JP2007511054A - Connector system with plug release function - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector system 1 including a connector 2 and a corresponding member 4. The connector 2 includes a lock arm 16 that is rotatably supported, the lock arm extending toward the corresponding member 4, 5, in order to fix the connector 2 and the corresponding member 4; In order to engage the second locking part 22 of the corresponding member 4; 5 at a predetermined locking position by the first rotational movement (R1) of the lock arm 16 and to release the connector 2 and the corresponding member 4; A first locking portion 17 adapted to disengage from the second locking portion at a predetermined unlock position by a second rotational movement (R2) is provided. After the second rotational movement (R2) preventing the lock arm 16 from rotating in the opposite direction with respect to the locked position, the system 1 is adapted to support the lock arm 16. The present invention further relates to a method for releasing the connection between the connector 2 and the corresponding member 4.

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector system having an improved unlock function and intended for signal transmission. More specifically, a connector system including a connector and a corresponding member, wherein the connector includes a lock arm that is rotatably supported and extends toward the corresponding member. The lock arm is engaged with the second lock portion of the corresponding member by a first rotational movement of the lock arm to a predetermined lock position for locking the connector and the corresponding member, and the lock arm A first locking portion adapted to disengage from the second locking portion by a second rotational movement to a predetermined unlocking position for unlocking the connector and the corresponding member; The present invention relates to a connector system comprising

  Today, for example, cable connectors in the field of telecommunications meet the ever-increasing collective demands regarding, for example, robustness, assembly quality, aesthetic considerations, recording density, shielding, etc. I must do it.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a cable connector housing that is composed of two parts and can be joined and fastened while the connector is held by another housing. A latching arm, which is supported so as to be pivotable and to which a spring force is applied, is provided so as to lock the cable connector in a notch portion of the housing or casing or panel of the combination connector.

  A problem with prior art connector systems is that unplugging of cable connectors is relatively complicated because the operator must first apply a force greater than the spring force and appropriate. This is because it is necessary to pull out the cable connector while operating the latch and then still applying the force to the latch. If the unplug operation is not performed immediately after unlocking, the cable connector will be locked again as a result of the spring force acting on the lock arm.

There are generally a large number of connector systems in the connector panel in the telecommunications field, but there are ergonomic problems in repetitive unplugging of the connector system due to such complicated actions. Furthermore, for panels having cable connectors with high recording density, the unplug operation is often difficult due to lack of space.
US Patent No. 4,702,542 Specification Dutch patent application No. 1022225 Dutch patent application No. 1023662 US Pat. No. 5,628,648 US Pat. No. 5,154,629

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector system having an improved unplug function.

