TWI898426B - Locking mechanism and connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a locking mechanism and a connector assembly that can ensure sufficient locking strength without compromising the operability of a mating operation and a removal operation of a mating unit including a first structure and a second structure (e.g., a connector assembly). The locking mechanism is configured to maintain the engagement state between the first structure and the second structure on the opposite side capable of engaging with the first structure, and includes: an engaging portion, which is provided on the first structure; an engaging receiving portion, which is provided on the second structure and can be structurally engaged with the engaging portion; and a force-applying portion, which applies force to the engaging portion to maintain it in a reference state of engagement with the engaging receiving portion. The engaging portion is configured to be able to resist the force applied by the force-applying portion and move translationally along the side of the first structure to release the engagement state with the engaging receiving portion.

Description

Locking mechanism and connector assembly

The present invention relates to a locking mechanism and a connector assembly.

Generally speaking, a connector set comprising a first connector and a second connector that can mate with each other is provided with a lock mechanism for maintaining the mated state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a movable lock lever having an engaging portion is provided on the first connector. The lock lever is moved to disengage the engaging portion of the lock lever from the engaging portion of the second connector. A lock mechanism such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which the engaging portion and the engaging portion are structurally engaged to maintain the mated state, is called a mechanical lock.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-297482

However, while the locking mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 has excellent operability, it is difficult to design a mechanism that achieves sufficient locking strength because the locking mechanism is released by rotating the locking lever about a rotating shaft.

Specifically, increasing the width or thickness of the lock lever and thus the size of the engagement portion is effective for improving locking strength. However, this reduces the spring properties that maintain the locking mechanism in its engaged state, potentially leading to a reduction in locking strength. Furthermore, to ensure locking strength, it is important to provide the engagement portion away from the rotating shaft (for example, at the tip of the lock lever). Even if the engagement portion is added near the rotating shaft, the locking strength will not increase dramatically.

An object of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism and a connector assembly that can ensure sufficient locking strength without compromising the operability of the mating and unmating operations of a mating unit (e.g., a connector assembly) comprising a first structure and a second structure.

The locking mechanism of the present invention is configured to maintain the engagement between a first structure and a second structure capable of engaging with the first structure. The locking mechanism comprises: an engaging portion provided on the first structure; an engaging receiving portion provided on the second structure and capable of structurally engaging with the engaging portion; and a force applying portion that applies a force to the engaging portion to maintain it in a reference position engaged with the engaging receiving portion. The engaging portion is configured to translate along the side of the first structure against the force applied by the force applying portion to release the engagement with the engaging receiving portion.

The connector assembly of the present invention includes: the locking mechanism; a first connector including the first structure; and a second connector including the second structure.

The present invention ensures sufficient locking strength without compromising the operability of the mating and unmating operations of a mating unit (e.g., a connector assembly) comprising a first structure and a second structure.

1, 2: Connector assembly (mating unit)

10: Cable side connector (first structure, first connector)

11: Cable side connector body

12: Covering shell

20: Substrate-side connector (second structure, second connector)

21: Board-side connector body

22: Baseboard side housing

30, 30A, 30B: Locking mechanism

31: Locking member

32: Operating member (operating part)

40: Circuit board

41: Signal pattern

42: Ground pattern

43: Through hole

111:Bearing hole

112: Spring receiving part

121, 316: Opening

122: Holding film

221, 222: Snap-fit connection section

223: Lead wire

311, 312: Engaging parts

313: Force Application

313a: Front end

313b: Connection section

314: Board

315: Top of the head

316a: Cam surface

316b: Sliding allowance

321: Cam

321A: First cam

321B: Second cam

322: Boss (rotating shaft)

323: Arm

323a: Open end (curved part)

324: Connection

C: Coaxial cable

F _pres , F _pull , F _push : force

F _n : Vertical resistance

X, Y, Z: Axes

θ: Tilt angle

μ*F _n : Friction force

Figures 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the appearance of a connector assembly to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

Figures 2A and 2B are plan and side views of the connector assembly in the mated state.

Figure 3 is a disassembled perspective view of the cable-side connector.

Figure 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the connector on the board side.

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking mechanism of the first embodiment.

Figures 6A to 6C illustrate the state transition of the locking mechanism during the process of inserting the cable-side connector into the board-side connector to assemble the connector assembly.

Figures 7A to 7C illustrate the state transition of the locking mechanism when the connector assembly is disconnected by removing the cable-side connector from the board-side connector.

Figure 8 shows the forces acting during extraction.

Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the appearance of a connector assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking mechanism of the second embodiment.

Figures 11A and 11B show the engaged and released states of the locking mechanism.

Below, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First implementation form]

Figures 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the appearance of a connector assembly 1 (an example of a mating unit) to which the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 1A shows the connector assembly 1 in a mated state. Figure 1B shows the connector assembly 1 in a non-mated state.

