JP2018166038A - Receptacle connector, and connector system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a receptacle connector capable of preventing a plug connector from being unexpectedly disconnected even in a state where contacts are not being brought into contact with each other, and a connector system.SOLUTION: A receptacle connector 60 comprises: multiple receptacle contacts 70; a shaft 73 which is disposed along the multiple receptacle contacts 70; a cam 74 which is provided on the shaft 73 and switches a state where the receptacle contact 70 is brought into contact with a plug contact 56, and a state where the contact is cancelled; and a lock/release mechanism 90. The lock/release mechanism 90 includes: a second lock mechanism 120 which locks the plug connector 50 in the contact state and the contact released state; and a second release mechanism 140 which releases lock by the second lock mechanism 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a receptacle connector to which a plug connector is connected, and a connector system having a receptacle connector and a plug connector.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a connector system having a plug connector and a receptacle connector for connecting two devices that transmit and receive signals is known. The connector system is used, for example, in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body that transmits and receives signals between the probe. Specifically, a plug connector is provided on the probe, and a receptacle connector is provided on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  Each of the plug connector and the receptacle connector has a plurality of contacts. These contacts are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the plug connector into the receptacle connector, for example. The contact of the receptacle connector comes into contact with the contact of the plug connector in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the plug connector into the receptacle connector.

  For this reason, if the number of contacts increases with the increase in the number of signals to be transmitted / received, the frictional force between the receptacle connector contact and the plug connector contact becomes stronger, which is required when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector. Strength increases.

  For this reason, a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) type connector system is known. In the ZIF type connector system, the contact of the receptacle connector is disposed at a position not contacting the contact of the plug connector, for example, and after the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector, the shaft provided on the receptacle connector is rotated. Thus, the receptacle connector is pressed against the terminal of the plug connector by the cam provided on the shaft.

  That is, when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector, the contact of the plug connector and the contact of the receptacle connector do not come into contact with each other, so that the plug connector can be easily inserted into the receptacle connector.

  A technique is also known in which the contact of the plug connector is simply brought into contact with the contact of the receptacle connector by rotating the shaft with an electric motor (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

No. 7-39183 Japanese Patent No. 5796111 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-38919

  The ZIF connector system described above has the following problems. That is, even if the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector, there is no frictional force generated between the receptacle contact and the receptacle contact when the receptacle contact is not in contact with the plug contact. Cheap. For this reason, in a state where the receptacle contact is not in contact with the receptacle contact, there is a case in which it is detached with a small force, for example, with a force of contact with surrounding workers.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle connector and a connector system that can prevent a plug connector from being unexpectedly disconnected even when the contacts are not in contact with each other.

  A receptacle connector according to an aspect of the present invention is a receptacle connector to which a plug connector having a plurality of first contacts can be attached and detached, a plurality of second contacts arranged side by side, and the plurality of second contacts. A shaft disposed along the contact, and a state in which the plurality of second contacts are in contact with the plurality of first contacts by rotating the shaft, and the plurality of second contacts. And a cam for switching between a state in which contact between the two contacts and the plurality of first contacts is released, and at least a part of a lock / release mechanism. The lock / release mechanism includes a lock mechanism that locks the plug connector attached in the contact state and the contact release state, and a release mechanism that releases the lock by the lock mechanism.

  A connector system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plug connector having a plurality of first contacts, and a receptacle connector to which the plug connector can be attached and detached. The receptacle connector includes a plurality of second contacts arranged side by side, a shaft arranged along the plurality of second contacts, and the shaft. A cam for switching between a state in which the second contact is in contact with the plurality of first contacts and a state in which the contact between the plurality of second contacts and the plurality of first contacts is released, and a lock / At least a part of the release mechanism. The lock / release mechanism includes a lock mechanism that locks the plug connector to the receptacle connector in the contact state and the contact release state, and a release mechanism that releases the lock by the lock mechanism.

  A connector system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a receptacle connector in which a plug connector having a plurality of first contacts is detachable, a control unit, a circuit unit connected to the control unit and the receptacle connector, Is provided. The receptacle connector includes a plurality of second contacts arranged side by side, a shaft arranged along the plurality of second contacts, and the shaft. A cam that switches between a state in which the second contact of the first contact contacts the plurality of first contacts and a state in which contact between the plurality of second contacts and the plurality of first contacts is released, An electric motor that rotates the shaft, and at least a part of the lock / release mechanism. The lock / release mechanism includes a lock mechanism that locks the plug connector to the receptacle connector in the contact state and the contact release state, and a release mechanism that releases the lock by the lock mechanism. The control unit controls the electric motor and receives a signal from a device to which the plug connector is connected.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a receptacle connector and a connector system that can prevent the plug connector from being unexpectedly disconnected even when the contacts are not in contact with each other.

1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Schematic which shows the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The perspective view which shows the connector system of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The perspective view which shows the plug connector and receptacle connector of the connector system. The perspective view which shows the state which the plug connector isolate | separated from the receptacle connector. The perspective view which shows the plug connector main body of the plug connector. Sectional drawing which shows the state in which the plug connector is in the middle of insertion in the receptacle connector. The disassembled perspective view which shows the receptacle connector. The perspective view which shows the 1st shaft assembly of the receptacle connector. The perspective view which shows a part of same receptacle connector. Sectional drawing which shows the receptacle connector and the plug connector. The perspective view which shows the 2nd hook of the connector system. Sectional drawing which shows the receptacle connector and the plug connector. Sectional drawing which shows the receptacle connector and the plug connector. Sectional drawing which shows the receptacle connector and the plug connector. Sectional drawing which shows the modification of the connector system. Sectional drawing which shows the modification. Sectional drawing which shows the detection part which detects that the plug connector of the plug system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention was inserted in the receptacle.

  A connector system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The connector system 10 is configured to be able to connect two devices. In the present embodiment, the connector system 10 is used in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30 and a probe 40 connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20 by a connector system 10. That is, the connector system 10 is configured to connect the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30 and the probe 40.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30 has a function of receiving a signal output to the probe 40 and a signal from the probe 40 and processing the received signal. . Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus body 30 includes a control unit 31, a circuit unit 32 that connects the control unit 31 and the receptacle connector 60 of the connector system 10, and a monitor 33 (shown in FIG. 1). doing.

  The control unit 31 is configured to be able to output a signal to the probe 40. The control unit 31 is configured to be able to process a signal received from the probe 40. These signals are transmitted and received through the connector system 10. The control unit 31 is configured to be able to display the processing result of the signal received from the probe 40 on the monitor 33. The control unit 31 is configured to be able to control the receptacle connector 60. As an example of the control, an electric motor 66 to be described later is controlled based on a detection result of a first detection device 80 described later and a detection result of a second detection device 85 described later.

  The circuit unit 32 connects the control unit 31 and each receptacle connector 60. The circuit unit 32 is configured to be able to transmit a signal between the control unit 31 and each receptacle connector 60. The monitor 33 is configured to display an image under the control of the control unit 31.

