JP7330111B2 - Lock/eject mechanism and connector assembly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lock/eject mechanism and a connector assembly, and more particularly to a lock/eject mechanism for a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector that are fitted together along the fitting direction.

Conventionally, there has been known a connector assembly for electrically connecting a plurality of contacts by fitting together a first connector and a second connector each having a plurality of contacts arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry. It is
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly consisting of a first connector 2 mounted on a first board 1 and a second connector 4 mounted on a second board 3, as shown in FIG. It is The first connector 2 has a plurality of first contacts 5 arranged line-symmetrically on both sides of the first axis of symmetry S1, and the second connector 4 is arranged line-symmetrically on both sides of the second axis of symmetry S2. It has a plurality of second contacts 6 .

As shown in FIG. 69, the plurality of second contacts 6 of the second connector 4 have shapes that fit into the plurality of first contacts 5 of the first connector 2, respectively. For example, by moving the second connector 4 along the fitting direction C and fitting it to the first connector 2 , the plurality of second contacts 6 are electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts 5 .
Further, as shown in FIG. 68, the first connector 2 is formed with a frame-shaped guide portion 7. By inserting the outer peripheral portion of the second connector 4 inside the guide portion 7, the It is configured so that the second connector 4 can be accurately fitted to the first connector 2 .

JP 2008-84795 A

However, the plurality of first contacts 5 arranged line-symmetrically on both sides of the first axis of symmetry S1 and the plurality of second contacts 6 arranged line-symmetrically on both sides of the second axis of symmetry S2 do not fit into each other. Therefore, when the second connector 4 engaged with the first connector 2 is pulled away from the first connector 2, the second connector 4 must be pulled out while maintaining the parallel state with the first connector 2. It may be difficult to move in the direction opposite to the mating direction C. When only the plurality of second contacts 6 arranged on one side of the second axis of symmetry S2 among the plurality of second contacts 6 of the second connector 4 are pulled out from the first connector 2, the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 may be damaged.

Further, the connector assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have means for locking the fitted state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 4, so the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 that are fitted to each other are If an unexpected force acts between them, the reliability of electrical connection between the plurality of first contacts 5 and the plurality of second contacts 6 may be impaired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a lock/eject mechanism capable of performing electrical connection and safe separation.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly having such a lock/eject mechanism.

The lock/eject mechanism according to the present invention is
A lock/eject mechanism for a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector that are fitted together along a fitting direction,
The first connector is
a first connector body;
a plurality of first contacts held by the first connector body and arranged symmetrically with respect to a first axis of symmetry extending along a predetermined direction orthogonal to the mating direction;
a slider arranged to be slidable in a predetermined direction with respect to the first connector body;
an elastic member that applies an elastic force in a predetermined direction to the slider with respect to the first connector body,
The second connector is
a second connector body;
a plurality of second contacts held by the second connector body and arranged symmetrically with respect to a second axis of symmetry extending along a predetermined direction;
having a locked portion and an ejected portion,
The slider is
an operation unit for performing a slide operation;
a locking portion that engages with the locked portion of the second connector that is fitted to the first connector;
an ejection portion for ejecting the second connector from the first connector by pushing the ejected portion of the second connector in a direction opposite to the mating direction;
The locking portion and the ejecting portion are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the first axis of symmetry,
at least one of the ejecting portion and the ejected portion has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a predetermined direction;
the second connector fitted to the first connector is restricted from moving in a predetermined direction with respect to the first connector;
By engaging the locking portion with the locked portion, the fitted state of the first connector and the second connector is locked,
When the operating portion is slid against the elastic force of the elastic member, the slider slides in a predetermined direction with respect to the first connector body, the locking portion is disengaged from the locked portion, and the first connector and the second connector are separated. is unlocked from the mated state with
When the operating portion is further slid, the ejecting portion abuts against the ejected portion, and the inclined surface pushes the ejected portion in a direction opposite to the fitting direction, thereby ejecting the second connector from the first connector. is.

The action point at which the elastic member exerts an elastic force on the slider is located on the first axis of symmetry, and the slider is arranged on both sides of the first axis of symmetry with two locking portions arranged on both sides of the first axis of symmetry. The second connector has two ejecting parts arranged on both sides of the second axis of symmetry and two ejecting parts arranged on both sides of the second axis of symmetry. can be configured to have
When the operating portion is slid, the slider preferably slides on the first connector body while the surface of the slider facing the fitting direction contacts the first connector body.
The locking portion has a convex shape projecting in a direction orthogonal to both the fitting direction and the predetermined direction, and the locked portion locks the fitted state of the first connector and the second connector. It is preferable to have a stepped shape that is caught by the lock portion when the lock is applied.

The ejecting portion is spaced apart from the locking portion in a predetermined direction, and the ejected portion has an inclined surface. It can be configured to impinge on a surface.
The slider and elastic member are preferably made of a single bent metal plate.
At least one of the locking portion and the ejecting portion is preferably arranged in a predetermined direction at substantially the same position as the action point of the elastic member.
The ejecting portion is connected to the locking portion and has a first inclined surface forming an inclined surface, and the ejected portion faces the first inclined surface when the second connector is mated with the first connector. It may have a second inclined surface forming an inclined surface so that the first inclined surface abuts the second inclined surface when the second connector is ejected from the first connector.

The slider has at least one flat plate portion extending along the fitting direction and the predetermined direction, positioned on the first axis of symmetry, and having a lock portion and an eject portion formed thereon. It is also possible to configure the ejection part to have a recessed shape that opens toward, and to have an inclined surface that is spaced from the lock part in a predetermined direction and arranged to face the lock part.
The locked portion has a convex shape that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction, and when the mated state of the first connector and the second connector is locked, the locked portion protrudes from the lock portion in a predetermined direction. It is preferable that when the second connector is ejected from the first connector, the inclined surface of the ejection portion abuts against the ejected portion.

The slider may be constructed from a single plate member extending along the first axis of symmetry and forming the plate portion.
In this case, the locked portion and the ejected portion are formed in the second connector body, and the second connector body is opened in a direction opposite to the direction in which the lock portion is opened, and a portion of the flat plate member is inserted. It is preferable that a groove be provided, and the locked portion be arranged at one end of the groove.

The slider can also be configured to have a pair of flat plate portions extending parallel to each other on both sides of the first axis of symmetry.
In this case, the second connector has a metal member fixed to the second connector body and extending along a plane perpendicular to the second axis of symmetry, and the metal members extend in the mating direction and in the predetermined direction on both sides of the second axis of symmetry. It is preferable to have a pair of locked portions protruding in a direction orthogonal to both of the directions of (1) and a pair of ejected portions each formed of a part of the corresponding locked portions.

The slider can be formed from a single bent metal plate.
Further, the first connector may have a first stiffening member fixed to the first connector body, and the resilient member may be formed from a metal spring disposed between the first stiffening member and the slider.
The first connector body preferably has an elastic force receiving portion that contacts the elastic member and receives the elastic force of the elastic member.

A connector assembly according to the present invention includes the lock/eject mechanism described above.