Figures 2A and 2B are plan and side views of the connector assembly 1 in the mated state. In Figures 2A and 2B, the cover housing 12 of the cable-side connector 10 is omitted to allow the internal locking mechanism 30 to be visible.

In this disclosure, the structure of the connector assembly 1 is described using an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z). The following figures also utilize this common orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z). The directions along the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the substrate surface of the circuit board 40, while the direction along the Z-axis is perpendicular to the substrate surface of the circuit board 40. Hereinafter, the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis will be referred to as the "X-axis direction," the "Y-axis direction," and the "Z-axis direction," respectively. Furthermore, the positive side of the Z-axis direction is considered the upper side, and the negative side of the Z-axis direction is considered the lower side.

Connector assembly 1 is a vertically mating wire-to-board connector. The Y-axis is the pitch direction (length) of connector assembly 1. The X-axis is the direction in which cable C is routed, and the Z-axis is the mating direction of connector assembly 1. Connector assembly 1 is used, for example, in information technology equipment such as servers, switches (network equipment), and storage devices, when cables C are used to connect circuit boards.

As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the connector assembly 1 includes a cable-side connector 10 and a board-side connector 20. The cable-side connector 10 is a connector connected to the cable C, and the board-side connector 20 is a connector mounted on the circuit board 40.

Cable C is, for example, a coaxial cable having an inner conductor (not shown) and an outer shield (not shown) disposed outside the inner conductor via an insulator. The inner conductor of cable C is used, for example, to transmit high-speed (high-frequency) signals.

Cable C can be, for example, a twinax cable consisting of a dual-core inner conductor covered by an insulator, an outer shielding layer, and a sheath. Alternatively, cable C can be a flat cable such as a flexible flat cable (FFC).

Connector assembly 1 electrically connects cable C to circuit board 40 by vertically mating cable-side connector 10 and board-side connector 20. Specifically, the internal conductor of cable C is electrically connected to signal pattern 41 (see FIG. 4 ) on circuit board 40 via cable-side signal contacts (not shown) of cable-side connector 10 and board-side signal contacts (not shown) of board-side connector 20. In addition, the outer shield layer of the cable C is connected to the ground pattern 42 (see Figure 4) of the circuit board 40 via the cable-side ground contact (not shown) of the cable-side connector 10 and the board-side ground contact (not shown) of the board-side connector 20.

Furthermore, connector assembly 1 is provided with a locking mechanism 30 for maintaining the mating state between cable-side connector 10 and board-side connector 20. Specifically, locking mechanism 30 includes locking mechanism 30A and locking mechanism 30B, located on two opposing sides of connector assembly 1 in the Y-axis direction. Details of locking mechanism 30 will be described later.

Figure 3 is a disassembled perspective view of the cable-side connector 10.

As shown in Figure 3, the cable-side connector 10 includes a cable-side connector body 11 and a cover shell 12. The cable-side connector body 11 has cable-side signal contacts, cable-side ground contacts, and cable-side insulators (all symbols are omitted).

The cable-side signal contact and the cable-side ground contact are integrally formed with the cable-side insulator, for example, by insert molding. The cable-side signal contact and the cable-side ground contact are separately arranged and electrically insulated from each other by the cable-side insulator. The cable C is mounted on the cable-side connector body 11, for example, in a two-layer laminate.

The cable-side connector body 11 is provided with bearing holes 111 on two sides facing each other in the Y-axis direction (sides along the XZ plane) to pivotally support the boss 322 of the operating member 32. Furthermore, spring receiving portions 112 are provided on the side along the YZ plane to abut the two biasing portions 313 of the locking member 31.

The cover housing 12 is arranged to cover the outer side of the cable-side connector body 11. When the cable-side connector 10 and the board-side connector 20 are mated, the cover housing 12 contacts the board-side housing 22 and is electrically connected.

The cover housing 12 has openings 121 and retaining tabs 122 on two sides facing each other in the Y-axis direction. The openings 121 are used to rotatably mount the operating member 32, and the retaining tabs 122 are used to maintain the operating member 32 in a horizontal position along the XY plane.

The cable-side connector 10 is equipped with a locking member 31 and an operating member 32, which constitute the locking mechanism 30A and the locking mechanism 30B. The locking member 31 is embedded in the outer side of the cable-side connector body 11, and the cover housing 12 is installed to cover the locking member 31. The operating member 32 is further arranged on the outer side of the cover housing 12.

Figure 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the substrate-side connector 20.

As shown in Figure 4, the board-side connector 20 includes a board-side connector body 21 and a board-side housing 22. The board-side connector body 21 has board-side signal contacts, board-side ground contacts, and a board-side insulator (all symbols are omitted).

The substrate-side signal contacts and substrate-side ground contacts are integrally formed with the substrate-side insulator, for example, by insert molding. The substrate-side signal contacts and substrate-side ground contacts are separately arranged and electrically insulated from each other by the substrate-side insulator.

