Integrated member and assembly equipped with integrated member

Abstract

To provide an integrated member that can integrate two or more connectors, and can replace only one connector.SOLUTION: An integrated member 12 comprises a holding member 20 and a lock member 30. The holding member 20 can hold a connector 60 inserted from backward in a forward and backward direction (X direction). The lock member 30 comprises a lock part 49. The lock member 30 is attached to the holding member 20 so as to be movable between a lock position (a position of a solid line in Fig.2) and an unlock position (a position of a dotted dash line in Fig.2). When the lock member 30 is at the lock position, the lock part 49 is at a prescribed position backward a locked part 68 of the connector 60, and restricts the backward movement of the locked part 68. When the lock part 49 is at the unlock position, the lock part 49 moves from the prescribed position, and the locked part 68 is movable backward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated member capable of integrating a plurality of connectors.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses this type of integrated member.

[0003] Referring to FIG. 25, the integrated member disclosed in Patent Document 1 can integrate a plurality of optical connectors 97 into an assembly 90 including one multi-core connector 96. Specifically, the integrated member includes a housing (holding member) 92 and a pressing member 94. After the optical connectors 97 are combined with the multi-core connector 96, they are collectively inserted and housed in the holding member 92. Then, the pressing member 94 is pushed into the housing 92 from the rear, and the multi-core connector 96 is held inside the housing 92 by the spring force of the pressing member 94. As a result, an assembly 90 in which a plurality of optical connectors 97 are integrated is obtained. According to the integrated member of Patent Document 1, a plurality of optical connectors 97 can be easily integrated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] There is a desire to replace only one optical connector after collectively holding a plurality of optical connectors in a housing. That is, there is a desire to remove only one optical connector from the holding member and insert the replaced one optical connector into the holding member. Such a desire is common to various connectors such as electrical connectors as well as optical connectors.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an integrated member that can integrate multiple connectors, and in which only one connector can be replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first integrated member, A plurality of connectors, each having a locking portion, and a plurality of connectors that can be connected to an object, can be integrated into one integrated member, The integrated member comprises a holding member and a locking member. The holding member is capable of holding the connector inserted from the rear in the front-rear direction. The locking member is equipped with a locking portion, The locking member is attached to the retaining member so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the connector is held by the holding member and the locking member is in the locked position, the locking portion is located at a predetermined position behind the locked portion, restricting the rearward movement of the locked portion. When the connector is held by the retaining member and the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking portion has moved from the predetermined position and the locked portion is movable backward. To provide an integrated component.

[0008] The present invention provides a second integrated member, which is the first integrated member, The locking member comprises a rotating member and a slider. The rotating member has the locking portion, The rotating member is attached to the holding member so as to be rotatable relative to the holding member. The locking member rotates between the locked position and the unlocked position as the rotating member rotates. The slider is attached to the rotating member such that it can slide between a restricted position and an unrestricted position relative to the rotating member. The retaining member has a restricting portion, The slider has a restricted portion, When the locking member is in the locked position and the slider is in the restricting position, the restricting portion restricts the movement of the restricted portion in the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the rotating member. When the slider is in the unrestricted position, the restricted portion is released from the restricting portion, thereby allowing the rotating member to rotate freely. To provide an integrated component.

[0009] The present invention provides a third integrated member, which is a first integrated member, The integrated member is attachable to the object of the connector. To provide an integrated component.

[0010] The present invention provides a fourth integrated member, which is a third integrated member, The object of the connector has a hooked portion, The aforementioned integrated member is equipped with a hook portion, When the integrated member is attached to the object, the hook portion engages with the hooked portion. To provide an integrated component.

[0011] The present invention provides a first assembly comprising one of the first to fourth integrated members and a connector held by the integrated member. We provide an assembly.