  The probe 40 is configured to be operable by an operator. The driving of the probe 40 is controlled by the control of the control unit 31. The probe 40 includes a plurality of transducers, and is configured to be able to transmit ultrasonic waves and to detect ultrasonic waves reflected and returned to the probes 40 by the transducers. The probe 40 outputs a signal based on the detection result.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the connector system 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the connector system 10 is capable of locking the plug connector 50 connected to the probe 40, the receptacle connector 60 provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30, the plug connector 50 and the receptacle connector 60, and And a lock / release mechanism 90 capable of releasing the lock. Here, the term “lock” refers to fixing the plug connector 50 and the receptacle connector 60 to each other. FIG. 3 shows a part of the inside of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30. For example, the outer wall portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30 is disposed outside the receptacle connector 60 of the connector system 10 shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the outer wall portion is not shown, and the vicinity of the receptacle connector 60 is shown.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of receptacle connectors 60 are provided as an example, and four receptacle connectors 60 are provided as an example. FIG. 4 shows one plug connector 50 and a receptacle connector 60 to which the plug connector 50 is connected. In FIG. 4, the plug connector 50 and the receptacle connector 60 are shown as seen from a direction different from that in FIG. 3.

  FIG. 5 shows a state where the plug connector 50 is separated from the receptacle connector 60. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plug connector 50 is detachably fixed to the receptacle connector 60. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the configuration of the receptacle connector 60 accommodated in the receptacle housing 61 is omitted.

  The plug connector 50 includes a shell member 51 that defines an outline of the plug connector 50, and a plug connector main body 52 (shown in FIG. 6) that is fixed to the shell member 51 and disposed in the shell member 51. ing.

  The shell member 51 is formed in, for example, a rectangular cylindrical shape whose upper portion is closed, that is, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The shell member 51 has a plug connector main body 52 disposed therein, for example, through an opening at the bottom.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the plug connector main body 52. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the plug connector 50 is being inserted into the receptacle connector 60. In the middle of insertion, the plug connector 50 can be further inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to a deeper position. The state inserted to the end is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the plug connector 50 and the receptacle connector 60 are cut in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the plug housing 53. In the present embodiment, the plug connector 50 is attached to the receptacle connector 60 by being inserted into the receptacle connector 60 as an example. In the present embodiment, the plug connector 50 is formed so as to be able to fit into the receptacle connector 60. That is, when the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60, the plug connector 50 is fitted into the receptacle connector 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the plug connector main body 52 includes a plug housing 53, a plug insulator 54, and two plug contact assemblies 55.

  The plug housing 53 is formed in, for example, a rectangular cylinder, that is, a cylinder whose appearance is a rectangular parallelepiped. In the plug housing 53, a partition wall portion 53 a that partitions the inside of the plug housing 53 into two spaces in the width direction W is provided. The width direction W is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the plug housing 53. The partition wall portion 53 a is disposed at the center in the width direction W of the plug housing 53 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the plug housing 53.

  The plug insulator 54 is provided in each of the two space portions inside the plug housing 53. The plug insulator 54 is made of an insulating material. The plug insulator 54 is formed in a cylindrical shape that fits into a space in the plug housing 53. In the present embodiment, the plug insulator 54 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape as an example.

  The plug contact assembly 55 includes a plurality of plug contacts 56 and a support portion 57 that supports the plurality of plug contacts 56. The plug contact 56 is made of a conductive material such as metal, and is formed in, for example, a bent line shape. The plurality of plug contacts 56 are arranged in two rows. The row formed by the plug contacts 56 is a straight row.

  In the present embodiment, two plug contact assemblies 55 are provided. One row of the plug contact assemblies 55 constituted by the plurality of plug contacts 56 is referred to as a first row L1, and the other row constituted by the plurality of plug contacts 56 is referred to as a second row L2. The rows L1 and L2 are parallel. One row of the other plug contact assembly 55 constituted by the plurality of plug contacts 56 is referred to as a third row L3, and the other row constituted by the plurality of plug contacts 56 is referred to as a fourth row L4. The rows L3 and L4 are parallel.

  One plug contact assembly 55 is fixed in one plug insulator 54 in such a manner that the rows L1 and L2 are along the longitudinal direction of the plug housing 53. The other plug contact assembly 55 is fixed in the other plug insulator 54 such that the rows L3 and L4 are along the longitudinal direction of the plug housing 53. The rows L1, L2, L3, and L4 are parallel to the direction intersecting the insertion direction of the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60. In the present embodiment, the rows L1, L2, L3, and L4 are parallel to the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60, for example.

  The lower ends of the plurality of plug contacts 56 are located at the lower ends of the plug housing 53. The upper ends of the plurality of plug contacts 56 are located outside the plug housing 53. For example, a portion of the plug contact 56 that protrudes outward from the plug housing 53 is electrically connected to the probe 40.

  The receptacle connector 60 is a ZIF (zero insertion force) type connector as an example in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the receptacle connector 60. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the receptacle connector 60 is fixed on the substrate 32 a of the circuit unit 32. In the present embodiment, four receptacle connectors 60 are provided as an example. The board 32 a on which the receptacle connector 60 is provided is disposed along the vertical direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30. That is, the surface on which the receptacle connector 60 is disposed on the substrate 32a is a surface parallel to the vertical direction. Here, the vertical direction is set with the direction of gravity acting downward.

  As described above, the substrate 32 a is disposed on the inner side of the outer wall of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30. A hole through which the receptacle connector 60 can be exposed is formed in the outer wall of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30. The plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 through this hole.

  The receptacle connector 60 includes a receptacle housing 61 fixed to the substrate 32a, two receptacle contact assemblies 62, a shaft cover 63, a first shaft assembly 64, a second shaft assembly 65, and a first shaft assembly. And an electric motor 66 that rotates 64.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the receptacle housing 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a part of the plug housing 53 can be disposed. In the present embodiment, the receptacle housing 61 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, that is, a cylindrical shape whose appearance is a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A step portion 53 b is formed on a side surface of the plug housing 53 along the longitudinal direction. The plug housing 53 is narrower at the distal end side in the insertion direction than the stepped portion 53b, and is formed so as to be insertable into the receptacle housing 61. The plug housing 53 is inserted into the receptacle housing 61 until the stepped portion 53b comes into contact with the opening edge of the receptacle housing 61.

  Flange portions 61 a are formed at the lower ends of both side surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. The flange 61a is formed with a hole 61b in which a fixing member such as a screw can be disposed. The receptacle housing 61 is fixed to the substrate 32a by a fixing member such as a screw.

  The interior of the receptacle housing 61 is partitioned into two space portions in the width direction W1 by a partition wall portion 67. The partition wall portion 67 is located at the center portion of the receptacle housing 61 in the width direction W <b> 1 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. The width direction W <b> 1 is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. In a state where the plug connector 50 is fixed to the receptacle connector 60, the width directions W and W1 are parallel to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a fixing portion 68 to which the electric motor 66 is fixed is formed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. A part of the fixing portion 68 protrudes from the receptacle housing 61 in one direction of the width direction W1. A flange portion 69 is formed at the other end portion of the receptacle housing 61 in the longitudinal direction. The flange portion 69 projects in one direction from the receptacle housing 61 in the width direction W1.

  The receptacle contact assembly 62 includes a plurality of receptacle contacts 70 that are electrically connected to the plurality of plug contacts 56 of the plug connector 50, and a support portion 71 that supports the plurality of receptacle contacts 70.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are arranged in two rows. The row formed by the receptacle contacts 70 is a straight row. The receptacle contact 70 is formed, for example, in a bent line shape from a conductive material such as metal. The support part 71 supports a plurality of receptacle contacts 70. The support portion 71 is made of an insulating material. For example, a plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are insert-molded. Lower end portions of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are located outside the support portion 71. Lower end portions of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are electrically connected to the circuit portion 32.