According to this aspect of the invention, the first connector includes a plurality of first contacts arranged symmetrically with respect to a first axis of symmetry extending along a predetermined direction, and sliding in a predetermined direction with respect to the first connector body. and an elastic member for applying an elastic force to the slider in a predetermined direction with respect to the first connector body. The slider includes a lock portion engaged with a locked portion of the second connector; and an ejecting portion for ejecting the second connector from the first connector, and the locking portion and the ejecting portion are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the first axis of symmetry. While having a plurality of contacts arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry, it is possible to achieve stable electrical connection and safe separation between the connectors.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state before fitting of the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1; 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first connector according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a first connector body used in the first connector according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a front view showing first contacts used in the first connector according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a slider used for the first connector in Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a slider used for the first connector in Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a slider incorporated in the first connector body according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first reinforcing member used in the first connector according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second connector according to Embodiment 1; 1 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in a mated state; FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in a fitted state; FIG. Fig. 2 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the first embodiment in a fitted state; 1 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 in an unlocked state; FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the slider of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in an unlocked state; 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in an unlocked state; FIG. Fig. 2 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the first embodiment in an unlocked state; 1 is a perspective view showing the connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 in an ejected state; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the slider of the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in an ejected state; FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 1 in an ejected state; FIG. Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly of the first embodiment in an ejected state; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state before fitting of the connector assembly according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a first connector according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a slider used for the first connector according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a slider used in the first connector according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a slider incorporated in a first connector body according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a second connector according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is a partially broken perspective view showing the connector assembly of the second embodiment in a fitted state; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the second embodiment in a fitted state; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the slider of the connector assembly of the second embodiment in an unlocked state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in an unlocked state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in an unlocked state; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the slider of the connector assembly of the second embodiment in an ejected state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in an ejected state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly according to the second embodiment in an ejected state; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly according to Embodiment 3, viewed obliquely from above; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly according to Embodiment 3, viewed obliquely from below; FIG. 11 is a partial plan view showing a first connector of a connector assembly according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a first connector body used in a first connector according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a slider used for the first connector in Embodiment 3; FIG. 12 is a side view showing a slider used for the first connector according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 37; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the second connector according to Embodiment 3, as viewed obliquely from below; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing a second connector according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the third embodiment before mating; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the third embodiment in the middle of fitting; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 3 in a mated state; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the third embodiment in a fitted state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly according to the third embodiment in an unlocked state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 3 in an ejected state; FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 3 in an ejected state; FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a first connector of a connector assembly according to Embodiment 4, as seen obliquely from above; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the first connector of the connector assembly according to Embodiment 4, viewed obliquely from below; FIG. 11 is a partial plan view showing a first connector of a connector assembly according to Embodiment 4; FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing a first connector body used in a first connector according to Embodiment 4; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a slider used for the first connector in Embodiment 4; FIG. 21 is a side view showing a slider used for the first connector in Embodiment 4; FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 53; FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view showing a second connector in Embodiment 4; FIG. 20 is a partially cutaway side view showing a second connector according to Embodiment 4; FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a metal member used for a second connector in accordance with Embodiment 4; FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly according to the fourth embodiment before mating; FIG. 12 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the fourth embodiment in the middle of fitting; FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 4 in a mated state; FIG. 12 is a partially broken side view showing the connector assembly of the fourth embodiment in a fitted state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly according to the fourth embodiment in an unlocked state; FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway side view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 4 in an ejected state; FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the connector assembly of Embodiment 4 in an ejected state; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state before mating of a conventional connector assembly; FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state before mating of a conventional connector assembly;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows a connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 before mating. The connector assembly consists of a first connector 11 and a second connector 21 that are fitted together along the fitting direction C. As shown in FIG. The first connector 11 has a plurality of first contacts 12 arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a first axis of symmetry S1 extending along a predetermined direction orthogonal to the mating direction C, and the second connector 21 has: It has a plurality of second contacts 22 arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a second axis of symmetry S2 extending perpendicular to the fitting direction C and parallel to the first axis of symmetry S1 of the first connector 11 .

Here, for convenience, the direction in which the first and second axes of symmetry S1 and S2 extend is the Y direction, and the direction in which the second connector 21 is fitted into the first connector 11 along the fitting direction C is -. The Z direction, the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z direction are called the X direction.
The plurality of first contacts 12 of the first connector 11 are arranged in the Y direction on both sides of the first symmetry axis S1 in the X direction with the first symmetry axis S1 interposed therebetween. The second contacts 22 are arranged in the Y direction on both sides of the second axis of symmetry S2 in the X direction with the second axis of symmetry S2 interposed therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first connector 11 includes a first connector main body 13 extending in the Y direction and holding a plurality of first contacts 12, and slidable on both ends of the first connector main body 13 in the Y direction. and a pair of first reinforcing members 15 fixed to both ends of the first connector body 13 in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first connector main body 13 is made of an insulating material such as an insulating resin, and has a symmetrical shape with respect to both the X direction and the Y direction. The first connector main body 13 is formed with a concave second connector accommodating portion 13A extending in the Y direction. The contact holding grooves 13B are arranged in the Y direction on both sides of the first symmetry axis S1 in the X direction with the first symmetry axis S1 interposed therebetween.

In addition, at both ends of the second connector accommodating portion 13A in the Y direction, a pair of tabs protruding in the Z direction are provided in order to restrict movement in the Y direction of the second connector 21 accommodated in the second connector accommodating portion 13A. , a convex portion 13C is formed.
Furthermore, recessed slider accommodating portions 13D that slidably accommodate sliders 14 are formed at both ends of the first connector main body 13 in the Y direction. Each slider accommodating portion 13D includes a pair of side wall portions 13E located at the +X direction end and the −X direction end of the first connector body 13 and extending along the YZ plane, and the Y direction end of the first connector body 13. and one front wall portion 13F extending along the XZ plane. A flat elastic force receiving portion 13G is formed by the surface of each convex portion 13C facing the front wall portion 13F.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first contact 12 is made of a bent belt-shaped metal member, and has a connection portion 12A at one end connected to a connection pad of a substrate (not shown) and a +Z direction at the other end. It has contact portions 12B that are curved in a substantially U-shape so as to open toward the outside and contact the corresponding second contacts 22 of the second connector 21. As shown in FIG. Further, the first contact 12 has a holding portion 12C arranged between the connecting portion 12A and the contact portion 12B, and the holding portion 12C is press-fitted into the corresponding contact holding groove 13B of the first connector main body 13. Thus, the first contacts 12 are held by the first connector body 13 .

Of the pair of sliders 14, the slider 14 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector body 13 is shown in FIGS. The slider 14 is made of a single bent metal plate, and includes a pair of arm portions 14A each extending along the YZ plane and arranged parallel to each other while being spaced apart in the X direction. It has a connecting portion 14B that connects the ends of the pair of arm portions 14A in the -Y direction. The +Y direction end portions of the pair of arm portions 14A are bent in the X direction so as to approach each other, and these bent portions form a pair of convex lock portions 14C projecting in the X direction. ing. A guide portion 14D facing the -Y direction and the +Z direction is formed at the +Z direction end portion of each lock portion 14C.

A pair of eject portions 14E, which are formed by bending metal plates constituting the slider 14 and protrude in the X direction, are arranged on the -Z direction side of the central portion in the Y direction of the pair of arm portions 14A. ing. These ejecting portions 14E are spaced apart in the -Y direction from the pair of locking portions 14C.
The pair of locking portions 14C and the pair of ejecting portions 14E are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1.
An operating portion 14F that protrudes in the +Z direction is formed on the connecting portion 14B. The operation portion 14F is used by the user to slide the slider 14 with respect to the first connector body 13 in the Y direction.

Further, the slider 14 is integrally formed with an elastic member 16 for applying an elastic force in the Y direction to the slider 14 with respect to the first connector main body 13 . The elastic member 16 is a metal spring formed by bending a portion of the metal plate forming the slider 14 into a V shape in the XY plane, and the −Y direction end of the elastic member 16 is the same as the connecting portion 14B. Located in the Y direction. The +Y direction end of the elastic member 16 is positioned on the first symmetry axis S1, and contacts the first connector main body 13 to apply an elastic force to the slider 14 due to the reaction force received from the first connector main body 13. A point of action 16A is formed. This action point 16A contacts the elastic force receiving portion 13G of the first connector main body 13 when the slider 14 is accommodated in the corresponding slider accommodating portion 13D of the first connector main body 13 shown in FIG.
The ejection portion 14E of the slider 14 is arranged at substantially the same position as the action point 16A of the elastic member 16 in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 7, the slider 14 is housed in the corresponding slider housing portion 13D of the first connector body 13 with the elastic member 16 elastically compressed in the Y direction. At this time, although not shown in FIG. 7, the action point 16A of the elastic member 16 is in contact with the elastic force receiving portion 13G of the slider accommodating portion 13D, and the restoring force of the elastic member 16 causes the connecting portion 14B of the slider 14 to move. is elastically pressed against the front wall portion 13F of the slider accommodating portion 13D.