[0012] The present invention provides a second assembly, which is the first assembly, The connector comprises a connection locking part and a pull tab. The connection locking part locks the connection state in which the connector is connected to the object. The lock on the connection state can be released by operating the pull tab. We provide an assembly.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, by moving the lock member from the locked position to the unlocked position, Locking component the movement restriction of the locked portion of the connector by the lock portion can be released. That is, by moving the lock member to the unlocked position, each of the connectors can be moved backward and removed. Further, a connector in place of the removed connector can be inserted from the rear. As described above, according to the present invention, an integrated member capable of integrating a plurality of connectors and an integrated member in which only one connector can be replaced can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lock member is in the locked position. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing the assembly of FIG. 1. The position of the locked portion of the connector is drawn by a broken line. The outline of the lock member when moved to the unlocked position is drawn by a one-dot chain line. [Figure 3] It is a rear view showing the assembly of FIG. 1. The pull tab of the connector is not drawn. The hidden outline of the locked portion is drawn by a broken line. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the connector of the assembly of FIG. 1. A part of the connector (the portion surrounded by a broken line) is drawn enlarged. [Figure 5] It is another perspective view showing the connector of FIG. 4. A part of the connector (the portion surrounded by a broken line) is drawn enlarged. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the integrated member of the assembly of FIG. 1. The lock member is in the locked position and the slider is in the restricted position. [Figure 7] It is a front view showing the integrated member of FIG. 6. The outline of the protruding portion of the connector when inserted into the holding member is drawn by a broken line. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view showing the integrated member of FIG. 6. [Figure 9]This is another perspective view showing the integrated component of Figure 6. The locking member is in the locked position, and the slider is in the unrestricted position. [Figure 10] This is another perspective view showing the integrated member in Figure 9. The locking member is in the unlocked position. [Figure 11] This is another perspective view showing the assembly in Figure 1. The locking member is in the locked position, and the slider is in the unrestricted position. [Figure 12] This is another perspective view showing the assembly in Figure 11. The locking member is in the unlocked position. [Figure 13] Another perspective view showing the assembly in Figure 12. The connector has been removed from the retaining member. [Figure 14] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the assembly together with the object. The connector is connected to the object. [Figure 15] Figure 14 is a side view showing the assembly and the object. The side of the object is partially cut out. A portion of the partially cut-out area (the area enclosed by the dashed line) is shown in enlargement. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is another perspective view showing the assembly and object. The locking member is in the unlocked position. One of the connectors has been removed from the object and the retaining member. [Figure 17] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the integrated member. The locking member is in the locked position, and the slider is in the restricted position. [Figure 18] This is another perspective view showing the integrated component in Figure 17. The slider is in the unrestricted position. [Figure 19] This is another perspective view showing the integrated member in Figure 18. The locking member is in the unlocked position. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing a modified version of the assembly in Figure 1. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the integrated components of the assembly. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing the holding member of the integrated member in Figure 21. [Figure 23] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the assembly together with the object. The connector is connected to the object. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is a side view showing the assembly and the object. The side of the object is partially cut out. A portion of the partially cut-out area (the area enclosed by the dashed line) is shown in enlargement. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing the integrated member and optical connector described in Patent Document 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an integrated member 12 and a plurality of connectors 60 held by the integrated member 12. The assembly 10 of this embodiment comprises four connectors 60 arranged in the lateral direction (Y direction). The lateral direction in this embodiment is the Y direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of connectors 60 may be two or three, or five or more. In addition to the integrated member 12 and the connectors 60, the assembly 10 may further comprise other members.

[0016] Each of the connectors 60 in this embodiment is a plug connected to a single optical fiber 89. That is, each of the connectors 60 is a single-core optical connector and together with the optical fiber 89 forms an optical harness. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each of the connectors 60 may be a multi-core optical connector or an electrical connector. Each of the connectors 60 may form an electrical harness together with an electric wire. The connector 60 may include one or more optical connectors and one or more electrical connectors. Each of the connectors 60 may be a plug or a receptacle. The connector 60 may include one or more plugs and one or more receptacles.

[0017] Referring to Figure 14, the assembly 10 of this embodiment can be connected to an object 80 along the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the front-to-back direction is the X direction. In this embodiment, the front is the +X direction and the rear is the -X direction. The object 80 of this embodiment is an optical adapter that connects four connectors 60 to four mating connectors (not shown). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the object 80 may be any component suitable for the application of the connectors 60. For example, the object 80 may be a mating connector.

[0018] In this embodiment, the object 80 has a plurality of housing sections 82, each corresponding to a connector 60. The housing sections 82 are arranged laterally and penetrate the object 80 along the front-to-back direction. In the connected state where the assembly 10 and the object 80 are connected to each other (as shown in Figure 14), the front end of the connector 60 is housed in the corresponding housing section 82. That is, in the connected state, each of the connectors 60 is connected to the object 80. In this embodiment, there are four housing sections 82. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of housing sections 82 may be the same as the number of connectors 60. Also, the housing sections 82 may be provided as needed.

[0019] In this embodiment, the object 80 has eight locking holes 84 formed therein. The locking holes 84 are formed on the upper plate of the object 80 in the vertical direction, which is perpendicular to both the lateral and front-rear directions. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the Z direction. In this embodiment, upward is the +Z direction and downward is the -Z direction. The locking holes 84 are located near the rear end of the object 80 and are arranged in the lateral direction. The eight locking holes 84 are divided into four pairs of locking holes 84, each corresponding to one of the four housing sections 82. Each pair of locking holes 84 consists of two locking holes 84 that are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction.

[0020] Referring to Figure 15, each of the locking holes 84 extends vertically from the top surface of the object 80 to the corresponding housing 82. A locking surface 86 is formed in each of the locking holes 84. Each of the locking surfaces 86 is the inner wall surface on the rear side of the locking hole 84. Each of the locking surfaces 86 is a plane parallel to the orthogonal plane (YZ plane) and faces forward.

[0021] The object 80 of this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure of the object 80 can be modified as needed. For example, the number of lock holes 84 can be provided as needed.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, the connectors 60 in this embodiment have the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connectors 60 may have different shapes. One of the connectors 60 will be described below. The following description is applicable to each of the connectors 60.