  In the present embodiment, two receptacle contact assemblies 62 are provided. One row of one receptacle contact assembly 62 constituted by a plurality of receptacle contacts 70 is designated as a fifth row L5, and the other row constituted by a plurality of receptacle contacts 70 is designated as a sixth row L6. The rows L5 and L6 are parallel. One row of the other receptacle contact assembly 62 constituted by the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 is referred to as a seventh row L7, and the other row constituted of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 is referred to as an eighth row L8. The rows L7 and L8 are parallel.

  One receptacle contact assembly 62 is arranged in one space portion with rows L5 and L6 in a posture along the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. The other receptacle contact assembly 62 is arranged in the other space portion with the rows L 7 and L 8 in a posture along the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. Both receptacle contact assemblies 62 are fixed to a receptacle housing 61, for example. The rows L5, L6, L7, and L8 are parallel to the direction intersecting the insertion direction of the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60. In the present embodiment, the rows L5, L6, L7, and L8 are parallel to the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60 as an example.

  The upper ends of the receptacle contacts 70 of the fifth row L5 and the sixth row L6 are plug contacts between the first row L1 and the second row L2 when the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. 56 is disposed between the lower end portions of 56. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the fifth row L5 are selectively brought into contact with the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the first row L1 by the first shaft assembly 64. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the sixth row L6 are selectively brought into contact with the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the second row L2 by the first shaft assembly 64.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the upper ends of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the fifth row L5 constitute the first row L1 in a state where the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. The plug contacts 56 face the lower ends of the plug contacts 56 in the width direction W1 and have a gap between the lower ends. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the fifth row L5 are deformed so as to be displaced outward in the width direction by being urged by the first shaft assembly 64 as the first shaft assembly 64 rotates. The upper end portion contacts the lower end portions of the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the first row L1.

  The upper ends of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the sixth row L6 are widened at the lower ends of the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the second row L2 in a state where the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. It faces the direction W1 and has a gap with this lower end. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the sixth row L6 are deformed so as to be displaced outward in the width direction by being urged by the first shaft assembly 64 as the first shaft assembly 64 rotates. The portion contacts the lower ends of the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the second row L2.

  The upper ends of the receptacle contacts 70 of the seventh row L7 and the eighth row L8 are plug contacts of the third row L3 and the fourth row L4 when the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. 56 between the lower ends of 56. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the seventh row L7 are selectively brought into contact with the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the third row L3 by the second shaft assembly 65. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the eighth row L8 are selectively brought into contact with the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the fourth row L4 by the second shaft assembly 65.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the upper ends of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the seventh row L7 constitute the third row L3 in a state where the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. The lower ends of the plurality of plug contacts 56 are opposed to each other in the width direction W1, and a gap is provided between the lower ends. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the seventh row L7 are deformed so as to be displaced outwardly in the width direction by the second shaft assembly 65 as the second shaft assembly 65 rotates. The portion contacts the lower ends of the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the third row L3.

  The upper ends of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the eighth row L8 are widened to the lower ends of the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the fourth row L4 in a state where the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. It faces the direction W1 and has a gap with this lower end. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the eighth row L8 are deformed outward in the width direction by the second shaft assembly 65 when the second shaft assembly 65 rotates, and the upper end portion is the fourth. The lower end portions of the plurality of plug contacts 56 constituting the row L4 are contacted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the shaft cover 63 is provided at the upper ends of the two receptacle contact assemblies 62. The shaft cover 63 can prevent the upper end portions of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 of the respective receptacle contact assemblies 62 from being exposed, and the receptacle by the first shaft assembly 64 and the second shaft assembly 65 as described above. When the contacts 70 are deformed, the upper ends of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are formed so as to be exposed to the outside.

  Specifically, the shaft cover 63 has the upper ends of the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 arranged inside. The shaft cover 63 has a plurality of grooves, and when the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are deformed by the shaft assemblies 64 and 65, the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 come out of the shaft cover 63 through the grooves.

  The shaft cover 63 is fixed in the receptacle housing 61. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the shaft cover 63 is inserted into the receptacle housing 61 until it abuts against a stepped portion 72 formed on the inner surface along the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. The shaft cover 63 is positioned by contacting the stepped portion 72. The shaft cover 63 is fixed to the receptacle housing 61 by a fixing member 63a such as a screw.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the first shaft assembly 64 is disposed between the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the fifth row L5 and the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the sixth row L6. . FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the first shaft assembly 64. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first shaft assembly 64 includes a shaft 73, a cam 74 provided on the shaft 73, and a gear 75 provided on the shaft 73.

  One gear 75 is fixed to one end of the shaft 73 so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 73. The other gear 75 is fixed to the middle portion of the shaft 73 so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 73.

  In the present embodiment, the shaft 73 is formed in a polygonal cross section, for example. In the present embodiment, as an example, the cross section is formed in a rod shape having a rectangular shape. The gear 75 has a rectangular hole into which the shaft 73 is fitted. By fitting the shaft 73 in the hole, the gear 75 is fixed to the shaft 73 so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 73. The gear 75 is also fixed to the shaft 73 in the axial direction. The fixing of the gear 75 is not limited to this.

  The cam 74 is provided in a portion of the shaft 73 between one gear 75 and the other gear 75. The cam 74 is fixed to the shaft 73 so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 73. The cam 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the axial direction of the shaft 73.

  The first shaft assembly 64 configured as described above is disposed in the receptacle housing 61. One gear 75 is located outside the receptacle contact 70 disposed at one end of the fifth row L5 and the sixth row L6 in the receptacle housing 61 in the axial direction of the shaft 73, and the other gear 75 is Within the receptacle housing 61, the receptacle 73 is positioned outside in the axial direction of the shaft 73 relative to the receptacle contacts 70 arranged at the other ends of the fifth row L5 and the sixth row L6.

  A part of the portion of the shaft 73 on the other end side from the gear 75, that is, a portion of the shaft 73 opposite to the other gear 75 from the gear 75 provided in the middle portion of the shaft 73 is a receptacle housing 61. It is arranged in the groove 61c formed in. The cam 74 has a length extending at least in the axial direction of the shaft 73 to the receptacle contacts 70 arranged at one end of the fifth row L5 and the sixth row L6 and the receptacle contacts 70 arranged at the other end. doing. Therefore, when the first shaft assembly 64 rotates, the cam 74 can be deformed by pressing all the receptacle contacts 70 in the rows L5 and L6 outward in the width direction. Further, both gears 75 of the first shaft assembly 64 are disposed in the receptacle housing 61.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second shaft assembly 65 is disposed between the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the seventh row L7 and the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 constituting the eighth row L8. Has been. The second shaft assembly 65 is formed in the same manner as the first shaft assembly 64. Specifically, the second shaft assembly 65 includes a shaft 73, a cam 74, and two gears 75. Note that the shaft 73 of the second shaft assembly 65 is shorter than the shaft 73 of the first shaft assembly 64. In the second shaft assembly 65, the gear 75 is fixed to both ends of the shaft 73 so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 73.