The board-side housing 22 is arranged to cover the exterior of the board-side connector body 21. When the cable-side connector 10 and the board-side connector 20 are mated, they contact and electrically connect with the cover housing 12. The cover housing 12 and the board-side housing 22 are at ground potential, functioning as a shield.

The substrate side housing 22 has two side surfaces facing each other in the Y-axis direction, each with a latching receiving portion 221 and a latching receiving portion 222. These latching receiving portions 221 and 222 protrude in the Y-axis direction and are structurally engaged with the latching portions 311 and 312. The latching receiving portions 221 and 222 are positioned approximately parallel to the latching portions 311 and 312 of the locking member 31 in the Z-axis direction.

Furthermore, on the negative Z-axis side of the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222, there are lead portions 223 to be inserted into the through-holes 43 of the circuit board 40. By inserting the lead portions 223 into the through-holes 43 of the circuit board 40 and soldering them, the substrate side housing 22 is electrically connected to the ground pattern 42 of the circuit board 40.

The locking mechanisms 30A and 30B are comprised of a locking member 31 and an operating member 32 provided on the cable-side connector 10, and a portion of the board-side housing 22 (the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222). These locking mechanisms 30A and 30B employ a mechanical lock mechanism, where the engaging portions 311 and 312 of the locking member 31 engage the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 of the board-side housing 22. The locking mechanisms 30A and 30B have the same structure and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the XZ plane.

Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking mechanism 30. Figure 5 shows the locking mechanism 30A positioned on the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The cover housing 12 is omitted in Figure 5.

In the standard position, the operating member 32 is positioned with the connecting portion 324 facing the positive side in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in the standard position, the arm portion 323 of the operating member 32 is retained by the retaining piece 122 covering the housing 12.

The so-called "standard state" refers to a state in which no external force (e.g., a force pushing the locking member 31 in the negative X-axis direction due to the rotation of the operating member 32) acts on the locking member 31. Hereinafter, the rotation angle of the operating member 32 in the standard state is represented as "0°," with the clockwise direction when viewed from the positive Y-axis direction being the positive direction. When the operating member 32 is rotated from the standard state to assume a position with the connecting portion 324 positioned on the positive Z-axis direction, the rotation angle of the operating member 32 is represented as 90°.

The locking member 31 is a plate-shaped member formed, for example, by metal processing (including stamping and bending) of a single metal plate. The locking member 31 is arranged to cover the top and side surfaces of the cable-side connector body 11.

The locking member 31 has plate portions 314 arranged along two side surfaces that extend along the XZ plane of the cable-side connector body 11. The two plate portions 314 are connected by a top portion 315 arranged along the top surface of the cable-side connector body 11. Furthermore, a biasing portion 313 is provided in series with each of the two plate portions 314.

The locking member 31 moves translationally along the X-axis as the operating member 32 rotates. "Translational movement" refers to movement along a straight line without rotation or change of position. Furthermore, the locking member 31 can also move translationally in a direction slightly tilted relative to the X-axis.

Two engaging portions 311 and 312 are formed on the two plate portions 314, respectively. Specifically, the locking mechanism 30 is configured to maintain the mated state of the connector assembly 1 by engaging at four points. This effectively suppresses any looseness of the connector assembly 1 in the mated state, maintaining a stable position.

The engaging portions 311 and 312 engage with the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 of the substrate side housing 22. One engaging portion 311 is formed, for example, at the lower end of the positive end surface of the plate portion 314 in the X-axis direction. The other engaging portion 312 is formed, for example, by cutting out the lower end of the middle portion of the plate portion 314 in the X-axis direction.

The engaging portions 311 and 312 have a hook-like shape that protrudes toward the positive side in the X-axis direction. They structurally engage with the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 of the substrate side housing 22, restricting the positive movement of the locking member 31 in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, translational movement of the locking member 31 toward the negative side in the X-axis direction releases the engagement between the engaging portions 311 and 312 and the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222.

An opening 316 is formed in the plate portion 314 to allow the operating member 32 to be installed on the cable-side connector body 11. The opening 316 has a sliding-allowing portion 316b to prevent the locking member 31 from interfering with the boss 322 of the operating member 32 during translational movement along the X-axis.

The opening 316 also has a specially shaped cam surface 316a. This cam surface 316a contacts the cam portion 321 (first cam piece 321A and second cam piece 321B) of the operating member 32, continuously pressing the operating member 32 as it rotates. For example, the cam surface 316a is formed so that it tilts downward toward the positive side in the X-axis direction from the portion contacting the first cam piece 321A in the standard state, and then bends and tilts upward.

Specifically, within the range of rotation of the operating member 32 from 0° to 90°, the cam surface 316a is continuously pressed toward the negative side in the X-axis direction by at least one of the first cam piece 321A and the second cam piece 321B. Furthermore, the cam surface 316a is shaped so that the operating member 32 cannot rotate beyond 90°.