[0023] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the connector 60 of this embodiment comprises a connector body 61, a portion extending rearward from the connector body 61, and a pull tab 70 made of an insulator. The optical fiber 89 is held in the connector body 61. The connector body 61 has a connecting portion 62 and a held portion 63. The connecting portion 62 is the front portion of the connector body 61 and, in the connected state, is housed in the housing portion 82 (see Figure 15) of the object 80 (see Figure 15). The held portion 63 is the rear portion of the connector body 61 and is held in the integrated member 12 (see Figure 1) in the assembly 10.

[0024] The held portion 63 has a support portion 64 and an overhang portion 67. The support portion 64 is the upper part of the held portion 63. The support portion 64 is a single curved metal plate and has a rectangular cylindrical shape extending along the front-rear direction. A notch 69 is formed in the upper plate of the support portion 64. The overhang portion 67 is located at the rear end of the held portion 63, including the support portion 64, and protrudes outward in the YZ plane.

[0025] The pull tab 70 is a component used to pull the entire connector 60 backward. Pull Tab 70 is, It passes through the interior of the support portion 64 and extends along the front-rear direction. The pull tab 70 has a stopper 72 and an operating portion 74. The operating portion 74 is located at the front end of the pull tab 70 and protrudes forward from the support portion 64. The stopper 72 is located behind the operating portion 74. The stopper 72 is located inside the notch 69 of the retained portion 63 and protrudes upward.

[0026] Referring to Figure 5, the pull tab 70 is supported by the support portion 64 in such a way that it does not move forward beyond the position shown in Figure 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "front limit position"), and remains in the front limit position unless pulled backward. When the pull tab 70 is pulled backward, the stopper 72 abuts against the rear inner wall surface of the notch 69, stopping the backward movement of the pull tab 70. The position of the pull tab 70 at this time is called the rear limit position. In other words, the pull tab 70 is supported by the connector body 61 so that it can move between the front limit position and the rear limit position.

[0027] The connector 60 of this embodiment has the basic structure described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the basic structure of the connector 60 can be modified according to the application of the connector 60. For example, the pull tab 70 may be provided as needed. If the pull tab 70 is not provided, the support portion 64 does not need to be provided. On the other hand, the connector 60 may further include other members and parts in addition to the members and parts described above.

[0028] Referring to Figure 4, the connector body 61 of this embodiment has a locking piece 65 and two connection locking parts 66.

[0029] Referring to Figure 4, the front end of the locking piece 65 is fixed to the upper surface of the connecting portion 62. The locking piece 65 is supported in a cantilevered manner by the connecting portion 62, extending backward while protruding upward. The locking piece 65 formed in this way is elastically deformable. The rear end of the locking piece 65 is branched into two in the lateral direction. That is, the locking piece 65 has two rear ends aligned in the lateral direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, the connecting lock portion 66 is the rear end surface of the two rear ends of the lock piece 65. The two connecting lock portions 66 are arranged laterally. Each of the connecting lock portions 66 is a plane parallel to the YZ plane and faces backward. The connecting lock portion 66 is movable vertically in accordance with the elastic deformation of the lock piece 65. In this embodiment, the two rear ends of the lock piece 65 are located directly below the operating portion 74 of the pull tab 70. With this arrangement, when the pull tab 70, which is at its front limit position, is pulled backward to move the operating portion 74 backward, the lock piece 65 receives a downward force from the operating portion 74 and undergoes elastic deformation, causing the connecting lock portion 66 to move downward.

[0031] Referring to Figure 15, the locking piece 65, in the connected state, is housed inside the corresponding housing 82 of the object 80, together with the operating portion 74 of the pull tab 70, which is at the front limit position. The two connecting locking parts 66 are each positioned directly in front of the locking surfaces 86 of the two locking holes 84 in the connected state. When the assembly 10 is pulled backward, the connecting locking parts 66 each abut against the locking surfaces 86, thereby preventing the connector 60 from being removed from the object 80. In other words, the connecting locking parts 66 lock the connected state in which the connector 60 is connected to the object 80.

[0032] In the connected state, when the pull tab 70 is pulled backward and moved toward the rear limit position, the operating part 74 pushes the locking piece 65 downward, and the connection locking part 66 moves downward to the locking surface 86. As a result, the lock in the connected state is released. In other words, according to this embodiment, the lock in the connected state can be released by operating the pull tab 70. According to this embodiment, the locking piece 65 of the connector 60 is located inside the housing part 82 of the object 80 and is difficult to directly elastically deform. On the other hand, the locking piece 65 can be indirectly elastically deformed by operating the pull tab 70.

[0033] As described above, the connector 60 of this embodiment includes a connection locking portion 66 supported by a locking piece 65 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The connection locking portion 66 is movable by operating the pull tab 70. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure and arrangement of the connection locking portion 66 can be modified as needed. Also, the locking piece 65 and the connection locking portion 66 may be provided as needed. If the locking piece 65 and the connection locking portion 66 are not provided, there is no need to provide the operating portion 74 of the pull tab 70.