  The second shaft assembly 65 configured as described above is disposed in the receptacle housing 61. One gear 75 is positioned outside in the receptacle housing 61 in the axial direction of the shaft 73 with respect to the receptacle contact 70 arranged at one end of the seventh row L7 and the eighth row L8, and the other gear 75 is in the receptacle. In the housing 61, it is located on the outer side in the axial direction of the shaft 73 with respect to the receptacle contacts 70 arranged at the other ends of the seventh row L 7 and the eighth row L 8. The cam 74 has a length extending at least in the axial direction of the shaft 73 to the receptacle contact 70 disposed at one end of the seventh row L7 and the eighth row L8 and the receptacle contact 70 disposed at the other end. doing. For this reason, when the second shaft assembly 65 rotates, the cam 74 can press and deform all the receptacle contacts 70 in the rows L7 and L8 outward in the width direction.

  Further, both gears 75 of the second shaft assembly 65 are disposed in the receptacle housing 61. Further, one gear 75 of the second shaft assembly 65 meshes with one gear 75 of the first shaft assembly 64. The other gear 75 of the second shaft assembly 65 meshes with the other gear 75 of the first shaft assembly 64.

  Due to the meshing of the gear 75 of the first shaft assembly 64 and the gear 75 of the second shaft assembly 65, the first shaft assembly 64 and the second shaft assembly 65 rotate integrally.

  The cam 74 of the first shaft assembly 64 and the cam 74 of the second shaft assembly 65 press the receptacle contact 70 outward in the width direction at the same timing, and press against the receptacle contact 70 at the same timing. It is formed in a shape that can be released. It is fixed to the shaft 73.

  The electric motor 66 is configured to rotate the first shaft assembly 64. Specifically, the electric motor 66 is configured to rotate the shaft 73 of the first shaft assembly 64. For example, the main shaft 76 of the electric motor 66 is fixed to the shaft 73 of the first shaft assembly 64 by a fixing member 77 such as coupling. The electric motor 66 rotates the shaft 73 of the first shaft assembly 64 by this fixing. The electric motor 66 is fixed to the fixing portion 68 of the receptacle housing 61 by a bracket 78 and a fixing member 79 such as a screw in a posture in which the main shaft 76 is coaxial with the axial direction of the shaft 73. The main shaft 76 is a shaft that is fixed to the rotor of the electric motor 66 and rotates integrally with the rotor. The electric motor 66 is not limited to be configured to be rotatable only in one direction. For example, you may be comprised so that rotation to one direction and the reverse direction of this direction is possible.

  The rotational position of the first shaft assembly 64 is detected by the first detection device 80 as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a part of the receptacle connector 60. In FIG. 10, the portion of the first shaft assembly 64 that is disposed in the receptacle housing 61, the second shaft assembly 65, and the receptacle contact assembly 62 are omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, as an example, the first detection device 80 includes a sensor plate 81 fixed to a shaft 73 of the first shaft assembly 64 so as to be integrally rotatable, and a photosensor 82 fixed to the substrate 32 a. And have. Based on the detection result of the sensor plate 81 by the photosensor 82, it is possible to detect that the first shaft assembly 64 has been rotated to a predetermined position and that the second shaft assembly 65 has been rotated to a predetermined position. The detection result of the photo sensor 82 is transmitted to the control unit 31. In this embodiment, the predetermined position referred to here is a position where the first hook 111 of the first lock mechanism 110 of the lock / release mechanism 90 is engaged with the first protrusion 112, as a second example. This is a position where the second hook 121 of the locking mechanism 120 is engaged with the second protrusion 122.

  The lock / release mechanism 90 is configured to be able to lock the state in which the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 and to be able to release this lock. Specifically, the lock / release mechanism 90 includes a lock mechanism 100 and a release mechanism 130.

  The lock mechanism 100 includes a first lock mechanism 110 capable of preventing the plug connector 50 from being removed from the receptacle connector 60 in a state where the plurality of plug contacts 56 and the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are in contact with each other, and the plurality of plug contacts. A second locking mechanism 120 capable of preventing the plug connector 50 from being removed from the receptacle connector 60 regardless of the contact state between the connector 56 and the plurality of receptacle contacts 70, that is, regardless of the contact state. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the first locking mechanism 110 includes two first hooks 111 fixed to the shaft 73 of the first shaft assembly 64 so as to be integrally rotatable, and the plug shown in FIG. And two first protrusions 112 provided in the housing 53.

  One first hook 111 is provided in a portion of the shaft 73 between the gear 75 and the cam 74, and is formed so as to be engageable with the first protrusion 112. The first hook 111 has a groove 113 in which the first protrusion 112 can be arranged.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 and is cut in the vicinity of the first hook 111. In FIG. 11, in the plug connector 50, the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 122 of the second lock mechanism 120 described later are indicated by solid lines, and other portions are omitted. The outline is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

  As shown in FIG. 11, one first protrusion 112 is provided on each end face of the plug connector 50 in the longitudinal direction. The first protrusion 112 is located at a position facing the shaft 73 of the first shaft assembly 64 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60.

  In the state where the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 as shown in FIG. 14, that is, the first hook 111 is inserted until the stepped portion 53b contacts the opening edge of the receptacle housing 61. When the first shaft assembly 64 rotates, the first protrusion 112 is accommodated in the groove 113 by rotating integrally with the first shaft assembly 64.

  In the state in which the receptacle contact 70 is in contact with the plug contact 56, the first hook 111 has the first projecting portion 112 disposed in the groove 113, and even if the plug connector 50 is pulled out from the receptacle connector 60, The contact 56 and the receptacle contact 70 are formed so as to be prevented from being released. When the first hook 111 is at a position where the first protrusion 112 is disposed in the groove 113 as shown in FIG. 11, the first hook 111 is interposed between the first hook 111 and the first protrusion 112. Some gaps may or may not be present. When there is no gap, the plug connector 50 does not move relative to the receptacle connector 60. If there is a gap, the plug connector 50 can move relative to the receptacle connector 60 by this gap. In the present embodiment, in the first hook 111, the position where the first protrusion 112 is disposed in the groove 113 and prevents the plug connector 50 from coming out of the receptacle connector 60 is defined as an engagement position.

  The second locking mechanism 120 includes a second hook 121 provided on the shaft 73 of the second shaft assembly 65, and a second protrusion provided on the plug connector 50 and engageable with the second hook 121. 122.

  In the present embodiment, one second hook 121 is provided at each end of the shaft 73 as an example. The second hook 121 is located between the gear 75 and the cam 74. The second hook 121 is formed to be rotatable relative to the shaft 73. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the portion of the shaft 73 of the second shaft assembly 65 where the second hook 121 is provided has a circular cross section. The second hook 121 is formed with a hole having a circular cross section in which a portion of the shaft 73 having a circular cross section is disposed. The second hook 121 can be rotated relative to the shaft 73 by arranging a portion of the shaft 73 having a circular cross section in the hole. That is, even if the shaft 73 rotates, the second hook 121 does not rotate with this rotation.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the second hook 121 and the vicinity thereof. As shown in FIG. 12, the second hook 121 is provided on the opposite side of the hook portion 123 across the shaft 73 and the hook portion 123 formed in a hook shape capable of arranging the second protrusion 122 inside. The first extending portion 124 and the second extending portion 125 extending in a direction different from that of the first extending portion 124 are provided.