  The object is that the system is adapted to support the lock arm after the second rotational movement to prevent the lock arm from rotating in a reverse direction relative to the locked position. This is achieved by providing a connector system characterized in that By providing the system with means to support the locking arm in the unlocked position while the connector has not yet been unplugged, the operator first unlocks the connector from the corresponding member, for later convenience. They can be unplugged or uncoupled at good times. The locking system according to the present invention does not require any further complicated action to unplug the connector (eg, cable connector) from the corresponding member (eg, board connector housing or panel). Furthermore, when many cables are applied together with the cable connector, the space for gripping the cable connector may be limited. According to the present invention, the cable connector is unlocked first by operating the lock arm, and then the cable connector can be unplugged by pulling a cable that is simple and easy to use. Note that the connector system in the present invention can be applied to various situations including connection of a cable connector and a board connector housing, connection of a cable connector and another cable connector, connection of a board connector and another board connector, and the like. Should. It should further be noted that signal transfer can be related to electrical and optical signals. It should be understood that the lock arm may be part of the corresponding member, i.e., the connector can be read as a corresponding member, and vice versa. For example, if the lock arm is part of a board connector housing instead of a cable connector, the lock arm is less vulnerable to mechanical shock.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector system includes a support structure for supporting the lock arm. Such a support structure is provided in the connector and / or the corresponding member. The support structure is a reliable means for preventing the lock arm from rotating in the opposite direction with respect to the lock position. The lock arm preferably includes a bent portion in the direction of the support structure in order to reliably contact the support structure after unlocking.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the lock arm is adapted to contact the corresponding member. The contact between the metal lock arm and the corresponding member can improve the electromagnetic shield.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector system is adapted to apply a biasing force to the lock arm to forcing the lock arm in the locked position. Provided with a spring member. When the connector is connected to the corresponding member without requiring manual operation of the lock arm, the spring member provides an automatic locking action of the lock arm. The spring member may be integrated with the lock arm to constitute, for example, a torsion spring, a spiral spring, or a helical spring. The spring member can be selected as an additional component provided separately. Such a separate lock arm material is advantageous if the lock arm material is different from the spring member material so that it can be optimized for individual purposes. For example, if a high spring force is required, the configuration of the spring member is optimized for this purpose without being limited by the requirements for the lock arm. When the system is unplugged, the spring member further repositions the lock arm to an initial position. Furthermore, for example, when the connector is locked to the corresponding member while being supported by the support structure, an audible click is heard so that an internal load of the lock arm can be heard. Can be provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, the spring member may be further adapted to exert a biasing force perpendicular to the plane of the first and second rotational movements. By positioning or configuring the spring member to apply a spring force in both rotational and lateral directions, the lock arm does not require a special shape for the lock arm, and the support structure It is possible to contact objects. Furthermore, lateral forces can be utilized to absorb the gaps in the system.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the first lock portion includes a hook portion having a first lock surface, and the second lock portion contacts the first lock surface at the lock position. A second locking surface adapted to do so. Furthermore, the second lock part may comprise an inclined surface adapted to guide the guide surface of the first lock part at least prior to the first rotational movement. Obviously, such a locking arrangement provides a reliable automatic locking.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, a lock arm projects from the connector housing to cause the second rotational movement. The protruding lock arm allows manual operation of the lock arm. The connector may alternatively include a housing configured to expose the lock arm while the lock arm is available to cause the second rotational movement. For example, the housing may include an opening for insertion of a tool such as a screwdriver. It is desirable that the lock arm can be operated by a structure that can convert the rotational movement of the driver into the operation of the lock arm. The rotational movement of the driver requires really little space on the high density panel for the operator. Furthermore, a locking arm without protrusions reduces the possibility of accidental unlocking.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the connector housing includes a first space having a cable inlet and a second space for accommodating a part of the lock arm. Preferably, the second space is adapted to incorporate a pivotable shaft of the lock arm or a shaft for the lock arm. In particular, the independent second space can protect the locking arm when covered or closed by one or more walls.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the connector, the corresponding member, and the lock arm is made of metal. Metal components impart increased rigidity to the system compared to plastic housings and improve electromagnetic shielding. The lock arm can be made of stainless steel or comprise stainless steel. Stainless steel is stampable and has been proven to have the right combination of rigidity and spring function.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the corresponding member includes a metal board connector housing provided on the printed wiring board and having an inlet for the lock arm. The lock arm can fix the cable connector to the panel, but it is preferable to fix the cable connector to the board connector housing so that the panel does not fit for the purposes of the present invention. The receiving space may further include at least one of the support structure, the lock surface, and the inclined surface. For metal board connector housings, for example, die cast alloys can be used. Die casting alloys have a considerable degree of freedom to form the board connector housing to meet various locking requirements. However, although die-cast alloys are the preferred material, other materials (eg, non-die-cast metals, plastics and metallized plastics) can be used as well.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet portion of the board connector housing includes one or more ground springs around the inlet. In the case of an unlocked or unplugged connector, the ground spring improves the electromagnetic shielding effect for the board connector housing. Further, the inlet portion may include one or more chamfered guide walls to facilitate insertion of the lock arm.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the board connector housing has the mating side for the connector provided with at least one screw hole. For example, a conventional cable connector that does not have a lock arm that is rotatably supported by the screw hole is locked to the board connector.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the connector system is adapted such that the operation of the lock arm is re-rotated towards the locked position. This can be achieved, for example, by having a support structure with a support surface having a tilt angle or allowing the lock arm to move laterally so that the lock arm re-rotates towards the locked position. Can be achieved. Such an embodiment is advantageous because the connector does not need to be first at least partially unplugged before being relocked.

  The present invention further relates to a cable connector for use in the connector system as described above.

  The present invention also relates to a corresponding member, preferably a board connector housing, for use in a connector system as described above.