Further, the pair of arm portions 14A of the slider 14 is guided between the pair of side wall portions 13E of the slider accommodating portion 13D by the side wall portions 13E, so that the slider 14 is slidably moved in the Y direction. 13D.
The slider 14 arranged at the +Y direction end of the first connector body 13 is the same as the slider 14 shown in FIGS. It has a configuration of

FIG. 8 shows the first reinforcing member 15 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector body 13 among the pair of first reinforcing members 15 . The first reinforcing member 15 is made of a bent metal plate and has a reinforcing member main body 15A that covers the -Y direction end of the first connector main body 13 from the +Z direction. The reinforcing member main body 15A is formed with a rectangular notch 15B that opens in the +Y direction and into which the -Y direction end of the second connector 21 is inserted from the +Z direction. A rectangular opening 15C into which the operating portion 14F of the slider 14 is inserted from the -Z direction is formed at the -Y direction end of the reinforcing member main body 15A.

Further, the first reinforcing member 15 is formed with a mounting portion 15D attached to a fixing pad of a substrate (not shown) on which the first connector 11 is mounted.
The first reinforcing member 15 arranged at the +Y direction end of the first connector main body 13 has a posture rotated by 180 degrees around the Z-axis, and is the same as the first reinforcing member shown in FIG. 15 has the same configuration.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second connector 21 includes a second connector body 23 extending in the Y direction and holding a plurality of second contacts 22, and fixed to both ends of the second connector body 23 in the Y direction. A pair of second reinforcing members 25 are provided.

The second connector main body 23 is made of an insulating material such as an insulating resin, and both ends of the second connector main body 23 in the Y direction are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the second axis of symmetry S2. A pair of protrusions 23A are formed that are arranged and protrude in the +X direction and the -X direction. Each protrusion 23A has a locked portion 23B and an ejected portion 23C facing in opposite directions in the Y direction. The locked portion 23B has a stepped shape, and the ejected portion 23C has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the Y direction. A pair of locked portions 23B and a pair of ejected portions 23C formed on the pair of projections 23A are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the second axis of symmetry S2.

More specifically, the projection 23A arranged at the -Y direction end of the second connector body 23 has a locked portion having a stepped portion made up of an XZ plane facing the +Y direction and an XY plane facing the +Z direction. 23B and an ejectable portion 23C having inclined surfaces facing the -Y direction and the -Z direction. A locked portion 23B having a stepped portion composed of an XZ surface facing the direction and an XY surface facing the +Z direction, and an ejected portion 23C having inclined surfaces facing the +Y direction and the -Z direction are formed.

Each second reinforcing member 25 is made of a bent metal plate and has a pair of mounting portions 25A attached to fixing pads of a substrate (not shown) on which the second connector 21 is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 1, by moving the second connector 21 in the −Z direction along the fitting direction C from the state where the second connector 21 is arranged on the +Z direction side of the first connector 11, The second connector 21 is fitted to the first connector 11 .
FIG. 10 shows the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 in a mated state. Both ends of the second connector 21 in the Y direction are inserted into the cutouts 15B of the pair of first reinforcing members 15 of the first connector 11, and the second connector main body 23 is inserted into the second connector accommodating portion 13A of the first connector main body 13. be accommodated. The operation portion 14F of the slider 14 of the first connector 11 protrudes in the +Z direction through the opening 15C of the first reinforcing member 15. As shown in FIG. Also, although not shown, the second connector body 23 enters between the pair of protrusions 13C of the first connector body 13, and both ends of the second connector body 23 in the Y direction come into contact with the corresponding protrusions 13C. Thus, the second connector 21 is restricted from moving in the Y direction inside the second connector accommodating portion 13A.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of second contacts 22 of the second connector 21 are brought into contact with and electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts 12 of the first connector 11 .
Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, for example, at the -Y direction ends of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21, the locking portion 14C of the slider 14 is engaged with the second connector main body 23 of the second connector 21. The first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are locked by being hooked on the +Z direction side of the stepped locked portion 23B formed on the projection 23A.

When the second connector 21 is fitted to the first connector 11, for example, the second connector main body 23 of the second connector 21 is positioned at the -Y direction end of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21. When the projection 23A abuts against the guide portion 14D of the slider 14, the slider 14 once retreats in the +Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 16, and the projection 23A of the second connector main body 23 moves into the lock portion 14C of the slider 14. moves in the -Z direction through the -Y direction side of the Then, when the stepped locked portion 23B of the projection 23A of the second connector main body 23 reaches the -Z direction side of the locking portion 14C of the slider 14, the second connector 21 is fitted to the first connector 11. At the same time, the slider 14 automatically moves in the -Y direction due to the elastic force from the elastic member 16, and as shown in FIGS. By being caught on the +Z direction side of the portion 23B, the fitted state of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 is locked.

Similarly, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are also locked at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 .
As described above, the locked portion 23B of the second connector 21 is caught on the -Z direction side of the locking portion 14C of the slider 14, thereby locking the fitted state of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21. Even if an unexpected force acts between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21, the mated state of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 will not be released, and the plurality of first contacts 12 will not be released. and the plurality of second contacts 22 are maintained in electrical connection.

Next, when the second connector 21 fitted to the first connector 11 is pulled away from the first connector 11, as shown in FIG. The operation portions 14F are slid so as to approach each other. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, the slider 14 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector 11 slides in the +Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 16, and the slider 14 The locking portion 14C formed at the +Y direction end of the also moves in the +Y direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the locking portion 14C of the slider 14, which has been caught on the +Z direction side of the step-shaped locked portion 23B of the second connector body 23, moves from the locked portion 23B to the +Y direction. By disengaging in the direction, the lock of the fitted state between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 is released. Note that when the operation portion 14F of the slider 14 is slid, the slider 14 moves toward the first connector body 13 while the surface facing the fitting direction C of the slider 14, that is, the surface facing the -Z direction is in contact with the first connector body 13. 1 Slide on the connector main body 13 in the Y direction.

Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21, the locked state of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 is released.
That is, at both ends of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 in the Y direction, the locking portion 14C of the slider 14 is disengaged from the locked portion 23B of the second connector 21, and the second connector 21 is moved from the first connector 11 in the +Z direction. It will be possible to pull it out.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 17, when the operating portions 14F of the slider 14 at both ends of the first connector 11 in the Y direction are slid closer to each other, for example, as shown in FIG. , the slider 14 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector 11 further slides in the +Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 16, and the eject portion 14E formed on the slider 14 also moves +Y. move in the direction As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the ejecting portion 14E of the slider 14 contacts the ejected portion 23C of the protrusion 23A of the second connector body 23 and hits the inclined surface of the ejected portion 23C. As a result, the ejected portion 23C is pushed in the +Z direction, and the second connector 21 is ejected from the first connector 11 .

Similarly, at the +Y direction end portions of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21, the eject portion 14E of the slider 14 hits the inclined surface of the ejected portion 23C of the second connector main body 23, thereby causing the second connector 21 to is ejected from the first connector 11 .
The pair of locking portions 14C and the pair of ejecting portions 14E of the slider 14 are arranged in symmetrical positions with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1. When the mated state is locked, a force symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1 acts on the second connector 21 from the pair of locking portions 14C of the slider 14, and the second connector 21 is connected to the first connector. 11, a force symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1 acts on the second connector 21 from the pair of ejection portions 14E of the slider 14. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, since the slider 14 slides on the first connector main body 13 while contacting the first connector main body 13, the reaction force in the -Z direction that the ejecting portion 14E receives from the ejected portion 23C is is accepted by Therefore, it becomes possible to perform stable electrical connection and safe separation between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 .