  The hook part 123 engages with the second protrusion part 122 by disposing the second protrusion part 122 between the hole in which the shaft 73 is disposed. That is, when the plug connector 50 is to be removed from the receptacle connector 60 due to the second projecting portion 122 being arranged, the hook portion 123 is brought into contact with the second projecting portion 122 to contact the second hook 121. Is engaged with the second protrusion 122. Note that when the second hook 121 is at a position (first position P1 described later) where the second protrusion 122 is disposed inside as shown in FIG. 11, the hook 123 and the second protrusion There may or may not be a slight gap with respect to 122. When there is no gap, the plug connector 50 does not move relative to the receptacle connector 60. If there is a gap, the plug connector 50 can move relative to the receptacle connector 60 by this gap.

  The first extension portion 124 is located at the lower end portion of the receptacle housing 61. The second extending portion 125 extends along the width direction W <b> 1 of the receptacle connector 60 in a state where the second projecting portion 122 is disposed inside the hook portion 123. The second extending portion 125 is biased toward the substrate 32a by a coil spring 127. Specifically, one end of the coil spring 127 is fixed to the distal end portion of the second extending portion 125, and the other end of the coil spring 127 is fixed to a fixing portion formed in the receptacle connector 60.

  When the second extending portion 125 is pulled toward the substrate 32a by the coil spring 127, the second hook 121 is moved to the first position P1 that engages with the second protruding portion 122 as shown in FIG. Positioned. The first position P1 with which the second hook 121 is engaged is a position that prevents the plug connector 50 from being pulled out due to contact with the second protrusion 122 when the plug connector 50 is pulled out. is there. The first position P1 is the position shown in FIG. The first position P1 is an example of the engagement position referred to in the present invention. When the second hook 121 is in the first position P1 shown in FIG. 11 and abuts against the inner surface of the receptacle housing 61, the second hook 121 exceeds the first position P1 and is the second position P2. Do not rotate to the other side.

  Note that the second hook 121 is bent from the first position P1 to the second position P2 where the engagement between the second hook 121 and the second projecting portion 122 is released when the coil spring 127 is bent. Can be rotated. The position where the engagement is released is a position where the second hook 121 does not interfere with the second protrusion 122 when the plug connector 50 is pulled out.

  A guide surface 128 is formed at the upper end of the hook portion 123 to rotate the second hook 121 by contacting the second protrusion 122 when the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. The guide surface 128 is formed, for example, in a plane that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60.

  One second protrusion 122 is provided on each end face of the plug connector 50 in the longitudinal direction. The second protrusion 122 is located at a position facing the shaft 73 of the second shaft assembly 65 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60.

  The release mechanism 130 includes a first release mechanism that releases the lock by the first lock mechanism 110, and a second release mechanism 140 that can release the lock by the second lock mechanism 120.

  The first release mechanism is an electric motor 66 in this embodiment. That is, when the first shaft assembly 64 is rotated by the electric motor 66, the first hook 111 and the first protrusion 112 are engaged, and the first hook 111 and the first protrusion are engaged. The engagement with 112 is released.

  The second release mechanism 140 includes a pressed member 141, a moving mechanism 142 that can move the second hook 121 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by pressing the pressed member 141, and have.

  The pressed member 141 may be formed so as to be directly operable by a person, or may be indirectly operated. In the present embodiment, as described above, the receptacle connector 60 is disposed inside the outer surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30. For this reason, in this embodiment, if another operation part arrange | positioned on this outer surface is operated by the person, the to-be-pressed member 141 will be pressed by this operation part. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the pressed member 141 is rotatably supported by the receptacle housing 61. Specifically, the pressed member 141 is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 143 formed on the fixing portion 68 and the flange portion 69 of the receptacle housing 61.

  The pressed member 141 is formed on the main body portion 144 supported by the shaft portion 143, the pressed portion 145 provided on the main body portion 144, and the main body portion 144, so that the pin member 146 of the moving mechanism 142 can be rotated. And a support portion 147 to support.

  The main body portion 144 has a length extending from the fixing portion 68 to the flange portion 69. The main body 144 is formed in a rod shape, for example. The pressed part 145 is formed in the middle part of the main body part 144 and protrudes from the main body part 144. The pressed portion 145 is a portion that receives a pressing force. The pressed portion 145 is formed in a planar rectangular shape, for example. The support part 147 is provided at both ends of the main body part 144. The support part 147 has a shaft part 148.

  In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 142 is a pin member 146 that moves in the width direction W1 of the receptacle housing 61 in accordance with the rotation of the pressed member 141 around the shaft portion 143. Two pin members 146 are provided. One pin member 146 is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 148 of one support portion 147, and is configured to be able to move one second hook 121. The other pin member 146 is rotatably supported by the shaft portion 148 of the other support portion 147, and is configured to be able to move the other second hook 121.

  Specifically, one end portion of the pin member 146 is rotatably supported by the shaft portion 148 of the support portion 147 of the pressed member 141. Further, the other end portion of the pin member 146 is formed so as to be able to contact the first extension portion 124 of the second hook 121. More specifically, the receptacle housing 61 has a hole 149 in which a part of the pin member 146 is movably disposed. A part of the pin member 146 is located in the hole 149, and the other end is located in the receptacle housing 61 so as to face the first extending portion 124 in the width direction W1.

  The second release mechanism 140 also includes a coil spring 150 that positions the pressed member 141 at a position where the moving mechanism 142, that is, the pin member 146, does not rotate the second hook 121 to the second position P2. . The coil spring 150 is provided between the main body 144 and the receptacle housing 61 as shown in FIG. The coil spring 150 is located below the axis of the shaft portion 143. For this reason, when the main body portion 144 is urged by the coil spring 150, the pressed member 141 is urged around the shaft portion 143, and the pin member 146 causes the second hook 121 to move as shown in FIG. It is positioned at a position where it is not pressed toward the second position P2.

  Note that, as an example in the present embodiment, the pin member 146 is the first hook of the second hook 121 in a state where the pressed member 141 is not pressed, that is, in a state where the pin member 146 is not rotated as shown in FIG. Is in contact with the extended portion 124. The pin member 146 is not limited to abutting on the first extension portion 124 of the second hook 121 in a state where the pressed member 141 is not pressed.

  Further, the receptacle connector 60 has a second detection device 85. The second detection device 85 is configured to be able to detect a state in which the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to a position where the plug contact 56 can come into contact with the receptacle contact 70. In the present embodiment, the second detection device 85 has, as an example, a position where the plug contact 56 can come into contact with the receptacle contact 70, and as an example, the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to the end as shown in FIG. Detects the status.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system 10 showing the second detection device 85 and the vicinity thereof. In FIG. 18, the plug connector 50 is not inserted into the receptacle connector 60. As shown in FIG. 18, the second detection device 85 includes a switch plate 86 disposed in the receptacle housing 61 and a detect switch 87 provided on the receptacle housing 61 side.

  The switch plate 86 is configured to be movable in the receptacle housing 61 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction of the plug connector 50. The switch plate 86 is pressed by the plug connector 50 and moved from the initial position to the detect switch 87 side when the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to the end as shown in FIG. The switch plate 86 is biased to an initial position by an elastic member such as a spring, for example, and is positioned at the initial position when not pressed by the plug connector 50.

  When the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to the last position as shown in FIG. 14, the detect switch 87 is pressed by the switch plate 86 and is turned on so that a signal can be transmitted to the control unit 31. ing. The detect switch 87 is fixed within a range surrounded by the receptacle housing 61 of the substrate 32a as an example of the receptacle housing 61 side which is a fixed position. The detect switch 87 may be fixed to the receptacle housing 61. In short, the plug connector 50 may be fixed to the receptacle connector 60 side.