  The present invention ultimately includes the connector having a locking arm that is pivotally supported and extends toward the corresponding member that is adapted to lock the connector and the corresponding member. A method of unplugging from a member, wherein the connector is unlocked by a rotational movement of the lock arm from a locked position to an unlocked position, and the operating force is not applied to the lock arm, and the unlocking position in the unlocked position is The method comprises the steps of removing the connector at a location for connection with a lock arm, and then unplugging the connector from the corresponding member.

  Patent Document 4 discloses a connector position assurance system characterized in that the electrical connector includes a first locking arm having a locking slider provided on the top of the locking arm. is doing. The lock arm is locked by sliding the lock slider on the lock arm. In the unlock position, the first lock arm is rotatable. However, the disclosed system is a complex locking system and the locking arm is not prevented from rotating in the opposite direction relative to the locking position.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,049 receives a latch having a locking finger for engaging with a coupling element in a pivotable manner and is biased to a locking position by an integrated leaf spring or compression coil spring. ) Is disclosed. However, the latch additionally requires lateral sliding movement and does not provide support for the latch in the unlocked position.

  The present invention will now be described with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not particularly limited to this particular preferred embodiment.

  While the present invention relates to any type of connector system comprising a connector and a corresponding member, the present invention is described in detail below for a connector system comprising a cable connector and a board connector housing.

  1-3 show an I / O cable connector system 1 that includes a cable connector 2 that includes a cable 3 and a board connector housing 4. The front panel 5 has a cut-out for inserting the cable connector 2. The front panel 5 includes a circuit board 7 and will also be referred to as PCB 7 in the following. The PCB 7 generally comprises a plurality of signal tracks and electrical components (not shown) for transmitting electrical signals toward or from the wires of one or more cables 3. The connection of the wires to the signal tracks on the PCB 7 is achieved by providing a header arrangement (not shown) within the board connector housing 4.

  The cable connector 2 includes a number of members described in detail in the applicant's currently pending patent document 2 ("Method of assembling a cable connector and a cable into the cable connector"). 2A and 2B, features of a modular die-cast alloy housing part 10, 11 comprising a first space for the cable 3, a die-cast alloy base 12 and a sheet metal part 13; By reference with regard to the configuration and in connection with the connection of the cable 3 and the termination of the wire of the cable 3 to the cable connector 2, the application is incorporated herein.

  The board connector housing or shield cage 4 is incorporated in the present application with appropriate reference to the configuration of the thin plate portion 15 and the method of attaching the thin plate portion 15 to the die cast alloy portion 14. As described in detail in Patent Document 3 (“Shielding cage”) of the present applicant currently pending, a die cast alloy portion 14 and a thin plate portion 15 similar to the shield cage are provided. Furthermore, the current pending application provides information regarding the installation of the die cast alloy part 14 on the PCB 7.

  The cable connector 2 is pivotally supported by the pivot joint 18 to produce a rotational movement about the pivot joint 18 of the lock arm 16 and extends toward the board connector housing 4 and the cable. A locking arm 16 having a first locking part 17 protruding from the connector 2 is provided. The pivot joint 18 may be formed by fasteners such as screws, snap joints, dowels, or other types of suitable connections. The lock arm 16 can be provided with an enlarged pressing surface S for manual operation. The cover 19 is attached to the cable connector housing part 11 in order to provide a second space for accommodating a part of the lock arm 16. The cover 19 can be attached to the housing part 11 by a pivot joint 18. The pivot joint 18 can be incorporated into the cover 19. The lock arm 16 is preferably made of stainless steel. Stainless steel has been proven to be stampable and have the appropriate stiffness and resilience characteristics.

  It should be noted that the cable connector 2 can alternatively be provided with a housing adapted to expose the locking arm 16 that is made available for causing rotational movement. For example, the housing may include an opening for inserting a tool such as a screw driver. The lock arm 16 is operable by means using a structure (not shown) that can convert the rotational movement of the driver into the operation of the lock arm 16. In order to rotate the driver, only a very small space for the operator is required on the high density panel.

  FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the board connector housing 4. The board connector housing part 14 has an inlet 20 to the receiving space 21 for the lock arm 16. The receiving space 21 has a second locking part 22 adapted to engage with the first locking part 17 of the locking arm 16 by the rotational movement of the locking arm 16, further details will be given below. It is. The receiving space 21 further includes a support structure or a shelf 23. The function of the support structure 23 will be described in more detail below. The inlet 20 includes a ground spring 24 around itself. The ground spring 24 improves the electromagnetic shielding effect for the board connector housing 4 when the cable connector 2 is in an unlocked or unplugged state. Further, the inlet portion 20 can have a guide wall 25 that is chamfered so that the lock arm 16 can be easily inserted. The board connector housing part 4 may further comprise at least one screw hole 26. The conventional cable connector that does not have the lock arm 16 that is rotatably supported by the screw hole 26 is locked to the board connector 4. It should be noted that the board connector housing 4 should be a single part die cast alloy housing or any other type of conventional material. It should be noted that the chamfered guide wall 25 can be positioned rearward or even omitted because the board connector housing 4 has an inlet for the single cable connector 2 and the lock arm 16. It is. In such an embodiment, when connected to the board connector housing 4, the cable connector 2 can comprise elements that constitute the wall. For example, the embodiment is advantageous when the cable connector element further protects the locking arm 16, while the adapted opening of the board connector housing improves the electromagnetic shielding effect.

  4A, 4B and 5 show a detailed view of the connector system 1 in the connected and locked state. FIG. 4A shows a top view of the connector system 1, while FIG. 4B shows a partial detail view of the top view indicated by the area enclosed by the dashed line.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lock arm 16 includes a guide surface 30 and a first lock surface 31, and has a first lock portion 17 in the shape of a hook portion. The lock arm 16 is adapted to contact the board connector housing 4. When the function of the internal spring applies a sufficient force between the lock arm 16 and the board connector housing 4, the support structure 23 as shown in FIG. 3 can be omitted. Furthermore, the contact between the metal lock arm 16 and the housing 4 can improve the electromagnetic shielding. The thick arrow in FIG. 4B indicates the force acting on the lock arm 16. F1 is an intentional pre-load that acts on the connector surface engaged by the shape of the lock arm 16. F2 and F3 are reaction forces. F2 can be adjusted, for example, by tightening or loosening a screw. If the ideal function of the lock arm 16 is susceptible to tolerance and friction, the function can be optimized by adjusting the preload.

  FIG. 5 shows a partial perspective detail view of the connector system 2 in the connected and locked state of FIG. 2, with the cover 19 of the cable connector 2 and the side wall of the board connector housing 4 omitted for the sake of clarity. The When the support structure 23 is obscure by the front part of the lock arm 16, only a small part of the support structure 23 is visible.

  The lock arm 16 has a guide surface 30 and a first lock surface 31 that is adapted to contact the second lock surface 32 of the second lock portion 22 at the locked position. The second locking part 22 is a ramped surface adapted to guide the guide surface 30 of the first locking part 17 while the locking arm 16 is inserted into the inlet part 20 of the receiving space 21. 33). The lower portion of the hook portion 17 can be bent toward the board connector housing 4 and along the broken line B so that the lock arm 16 can be reliably supported by the support structure 23.

  Furthermore, the lock arm 16 is an integrated spring member or bias that applies a biasing force to the lock arm 16 to forcing the lock arm in the locked position shown in FIG. A bias spring 34 is provided. The spring member 34 is supported in the second space determined by the connector housing portion 11 and the cover 19. When the spring member 34 is not connected as shown in FIG. 4B, the spring member 34 further repositions the lock arm 16 to the initial position. Furthermore, for example, when the connector is locked to the corresponding member when supported by the support structure, it is possible to provide a click sound that allows the internal load of the lock arm 16 to be heard. As described above, the spring member 34 may alternatively be an independent spring member 34 for the lock arm 16.

  The spring member is further adapted to exert a biasing force F4 perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the first rotational motion R1 and the second rotational motion R2 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). obtain. By positioning or configuring the spring member 34 to exert a spring force in both the rotational and lateral directions, the lock arm 16 may contact the support structure 23 without requiring an inward preload. it can. Furthermore, lateral forces can be utilized to absorb gaps in the system.

  Examples of the operation of the connector system 1 are shown in FIGS. The same reference numerals are used to identify the same parts of the connector system 1.

  6A to 6C are plan views of the connector system 1 before the cable connector 2 and the board connector housing 4 are connected. The lock arm 16 has a position determined by the spring member 34 so that the guide surface 30 follows the inclined surface 33 of the second lock portion 22 during connection. As shown in the enlarged top view of FIG. 6A, it is clear that the lock arm 16 is bent toward the board connector housing 4.