In the first connector 11, the action point 16A of the elastic member 16 that contacts the elastic force receiving portion 13G of the first connector body 13 is located on the first axis of symmetry S1. , the slider 14 can be smoothly slid in the Y direction without being tilted with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1.
Further, in the slider 14 according to Embodiment 1, although the ejection portion 14E is arranged apart from the locking portion 14C in the Y direction, it is arranged at substantially the same position as the action point 16A of the elastic member 16. , the length of the slider 14 in the Y direction is reduced, and the size of the first connector 11 in the Y direction is reduced. Note that the size reduction of the first connector 11 can also be achieved by arranging the lock portion 14C in place of the eject portion 14E at substantially the same position as the action point 16A of the elastic member 16 in the Y direction.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 21 shows a connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 before mating. The connector assembly consists of a first connector 31 and a second connector 41 that are fitted together along the fitting direction C. As shown in FIG. The first connector 31 has a plurality of first contacts 12 arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a first axis of symmetry S1 extending along a predetermined direction perpendicular to the mating direction C, and the second connector 41 has: It has a plurality of second contacts 22 arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a second axis of symmetry S2 extending perpendicular to the fitting direction C and parallel to the first axis of symmetry S1 of the first connector 11 .

Here, for convenience, the Y direction is the direction in which the first axis of symmetry S1 and the second axis of symmetry S2 extend, and the −Z direction is the direction in which the second connector 41 is fitted into the first connector 31 along the fitting direction C. , the direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction is called the X direction.
The plurality of first contacts 12 of the first connector 31 are arranged in the Y direction on both sides of the first symmetry axis S1 in the X direction with the first symmetry axis S1 interposed therebetween. The second contacts 22 are arranged in the Y direction on both sides of the second axis of symmetry S2 in the X direction with the second axis of symmetry S2 interposed therebetween.

The first connector 31 uses a pair of sliders 34 in place of the pair of sliders 14 in the first connector 11 of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first connector 11 . That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the first connector 31 includes a first connector main body 13 that extends in the Y direction and holds a plurality of first contacts 12, and both ends of the first connector main body 13 in the Y direction. It has a pair of sliders 34 that are slidably arranged, and a pair of first reinforcing members 15 that are fixed to both ends of the first connector body 13 in the Y direction.

Of the pair of sliders 34, the slider 34 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector body 13 is shown in FIGS. The slider 34 is made of a single bent metal plate, and includes a pair of arm portions 34A extending along the YZ plane and arranged parallel to each other at intervals in the X direction. It has a connecting portion 34B that connects the ends of the pair of arm portions 34A in the -Y direction. The +Y direction end portions of the pair of arm portions 34A are bent in the X direction so as to approach each other, and these bent portions form a pair of convex lock portions 34C projecting in the X direction. ing.

A pair of eject portions 34E are connected to the +Z direction end portions of the pair of lock portions 34C via curved portions 34D that are curved so as to protrude in the +Z direction. Each eject portion 34E protrudes in the X direction similarly to the lock portion 34C, extends obliquely in the +Y direction and the -Z direction, and has a first inclined surface 34F facing the +Y direction and the +Z direction. there is
The pair of locking portions 34C and the pair of ejecting portions 34E are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1.
An operating portion 34G that protrudes in the +Z direction is formed on the connecting portion 34B.

Further, the slider 34 is integrally formed with an elastic member 36 for applying an elastic force in the Y direction to the slider 34 with respect to the first connector body 13 . The elastic member 36 is a metal spring formed by bending a part of the metal plate forming the slider 34 into a V-shape in the XY plane, similarly to the elastic member 16 in the first embodiment. is located at the same Y-direction position as the connecting portion 34B. The +Y direction end of the elastic member 36 is positioned on the first symmetry axis S1, and contacts the first connector main body 13 to apply an elastic force to the slider 34 due to the reaction force received from the first connector main body 13. A point of action 36A is formed.

As shown in FIG. 25, the slider 34 is housed in the corresponding slider housing portion 13D of the first connector body 13 with the elastic member 36 elastically compressed in the Y direction. At this time, although not shown in FIG. 25, the action point 36A of the elastic member 36 is in contact with the elastic force receiving portion 13G of the slider accommodating portion 13D, and the restoring force of the elastic member 36 causes the connection portion 34B of the slider 34 to move. is elastically pressed against the front wall portion 13F of the slider accommodating portion 13D.

Further, the pair of arm portions 34A of the slider 34 is guided between the pair of side wall portions 13E of the slider housing portion 13D by the side wall portions 13E, so that the slider 34 is slidably moved in the Y direction. 13D.
The slider 34 arranged at the +Y direction end of the first connector main body 13 is the same as the slider 34 shown in FIGS. It has a configuration of

The second connector 41 uses the second connector main body 43 instead of the second connector main body 23 in the second connector 21 of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the second connector 21 . That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the second connector 41 includes a second connector main body 43 that extends in the Y direction and holds a plurality of second contacts 22, and both ends of the second connector main body 43 in the Y direction. A pair of fixed second reinforcing members 25 are provided.

The second connector main body 43 is made of an insulating material such as an insulating resin, and both ends of the second connector main body 43 in the Y direction are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the second axis of symmetry S2. A pair of protrusions 43A that are arranged and protrude in the +X direction and the -X direction are formed. Each protrusion 43A has a locked portion 43B and an ejected portion 43C which are arranged to face each other in the Y direction. The locked portion 43B has a stepped shape, and a guide portion 43D is formed at the −Z direction end of the locked portion 43B. Further, the ejected portion 43C has a second inclined surface 43E inclined with respect to the Y direction. A pair of locked portions 43B and a pair of ejected portions 43C formed on the pair of protrusions 43A are arranged at positions symmetrical about the second axis of symmetry S2.

More specifically, the protrusion 43A arranged at the -Y direction end of the second connector body 43 has a locked portion having a stepped portion made up of an XZ plane facing the +Y direction and an XY plane facing the +Z direction. 43B, and an ejected portion 43C having a second inclined surface 43E facing the -Y direction and the -Z direction is formed, and an ejected portion 43C facing the +Y direction and the -Z direction is formed at the -Z direction end of the locked portion 43B. A guide portion 43D is formed. On the other hand, the projection 43A arranged at the +Y direction end of the second connector main body 43 has a locked portion 43B having a stepped portion composed of an XZ plane facing the -Y direction and an XY plane facing the +Z direction, An ejected portion 43C having a second inclined surface 43E facing the +Y direction and the -Z direction is formed, and a guide portion 43D facing the -Y direction and the -Z direction is formed at the -Z direction end of the locked portion 43B. is formed.

As shown in FIG. 21, by moving the second connector 41 in the −Z direction along the fitting direction C from the state in which the second connector 41 is arranged on the +Z direction side of the first connector 31, A second connector 41 is fitted to the first connector 31 .
Although not shown, the second connector main body 43 is accommodated in the second connector accommodating portion 13A of the first connector main body 13, enters between the pair of protrusions 13C of the first connector main body 13, and is connected to the Y connector of the second connector main body 43. The second connector 41 is restricted from moving in the Y direction inside the second connector accommodating portion 13A by contacting the corresponding protrusions 13C at both ends in the direction.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 27, the plurality of second contacts 22 of the second connector 41 are brought into contact with and electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts 12 of the first connector 31 .
Further, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, for example, at the -Y direction ends of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41, the lock portion 34C of the slider 34 is engaged with the second connector main body 43 of the second connector 41. is hooked on the +Z direction side of the stepped locked portion 43B, and the fitted state of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 is locked.