  When receiving the signal from the detect switch 87, the control unit 31 determines that the plug connector 50 has been inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to the end as shown in FIG. In addition, the above-mentioned structure of the 2nd detection apparatus 85 is an example. The second detection device 85 may be configured to detect the state in which the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 up to the last position shown in FIG. 14 by another means.

  Next, the operation of the connector system 10 will be described. First, the operation of inserting the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60 will be described. In a state before the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60, the first shaft assembly 64 is in a position where the first hook 111 does not engage with the first protrusion 112, as shown in FIG. In addition, the first hook 111 is rotated to a position where it does not interfere with the first protrusion 112 when the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. This position is determined in advance, and the electric motor 66 is controlled by the control unit 31. The control unit 31 controls the rotation of the electric motor 66 based on the detection result of the first detection device 80. The second hook 121 is positioned by the coil spring 127 at the first position P1.

  When inserting the plug connector 50 into the receptacle connector 60, first, the distal end portion of the plug connector 50 is inserted from the opening of the receptacle connector 60. As shown in FIG. 14, the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle housing 61 until the stepped portion 53 b formed on the plug connector 50 comes into contact with the edge of the opening of the receptacle housing 61.

  While the plug connector 50 is being inserted until the stepped portion 53 b comes into contact with the edge of the opening of the receptacle housing 61, the second protrusion 122 formed on the plug housing 53 is formed on the guide surface 128 of the second hook 121. Abut. When the guide surface 128 is pressed by the second protrusion 122, the second hook 121 rotates toward the second position P2.

  As the second hook 121 rotates toward the second position P <b> 2, the second projecting portion 122 is accommodated in the hook portion 123. By accommodating the second projecting portion 122 in the hook portion 123, the plug connector 50 can be inserted until the stepped portion 53b contacts the opening edge of the receptacle housing 61 as shown in FIG. In this insertion operation, since the receptacle contact 70 is not in contact with the plug contact 56, the plug connector 50 can be inserted into the receptacle connector 60 with a small force.

  Next, an example of the operation of the control unit 31 will be described. The control unit 31 electrically connects only one probe 40 selected by the operator to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 20. For example, when a plurality of probes 40 are inserted in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30, one probe 40 selected by the operator and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30 are electrically connected, and between these Enables signal transmission and reception.

  Specifically, for example, when the operator selects one probe 40 by operating an operation unit such as a keyboard or a switch, the control unit 31 performs plug connector 50 based on the detection result of the second detection device 85. Is inserted into the receptacle connector 60 as shown in FIG. When the control unit 31 determines that the plug connector 50 has been inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to the end as shown in FIG. 14, the electric power of the receptacle connector 60 into which the plug connector 50 provided in the selected probe 40 is inserted. The motor 66 is rotated. When the control unit 31 controls the electric motor 66, the control unit 31 controls the electric motor 66 based on the detection result of the first detection device 80.

  When the control unit 31 determines that the plug connector 50 provided in the selected one probe 40 is not inserted into the receptacle connector 60 to the end based on the detection result of the second detection device 85, A notice that the plug connector 50 is not correctly inserted may be displayed on the monitor 33 with characters, light, or the like.

  When the first shaft assembly 64 is rotated by the electric motor 66, the second shaft assembly 65 is also rotated integrally by the gear 75.

  The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 are pressed by the cam 74 when the first shaft assembly 64 and the second shaft assembly 65 are rotated as shown in FIG. It is deformed so as to be displaced outward, that is, toward the plug contact 56 side. The plurality of receptacle contacts 70 come into contact with the plurality of plug contacts 56 due to this deformation.

  The rotational position of the first shaft assembly 64 where the receptacle contact 70 contacts the plug contact 56 is determined in advance. Based on the detection result of the first detection device 80, the control unit 31 rotates the first shaft assembly 64 to the position where the receptacle contact 70 contacts the plug contact 56, and rotates the first shaft assembly 64 to the contact position. The rotation of the motor 66 is stopped. Since the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 and the plurality of plug contacts 56 come into contact with each other, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30 and the selected one probe 40 are electrically connected. Further, when the first shaft assembly 64 is rotated to a position where the receptacle contact 70 contacts the plug contact 56, the first hook 111 is engaged with the first protrusion 112. This engagement is to prevent relative movement of the plug connector 50 with respect to the receptacle connector 60 so that the connection between the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 and the plurality of plug contacts 56 is not released. That is, the gap may be provided between the first protrusion 112 and the first hook 111 as long as the clearance is such that the contact is not released.

  The control unit 31 does not allow the plug contacts 56 and the receptacle contacts 70 of the other plug connectors 50 to contact each other. That is, the control unit 31 controls the electric motor 66 so that only the plurality of plug contacts 56 of the plug connector 50 of one selected probe 40 are brought into contact with the plurality of receptacle contacts 70 of the receptacle connector 60.

  When the control unit 31 controls the electric motor 66 of the receptacle connector 60 into which the plug connector 50 provided in the selected one probe 40 is inserted to bring these contacts into contact with each other, the selected one probe Signals can be transmitted to and received from the terminal 40, and operations such as processing of signals transmitted from the probe 40 can be performed.

  In the state where only one plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60, the control unit 31 controls the electric motor 66 without selecting the probe by the operator, and the plug contact of this one plug connector 50. 56 and the receptacle contact 70 of the receptacle connector 60 may be brought into contact with each other.

  Next, an operation for removing the plug connector 50 from the receptacle connector 60 will be described. The operator can remove the plug connector 50 provided on the probe 40 that is not being used, that is, the probe 40 that is not electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 30, from the receptacle connector 60. As shown in FIG. 15, the receptacle connector 60 into which the plug connector 50 is inserted has the first shaft assembly 64 until the first hook 111 is disengaged from the first protrusion 112. It has been rotated. The position where the engagement is released is a position where the first hook 111 does not come into contact with the first protrusion 112 when the plug connector 50 is moved in the direction in which the plug connector 50 is pulled out. This is the position where the contact with the contact 70 is released. The control unit 31 drives the electric motor 66 of the receptacle connector 60 to which the plug connector 50 of the probe 40 that is not used is connected, and the plug contact 56 and the receptacle contact 70 of the plug connector 50 that are not used are in contact with each other. Not done. Therefore, in the receptacle connector 60 to which the plug connector 50 of the probe 40 that is not used is connected, the first shaft assembly 64 is disengaged from the first hook 111 and the first protrusion 112. Rotated to position.

  Next, the operator inputs a pressing force to the pressed member 141. The pressed member 141 rotates around the shaft portion 143 when a pressing force is input. By this rotation, the pin member 146 is pushed into the receptacle housing 61. When the pin member 146 is pushed in, the second hook 121 is rotated from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When the second hook 121 is rotated to the second position P2, the engagement between the second hook 121 and the second protrusion 122 is released. Note that the operation by the operator is only to input a pressing force to the pressed member 141. When the operator inputs a pressing force to the pressed member 141, the operator pulls out the plug connector 50.

  In the connector system 10 configured as described above, the first shaft assembly 64 and the second shaft assembly 65 required for connection between the receptacle contact 70 and the plug contact 56 are rotated by the electric motor 66. For this reason, the receptacle contact 70 and the plug contact 56 can be easily brought into contact with each other.