The biasing portion 313 has the function of maintaining the locking member 31 in its reference state. The biasing portion 313 generates a biasing force (restoring force) to restore the locking member 31 to its reference state when the locking member 31 is displaced by translation in the negative X-axis direction.

The biasing portion 313 is, for example, a leaf spring extending approximately in the Y-axis direction from the positive end surface of the plate portion 314 in the X-axis direction. The biasing portion 313 is tilted relative to the Y-axis, with its free end 313a positioned closer to the negative X-axis direction than its fixed end 313b, which connects to the plate portion 314. The tip 313a of the biasing portion 313 abuts the spring receiving portion 112 of the cable-side connector body 11.

The operating member 32 is the operating portion that the operator operates when removing the cable-side connector 10 from the board-side connector 20. The operating member 32 is formed, for example, by metal processing (including stamping and bending) of a single metal plate. The operating member 32 includes a cam portion 321, a boss 322, an arm portion 323, and a connecting portion 324. Furthermore, a pull tab that is grasped when pulling the cable-side connector 10 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction may be connected to the operating member 32.

The two arms 323 extend along the X-axis and face each other in the Y-axis, connected by a connecting portion 324. In other words, the operating member 32 has a generally U-shape as a whole. Furthermore, the open ends 323a of the arms 323 are curved in an arcuate shape (hereinafter referred to as the "curved portion 323a").

The boss 322 is formed to protrude toward the inner side (positive or negative side in the Y-axis direction) of the arm portion 323. The boss 322 is inserted into the bearing hole 111 of the cable-side connector body 11 and functions as a rotation axis when the operating member 32 rotates.

The cam portion 321 is formed to protrude inwardly from the bent portion 323a of the arm portion 323. The cam portion 321 includes a first cam piece 321A and a second cam piece 321B. The first cam piece 321A contacts the cam surface 316a from the reference position (rotation angle 0°, see FIG7A ) to the end of rotation of the operating member 32 (rotation angle 90°, see FIG7C ). The second cam piece 321B contacts the cam surface 316a when the pressing force of the first cam piece 321A on the cam surface 316a decreases (e.g., midway through rotation to the end of rotation), and presses the cam surface 316a in conjunction with or in place of the first cam piece 321A.

Furthermore, the structures of the cam portion 321 of the operating member 32 and the cam surface 316a (the shape of the opening 316) of the locking member 31 are not particularly limited, as long as the cam portion 321 continuously presses the cam surface 316a toward the negative side in the X-axis direction when the operating member 32 rotates.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the arm portion 323 from its X-axis center toward the open end 323a (the Z-axis thickness in the standard state) is thinner than the remaining portion by coining. This ensures the strength of the operating member 32 while improving the workability of the cam portion 321, boss 322, and bent portion 323a. Furthermore, the thickness of the operating member 32 can be uniform across the entirety.

As shown in Figure 5, in the cable-side connector 10, the locking member 31 is embedded in the exterior of the cable-side connector body 11. Furthermore, a cover housing 12 (see Figure 3) is installed to cover these components. Furthermore, the boss 322 of the operating member 32 is inserted into the bearing hole 111 of the cable-side connector body 11 through the opening 121 of the cover housing 12 and the opening 316 of the locking member 31, thereby arranging the operating member 32 on the exterior of the cover housing 12.

In this way, the locking member 31 is held in a predetermined position relative to the cable-side connector 10, preventing it from falling off. At this time, the biasing portion 313 of the locking member 31 abuts against the spring receiving portion 112 of the cable-side connector body 11, restricting displacement of the locking member 31 in the negative X-axis direction.

Furthermore, the biasing portion 313 preferably generates a biasing force (so-called preload) that displaces the locking member 31 toward the positive side in the X-axis direction in the standard state. The force applied by the biasing portion 313 stabilizes the locking member 31's posture, thereby reliably maintaining the locked state in the engaged state (see Figure 7A ) and preventing the locking member 31 from rattling in the unengaged state (see Figure 6A ).

Figures 6A through 6C illustrate the state transition of the locking mechanism 30 during the mating operation of the cable-side connector 10 with the board-side connector 20. During the mating operation, the operator does not operate the operating member 32 but instead grasps the cover housing 12 of the cable-side connector 10 and presses it toward the board-side connector 20. Therefore, the state of the operating member 32 remains unchanged during the mating operation.

When mating the cable-side connector 10 with the board-side connector 20, the operator first adjusts the X- and Y-axis positions so that the mating portions of the cable-side connector 10 and the board-side connector 20 align (see Figure 6A ). At this point, the locking member 31 is held in its standard position. Furthermore, the operating member 32 is held horizontally by the retaining tab 122 covering the housing 12, making it difficult to rotate.