When the second connector 41 is fitted to the first connector 31, for example, the second connector main body 43 of the second connector 41 is positioned at the -Y direction end of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41. When the guide portion 43D of the locked portion 43B abuts against the curved portion 34D of the slider 34, the slider 34 is temporarily retracted in the +Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 36, and the locked portion of the second connector main body 43 is moved. 43B moves in the -Z direction through the -Y direction side of the lock portion 34C of the slider . Then, when the stepped locked portion 43B of the second connector main body 43 reaches the −Z direction side of the locking portion 34C of the slider 34, the second connector 41 is fitted to the first connector 31 and elastically Responding to the elastic force from the member 36, the slider 34 automatically moves in the -Y direction, and as shown in FIGS. By being caught in the +Z direction, the fitted state of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 is locked.

Similarly, the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 are also locked at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 .
In this manner, the locked portion 43B of the second connector 41 is caught on the -Z direction side of the locking portion 34C of the slider 34, thereby locking the fitted state of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41. Even if an unexpected force acts between the first connector 31 and the second connector 41, the mated state of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 will not be released, and the plurality of first contacts 12 will not be released. and the plurality of second contacts 22 are maintained in electrical connection.

Next, when the second connector 41 fitted to the first connector 31 is to be pulled away from the first connector 31, the operating portions 34G of the slider 34 at both ends of the first connector 31 in the Y direction are brought closer to each other. Slide to operate. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 29, the slider 34 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector 31 slides in the +Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 36, and the slider 34 The lock portion 34C formed in , also moves in the +Y direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the locking portion 34C of the slider 34, which has been caught on the +Z direction side of the stepped locked portion 43B of the second connector body 43, moves from the locked portion 43B to the +Y direction. By disengaging in the direction, the lock of the fitted state between the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 is released. Note that when the operation portion 34G of the slider 34 is slid, the slider 34 moves toward the first connector body 13 while the surface facing the fitting direction C of the slider 34, that is, the surface facing the -Z direction is in contact with the first connector body 13. 1 Slide on the connector main body 13 in the Y direction.

Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41, the locked state of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 is released.
That is, at both ends of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 in the Y direction, the locking portion 34C of the slider 34 is disengaged from the locked portion 43B of the second connector 41, and the second connector 41 is moved from the first connector 31 in the +Z direction. It will be possible to pull it out.

In this state, when the operation portions 34G of the slider 34 at both ends of the first connector 31 in the Y direction are slid so that they are closer to each other, for example, as shown in FIG. The slider 34 arranged at the direction end further slides in the +Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 36, and the eject portion 34E formed in the slider 34 also moves in the +Y direction. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the ejecting portion 34E of the slider 34 contacts the ejected portion 43C of the second connector body 43, and the first inclined surface 34F of the ejecting portion 34E contacts the ejected portion 43C. It abuts against the second inclined surface 43E. As a result, the ejected portion 43</b>C is pushed in the +Z direction, and the second connector 41 is ejected from the first connector 31 .

Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 31 and the second connector 41, the first inclined surface 34F of the ejecting portion 34E of the slider 34 is aligned with the second inclined surface 43E of the ejected portion 43C of the second connector main body 43. The second connector 41 is ejected from the first connector 31 by abutting against.
The pair of locking portions 34C and the pair of ejecting portions 34E of the slider 34 are arranged in symmetrical positions with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1. When the mated state is locked, a force symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1 acts on the second connector 41 from the pair of locking portions 34C of the slider 34, and the second connector 41 is connected to the first connector. When the second connector 41 is ejected from the connector 31, a force symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1 acts on the second connector 41 from the pair of ejection portions 34E of the slider 34. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, since the slider 34 slides on the first connector body 13 while contacting the first connector body 13, the reaction force in the -Z direction that the ejection part 34E receives from the ejected part 43C is is accepted by Therefore, it becomes possible to perform stable electrical connection and safe separation between the first connector 31 and the second connector 41 .

In the first connector 31, the action point 36A of the elastic member 36 that contacts the elastic force receiving portion 13G of the first connector body 13 is located on the first axis of symmetry S1. , the slider 34 can be smoothly slid in the Y direction without being tilted with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1.

Embodiment 3
The slider 14 used in the first embodiment has a pair of locking portions 14C and a pair of ejecting portions 14E projecting in the X direction from a pair of arms 14A extending parallel to each other along the YZ plane. The slider 34 used in Embodiment 2 also has a pair of locking portions 34C and a pair of ejecting portions 34E projecting in the X direction from a pair of arm portions 34A extending parallel to each other along the YZ plane. is not limited to

35 to 37 show the -Y direction end of the first connector 51 of the connector assembly according to the third embodiment. The first connector 51 includes a first connector body 53 extending along the Y direction, a slider 54 slidably arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector body 53, and a -Y direction of the first connector body 53. A first reinforcing member 55 fixed to the end portion and an elastic member 56 for elastically pressing the slider 54 against the first reinforcing member 55 toward the first connector main body 53 are provided.
As in the connector assembly of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the connector assembly of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is assumed that they are arranged and held in the Y direction on both sides in the X direction of the first axis of symmetry S1 extending in the direction.

The slider 54 is made of a single metal flat plate member extending along the YZ plane, and the first connector body 53 has slider insertion grooves 53A and 53B extending along the YZ plane and into which the slider 54 is inserted. The first reinforcing member 55 is formed with a linear opening 55A extending along the YZ plane and into which the -Y direction end of the slider 54 is inserted.
The slider 54, the slider insertion grooves 53A and 53B, and the opening 55A each extend along the YZ plane passing through the first axis of symmetry S1.

The elastic member 56 is formed of a coiled metal spring arranged between the -Y direction end of the first reinforcing member 55 and the -Y direction end of the slider 54 . More specifically, the elastic member 56 is made of a metal linear member and has a coil portion in which the linear member is wound in a coil shape. is omitted, and the coil portion is represented by a cylinder.
The +Y direction end of the elastic member 56 is positioned on the first axis of symmetry S<b>1 and forms an action point 56</b>A that applies elastic force to the slider 54 .

As shown in FIG. 38, the first connector body 53 has a projection 53C extending in the Y direction and a peripheral wall 53D formed to surround the outer periphery of the projection 53C. 53D, a groove-shaped second connector accommodating portion 53E opened in the +Z direction is formed.
The slider insertion groove 53A is formed in the convex portion 53C so as to pass through the first axis of symmetry S1, and the slider insertion groove 53B is formed in the peripheral wall portion 53D so as to pass through the first axis of symmetry S1.

As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, a recessed locking portion 54A that opens in the +Y direction is formed in the intermediate portion in the Y direction of the slider 54 made of a flat plate member extending along the YZ plane. An ejection portion 54B is formed on the +Y direction side of the lock portion 54A so as to face the lock portion 54A with a gap therebetween. The eject portion 54B has inclined surfaces facing the -Y direction and the +Z direction.
A guide portion 54C facing the +Y direction and the +Z direction is formed on the +Z direction side of the lock portion 54A.
Further, an operation portion 54D projecting in the +Z direction is formed at the end of the slider 54 in the -Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 41, the slider 54 is inserted into the slider insertion grooves 53A and 53B of the first connector main body 53 at the Y-direction end portions and the middle portion in the Y-direction, and the operation portion 54D is inserted into the first reinforcing member 55. , and is elastically pressed in the +Y direction by an elastic member 56 while being inserted into the opening 55A.
At this time, the eject portion 54B of the slider 54 is accommodated in the slider insertion groove 53A of the first connector main body 53, and the guide portion 54C of the slider 54 is inserted into the second connector accommodating portion 53E of the first connector main body 53 from the -Y direction. in a protruding state.