  Further, the lock / release mechanism 90 includes a second lock mechanism 120 that can be locked to the plug connector 50 and the receptacle connector 60 regardless of the contact state between the receptacle contact 70 and the plug contact 56. In other words, the second lock mechanism 120 that is not related to the rotation of the first shaft assembly 64 rotated by the electric motor 66 is provided. In other words, the second locking mechanism 120 is configured such that the plug contacts 56 and the plug contacts 56 are in contact with each other, and the receptacle contacts 70 and the plug contacts 56 are not in contact (contact is released). The connector 50 and the receptacle connector 60 are fixed (locked) to each other.

  Therefore, the first shaft assembly 64 is not rotated, the receptacle contact 70 is not in contact with the plug contact 56, and the first hook 111 is not engaged with the first protrusion 112. Even so, the plug connector 50 can be locked to the receptacle connector 60 by the second locking mechanism 120. For this reason, the plug connector 50 provided on the probe 40 that is not used can be prevented from being unexpectedly detached from the receptacle connector 60.

  In addition, since the first locking mechanism 110 that locks the plug connector 50 to the receptacle connector 60 in a state where the receptacle contact 70 is in contact with the plug contact 56, the receptacle contact 70 is in contact with the plug contact 56. Even if the pressed member 141 is operated and the lock of the second lock mechanism 120 is released, the plug connector 50 is removed from the receptacle connector 60 because the lock by the first lock mechanism 110 is maintained. Can be prevented.

  In addition, the contact between the receptacle contact 70 and the plug contact 56 is controlled by the rotation of the electric motor 66, so that the control unit 31 allows the plug of the probe 40 (one selected probe 40) that is actually used. Only the plug contact 56 of the connector 50 can be brought into contact with the receptacle contact 70. For example, even when four plug connectors 50 are inserted into the four receptacle connectors 60, only one probe 40 is actually used.

  Therefore, only the plug contact 56 of the plug connector 50 of the probe 40 actually used is brought into contact with the receptacle contact 70, and the plug contacts 56 of the other three plug connectors 50 are not brought into contact with the receptacle contact 70. The other three plug connectors 50 are locked to the receptacle connector 60 only by the second locking mechanism 120.

  In this way, only the plug contact 56 of the plug connector 50 of one probe 40 that is actually used can be connected to the receptacle contact 70. That is, the control unit 31 can be in a state of being electrically connected only to the probe 40 that is actually used. For this reason, the circuit unit 32 does not require a relay necessary for transmitting and receiving signals between the probe actually used and the control unit 31 when the control unit 31 is electrically connected to the plurality of probes 40. It becomes. For this reason, the structure of the circuit part 32 can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the electric motor 66 is fixed to the receptacle housing 61 in a posture in which the main shaft 76 is coaxial with the shaft 73, but is not limited to this. In another example, the electric motor 66 may be fixed to the receptacle housing 61 in such a manner that the main shaft 76 intersects with the shaft 73 (for example, an orthogonal posture) via a transmission mechanism such as a gear.

  In the present embodiment, the second locking mechanism 120 is used as an example of a locking mechanism that locks the plug connector 50 to the receptacle connector 60 regardless of contact or non-contact between the receptacle contact 70 and the plug contact 56. The second locking mechanism 120 includes a second protrusion 122 provided on the plug connector 50 and a second hook 121 provided on the receptacle connector 60. Further, the configuration of the second release mechanism 140 for releasing the lock by the second lock mechanism 120 is all provided in the receptacle connector 60.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a part of the second locking mechanism 120 that locks the plug connector 50 to the receptacle connector 60 regardless of contact or non-contact between the receptacle contact 70 and the plug contact 56 is attached to the receptacle connector 60. All of the second release mechanisms 140 are provided in the receptacle connector 60. For this reason, at least a part of the lock / release mechanism constituted by the second lock mechanism 120 and the second release mechanism 140 is provided in the receptacle connector 60.

  Note that all of the locking mechanism for locking the plug connector 50 to the receptacle connector 60 regardless of whether the receptacle contact 70 and the plug contact 56 are in contact or not, and all of the locking mechanisms for releasing the lock by this locking mechanism. The receptacle connector 60 may be provided.

  The second lock mechanism 120 is not limited to the configuration having the second hook 121 and the second protrusion 122. The second locking mechanism 120 may be achieved by other configurations. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a plug connector 50 and a receptacle connector 60 that are locked by a second lock mechanism 120A, which is a modification of the second lock mechanism 120. As shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the plug connector 50 and the receptacle connector 60 in a state where the lock by the second lock mechanism 120A is released. 16 and 17, the plug connector 50 shows only the shell member 51 and other configurations are omitted, and the receptacle connector 60 shows only the receptacle housing 61 and other configurations are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second locking mechanism 120 </ b> A includes a second hook 121 </ b> A provided on the shell member 51 of the plug connector 50, and a second protrusion 122 </ b> A provided on the receptacle connector 60. ,have.

  The second hook 121 </ b> A is rotatably provided on each side surface along the longitudinal direction of the shell member 51. The rotation axis of the second hook 121 </ b> A is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shell member 51. For example, the second hook 121 </ b> A is disposed in a recess formed on the side surface of the shell member 51. A shaft portion is formed on the side surface of the second hook 121A. The shaft portion is rotatably supported on the inner surface of the recess.

  A hook portion 123A is formed at the lower end of the second hook 121A. The hook portion 123 </ b> A is formed by a protruding portion that protrudes inward in the width direction W.

  The second hook 121A has a biasing means that biases the hook portion 123A inward in the width direction W. An example of the biasing means is a coil spring. The lower end surface of the hook portion 123 </ b> A is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the insertion direction in which the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60. The upper surface of the second hook 121A is, for example, a receptacle connector of the plug connector 50 in a state where the second hook 121A is not rotated, that is, in a state where it is engaged with a second protrusion 122A described later. 60 is a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction.

  The second protrusions 122A are formed on both side surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61 and protrude outward in the width direction W1. The second protrusion 122 </ b> A extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 61. The second projecting portion 122A is formed to be able to engage with the hook portion 123A of the second hook 121A in a state where the plug connector 50 is fully inserted into the receptacle connector 60. The upper surface of the second projecting portion 122A contacts the lower end surface of the hook portion 123A, thereby rotating the second hook 121A outward in the width direction W against the urging force of the urging means. It is formed on an inclined surface that prompts you. The lower surface of the second protrusion 122A is formed into a flat surface that can come into surface contact with the upper surface of the second protrusion 122A.

  The locking operation by the second locking mechanism 120A configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, when the plug connector 50 is inserted into the receptacle connector 60, the lower end surface of the hook portion 123A comes into contact with the upper surface of the second protruding portion 122A before being inserted to the end. When the plug connector 50 is further inserted from this contact state, the second hook 121A is rotated outward by the lower end surface of the hook portion 123A and the upper surface of the second projecting portion 122A.

  By this rotation, the hook portion 123A gets over the second projecting portion 122A. When the hook portion 123A completely gets over the second projecting portion 122A, the second hook 121A moves inward in the width direction W by the urging force of the urging means, and the hook portion 123A is moved as shown in FIG. Engages with the second protrusion 122A. This engagement locks. In this engagement, when the plug connector 50 is pulled out from the receptacle connector 60, the contact between the hook portion 123 and the second protruding portion 122A prevents the plug connector 50 from being pulled out from the receptacle connector 60. State. In this state, the upper surface of the hook portion 123A of the second hook 121A may be in surface contact with the lower surface of the second protruding portion 122A in the drawing direction, or there is a slight gap in the drawing direction. Also good.