  7A to 7E show a detailed plan view and perspective view of the connector system 1 during connection of the cable connector 2 and the board connector housing 4. As is most clearly shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, it is clear that the guide surface 30 follows the inclined surface 33 while the lock arm 16 rotates about the pivot joint 18. As shown most clearly in FIG. 7E, when the side wall of the board connector housing 4 exerts an outward force on the flexible locking arm 16 during plugging rotation. In addition, the hook portion 17 of the lock arm 16 is bent outward. FIG. 7D shows that the side wall of the support surface 23A of the support structure 23 rises with respect to the flat portion 33A of the inclined surface 33 so that the guide surface 30 does not ride on the support surface 23A at this stage. Is clear.

  When the hook portion 17 passes through the last substantially flat portion 33A of the inclined surface 33, the first rotary motion R1 occurs in the lock arm 16, and as a result, the hook portion 17 is in the locked position where the cable connector 2 is fixed. To engage with the second locking portion 22 of the board connector housing 4. 8A to 8C show detailed plan views of the connector system 1 in the locked state. It is clear that the hook portion 17 of the lock arm 16 is bent outward. The spring member 34 applies a spring force to the lock arm 16 so that the lock arm maintains the locked position. It is clear from the above description that the fixing of the connector system can be derived by an operator who uses only one hand for connection.

  When unplugging the cable connector 2 and the board connector, the first locking position can be omitted. 9A to 9D show a detailed plan view and a perspective view of the connector system after the cable connector and the board connector housing are unlocked and before being unplugged. For example, the hook portion 17 and the second lock portion 22 are disengaged by manually operating the protruding portion of the lock arm 16 to cause the lock arm 16 to generate the second rotational motion R2. Due to the shape of the lock arm 16 and / or the hook portion 17, the lock arm 16 after the second rotational movement R2 is surely supported by the support structure 23, which is opposite to the lock position shown in FIGS. Prevents rotating in the direction. The shelf-like object 23 is preferably defined by the board connector housing 4 that is adjacent to the second locking position or the protruding portion 22 and the inclined portion 33 and is spaced apart from the inclined portion 33.

  By providing the system with means to support the lock arm 16 in the unlocked position when the cable connector 2 has not yet been disconnected, the operator first unlocks the cable connector 2 for subsequent convenience. The connection or combination can be released at a good time. As described above, as a conclusion, the locking system according to the present invention does not require a complicated operation for disconnecting the cable connector 2 from the board connector housing 4 or the panel 5.

  10A to 10D show a detailed plan view and a perspective view of the connector system during the disconnection of the cable connector 2 and the board connector housing 4. It is obvious that the hook portion 17 is guided by the support surface 33A so that the first lock surface 31 passes through the second lock surface 32 while preventing re-locking. In this embodiment, in order to establish a subsequent lock, the board connector housing 4 must be disconnected from the stage where at least the hook portion 17 is no longer supported by the support surface 33A. The hook portion 17 is no longer bent outward.

Finally, FIGS. 11A to 11D show a detailed plan view and perspective view of the connector system 1 while further disconnecting the cable connector and the board connector housing.
In this situation, the guide surface 30 of the hook portion 17 follows the inclined portion 33 while the lock arm 16 is rotated by the spring member 34 and rotated around the pivot joint 18.

  The lock arm 16 may be attached to the first connector 2, or the second mating connector, or the panel 5. Similarly, the second lock portion 22, the inclined surface 33, and the shelf 23 can be defined by the first connector 2 or the second combination connector 4 or the panel 5. Once coupled, the first connector 2 and the second connector 4 are not unlocked in the same way as in the general torsional test, bending test and tensile test, and against a large force (for example, a force of 120 N). It can be resistant.