Next, the cable-side connector 10 is moved toward the negative side in the Z-axis direction relative to the board-side connector 20. The locking member 31 maintains its reference position until the lower surfaces (the negative side in the Z-axis direction) of the engaging portions 311 and 312 reach the upper surfaces (the positive side in the Z-axis direction) of the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222.

When force is further applied to the cable-side connector 10 in the negative Z-axis direction, the cable-side connector 10 descends in the negative Z-axis direction, and the engaging portions 311 and 312 move away from the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222, while the locking member 31 simultaneously translates in the negative X-axis direction (see Figure 6B ). At this point, the force-applying portion 313 abuts the spring receiving portion 112 of the cable-side connector body 11, preventing it from moving. Therefore, elastic deformation generates a restoring force (a force that returns the locking member 31 to the positive X-axis direction).

When force is further applied to the cable-side connector 10 in the negative Z-axis direction, the cable-side connector 10 descends in the negative Z-axis direction, and the engaging portions 311 and 312 pass over the lower end surfaces of the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222. The restoring force generated by the force-applying portion 313 causes the locking member 31 to translate toward the positive X-axis direction and return to its reference position (see Figure 6C).

The engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 provided on the board-side connector 20 mechanically engage with the engaging portions 311 and 312 provided on the locking member 31 of the cable-side connector 10, retaining the connector assembly 1 in a position that prevents it from being removed in the positive direction of the Z axis.

Figures 7A to 7C illustrate the state transition of the locking mechanism 30 when the cable-side connector 10 is removed from the board-side connector 20 to disassemble the connector assembly 1.

When the board-side connector 20 and the cable-side connector 10 are mated, the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 of the board-side connector 20 mechanically engage with the engaging portions 311 and 312 of the locking member 31 of the cable-side connector 10, securing the connector assembly 1 in a position that prevents removal in the positive direction of the Z axis (see Figure 7A). At this point, the locking member 31 is held in its standard position. Furthermore, the operating member 32 is held horizontally by the retaining piece 122 covering the housing 12, preventing rotation.

When disconnecting the cable-side connector 10 from the board-side connector 20, the operator rotates the operating member 32 clockwise when viewed from the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The first cam 321A of the operating member 32 pushes the cam surface 316a of the locking member 31 toward the negative side in the X-axis direction. The rotational motion of the first cam 321A is converted into linear motion and transmitted to the locking member 31. The locking member 31 then translates toward the negative side in the X-axis direction, releasing the engagement between the engaging portions 311 and 312 and the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222. At this time, the force-applying portion 313 abuts the spring receiving portion 112 of the cable-side connector body 11 and cannot move, thus generating a restoring force through elastic deformation.

When the operating member 32 is further rotated, it reaches a 90° rotation angle, preventing further rotation due to the positional relationship between the first and second cams 321A, 321B, and the shape of the cam surface 316a. Because the cam surface 316a is maintained pressed by at least one of the first and second cams 321A, 321B of the operating member 32, the locking member 31 resists the force applied by the biasing portion 313 and is retained in a state where the engaging portions 311, 312 do not interfere with the engaging receiving portions 221, 222. By pulling the operating member 32 toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the cable-side connector 10 is removed from the board-side connector 20 (see Figure 7C).

As shown in FIG8 , when the cable-side connector 10 is removed from the board-side connector 20, if the operating member 32 is rotated with a force F _pull , a vertical resistance force F _n acts on the locking member 31, generating a friction force μ×F _n (μ: friction coefficient between the locking member 31 and the first cam 321A < 1) between the locking member 31 and the first cam 321A.

If the angle between the cam surface 316a and the horizontal direction is set to θ (hereinafter referred to as the "inclination angle θ of the cam surface 316a"), the force _Fpush that pushes the locking member 31 in the negative direction of the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the force _Fpres that pushes the locking member 31 in the negative direction of the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) are expressed by the following equations (1) and (2), respectively.

F _push =F _n sinθ-μ×F _n cosθ‧‧‧(1)

F _pres =F _n cosθ+μ×F _n sinθ‧‧‧(2)

Furthermore, a frictional force F _fric that increases or decreases in proportion to F _pres is generated between the locking member 31 and a member (for example, an insulator of the cable-side connector body 11) that contacts the lower surface of the locking member 31.

In order for the locking member 31 to operate smoothly, the force F _push that pushes the locking member 31 horizontally must be greater than the combined force of the force F _spring applied by the force-applying portion 313 and the friction force F _fric . Here, if the inclination angle θ of the cam surface 316a decreases, then according to equations (1) and (2), the force F _push that pushes the locking member 31 horizontally decreases, while the force F _pres that pushes the locking member 31 vertically increases.