[0034] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the connector body 61 of this embodiment has a locking portion 68 in addition to the above-mentioned portion. The locking portion 68 is the rear end surface of the protruding portion 67. The locking portion 68 is a plane parallel to the YZ plane and faces rearward. As will be described later, the locking portion 68 locks the connector 60 in a state where it is held by the integrated member 12 (see Figure 1). The connector 60 of this embodiment has a locking portion 68 formed as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure and arrangement of the locking portion 68 can be modified as needed.

[0035] The integrated member 12 of this embodiment (see Figure 1) will be described below.

[0036] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, the integrated member 12 of this embodiment comprises a holding member 20 made of an insulator and a locking member 30. The locking member 30 of this embodiment comprises a rotating member 40 made of an insulator and a slider 50 made of an insulator. The three members, the holding member 20, the rotating member 40 and the slider 50, are formed separately from each other and then combined to form the integrated member 12. That is, the integrated member 12 of this embodiment comprises three separate members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the rotating member 40 and the slider 50 may each be part of an integrally formed member. On the other hand, the integrated member 12 is as described above. did In addition to the three components, another component may be included.

[0037] The retaining member 20 of this embodiment has a retaining portion 21. Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figure 1, the retaining portion 21 has four retaining holes 22, each corresponding to one of the four connectors 60. The retaining holes 22 are arranged laterally and penetrate the retaining portion 21 along the front-to-back direction. In the assembly 10, each of the connectors 60 is inserted into its corresponding retaining hole 22 from the rear. As a result, each of the retained portions 63 of the connectors 60 is received and held in its corresponding retaining hole 22. That is, each of the connectors 60 is partially received in its corresponding retaining hole 22 and extends along the front-to-back direction from the front and rear of the retaining member 20.

[0038] As described above, the retaining member 20 can hold the connector 60 inserted from the rear in the front-rear direction. Each of the connectors 60 is held by the corresponding retaining hole 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the method of holding the connector 60 by the retaining member 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the connector 60 may be held by parts other than the retaining hole 22.

[0039] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, the retaining member 20 of this embodiment has, in addition to the retaining portion 21, two shaft portions 23 and two restricting portions 24. The shaft portions 23 and restricting portions 24 are provided on the retaining portion 21. The shaft portions 23 and restricting portions 24 are located at the front end of the retaining portion 21 and are aligned laterally. The shaft portions 23 are located on both sides of the retaining portion 21 in the lateral direction. Each of the shaft portions 23 has a cylindrical shape that extends laterally. The two restricting portions 24 are located between the two shaft portions 23 in the lateral direction. A restricting hole 25 is formed in each of the restricting portions 24. Each of the restricting holes 25 has a rectangular shape in the YZ plane and penetrates the restricting portion 24 in the front-rear direction.

[0040] The retaining member 20 of this embodiment has the structure described above. However, the structure of the retaining member 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the connector 60. For example, the number of restricting portions 24 may be one or three or more. The shaft portion 23 and the restricting portions 24 may be provided as needed.

[0041] The rotating member 40 of this embodiment has a base portion 42, two arm portions 43, and a pressing portion 44. The base portion 42 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The base portion 42 shown in Figures 6 and 8 extends parallel to the XY plane. The arm portions 43 are located on both sides of the base portion 42 in the lateral direction. Each of the arm portions 43 protrudes upward from the base portion 42 and extends along the lateral side of the base portion 42. The pressing portion 44 protrudes downward from the base portion 42 and extends along the lateral direction between the two ends of the base portion 42 in the lateral direction.

[0042] Each of the arm portions 43 has an axial hole 46 formed therein. Each axial hole 46 is formed at the front end of the arm portion 43 and penetrates the arm portion 43 laterally. The two axial holes 46 are provided corresponding to the two shaft portions 23 of the holding member 20, respectively. Each axial hole 46 is attached to the corresponding shaft portion 23, thereby allowing the rotating member 40 to rotate relative to the holding member 20 about the shaft portion 23. In other words, the rotating member 40 is attached to the holding member 20 in such a way that it can rotate relative to the holding member 20.

[0043] The rotating member 40 has a locking portion 49. In this embodiment, the locking portion 49 is part of the pressing portion 44 and faces the holding member 20. The locking portion 49 of the rotating member 40 shown in Figure 6 is in contact with the rear end surface of the holding member 20 or slightly behind the rear end surface of the holding member 20. The position of the locking portion 49 at this time is called the predetermined position. The position of the locking member 30 when the locking portion 49 is in the predetermined position is called the locked position.

[0044] When in a predetermined position, the locking portion 49 is a plane parallel to the YZ plane and faces forward. As will be described later, the locking portion 49 locks the connector 60 (see Figure 2) in the state in which it is held by the integrated member 12, together with the locked portion 68 (see Figure 2) of the connector 60.