  It should be noted that various features of the connector system 1 described above can be improved within the scope of the present invention, such as an improved invention as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. In this embodiment, the connector system 1 is arranged so that relocking can be performed without having to first disconnect the cable connector 2. When a considerable force (indicated by a thick arrow in FIG. 12B) acts on the lock arm 16, the shelf 23 so that the hook portion 17 slides from the surface of the shelf to the locked position. The surface 23A ′ is at an angle α with respect to the horizontal plane of the support surface 23A shown in FIG. 7D. The angle α can be changed whether the return is intentional or unintentional in order to optimize the force required for the lock arm 16 to return to the locked position. Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the feature of the present invention that the lock arm 16 is prevented from rotating in the reverse direction with respect to the lock position is that the lock arm 16 is intentionally operated by the deliberate operation in the embodiment. As another example of implementing the re-locking function, which should be understood to substantially prevent the locking arm from rotating in the opposite direction if it can be re-rotated towards the locked position, It should be noted that such can be expected with bumps corresponding to the recesses, openings or grooves of the support structure 23. The system 1 can also be adapted so that the lock arm 16 or at least the hook part 17 can move laterally, so that the hook part 17 is separated from the support structure 23 so that the lock arm 16 is directed to the locked position. And re-rotate.

  Furthermore, another improvement invention of the disclosed embodiment (an embodiment in which the lock arm 16 is provided on the connector using the board connector and the spring member 34, the board connector housing 4 includes the cable connector 2 and the lock arm). An embodiment with only one single space for both 16 and a system in which one or more locking arms 16 are provided on a connector system 1, for example a single cable connector 2. It should be noted that the present invention belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

The perspective view of the connector system provided on the circuit board attached to the front panel in the Example of this invention is represented. FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the connector system of FIG. 1 in an unplugged state. FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of the connector system of FIG. 1 in a plug state. The perspective view of the board connector housing in the Example of this invention is represented. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the cable connector in a connected and locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the cable connector in a connected and locked state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a partial detailed perspective view of the connector system in a connected and locked state according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention before connecting the cable connector and the board connector housing. FIG. 2 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention before connecting the cable connector and the board connector housing. FIG. 2 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention before connecting the cable connector and the board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention while connecting the cable connector and the board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention while connecting the cable connector and the board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention while connecting the cable connector and the board connector housing. 1 represents a detailed perspective view of a connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during connection of a cable connector and a board connector housing. 1 represents a detailed perspective view of a connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during connection of a cable connector and a board connector housing. FIG. 2 is a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention in a locked state. FIG. 2 is a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention in a locked state. FIG. 2 is a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention in a locked state. FIG. 3 is a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention after unlocking the cable connector and the board connector housing and before unplugging. FIG. 3 is a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention after unlocking the cable connector and the board connector housing and before unplugging. FIG. 3 is a detailed plan view of the connector system in the embodiment of the present invention after unlocking the cable connector and the board connector housing and before unplugging. The detailed perspective view of the connector system in the Example of this invention after the unlocking of a cable connector and a board connector housing and before unplugging is represented. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed plan view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. FIG. 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the connector system in an embodiment of the present invention during unlocking of the cable connector and board connector housing. Fig. 2 represents a detailed view of different embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 represents a detailed view of different embodiments of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 I / O cable connector system 2 Cable connector 3 Cable 4 Board connector housing 16 Lock arm 17 1st lock part 20 Inlet part 21 Receiving space 22 2nd lock part 23 Support structure 24 Ground spring 30 Guide surface 31 1st Lock surface 32 Second lock surface 33 Inclined surface

Claims (30)