42 and 43 show the -Y direction end of the second connector 61 of the connector assembly according to the third embodiment. The second connector 61 has a second connector body 63 made of an insulating material such as insulating resin and extending in the Y direction.
As in the connector assembly of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the connector assembly of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is assumed that they are arranged and held in the Y direction on both sides of the second axis of symmetry S2 extending in the X direction.

The second connector main body 63 has a recess 63A that opens in the -Z direction and has a wall part 63B that closes the end of the recess 63A in the -Y direction. The concave portion 63A accommodates the convex portion 53C of the first connector body 53 when the second connector 61 is fitted to the first connector 51. As shown in FIG.
The wall portion 63B is formed with a groove portion 63C that extends along the YZ plane passing through the second axis of symmetry S2 and is open in the -Y direction. A locked portion 63D that protrudes outward is formed.
An ejectable portion 63E is formed at the -Z direction end portion of the wall portion 63B facing the recessed portion 63A.
Furthermore, a curved portion 63F is formed at the −Z direction end portion of the −Y direction side surface of the wall portion 63B so as to be curved in a convex shape in the −Y direction and the −Z direction.

Although not shown, the +Y direction end of the first connector 51 and the +Y direction end of the second connector 61 are symmetrical in shape and arrangement with respect to the Y direction. Assume that it has the same configuration as the -Y direction end of the second connector 61 .

When fitting the second connector 61 to the first connector 51, first, as shown in FIG. The second connector 61 is aligned with the first connector 51 so as to be positioned on the +Z direction side of the portion 53C and the second connector accommodating portion 53E.

In this state, when the second connector 61 is moved in the -Z direction toward the first connector 51, as shown in FIG. is inserted, the wall portion 63B of the second connector main body 63 is inserted into the second connector accommodating portion 53E of the first connector main body 53. As shown in FIG. At this time, the curved portion 63F of the wall portion 63B hits the guide portion 54C of the slider 54 projecting from the -Y direction into the second connector housing portion 53E, so that the slider 54 resists the elastic force of the elastic member 56. Once retracted in the -Y direction, the wall portion 63B of the second connector main body 63 moves in the -Z direction through the +Y direction side of the guide portion 54C of the slider .

When the locked portion 63D of the second connector main body 63 reaches the +Y direction side of the locking portion 54A of the slider 54, the second connector 61 is fitted to the first connector 51 as shown in FIG. At the same time, the slider 54 automatically moves in the +Y direction due to the elastic force from the elastic member 56, and as shown in FIG. By being caught, the fitted state of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 is locked.
Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61, the fitted state of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 is locked.

Further, by inserting the wall portion 63B of the second connector body 63 into the second connector accommodating portion 53E of the first connector body 53, the movement of the second connector 61 in the Y direction is restricted.
Thereby, the plurality of second contacts 22 of the second connector 61 are brought into contact with and electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts 12 of the first connector 51 .

In this manner, the locking portion 54A of the slider 54 is caught by the locked portion 63D of the second connector 61, thereby locking the fitted state of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61. Even if an unexpected force acts between the first connector 51 and the second connector 61, the mated state between the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 will not be released, and the plurality of first contacts 12 and the plurality of second connectors 12 and 61 will not be disconnected. The electrical connection state with the contact 22 is maintained.

Next, when the second connector 61 fitted to the first connector 51 is to be pulled away from the first connector 51, the first reinforcing members 55 of the first connector 51 are attached to both ends of the first connector 51 in the Y direction. The operating portions 54F of the slider 54 protruding in the +Z direction through the opening 55A are slid away from each other. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 48, the slider 54 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector 51 slides in the -Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 56, and the slider A locking portion 54A formed in 54 also moves in the -Y direction. As a result, the locking portion 54A of the slider 54, which has been hooked on the locked portion 63D of the second connector 61, is disengaged from the locked portion 63D in the -Y direction. The locked state is released. When the operation portion 54F of the slider 54 is slid, the slider 54 moves toward the first connector body 53 while the surface facing the fitting direction C of the slider 54, that is, the surface facing the -Z direction is in contact with the first connector body 53. 1 slides on the connector main body 53 in the Y direction.

Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61, the locked state of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 is released.
That is, at both ends of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61 in the Y direction, the locking portion 54A of the slider 54 is disengaged from the locked portion 63D of the second connector 61, and the second connector 61 is moved from the first connector 51 in the +Z direction. It will be possible to pull it out.

In this state, when the operation portions 54F of the slider 54 at both ends of the first connector 51 in the Y direction are slid further away from each other, for example, as shown in FIG. The slider 54 arranged at the end further slides in the -Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 56, and the eject portion 54B formed in the slider 54 also moves in the -Y direction. As a result, the ejecting portion 54B of the slider 54 contacts the ejected portion 63E of the second connector body 63, and the inclined surface of the ejecting portion 54B hits the ejected portion 63E. As a result, the ejected portion 63E is pushed in the +Z direction, and the second connector 61 is ejected from the first connector 51 as shown in FIG.

Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 51 and the second connector 61, the inclined surface of the ejection portion 54B of the slider 54 abuts against the ejected portion 63E of the second connector main body 63, so that the second connector 61 is ejected from the first connector 51 .
Note that the lock portion 54A and the eject portion 54B of the slider 54 are arranged on the first axis of symmetry S1, respectively. The force acting on the second connector 61 from the locking portion 54A of the slider 54 and the force acting on the second connector 61 from the ejecting portion 54B of the slider 54 when the second connector 61 is ejected from the first connector 51 also act in the X direction. Further, the slider 54 slides on the first connector body 53 while contacting the first connector body 53, so that the ejecting part 54B receives the reaction force in the -Z direction from the ejected part 63E. is received by the first connector body 53, enabling stable electrical connection and safe separation between the first connector 51 and the second connector 61. As shown in FIG.

In addition, in the first connector 51, the action point 56A of the elastic member 56 that applies elastic force to the slider 54 is located on the first axis of symmetry S1. The slider 54 can be smoothly slid in the Y direction without being tilted with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1.

Embodiment 4
51 to 53 show the -Y direction end of the first connector 71 of the connector assembly according to the fourth embodiment. The first connector 71 includes a first connector body 73 extending along the Y direction, a slider 74 slidably arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector body 73, and a -Y direction of the first connector body 73. A first reinforcing member 75 fixed to the end portion and an elastic member 76 for elastically pressing the slider 74 against the first reinforcing member 75 toward the first connector main body 73 are provided.
As in the connector assembly of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the connector assembly of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is assumed that they are arranged and held in the Y direction on both sides in the X direction of the first axis of symmetry S1 extending in the direction.

The slider 74 is arranged to be slidable in the Y direction with respect to the first connector body 73, and the first reinforcing member 75 is formed with a rectangular opening 75A into which the -Y direction end of the slider 74 is inserted. It is
The elastic member 76 is the same as the elastic member 56 used in the third embodiment, and has a coil shape disposed between the -Y direction end of the first reinforcing member 75 and the -Y direction end of the slider 74. metal spring. The +Y direction end of the elastic member 76 is positioned on the first axis of symmetry S<b>1 and forms an action point 76</b>A that applies an elastic force to the slider 74 .

As shown in FIG. 54, the first connector main body 73 has a projection 73A extending in the Y direction, and a pair of side wall 73B and front wall 73C formed to surround the outer periphery of the projection 73A. A groove-shaped second connector accommodating portion 73D opened in the +Z direction is formed between the convex portion 73A and the pair of side wall portions 73B and front wall portion 73C.
A pair of cutouts 73E that are open in the -Y direction and the -Z direction are formed at the -Y direction ends of the pair of side wall portions 73B.
The pair of side wall portions 73B and the front wall portion 73C are separated in the Y direction without being connected to each other, and as shown in FIGS. A pair of predetermined gaps G are formed between the -Y direction end of the first reinforcing member 75 and the first reinforcing member 75 .