Therefore, if the inclination angle θ of the cam surface 316a is too small, the force F _push that pushes the locking member 31 horizontally becomes smaller than the combined force F _spring applied by the force-applying portion 313 and the friction force F _fric , potentially causing malfunction. In particular, if the inclination angle θ of the cam surface 316a is less than 45°, the force F _pres that pushes the locking member 31 vertically becomes greater than the force F _push that pushes the locking member 31 horizontally, potentially causing malfunction.

Therefore, the inclination angle θ of the cam surface 316a is preferably set as large as possible so that the force F _push that pushes the locking member 31 in the horizontal direction is greater than the combined force F _spring applied by the force applying portion 313 and the friction force F _fric . Furthermore, the length of the arm portion 323 is preferably as long as possible so that the operating member 32 can be rotated with a small operating force. Furthermore, if the inclination angle θ of the cam surface 316a is too large, the movement amount of the locking member 31 relative to the rotation amount of the operating member 32 becomes smaller, and the engagement between the locking member 31 and the substrate side shell 22 is difficult to release. Therefore, taking this aspect into consideration, the inclination angle θ of the cam surface 316a is set within a range within which the engagement between the locking member 31 and the substrate side shell 22 can be released by the rotation of the operating member 32.

[Second implementation form]

Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the appearance of a connector assembly 2 (an example of a mating unit) to which the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 9A shows the connector assembly 2 in a mated state. Figure 9B shows the connector assembly 2 in a non-mated state.

Compared to the connector assembly 1 described in the first embodiment, the connector assembly 2 of the second embodiment differs primarily in the structure of the locking mechanism 30; the remaining major structures are identical to those of the connector assembly 1. Components identical to or corresponding to those of the connector assembly 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are simplified or omitted.

Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the locking mechanism 30 of the second embodiment. Figure 10 shows the locking mechanism 30A positioned on the positive side in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the cover housing 12 is omitted in Figure 10.

In the second embodiment, the engaging portions 311 and 312, respectively provided on the two plates 314 of the locking member 31, have hook-shaped projections in the negative direction of the X-axis. Furthermore, the opening 316 provided on the plate 314 of the locking member 31 has a specially shaped cam surface 316a. This cam surface 316a abuts against the cam portion 321 of the operating member 32, continuously pressing the operating member 32 as it rotates.

When the operating member 32 is rotated from 0° to 90°, the cam surface 316a is continuously pressed toward the positive side in the X-axis direction by the cam portion 321. Furthermore, the cam surface 316a is shaped so that the operating member 32 cannot rotate excessively beyond 90°.

In the second embodiment, the cam surface 316a is formed to tilt upward from the portion that contacts the cam portion 321 in the standard state toward the positive side in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the tilt angle θ of the cam surface 316a is closer to 90° than in the first embodiment. Therefore, there is no need to provide multiple cam segments that function as the cam portion 321, as in the first embodiment, and a cam mechanism can be implemented with a simple structure.

The operating member 32 is formed from a single sheet of metal through sheet metal processing (including stamping and bending). In the second embodiment, the cam portion 321 of the operating member 32 is formed by the outer edge of a flat plate extending along the XZ plane. The thick portion of the plate functions as the cam portion 321, abutting against the cam surface 316a of the locking member 31. Furthermore, by inserting a boss 322 protruding from the cable-side connector body 11 into a through-hole (not shown) provided in the flat plate, the operating member 32 can rotate about the boss 322. Compared to the first embodiment, the cam portion 321 is made stronger, thereby shortening the length in the X-axis direction and achieving miniaturization.

The locking member 31's engaging portions 311 and 312 are structurally engaged with the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 of the substrate side housing 22, restricting the positive Z-axis movement of the locking member 31 (see Figure 11A ). While the locking member 31's translational movement along the X-axis in response to rotation of the operating member 32 is similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the locking member 31's translational movement toward the positive X-axis releases the engagement between the engaging portions 311 and 312 and the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 (see Figure 11B ).

That is, in the second embodiment, in the standard state, the locking member 31 is restricted from moving in the positive direction of the Z axis and in the negative direction of the X axis, which is the direction in which the cable C is drawn out.

In the first embodiment, the locking member 31 is released by translational movement toward the negative side of the X-axis, the direction in which the cable C is pulled out. This poses a risk of releasing the lock if a force is applied to pull the cable C upward in the mated state. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the locking member 31 is released by translational movement toward the positive side of the X-axis, which is opposite to the direction in which the cable C is pulled out. Therefore, even if a force is applied to pull the cable C upward in the mated state, the lock is not released, maintaining the mated state securely.

The locking mechanism 30 of the embodiment includes the following features individually or in appropriate combination.

Specifically, the locking mechanism 30 is configured to maintain the mated state between the cable-side connector 10 (first structure) and the substrate-side connector 20 (second structure) capable of mating with the cable-side connector 10. The locking mechanism 30 includes: an engaging portion 311 and an engaging portion 312 provided on the cable-side connector 10; an engaging receiving portion 221 and an engaging receiving portion 222 provided on the substrate-side connector 20 and capable of structurally engaging with the engaging portions 311 and 312; and a biasing portion 313 for biasing the engaging portions 311 and 312 to maintain them in a standard engagement state with the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222. The engaging portions 311 and 312 are configured to move translationally along the side of the cable side connector 10 against the force applied by the force-applying portion 313 to release the engagement with the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222.