[0045] When the locking portion 49 is in a predetermined position, even if an attempt is made to rotate the rotating member 40 clockwise as shown in Figure 6, the locking portion 49 is pressed against the holding member 20, and the rotating member 40 cannot rotate. In other words, the rotating member 40 cannot rotate clockwise beyond the position shown in Figure 6.

[0046] The locking member 30 of this embodiment includes a locking portion 49 formed as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structure and arrangement of the locking portion 49 can be modified as needed. For example, the locking portion 49 may be a protrusion that extends downward from the bottom surface of the rotating member 40. Each of the locked portions 68 (see Figure 2) of the connector 60 (see Figure 2) may be a recess corresponding to this protrusion. When the locking member 30 is in the locked position, the protrusion (locking portion 49) of the locking member 30 may engage with the recess (locked portion 68) of the connector 60, locking the connector 60 in a state held by the integrated member 12.

[0047] Referring to Figure 8 in conjunction with Figure 3, each arm portion 43 has a guide groove 48 in addition to the shaft hole 46. Each of the guide grooves 48 is a groove formed in the arm portion 43. When the lock portion 49 is in a predetermined position, each of the guide grooves 48 is covered from above by the upper plate of the arm portion 43 and extends along the front-rear direction. The two guide grooves 48 open toward each other in the lateral direction.

[0048] Referring to Figure 8, the slider 50 of this embodiment has an operated portion 52, two guided portions 56, and two spring portions 58. The operated portion 52 has a rectangular flat plate shape. Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figure 8, the operated portion 52 is positioned on the base portion 42 of the rotating member 40. Referring to Figure 8, the guided portions 56 are located on both sides of the operated portion 52 in the lateral direction. Guided portion 56Each of these protrudes laterally outward from the operated portion 52 and extends along the lateral side of the operated portion 52. The spring portion 58 is provided corresponding to each guided portion 56. Each of the spring portions 58 is supported by the corresponding guided portion 56. Each of the spring portions 58 protrudes laterally outward from the corresponding guided portion 56 and is elastically deformable so that its rear end moves laterally.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figure 8, the two guided portions 56 are provided corresponding to the two guide grooves 48 of the rotating member 40. Each of the guided portions 56 is inserted from the rear into the corresponding guide groove 48, thereby allowing the slider 50 to slide along the guide grooves 48 relative to the rotating member 40. In other words, the slider 50 is attached to the rotating member 40 so as to be slidable relative to the rotating member 40. Referring to Figure 6, the slider 50 attached to the rotating member 40 rotates together with the rotating member 40.

[0050] Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figure 8, the slider 50 of this embodiment has two restricted portions 54 in addition to the portion described above. The two restricted portions 54 are located at the front end of the slider 50 and are aligned laterally. When the lock portion 49 is in a predetermined position, each of the restricted portions 54 has a rectangular shape in the YZ plane and protrudes forward from the front end of the slider 50.

[0051] The two restricted portions 54 are provided corresponding to the two restricting portions 24 of the holding member 20. When the locking portion 49 is in a predetermined position, sliding the slider 50 attached to the rotating member 40 forward causes the restricted portions 54 to be inserted into the restricting holes 25 of the restricting portions 24. Subsequently, the front end of the operated portion 52 abuts against the rear end of the restricting portion 24, thereby stopping the forward movement of the slider 50. The position of the slider 50 at this time (the position shown in Figure 6) is called the restricted position.

[0052] When the locking member 30 is in the locked position and the slider 50 is in the restricted position, the restricting part 24 restricts the movement of the restricted part 54 in the vertical direction, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the rotating member 40. Specifically, according to this embodiment, when the rotating member 40 rotates counterclockwise as shown in Figure 6, the front end of the restricted part 54 moves downward and the rear end of the restricted part 54 moves upward. However, when the slider 50 is in the restricted position, the restricting part 24 stops these movements of the restricted part 54, and therefore the rotating member 40 cannot rotate.

[0053] Referring to Figures 6 and 9, when the slider 50 in the restricted position is slid backward, the restricted portion 54 is disengaged from the restricting portion 24. Subsequently, the rear end of the spring portion 58 (see Figure 8) of the slider 50 abuts against the rear inner wall surface of the guide groove 48 of the rotating member 40, thereby stopping the backward movement of the slider 50. The position of the slider 50 at this time is called the unrestricted position. In other words, the slider 50 is attached to the rotating member 40 so as to be slidable between the restricted position and the unrestricted position relative to the rotating member 40.

[0054] Referring to Figure 9, when the slider 50 is in the unrestricted position, the restricted portion 54 is released from the restricting portion 24, and as a result, the rotating member 40 can rotate counterclockwise together with the slider 50. In other words, the locking member 30 can rotate along with the rotational movement of the rotating member 40. More specifically, the locking member 30 rotates between the locked position shown in Figure 6 and the unlocked position shown in Figure 10 as the rotating member 40 rotates. That is, referring to Figure 2, the locking member 30 is attached to the holding member 20 so that it can move between the locked position (the position shown by the solid line in Figure 2) and the unlocked position (the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 2).