As shown in FIGS. 55 and 56, the slider 74 is made of a single bent metal plate, and includes a pair of arms 74E spaced apart in the X direction in parallel and a pair of arms 74E along the XZ plane. , and has a connecting portion 74F that connects the ends of the pair of arm portions 74E in the -Y direction. Each arm portion 74E forms a flat plate portion extending along the YZ plane and has the same configuration as the slider 54 in the third embodiment. That is, a recessed lock portion 74A that opens toward the +Y direction is formed in the middle portion of the arm portion 74E in the Y direction, and the +Y direction side of the lock portion 74A is spaced apart from the lock portion 74A. An ejection portion 74B is formed so as to face the lock portion 74A. The eject portion 74B has inclined surfaces facing the -Y direction and the +Z direction.

A guide portion 74C facing the +Y direction and the +Z direction is formed on the +Z direction side of the lock portion 74A.
A pair of locking portions 74A and a pair of ejecting portions 74B formed on the pair of arm portions 74E are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1.
An operating portion 74D that protrudes in the +Z direction is formed on the connecting portion 74F. The operation portion 74D is used by the user to slide the slider 74 with respect to the first connector main body 73 in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 57, the slider 74 is elastically pressed in the +Y direction by the elastic member 76 with the pair of arms 74E inserted into the pair of notches 73E of the first connector body 73. .
At this time, the pair of ejection portions 74B of the slider 74 are accommodated in the pair of cutouts 73E of the first connector body 73, and the pair of guide portions 74C of the slider 74 are aligned with the pair of side wall portions 73B of the first connector body 73. It projects from the -Y direction into a pair of predetermined gaps G formed between the -Y direction end and the first reinforcing member 75 .
51 and 53, the operating portion 74D of the slider 74 projects through the opening 75A of the first reinforcing member 75 in the +Z direction.

58 and 59 show the -Y direction end of the second connector 81 of the connector assembly according to the fourth embodiment. The second connector 81 includes a second connector body 83 made of an insulating material such as insulating resin and extending in the Y direction, and a metal member 84 attached to the second connector body 83 .
As in the connector assembly of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the connector assembly of the second embodiment shown in FIG. It is assumed that they are arranged and held in the Y direction on both sides of the second axis of symmetry S2 extending in the X direction.

The second connector main body 83 has a recess 83A that opens in the -Z direction and has a wall part 83B that closes the -Y direction end of the recess 83A. The concave portion 83A accommodates the convex portion 73A of the first connector main body 73 when the second connector 81 is fitted to the first connector 71 .
A groove portion 83C extending along the XZ plane and opened in the -X, +Z and +X directions is formed in the outer peripheral portion of the wall portion 83B, and the metal member 84 is fitted in the groove portion 83C. there is

As shown in FIG. 60, the metal member 84 is made of a single metal plate extending along the XZ plane, and includes a pair of locked portions 84A projecting in the -X direction and the +X direction, and a pair of locked portions 84A. has a pair of ejected portions 84B consisting of -Z direction portions, which are part of the .
Although not shown, the +Y direction end of the first connector 71 and the +Y direction end of the second connector 81 are symmetrical in shape and arrangement with respect to the Y direction. Assume that it has the same configuration as the -Y direction end of the second connector 81 .

When fitting the second connector 81 to the first connector 71, first, as shown in FIG. The second connector 81 is aligned with the first connector 71 so as to be in position.

In this state, when the second connector 81 is moved in the -Z direction toward the first connector 71, the projection of the first connector body 73 shown in FIG. As the portion 73A is inserted, the locked portion 84A of the metal member 84 of the second connector 81 is inserted into the gap portion G of the first connector 71 as shown in FIG. At this time, the locked portion 84A of the metal member 84 abuts against the guide portion 74C of the slider 74 projecting from the -Y direction into the gap portion G, so that the slider 74 resists the elastic force of the elastic member 76 and is once - It retreats in the Y direction, and the locked portion 84A of the metal member 84 of the second connector 81 moves through the +Y direction side of the guide portion 74C of the slider 74 in the -Z direction.

When the locked portion 84A of the metal member 84 of the second connector 81 reaches the +Y direction side of the locking portion 74A of the slider 74, the second connector 81 is connected to the first connector 71 as shown in FIG. As they are fitted together, the slider 74 automatically moves in the +Y direction due to the elastic force from the elastic member 76, and as shown in FIG. By being caught by 84A, the fitted state of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 is locked.
Similarly, the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 are also locked at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 .

58 contacts the front wall portion 73C of the first connector main body 73 shown in FIG. 54, the second connector 81 is Movement is restricted.
Thereby, the plurality of second contacts 22 of the second connector 81 are brought into contact with and electrically connected to the plurality of first contacts 12 of the first connector 71 .

In this manner, the locking portion 74A of the slider 74 is caught by the locked portion 84A of the second connector 81, thereby locking the fitted state of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81. Even if an unexpected force acts between the first connector 71 and the second connector 81, the mated state between the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 will not be released, and the plurality of first contacts 12 and the plurality of second connectors 12 and 81 will not be disconnected. The electrical connection state with the contact 22 is maintained.

Next, when the second connector 81 fitted to the first connector 71 is to be pulled away from the first connector 71, the first reinforcing members 75 of the first connector 71 are placed at both ends of the first connector 71 in the Y direction. The operating portions 74D of the slider 74 protruding in the +Z direction through the opening 75A are slid away from each other. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 65, the slider 74 arranged at the -Y direction end of the first connector 71 slides in the -Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 76, and the slider A locking portion 74A formed in 74 also moves in the -Y direction. As a result, the locking portion 74A of the slider 74, which has been hooked on the locked portion 84A of the second connector 81, is disengaged from the locked portion 84A in the -Y direction. The locked state is released. When the operation portion 74D of the slider 74 is slid, the surface of the slider 74 facing the fitting direction C, that is, the surface facing the -Z direction contacts the first connector main body 73, and the slider 74 moves toward the first connector main body 73. 1 slides on the connector main body 73 in the Y direction.

Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81, the locked state of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 is released.
That is, at both ends of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 in the Y direction, the locking portion 74A of the slider 74 is disengaged from the locked portion 84A of the second connector 81, and the second connector 81 is moved from the first connector 71 in the +Z direction. It will be possible to pull it out.

In this state, when the operation portions 74D of the slider 74 at both ends of the first connector 71 in the Y direction are slid further away from each other, for example, as shown in FIG. The slider 74 arranged at the end further slides in the -Y direction against the elastic force of the elastic member 76, and the eject portion 74B formed in the slider 74 also moves in the -Y direction. As a result, the ejecting portion 74B of the slider 74 contacts the ejected portion 84B of the metal member 84 of the second connector 81, and the inclined surface of the ejecting portion 74B hits the ejected portion 84B. As a result, the ejected portion 84B is pushed in the +Z direction, and the second connector 81 is ejected from the first connector 71 as shown in FIG.

Similarly, at the +Y direction ends of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81, the inclined surface of the ejecting portion 74B of the slider 74 abuts against the ejected portion 84B of the metal member 84 of the second connector 81. 2 connector 81 is ejected from the first connector 71 .
Since the locking portion 74A and the ejecting portion 74B of the slider 74 are arranged in symmetrical positions with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1, the fitting state of the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 is When locked, a force symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1 is applied to the second connector 81 from the pair of locking portions 74A of the slider 74, and the second connector 81 is ejected from the first connector 71. At this time, a force symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1 acts on the second connector 81 from the pair of ejecting portions 74B of the slider 74. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, since the slider 74 slides on the first connector main body 73 while contacting the first connector main body 73, the reaction force in the -Z direction that the ejecting portion 74B receives from the ejected portion 84B is is accepted by Therefore, it becomes possible to perform stable electrical connection and safe separation between the first connector 71 and the second connector 81 .