  When releasing the lock by the second lock mechanism 120A, as shown in FIG. 17, by pressing the second hook 121A, the hook portion 123A of the second hook 121A is rotated outward in the width direction W1. Then, the hook portion 123A is moved outward in the width direction W1 until the engagement with the second protrusion 122A is released. The position where the engagement is released is a position where the hook portion 123A does not come into contact with the second protrusion 122A when the plug connector 50 is pulled out from the receptacle connector 60.

  When the hook portion 123 </ b> A is moved to a position where the engagement is released, the operator can completely pull out the plug connector 50 from the receptacle connector 60.

  In the present embodiment, the cam 74 presses the receptacle contact 70 to deform the receptacle contact 70 and bring it into contact with the plug contact 56. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In another example, in the case where the receptacle contact 70 is disposed on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the plug contact 56, the cam 74 deforms the receptacle contact 70 by pressing the receptacle contact 70 in the width direction outer side, thereby plugging. By rotating without making contact with the contact 56, the pressure on the receptacle contact 70 by the cam 74 may be released, and the plug contact 56 may be brought into contact with the elastic force of the receptacle contact 70 itself.

  In short, the cam 74 may be formed so as to be able to switch between a state in which the receptacle contact 70 contacts the plug contact 56 and a non-contact state (a state in which the contact is released) by rotating.

  In the present embodiment, the plug connector 50 has a plurality of rows (first row L1 to fourth row L4) constituted by a plurality of plug contacts 56, and the receptacle connector 60 has a plurality of receptacle contacts. Although there are a plurality of columns (fifth column L5 to eighth column L8) configured by 70, the present invention is not limited to this. In another example, the plug connector 50 may have only one row constituted by the plurality of plug contacts 56, and the receptacle connector 60 may have only one row constituted by the plurality of receptacle contacts 70. Good.

  In the present embodiment, the first shaft assembly 64 is used in common for the fifth row L5 and the sixth row L6, and the second shaft assembly 65 is used for the seventh row L7 and the eighth row L6. Used in common with row L8. In another example, when a plurality of rows are provided, one dedicated shaft assembly that can press each of the rows may be provided. As this example, one dedicated shaft assembly capable of pressing only the fifth row L5 is provided, and one dedicated shaft assembly capable of pressing only the sixth row L6 is provided.

  In the case where three or more shaft assemblies are provided, the respective shaft assemblies are connected to be integrally rotatable by a connecting mechanism such as a gear 75 as in the present embodiment. Further, when three or more shaft assemblies are provided, the second hook 121 is provided on at least one of the shaft assemblies other than the shaft assembly rotated by the electric motor 66 like the first shaft assembly 64. That's fine.

  In the present embodiment, two first hooks 111 and two second hooks 121 are provided, and two first protrusions 112 and two second protrusions 122 are provided. . In another example, the number of the first hook 111, the second hook 121, the first protrusion 112, and the second protrusion 122 may be one. By providing at least one of the first hook 111, the second hook 121, the first protrusion 112, and the second protrusion 122, the first lock mechanism 110 can be locked. The second locking mechanism 120 can be locked.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the implementation stage, it can change variously in the range which does not deviate from the summary. Further, the embodiments may be implemented in combination as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the present invention includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, if the problem can be solved and an effect can be obtained, the configuration from which the constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Connector system, 20 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 30 ... Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, 31 ... Control part, 32 ... Circuit part, 50 ... Plug connector, 56 ... Plug contact (1st contact), 60 ... Receptacle connector 64 ... first shaft assembly, 65 ... second shaft assembly, 66 ... electric motor, 70 ... receptacle contact, 73 ... shaft, 90 ... lock / release mechanism, 100 ... lock mechanism, 110 ... first lock mechanism 120 ... second locking mechanism, 121 ... second hook, 130 ... release mechanism, 140 ... second release mechanism, 141 ... pressed member, 142 ... moving mechanism, 146 ... pin member, L1 ... first Column, L2 ... second column, L3 ... third column, L4 ... fourth column, L5 ... fifth column, L6 ... sixth column, L7 ... seventh column, L8 ... eighth .

Claims (10)

A plug connector having a plurality of first contacts is a detachable receptacle connector,
A plurality of second contacts arranged side by side;
A shaft disposed along the plurality of second contacts;
A state in which the plurality of second contacts are in contact with the plurality of first contacts, the plurality of second contacts, and the plurality of first contacts provided on the shaft and rotating the shaft; A cam that switches between contact with the
At least a part of a lock / release mechanism comprising: a lock mechanism that locks the plug connector attached in the contact state and the contact release state; and a release mechanism that releases the lock by the lock mechanism; ,
A receptacle connector comprising: The receptacle connector according to claim 1, further comprising an electric motor that rotates the shaft. Of the locking mechanism, a first rotation position that is rotatably provided and engages with a protrusion provided on the plug connector, and a second position that disengages the protrusion. It has a lock hook that turns,
The pressed member of the release mechanism, and a moving mechanism that moves the lock hook from the first position to the second position when the pressed member is pressed. The receptacle connector as described. The receptacle connector according to claim 3, wherein the lock hook is rotatably provided on the shaft. A plug connector having a plurality of first contacts; and a receptacle connector to which the plug connector is detachable;
The receptacle connector is
A plurality of second contacts arranged side by side;
A shaft disposed along the plurality of second contacts;
A state in which the plurality of second contacts are in contact with the plurality of first contacts, the plurality of second contacts, and the plurality of first contacts provided on the shaft and rotating the shaft; A cam that switches between contact with the
At least a part of a lock / release mechanism comprising: a lock mechanism that locks the plug connector to the receptacle connector in the contact state and the contact release state; and a release mechanism that releases the lock by the lock mechanism. When,
A connector system comprising:   The connector system according to claim 5, wherein the receptacle connector includes an electric motor that rotates the shaft. The locking mechanism is
A protrusion provided on the plug connector;
A lock hook that is provided on the receptacle connector and that pivots between a first position that engages with the protrusion and a second position that disengages the protrusion;
A pressed member provided in the receptacle connector;
A moving mechanism that is provided in the receptacle connector and moves the lock hook from the first position to the second position when the pressed member is pressed;
The connector system according to claim 5, comprising: The connector system according to claim 7, wherein the lock hook is rotatably provided on the shaft. A receptacle connector to which a plug connector having a plurality of first contacts is detachable;
A control unit;
A circuit unit connected to the control unit and the receptacle connector;
Comprising
The receptacle connector is
A plurality of second contacts arranged side by side;
A shaft disposed along the plurality of second contacts;
A state in which the plurality of second contacts are in contact with the plurality of first contacts, the plurality of second contacts, and the plurality of first contacts provided on the shaft and rotating the shaft; A cam that switches between contact with the
An electric motor for rotating the shaft;
At least a part of a lock / release mechanism comprising: a lock mechanism that locks the plug connector to the receptacle connector in the contact state and the contact release state; and a release mechanism that releases the lock by the lock mechanism. When,
Comprising
The control unit controls the electric motor and receives a signal from a device to which the plug connector is connected. The connector system according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of the receptacle connectors.