[0055] Referring to Figure 6, the structures of the holding member 20, the rotating member 40, and the slider 50 are not limited to the embodiment described above and can be modified in various ways.

[0056] For example, the number of restricted portions 54 on the slider 50 may be the same as the number of restricted portions 24 on the holding member 20. The holding member 20 may have a single flat plate portion instead of the illustrated restricted portions 24. The flat plate portion of the holding member 20 may be located directly above the restricted portions 54 when the slider 50 is in the restricted position. The integrated member 12 may be equipped with a rod-shaped lock pin instead of the slider 50. In this case, the holding member 20 and the rotating member 40 may be provided with holes into which the lock pin can be inserted. The rotational movement of the lock member 30 may be restricted by inserting the lock pin into the holes in the holding member 20 and the rotating member 40.

[0057] The locking member 30 may, instead of the rotating member 40, include a vertically moving member that can move vertically relative to the holding member 20. The vertically moving member may be combined with a slider 50, similar to the rotating member 40. In this case, after releasing the restriction of the restricted portion 54 by the restricting portion 24, the locking member 30 may be moved to the unlocked position by moving the vertically moving member upward.

[0058] Comparing Figure 17 with Figure 6, the assembly 10 (see Figure 1) may have an integrated member 12A instead of the integrated member 12. The illustrated integrated member 12A has the same holding member 20 as the integrated member 12, and has a locking member 30A that is different from the locking member 30 of the integrated member 12. The locking member 30A has a rotating member 40A and a slider 50A, which are inseparable, integrated members. 。 In other words, the rotating member 40A and the slider 50A are each part of the locking member 30A.

[0059] Referring to Figure 17, when the locking member 30A is in the locked position, the shaft hole 46A of the integrated member 12A extends long along the front-rear direction. Each of the shaft portions 23 of the holding member 20 is received near the rear end of the corresponding shaft hole 46A. Referring to Figures 17 to 19, in this modified example as well, when the locking member 30A is moved backward and then rotated counterclockwise, the locking member 30A is positioned in the unlocked position.

[0060] The method for holding the connector 60 (see Figure 1) using the integrated member 12 (see Figure 1) will be described below.

[0061] Referring to Figure 1 in conjunction with Figure 2, the integrated member 12 is capable of holding multiple connectors 60 together. More specifically, when the locking member 30 is in the unlocked position (the position indicated by the dashed line in Figure 2), the connectors 60 can be inserted into the holding member 20 from the rear. Referring to Figure 7, when the connector 60 is inserted into the holding hole 22 of the holding member 20 from the rear, the front surface of the protruding portion 67 of the connector 60 abuts against the rear end of the projection 29 formed in the holding hole 22, stopping the forward movement of the connector 60. Referring to Figure 1, at this time, the held portion 63 of the connector 60 is each received in the holding hole 22 of the holding member 20. That is, the connectors 60 are positioned by the holding member 20 in the YZ plane and in the front-rear direction.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 in conjunction with Figures 2 and 3, when the locking member 30 is then moved to the locked position (the position indicated by the solid line in Figure 2), the locking portion 49 of the locking member 30 is positioned directly behind the locked portion 68 of the connector 60. As a result, the connector 60 is held by the integrating member 12 so as not to move forward or backward. That is, when the connector 60 is held by the holding member 20 and the locking member 30 is in the locked position, the locking portion 49 is in a predetermined position behind the locked portion 68, restricting the backward movement of the locked portion 68.

[0063] When the slider 50 is moved to the restricting position after the locking member 30 has moved to the locked position, the locking member 30 is no longer able to rotate, thereby locking the restriction on the movement of the locked portion 68 by the locking portion 49. Referring to Figures 1 and 14, the connectors 60 held in this manner can be connected to the object 80 simultaneously. That is, the integrating member 12 can integrate multiple connectors 60, each equipped with a locked portion 68, that can be connected to the object 80.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3, in this embodiment, the locking portions 68 of the connector 60 are at the same position in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions and are arranged in a line in the lateral direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the locking portions 68 may be at the same position in the up-to-down direction and at different positions in the front-to-back direction. Also, the connectors 60 may overlap each other vertically, with the position of the locking portions 68 in the front-to-back direction shifted backward. In this case, two or more connectors 60 may be at the same position in the up-to-down direction. The locking portion 49 of the locking member 30 should be provided in accordance with the arrangement of the locking portions 68.

[0065] Referring to Figures 2, 11, and 12, the connector 60 held by the integrated member 12 can be removed from the integrated member 12 as described below. First, the slider 50 is moved to the unrestricted position shown in Figure 11. Next, when the locking member 30 is moved to the unlocked position shown in Figure 12, the restriction on the movement of the locked portion 68 by the locking portion 49 is released, and the connector 60 can be removed from the holding member 20 to the rear. That is, when the connector 60 is held by the holding member 20 and the locking member 30 is in the unlocked position, the locking portion 49 has moved from the predetermined position shown in Figure 11, and the locked portion 68 can move to the rear.