In the locking mechanism 30, the engaging portions 311 and 312 translate along the side of the cable-side connector 10 in the X-axis direction to release the engagement with the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222. This facilitates mating and removal of the connector assembly 1. Furthermore, compared to conventional techniques, the restrictions on increasing or enlarging the engaging portions 311 and 312 are relaxed, significantly increasing design freedom. Consequently, the locking mechanism 30 ensures sufficient locking strength without compromising the mating and removal operability of the connector assembly 1 (mating unit).

Furthermore, the engaging portions 311 and 312 move within the area where the plate portion 314 is located in the base position, i.e., the ineffective space inevitably created along the side of the cable-side connector 10 due to the installation of the engaging portions 311 and 312. Therefore, there is no need to ensure a movable area for the engaging portions to move, as previously required. Therefore, the locking mechanism 30 can more easily ensure the movable area of the engaging portions 311 and 312 than conventional mechanical locking mechanisms, which is also advantageous for miniaturization of the connector assembly 1.

Furthermore, by adding the engaging portions 311 and 312, stability is improved. Furthermore, space for translational movement of the engaging portions 311 and 312 is ensured without increasing the height of the cable-side connector 10, thereby maintaining the connector's thinness. Furthermore, when the connector assembly 1 is released from its mated state, the locking mechanism 30 is not damaged, allowing for reuse.

Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 30, the engaging portions 311 and 312 have a plate-like shape that extends along the side surface of the cable-side connector 10 (first structure). This allows for miniaturization of the cable-side connector 10 in the Y-axis direction.

The locking mechanism 30 also includes a plate portion 314 having a cam surface 316a; a boss 322 (rotation axis) extending along the Y-axis (longitudinal direction) perpendicular to the movement direction of the engaging portions 311 and 312; and a first cam piece 321A that is rotatable about the boss 322. The first cam piece 321A pushes against the cam surface 316a, causing the plate portion 314 and the engaging portions 311 and 312 to translate integrally. Thus, the cam mechanism, including the first cam piece 321A and the cam surface 316a, facilitates disengagement of the engaging portions 311 and 312 from the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222, improving ease of disassembly of the connector assembly 1. Furthermore, since the locking member 31, which has the engaging portions 311 and 312, is not directly operated, even if the cover 12 is provided on the outer side of the locking member 31, workability is not affected.

Furthermore, the locking mechanism 30 includes a second cam piece 321B that is integrally rotatable with the first cam piece 321A. At least one of the first cam piece 321A and the second cam piece 321B abuts against the cam surface 316a. This increases the design freedom of the cam mechanism used to translate the engaging portions 311 and 312 to release the engagement with the engaging receiving portions 221 and 222. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 30 is reliably released and maintained, thereby improving workability when disassembling the connector assembly 1.

Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 30, the engaging portion 311, the engaging portion 312, and the plate portion 314 are disposed on two opposing sides in the Y-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the first structure). By locating the locking mechanism 30 on both sides of the connector assembly 1, the stability of the locking function is enhanced.

The locking mechanism 30 also includes an operating member 32 (operating portion) having two first cams 321A that abut against respective cam surfaces 316a provided on the two plate portions 314. The locking mechanism 30 is configured to rotate about a boss 322 (rotation axis). As the operating member 32 rotates, the two sets of engaging portions 311, 312, and plate portions 314 translate integrally. This allows the locking mechanisms 30A and 30B provided on both sides of the connector assembly 1 to be simultaneously released by rotating the operating member 32, improving workability when disassembling the connector assembly 1.

Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 30, at least two engaging portions 311 and 312 are provided on each of two opposing side surfaces in the Y-axis direction (longitudinal direction), which is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the engaging portions 311 and 312. This significantly enhances the stability of the locking function provided by the locking mechanism 30.

Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 30, the engaging portion 311, the engaging portion 312, and the biasing portion 313 are integrally formed. This simplifies the structure for maintaining the locking member 31 in the reference position.

Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 30, the cable-side connector 10 (first structure) is connected to the cable C so that it extends along the direction of movement of the engaging portions 311 and 312, allowing the board-side connector 20 (second structure) to engage perpendicularly with the cable-side connector 10. This allows the extended area of the cable C, which tends to become dead space, to be utilized to achieve translational movement of the engaging portions 311 and 312, further increasing design flexibility.