In addition, in the first connector 71, the action point 76A of the elastic member 76 that applies elastic force to the slider 74 is located on the first axis of symmetry S1. The slider 74 can be smoothly slid in the Y direction without being tilted with respect to the first axis of symmetry S1.

In the connector assemblies according to Embodiments 1 to 4, the first connectors 11, 31, 51 are operated simply by sliding the operation portions 14F, 34G, 54D, 74D of the sliders 14, 34, 54, 74 in the Y direction. , 71 and the second connectors 21 , 41 , 61 , 81 , and ejecting the second connectors 21 , 41 , 61 , 81 from the first connectors 11 , 31 , 51 , 71 . can be done. In other words, one slide operation of the operating portions 14F, 34G, 54D, and 74D can easily perform two operations of unlocking and ejecting the fitted state.
In the connector assemblies according to the first to fourth embodiments, the first connectors 11, 31, 51, 71 and the second connectors 21, 41, 61, 81 are mounted on different boards, so that the so-called board pair Can be used as a board connector.

1 first substrate, 2 first connector, 3 second substrate, 4 second connector, 5 first contact, 6 second contact, 7 guide portion, 11, 31, 51, 71 first connector,
12 first contact, 12A connection portion, 12B contact portion, 12C holding portion, 13, 53, 73 first connector main body, 13A, 53E, 73D second connector accommodating portion, 13B contact holding groove, 13C, 53C, 73A convex portion , 13D slider accommodating portion, 13E, 73B side wall portion, 13F, 73C front wall portion, 13G elastic force receiving portion, 14, 34, 54, 74 slider, 14A, 34A, 74E arm portion, 14B, 34B, 74F connecting portion, 14C, 34C, 54A, 74A lock portion, 14D, 43D, 54C, 74C guide portion, 14E, 34E, 54B, 74B eject portion, 14F, 34G, 54D, 74D operation portion, 15, 55, 75 first reinforcing member, 15A reinforcing member main body 15B, 73E notch 15C, 55A, 75A opening 15D mounting portion 16, 36, 56, 76 elastic member 16A, 36A, 56A, 76A action point 21, 41, 61, 81 Second connector 22 Second contact 23, 43, 63, 83 Second connector body 25 Second reinforcing member 25A Mounting portion 23A, 43A Projection 23B, 43B, 63D, 84A Locked portion 23C, 43C , 63E, 84B ejected portion 34D, 63F curved portion 34F first inclined surface 43E second inclined surface 53A, 53B slider insertion groove 53D peripheral wall portion 63A, 83A concave portion 63B, 83B wall portion 63C, 83C groove portion 84 metal member C fitting direction S1 first axis of symmetry S2 second axis of symmetry G gap.

Claims (18)

A lock/eject mechanism for a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector that are fitted together along a fitting direction,
The first connector is
a first connector body;
a plurality of first contacts held by the first connector body and arranged symmetrically with respect to a first axis of symmetry extending along a predetermined direction orthogonal to the mating direction;
a slider arranged to be slidable in the predetermined direction with respect to the first connector body;
an elastic member that applies an elastic force in the predetermined direction to the slider with respect to the first connector body,
The second connector is
a second connector body;
a plurality of second contacts held by the second connector body and arranged symmetrically with respect to a second axis of symmetry extending along the predetermined direction;
having a locked portion and an ejected portion,
The slider is
an operation unit for performing a slide operation;
a locking portion engaged with the locked portion of the second connector fitted to the first connector;
an ejection portion for ejecting the second connector from the first connector by pushing the ejected portion of the second connector in a direction opposite to the mating direction;
The locking portion and the ejecting portion are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry,
at least one of the ejection portion and the ejected portion has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the predetermined direction;
the second connector fitted to the first connector is restricted from moving in the predetermined direction with respect to the first connector;
The first connector and the second connector are locked in a fitted state by engaging the locking portion with the locked portion,
When the operating portion is slid against the elastic force of the elastic member, the slider slides in the predetermined direction with respect to the first connector body, and the locking portion is disengaged from the locked portion. to unlock the fitted state of the first connector and the second connector,
When the operating portion is further slid, the ejecting portion abuts against the ejected portion, and the inclined surface pushes the ejected portion in a direction opposite to the fitting direction, thereby causing the second connector to move. A lock/eject mechanism that is ejected from the first connector. an action point at which the elastic member exerts the elastic force on the slider is positioned on the first axis of symmetry;
The slider has two lock portions arranged on both sides of the first axis of symmetry and two ejection portions arranged on both sides of the first axis of symmetry,
2. The second connector according to claim 1, wherein the second connector has two of the locked portions arranged on both sides of the second axis of symmetry, and two of the ejected portions arranged on both sides of the second axis of symmetry. lock eject mechanism. 3. When the operating portion is slid, the slider slides on the first connector body while a surface of the slider facing the mating direction is in contact with the first connector body. The lock/eject mechanism described in . the locking portion has a convex shape projecting in a direction orthogonal to both the fitting direction and the predetermined direction;
4. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locked portion has a stepped shape that is caught by the locking portion when the first connector and the second connector are locked. The eject section is spaced apart from the lock section in the predetermined direction,
The ejected portion has the inclined surface,
5. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 4, wherein when the second connector is ejected from the first connector, the ejecting portion abuts the inclined surface of the ejected portion. 6. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said slider and said elastic member are made of a single bent metal plate. 3. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of said lock portion and said eject portion is arranged at substantially the same position as said action point of said elastic member in said predetermined direction. the eject portion has a first inclined surface that is connected to the lock portion and that forms the inclined surface;
The ejected portion has a second inclined surface that faces the first inclined surface and forms the inclined surface when the second connector is mated with the first connector,
5. A lock/eject mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said first inclined surface abuts against said second inclined surface when said second connector is ejected from said first connector. the slider has at least one flat plate portion extending along the fitting direction and the predetermined direction, positioned on the first axis of symmetry, and formed with the lock portion and the eject portion;
the lock portion has a concave shape that opens toward the predetermined direction;
2. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said eject portion has said inclined surface spaced apart from said lock portion in said predetermined direction and opposed to said lock portion. The locked portion has a convex shape projecting in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction,
When the first connector and the second connector are locked in a fitted state, the locked portion is inserted into the lock portion from the predetermined direction,
10. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the inclined surface of the ejecting portion abuts against the ejected portion when the second connector is ejected from the first connector. 11. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said slider comprises a single plate member extending along said first axis of symmetry and forming said plate portion. The locked portion and the ejected portion are formed in the second connector body,
the second connector body has a groove portion that opens in a direction opposite to the direction in which the lock portion is opened and into which a portion of the flat plate member is inserted;
12. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the locked portion is arranged at one end of the groove portion. 11. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 10, wherein said slider has a pair of said flat plate portions extending parallel to each other on both sides of said first axis of symmetry. the second connector has a metal member fixed to the second connector body and extending along a plane orthogonal to the second axis of symmetry;
The metal member includes a pair of the locked portions projecting in a direction orthogonal to both the fitting direction and the predetermined direction on both sides of the second axis of symmetry, and portions of the corresponding locked portions. 14. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 13, comprising a pair of said ejected parts. 15. The lock/eject mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein said slider is made of a single bent metal plate. The first connector has a first reinforcing member fixed to the first connector body,
16. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 15, wherein said elastic member comprises a metal spring arranged between said first reinforcing member and said slider. 17. The lock/eject mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first connector body has an elastic force receiving portion that contacts the elastic member and receives the elastic force of the elastic member. A connector assembly comprising the lock/eject mechanism according to any one of claims 1-17.