[0066] Referring to Figure 12, when the locking member 30 is in the unlocked position, the connectors 60 can be removed from the retaining member 20 by pulling the pull tabs 70 of one or more connectors 60 backward. For example, by pulling the pull tabs 70 of all connectors 60 backward, all connectors 60 can be removed from the retaining member 20 simultaneously. According to this embodiment, when the locking member 30 is in the unlocked position, the connectors 60 can be removed from the retaining member 20 simply by pulling them backward. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the retaining member 20 may have a temporary fastening mechanism that engages with the connectors 60. In this case, after releasing the engagement of the connectors 60 by the temporary fastening mechanism, the pull tabs 70 of the connectors 60 should be pulled backward.

[0067] Referring to Figures 2 and 12, as described above, according to this embodiment, by moving the locking member 30 from the locked position to the unlocked position, the restriction on the movement of the locked portion 68 of the connector 60 by the locking portion 49 of the holding member 20 can be released. That is, by moving the locking member 30 to the unlocked position, each of the connectors 60 can be moved backward and removed. In addition, a replacement connector 60 (not shown) for the removed connector 60 can be inserted into the holding member 20 from the rear. In particular, optical connectors 60 are easily damaged. According to this embodiment, only the damaged connector 60 can be easily replaced. As described above, according to this embodiment, an integrated member 12 is available that can integrate multiple connectors 60, and allows only one connector 60 to be replaced.

[0068] Referring to Figure 14, the connectors 60 of the assembly 10 can be simultaneously inserted into the housing portion 82 of the object 80. That is, the connectors 60 of the assembly 10 can be simultaneously connected to the object 80. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, when the connectors 60 are connected to the object 80, the connection lock portion 66 engages with the lock surface 86 and the connection is locked. In the connected state, the connection of all connectors 60 is unlocked by pulling the pull tabs 70 of all connectors 60 backward. By continuing to pull the pull tabs 70 backward, the entire assembly 10 can be removed from the object 80.

[0069] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, after removing the entire assembly 10 from the object 80, one or more connectors 60 can be removed from the holding member 20 by moving the locking member 30 to the unlocked position. Also, referring to Figures 14 and 16, after moving the locking member 30 to the unlocked position, the lock on the connection state can be released by pulling the pull tabs 70 of one or more connectors 60 backward, allowing one or more connectors 60 to be removed simultaneously from the object 80 and the holding member 20. As can be understood from the above description, according to this embodiment, the connectors 60 connected to the object 80 can be removed from the object 80 and the holding member 20 in various ways, and the connectors 60 can be easily replaced.

[0070] The assembly 10 and integrated member 12 of this embodiment can be modified in various ways in addition to the various modifications already described. One of these modifications will be described below.

[0071] Comparing Figure 20 with Figure 1, the modified assembly 10B includes an integrated member 12B that is different from the integrated member 12 of assembly 10, and the same number of connectors 60 as assembly 10. The connectors 60 in this modified assembly are held by the integrated member 12B, just like in assembly 10, and are deformable, just like in assembly 10.

[0072] Comparing Figure 23 with Figure 14, the assembly 10B of this modified example can be connected to the object 80 in the same way as assembly 10. The object 80 of this modified example has the same structure as the object 80 of the previously described embodiment. However, according to this modified example, each of the locking holes 84 of the object 80 functions as a hooked portion 87B, as will be described later. That is, the object 80 of the connector 60 is equipped with a hooked portion 87B.

[0073] Comparing Figure 21 with Figure 6, the integrated member 12B of this modified example has a retaining member 20B that is different from the retaining member 20 of the integrated member 12, and the same locking member 30 as the integrated member 12. The retaining member 20B has an upper plate portion 26B and a lower plate portion 28B that are not provided on the retaining member 20. In addition, the retaining member 20B has two restricting portions 24B that are slightly different from the two restricting portions 24 of the retaining member 20. The size of each restricting portion 24B in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the restricting portion 24. Except for the differences described above, the retaining member 20B has a similar structure to the retaining member 20 and functions in the same way as the retaining member 20.

[0074] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the upper plate portion 26B and the lower plate portion 28B each have a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The upper plate portion 26B and the lower plate portion 28B are located at the upper and lower ends of the holding portion 21 of the holding member 20, respectively. The upper plate portion 26B and the lower plate portion 28B protrude forward from the holding portion 21. Referring to Figures 21 and 22 in conjunction with Figure 23, eight hook portions 27B are formed at the front end of the upper plate portion 26B, each corresponding to the hooked portion 87B of the object 80. That is, the integrated member 12B is equipped with hook portions 27B. Each of the hook portions 27B has a hook shape that protrudes downward.

[0075] Comparing Figure 21 with Figures 6, 9, and 10, the integrated member 12B of this modified example functions similarly to the integrated member 12. For example, the integrated member 12B Locking member 30 The integrated member 12 Locking member 30 Similarly, it is attached to the retaining member 20B so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Referring to Figure 20, this modified example provides an integrating member 12B that can integrate multiple connectors 60, and in which only one connector 60 can be replaced.

