proof, and dustproof functions by providing a sealing function such as a rubber gasket to each mating portion of the connector (the portion that mates with the male and female connectors), the wiring entry portion, and the unlock button portion.

[0093] Furthermore, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the above-described modifications may be combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1...Connector holder, 2...Holder body, 3...Lock release button, 4...Upper and lower fixing structure, 5...Front and rear fixing structure, 10...Connector housing space (housing space), 20...Inner wall surface, 21...Engaging part, 22...Retaining part, 25...Upper holding member, 26...Lower holding structure, 27...Front holding member, 28...Rear holding member, 31...Protruding part, 32...Operating part, 40...Upper and lower through hole, 41...Nut, 42...Bolt, 50...Front and rear through hole, 51...Female thread part, 52...Bolt, 100...Connector, 101...Male connector, 102...Female connector, 110...Claw part, 120...Mating part

Claims

1. A connector holder for releasing the locked state of a connector that has a claw portion provided on a male or female connector fitted to a mating portion, A holder body that holds either the male connector or the female connector in the locked state, It comprises a release button that is supported so as to be pushable relative to the holder body, When the release button is pressed against the holder body, the claw portion in the locked state is pressed, and the claw portion disengages from the fitted portion, thereby releasing the locked state. Connector holder.

2. The holder body is provided with an inner wall surface that forms a storage space that opens vertically to accommodate one of the aforementioned items, The inner wall surface is formed in a shape that conforms to one of the outer shapes when viewed from the vertical direction. The connector holder according to claim 1.

3. The holder body has an engaging portion that protrudes in the left-right direction and engages with one of the aforementioned parts. The connector holder according to claim 2.

4. The holder body is provided with a retaining portion that restricts movement of the holder body in the direction opposite to the direction in which the release button is pressed. A connector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The holder body is, An upper retaining member positioned above the aforementioned unlock button, The system includes a lower holding structure positioned below the unlock button and facing the upper holding member so as to sandwich the unlock button, A connector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The system further comprises an upper and lower fixing structure for fixing the upper holding member and the lower holding structure. The connector holder according to claim 5.

7. The upper holding member and the lower holding structure are formed with a pair of left and right vertical through holes that open vertically via the lock release button. The aforementioned upper and lower fixing structure is In the lower retaining structure, a pair of left and right nuts are provided at positions corresponding to the left and right pair of upper and lower through holes, Includes a pair of left and right bolts that are screwed into a pair of left and right nuts through a pair of left and right upper and lower through holes, The connector holder according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned lower retaining structure is A front holding member positioned on one of the front sides, which is held by the holder body, The holder body comprises a rear holding member positioned behind the one of the holders held by the holder body, and facing the front holding member so as to sandwich the one of the holders held by the holder body, The connector holder according to claim 5.

9. The system further includes a front and rear fixing structure for fixing the front retaining member and the rear retaining member. The connector holder according to claim 8.

10. The front holding member has a pair of front and rear through holes, one of which is held by the holder body and opens in the front-rear direction. The aforementioned front and rear fixing structure is The rear retaining member has a pair of left and right female screw portions provided at positions corresponding to the left and right pair of front and rear through holes, Includes a pair of left and right bolts that are screwed into a pair of left and right female threaded portions through a pair of left and right front and rear through holes, The connector holder according to claim 9.

11. The unlock button has a projection that protrudes toward the claw portion in the locked state, When the release button is pressed against the holder body, the protrusion contacts the claw in the locked state, the claw is pushed by the protrusion, and the claw disengages from the fitted portion, thereby releasing the locked state. A connector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The protruding portion is positioned such that it overlaps with the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the release button is pressed against the holder body. The connector holder according to claim 11.

13. The protruding portion is formed to be smaller than the outer shape of the claw portion in the locked state when viewed from the direction in which the release button is pressed against the holder body. The connector holder according to claim 12.

14. The unlock button has an operating part located outside the holder body when viewed from a direction intersecting the direction in which the unlock button is pressed against the holder body. A connector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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