JP3200980B2 - Connector connection separation device and connector connection separation method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector connection / separation device, and more particularly, to a stationary body provided with one of a pair of connector portions (second connector portion) forming a connector, The other of the connector portions (first connector portion) is provided at a position corresponding to the second connector portion, and freely advances and retreats with respect to the stationary body to engage the first connector portion with the second connector portion, and disengage. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a connector connection / separation device including a moving body to be connected and a connection / separation method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When connecting or disconnecting a pair of connectable devices, it is necessary to mutually connect or separate energy transfer units for transferring energy between the two devices. Examples of such energy include, for example, electric power,
Examples include electrical energy for electrical signals such as electrical control signals or video signals, and fluid energy for fluid power such as hydraulic or pneumatic. A so-called connector is generally used as a connection means for transferring energy between the two devices and a connection means capable of being separated. The connector is generally composed of a pair of male and female connector parts, which are integrally connected by pressing each connector part in the axial direction of the connector.
Each connector section is separated from each other by being spaced apart in the axial direction of the connector.

[0003] As an apparatus for automating the operation of separating and connecting connectors, a first holding member for supporting one connector portion,
2. Description of the Related Art There is known a connector connection / separation device that includes a second holding member that supports the other connector portion, and a driving device that moves each support member closer to or away from each other, and automatically connects and disconnects the connectors. As shown in FIG. 7, a first holding member 3 having a positioning pin 1 for centering a connector and a second holding member 7 having a positioning hole 5 corresponding to the positioning pin 1 as shown in FIG. And a connector configured to connect or disconnect after accurately positioning both connector portions 9, 9 is used.

[0004]

However, in such an apparatus for separating and connecting a connector, when a position shift occurs between a device having a connector portion or a holding member holding the connector portion, or a device or holding member. If the simultaneous alignment, face-to-face angle is not perfect, the connectors cannot be correctly connected or separated. If the connector is forcibly connected or disconnected in this state, the connector portion may be worn out, or the device, the holding member, or the like may be damaged by a large stress.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to form a connector for forming a connector.
Connector connection / separation device and connection / separation method capable of connecting / separating a connector smoothly and reliably even when misalignment or incomplete alignment occurs between members or devices each having one of a pair of connector portions. Is to provide.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a connector connection / separation device according to the present invention comprises:
First and second holding members respectively holding first and second connector portions that can be connected and separated from each other, and a fitting member that can be fitted to each other, the first and second holding members being opposed to each other. The first and second holding members relatively move in a connection direction for connecting the second connector portion, so that the fitting member starts to be fitted, and the first and second holding members are connected to the first and second holding members. Positioning guide means for guiding the second connector portion to a connectable state in which the first and second connector portions are properly connected, and guiding the first and second connector portions to be connected by sufficiently fitting the fitting member; A first floating unit that sets one of the first and second holding members relatively moving in the connection direction to a floating state in which a position and a posture can be freely changed according to a force acting between the fitting members; The first and second Connector portion is separated, and the hand of the first and second holding members move relative to the separation direction to release the engagement of the fitting member, in response to a force acting between the fitting member Second floating means for changing the position and the posture to a freely floating state.

[0007] The method for connecting and disconnecting a connector according to the present invention comprises:
The first and second connector parts are connected by approaching first and second holding members respectively holding the first and second connector parts that can be connected and separated from each other, and the first and second holding parts are connected. A connector connection and separation method for separating said first and second connector portions by separating members from each other, wherein said first and second connector portions are opposed to each other when said first and second connector portions are connected. The first and second holding members are relatively moved in a direction for connecting the second connector portion.
And by the approach of the first and second holding members,
The fitting of the fitting members provided on the first and second holding members, which can be fitted to each other, is started, and the first and second holding members are moved in accordance with a force acting between the fitting members. One is brought into a floating state in which the position and posture can be freely changed, and one of the first and second holding members in the floating state is led to a connectable state in which connection is properly performed by fitting the fitting member. The first and second connector portions are connected by fully fitting the fitting members.
Guides until the said when separating the first and second connector part, it is spaced apart from said first and second holding members in a direction for separating the connected first and second connector portions The first member depending on the force acting between the fitting members.
And changing the position and orientation of the hand of the second holding member is freely floating state, the first and second holding members
In hand floating state, to release the engagement of the first and second connector portions of the separation and the fitting member.

According to the present invention, when connecting the first and second connector portions, the first and second holding members are brought close to each other, and the fitting member is started to be fitted. If there is a positional shift between the first and second holding members at the beginning of the fitting, a force acts on the fitting member. Then, one of the first and second holding members is brought into a floating state according to this force. One of the first and second holding members in the floating state is led to a connectable state by the fitting of the fitting member, and the first and second connector portions are appropriately fitted by sufficient fitting of the fitting member. You will be guided until you are connected. When separating the first and second connector portions, the first and second holding members are separated from each other. In this case, fitting the mismatch between the coupling member is present, a force acting between the engaging member. Then, the hand of the first and second holding members in accordance with this force floated. When the holding member is in the floating state, the fitting members are aligned, and the fitting is smoothly released. In addition, since the fitting members are aligned, a force for separating the first and second connector portions in an appropriate direction acts to prevent the connectors from being damaged.