[0076] Referring to Figure 15, the aforementioned integrated member 12 is located away from the object 80 and behind the object 80 in the connected state. That is, the integrated member 12 is not attached to the object 80. On the other hand, referring to Figures 23 and 24, the integrated member 12B of this modified example can be attached to the object 80 of the connector 60.

[0077] More specifically, when the assembly 10B is connected to the object 80, the upper plate portion 26B and lower plate portion 28B of the holding member 20B clamp the rear end of the object 80 from above and below. In addition, each of the hook portions 27B is partially received by the corresponding hooked portion 87B. As can be understood from the above structure, the integrating member 12B can be attached to the object 80 even when it is not holding the connector 60. In other words, the integrating member 12B can be attached to the object 80 independently. When the integrating member 12B is attached to the object 80, the hook portions 27B each engage with the hooked portion 87B. As a result, the state in which the integrating member 12B is attached to the object 80 independently is maintained.

[0078] When the integrated member 12B is attached to the object 80 by itself, the integrated member 12B can be removed from the object 80 by pulling the integrated member 12B backward. Also, after attaching the integrated member 12B to the object 80 by itself with the locking member 30 in the unlocked position, the connector 60 is attached to the holding member 20B It can be connected to the object 80 via this. Subsequently, by moving the locking member 30 to the locked position, the assembly 10B can be connected to the object 80.

[0079] When the assembly 10B is connected to the object 80, applying a downward force to the upper plate portion 26B causes each of the hook portions 27B to push downwards the corresponding operating portion 74 of the hooked portion 87B. As a result, the connection lock 66 is released. When the assembly 10B is pulled backward with the connection lock released, the assembly 10B detaches from the object 80. That is, the connector 60 of the assembly 10B can be removed from the object 80 simultaneously. Subsequently, when the locking member 30 is moved to the unlocked position, the connector 60 can be removed by simply pulling it backward. 20B It can be removed from it.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications already described, but is applicable in a variety of ways. For example, referring to Figure 1, the assembly 10 may comprise two or more integrated members 12. In this case, one of the two integrated members 12 may be positioned as a mirror image of the integrated member 12 shown in Figure 1 with respect to the XY plane. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 10,10B assembly 12, 12A, 12B Integrated component 20,20B Retaining member 21 Holding part 22 Retaining hole 23 Shaft section 24,24B Regulation Department 25 Restriction holes 26B Upper plate section 27B Hook section 28B Lower plate part 29 Protrusion 30,30A Locking member 40,40A Rotating member 42 Base 43 Arm 44 Pressing part 46,46A shaft hole 48 Guide grooves 49 Lock section 50, 50A Slider 52 Operated part 54 Regulated part 56 Guided part 58 Spring section 60 connectors 61 Connector body 62 Connection part 63 Holding part 64 Support part 65 lock pieces 66 Connection locking part 67 Overhang 68 Locked part 69 Notches 70 pull tabs 72 Stopper 74 Operation section 80 Objects 82 Storage Unit 84 lock holes 86 Locking surface 87B Hooked part 89 Fiber Optics

Claims

1. A plurality of connectors, each having a locking portion, and a plurality of connectors that can be connected to an object, can be integrated into one integrated member, The integrated member comprises a holding member and a locking member. The holding member is capable of holding the connector inserted from the rear in the front-rear direction. The locking member is equipped with a locking portion, The locking member is attached to the holding member so as to be rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked position. When the connector is held by the holding member and the locking member is in the locked position, the locking portion is located at a predetermined position behind the locked portion, restricting the rearward movement of the locked portion. When the connector is held by the retaining member and the locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking portion has moved from the predetermined position and the locked portion is movable backward. Integrated component.

2. The integrated member according to claim 1, The locking member comprises a rotating member and a slider. The rotating member has the locking portion, The rotating member is attached to the holding member so as to be rotatable relative to the holding member. The locking member rotates between the locked position and the unlocked position as the rotating member rotates. The slider is attached to the rotating member such that it can slide between a restricted position and an unrestricted position relative to the rotating member. The retaining member has a restricting portion, The slider has a restricted portion, When the locking member is in the locked position and the slider is in the restricting position, the restricting portion restricts the movement of the restricted portion in the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, thereby restricting the rotational movement of the rotating member. When the slider is in the unrestricted position, the restricted portion is released from the restricting portion, thereby allowing the rotating member to rotate freely. Integrated component.

3. The integrated member according to claim 1, The integrated member is attachable to the object of the connector. Integrated component.

4. The integrated member according to claim 3, The object of the connector has a hooked portion, The aforementioned integrated member is equipped with a hook portion, When the integrated member is attached to the object, the hook portion engages with the hooked portion. Integrated component.

5. The invention comprises an integrated member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and a connector held by the integrated member. assembly.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, The connector comprises a connection locking part and a pull tab. The connection locking part locks the connection state in which the connector is connected to the object. The lock on the connection state can be released by operating the pull tab. assembly.

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