A connector system (1) comprising a connector (2) and a corresponding member (4; 5), wherein the connector (2) is pivotable extending toward the corresponding member (4; 5) The lock arm (16) is supported in such a manner that the lock arm (16) is in a predetermined lock position for locking the connector (2) and the corresponding member (4; 5). The lock arm (16) is engaged with the second lock portion (22) of the corresponding member (4; 5) by the first rotational movement (R1) of the lock arm (16), and the lock arm (16) is further connected to the connector. (2) and the corresponding member (4; 5) are engaged with the second lock portion by the second rotational movement (R2) of the lock arm (16) to a predetermined unlock position for unlocking. A first robot adapted to be released The connector system (1) having click portion (17),
Adapted to support the lock arm (16) after the second rotational movement (R2) to prevent the lock arm (16) from rotating in the opposite direction relative to the locked position. A system (1) characterized by that.   At least one of the connector (2) and the corresponding member (4; 5) comprises a support structure (23) for supporting the lock arm (16). The connector system (1) described in 1.   The connector system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking arm (16) comprises at least one bend (B) in the direction of the support structure (23).   The connector system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking arm (16) is adapted to contact the corresponding member (4; 5).   A spring member (34) adapted to exert a biasing force on the lock arm (16) to exert a force on the lock arm (16) in the locked position. Item 5. The connector system (1) according to any one of Items 1 to 4.   The connector system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the spring member (34) is integrated with the lock arm (16).   6. The connector system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the spring member (34) is an independent spring element for the lock arm (16).   The spring member (34) is further adapted to exert a biasing force perpendicular to the plane of the first rotational movement (R1) and the second rotational movement (R2). Item 8. The connector system (1) according to any one of Items 5 to 7.   The first lock portion (17) includes a hook portion having a first lock surface (31), and the second lock portion (22) is the first lock surface (31) in the lock position. 9. The connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second locking surface (32) adapted to contact with the device.   An inclined surface adapted to guide the guide surface (30) of the first lock part (17), at least before the second rotational movement (R1), the second lock part (22). (33, 33A) The connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.   The locking arm (16) protrudes from a housing (10, 11, 19) of the connector (2) to produce the second rotational movement (R2). The connector system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 10.   A housing (10, 11, 19) adapted to expose the locking arm (16), wherein the connector (2) is available for producing the second rotational movement (R2); 11. The connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a connector system (1).   The housing (10, 11, 19) includes a first space having an inlet for a cable (3) and a second space for accommodating a part of the lock arm (16). The connector system (1) according to claim 11 or 12.   The second space is adapted to incorporate a pivot joint (18) of or for the lock arm (16) supported for rotation. The connector system (1) according to claim 13.   The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the connector (2), the corresponding member (4), and the lock arm (16) is made of metal. (1).   16. Connector system (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking arm (16) comprises stainless steel.   On the printed wiring board (7), the corresponding member (4) has an inlet (20) for the lock arm (16) into a receiving space containing the second lock (22). 17. A connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a metal board connector housing provided.   The connector system (1) according to claim 17, wherein the inlet portion (20) is a part of the inlet portion for the connector (2).   18. The receiving space further comprising at least one of the support structure (23), the second lock surface (32), and the inclined surface (33, 33A). The connector system (1) according to 18.   20. Connector according to any one of claims 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that the inlet (20) of the board connector housing is provided with one or more ground springs (24) around it. System (1).   21. The inlet (20) of the board connector housing is provided with one or more chamfered guide walls (25) for the locking arm (16). The connector system (1) described in 1.   22. The board connector housing (4) according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that it has a coupling side for the connector (2) comprising at least one screw hole (26). The connector system (1) described.   23. Connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation of the lock arm (16) is adapted to re-rotate towards the locked position.   24. The support structure (23) comprises a support surface (23A ′) having an inclination angle (α) at which the lock arm (16) re-rotates towards the locked position. The connector system (1) described in 1.   25. Connector system (1) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that it is adapted to allow lateral movement of the locking arm (16) for re-rotation towards the locking position.   It has at least a housing part (10, 11, 12) forming a first space including an inlet part for the cable (3) and a second space (11, 19) for the lock arm (16). Cable connector (2) used in a connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a housing (10, 11, 12, 13).   27. Cable connector (2) according to claim 26, characterized in that the second space is formed by a cover (19) attached to the housing part (11).   The corresponding member includes at least one portion (14) including an inlet portion (21) to a receiving space (20) including the inlet portion for the cable connector (2) and the second lock portion (22). 26. Corresponding member (4) for use in a connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a board connector housing (4).   29. Corresponding member (4) according to claim 28, characterized in that the inlet (20) to the receiving space (21) is provided with one or more ground springs (24) around it. A method of unplugging a connector (2) from a corresponding member (4; 5), wherein the connector (2) is adapted to lock the connector (2) and the corresponding member (4; 5), In a method comprising a pivotally supported locking arm (16) extending towards a corresponding member (4; 5),
Unlocking the connector (2) by a rotational movement of the lock arm (16) from a predetermined locking position to a predetermined unlocking position;
Leaving the connector (2) in a position plugged with the lock arm (16) in the unlocked position in the absence of an actuation force exerted on the lock arm (16);
-Subsequently unplugging said connector (2) from said corresponding member (4; 5);
A method comprising.

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