Furthermore, in the locking mechanism 30, the board-side connector 20 (second structure) can be through-hole mounted on the circuit board 40 and can be vertically mated with the cable-side connector 10 (first structure). The engaging receiving portions 221 and 222 are positioned directly above the lead portion 223 to be inserted into the through-hole 43 of the circuit board 40 in the mating direction. This ensures that the board-side connector 20 is securely mounted to the circuit board 40. Even if a positive force in the Z-axis direction acts on the cable-side connector 10, it will not easily come out of the circuit board 40, thereby improving the reliability of the connector assembly 1.

In addition, the present embodiment also discloses the following features. That is, the locking mechanism 30 is a locking mechanism configured to maintain the mating state between the cable-side connector 10 (first structure) and the substrate-side connector 20 (second structure) on the other side that can be mated with the cable-side connector 10, and includes: a snap-fit portion 311, a snap-fit portion 312, which is provided on the cable-side connector 10; and a snap-fit receiving portion The engaging receiving portion 221 and the engaging receiving portion 222 are provided on the board-side connector 20 and are structurally engaged with the engaging portions 311 and 312. At least two engaging portions 311 and 312 are provided on each of the two opposing sides of the cable-side connector 10 in the Y-axis direction (the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the engaging portion). The locking mechanism 30 significantly enhances the stability of the locking function.

The invention completed by the inventors has been specifically described above based on the embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified within the scope of the gist of the invention.

For example, the detailed structures of the cable-side connector 10 and the board-side connector 20 are not limited to the examples described in the embodiments and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the number of cables C can also be modified as appropriate.

In the embodiment, the connector assembly 1 for connecting a wire to a substrate has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a wire-to-wire connector assembly. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to mating units other than connector assemblies.

Furthermore, while the embodiment describes the case where the engaging portions 311 and 312 are translated using a cam mechanism provided on the locking member 31 and the operating member 32 when the cable-side connector 10 is disconnected, other power transmission mechanisms may also be used to translate the engaging portions 311 and 312.

Furthermore, the structure for pivotally supporting the operating member 32 on the cable-side connector body 11 is not limited to the example described in the embodiment. For example, a configuration may be employed in which a protrusion serving as a rotation axis is provided on the cable-side connector body 11, and a bearing hole is provided on the arm portion 323 of the operating member 32 for the protrusion to engage.

In the embodiment, a biasing portion 313 is formed in a portion of the locking member 31. However, the biasing portion that maintains the locking member 31 in the standard position may be formed by a member separate from the locking member 31 (e.g., a compression coil spring).

The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

The disclosures in the specification, drawings, and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-020025 filed on February 13, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

10: Cable-side connector (first structure, first connector) 20: Board-side connector (second structure, second connector) 31: Locking member 32: Operating member (operating portion) 221, 222: Engagement receiving portion 311, 312: Engagement portion 316a: Cam surface 321A: First cam plate 321B: Second cam plate 322: Boss (rotating axis) X, Z: Axes

Claims (11)

A locking mechanism is configured to maintain the engagement between a first structure and a second structure on the opposite side of the first structure. The locking mechanism comprises: an engaging portion disposed on the first structure; an engaging receiving portion disposed on the second structure and structurally engageable with the engaging portion; and a force applying portion that applies a force to the engaging portion to maintain it in a reference position engaged with the engaging receiving portion. When the engaging portion translates in a first direction, the force applying portion applies a force in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The engaging portion is configured to translate in the first direction along the side surface of the first structure against the force applied in the second direction by the force applying portion, thereby releasing the engagement with the engaging receiving portion. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the engaging portion has a plate-like shape extending along the side surface. The locking mechanism of claim 1 or 2 comprises: a plate portion having a cam surface; a rotating shaft extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the engaging portion; and a first cam piece rotatable about the rotating shaft, such that the first cam piece presses against the cam surface, causing the plate portion and the engaging portion to translate integrally. The locking mechanism of claim 3 includes: a second cam plate configured to rotate integrally with the first cam plate; at least one of the first cam plate and the second cam plate abuts the cam surface. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the engaging portion and the plate portion are respectively provided on two opposing side surfaces of the first structure in the longitudinal direction. The locking mechanism of claim 5 includes: an operating portion having two first cam pieces that abut the respective cam surfaces provided on the two plate portions, and configured to rotate about the rotation axis; As the operating portion rotates, the two sets of the engaging portions and the plate portions translate integrally. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging portion is provided with at least two portions on each of the two side surfaces facing each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the engaging portion. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging portion and the biasing portion are integrally formed. The locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first structure is a cable-side connector to which a cable is connected so as to extend along the direction of movement of the engaging portion; the second structure is a board-side connector capable of being vertically engaged with the first structure. The locking mechanism of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the second structure is capable of through-hole mounting on a circuit board and is capable of vertically engaging with the first structure; the engaging receiving portion is positioned directly above the lead portion to be inserted into the through-hole of the circuit board in the engaging direction. A connector assembly comprising: the locking mechanism of claim 1 or 2; a first connector comprising the first structure; and a second connector comprising the second structure.