[0009]

[0010]

[0011]

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a signal supply body of the connector connection / separation device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector connection / separation device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the direction of arrows AA in FIG. 6, and FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view shown by the cross section seen from arrow B. The connector connection / separation device 10 includes a movable signal supply body 12 on which a first connector section 16 for supplying an electric signal is arranged, and a second connector section 16 connected to the first connector section 16.
And a stationary signal receiver 14 on which the connector section 18 is disposed. Note that the signal receiver 14 in FIGS.
The upper part is not shown.

The signal supply body 12 includes a horizontal lower support plate 20 for supporting the first connector portion 16 on the upper surface, two positioning pins 22 vertically mounted on the upper surface of the lower support plate 20, and a lower support plate. Four vertical support rods 30 connected to the lower surface of the plate 20 and extending downward. The positioning pin 22 has a hemispherical tip, and is formed so as to smoothly slide when the tip abuts on the surface of the tapered portion 29 of the positioning hole 26 as described later. The signal receiver 14 is connected to the second connector 18
A horizontal upper support plate 24 that supports the positioning pin 22 on the lower surface, and two positioning holes 26 arranged at positions facing the positioning pins 22 are provided.

Each support rod 30 is connected to the lower support plate 2.
0 extends from the four corners toward a horizontal lift plate 40 located below the lower support plate 20. The four corners of the lifting plate 40 are connected to guide shafts 41 for linear guides. Positioning boss 4 having a boss hole 44 composed of a through hole slightly larger in diameter than the support rod 30
2 is fixed to the lifting plate 40, and each support rod 30 penetrates. Two support rods 30 on one side
Is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 34 tapered so as to expand downward at a lower end portion further extending through the positioning boss 44. On the other hand, the positioning boss 42 has an inner peripheral edge 46 tapered so as to be aligned with the tapered outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 34 of the support rod 30 at the lower end of the boss hole 44, and is supported in the boss hole 44. The enlarged diameter portion 34 of the rod 30 is partially received, and the support rod 30 is positioned and locked by the inner peripheral edge 46. Further, the two support rods 30 on the other side have a horizontal lower end flange 36, and a peripheral upper surface of the lower end flange 36 abuts on a lower end surface of the positioning boss 42. The enlarged diameter portion 34 and the lower end flange 36 are connected to each other by a connection plate 38,
Thereby, the first holding member 20, the four support rods,
The connecting plate 38 forms one integral assembly.

A combination plate 48 is arranged above each positioning boss 42, and moves the support rod 30 so as to be horizontally displaceable. The combination plate 48 is fixed to the disk-shaped plate 49 having the support rod 30 penetrated in a horizontally displaceable state, the disk-shaped plate 49 fixed to the support rod 30, and the elevating plate 40. A fixed disk 49 that slidably sandwiches the disk-shaped plate 47 between the upper surface and a through-hole having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the support rod 30 and that penetrates the support rod 30; The support rod 30 is guided so as to be horizontally displaceable. On the upper surface of the combination plate 48, an upward spring retainer 50 through which the support rod 30 is slidably penetrated is arranged. Is interposed between Due to the pressing force of the compression coil spring 52, the reduced diameter portion 34 of the support rod 30 causes the tapered inner peripheral edge 4 of the positioning boss 42 to move.
6, whereby the lower support plate 20 and the lift plate 40 form an integral assembly.

The first connector section 16 and the second connector section 18
The signal supply unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. The upper support plate 24 has the first support plate 20 on the lower support plate 20.
The second connector portion 18 is attached at a position facing the connector portion 16, and a positioning hole 26 is arranged at a position facing each positioning pin 22. Positioning hole 2
6 is provided with an insertion hole 28 at the center thereof into which the positioning pin 22 is inserted, and a tapered portion 29 is formed at the lower end of the insertion hole 28 so as to open downward in a trumpet shape.
The four corners of the upper support plate 24 are, as shown in FIG.
The four suspension rods 60 are fixed to the lower ends of the respective suspension rods. As shown in FIG. 3, a horizontal fixing plate 70 is disposed above the upper support plate 24 and each of the suspension rods 60
The small-diameter portion 62 having a reduced diameter extends upward through a locking boss 72 attached to the fixing plate 70.

The upper end of the small diameter portion 62 is received and fixed in the concave portion of the holder 64, and the holder 64 is attached to the mounting plate 20.
Fixed to 1. A hole 203 larger than the plane dimension of the mounting plate 201 is provided in the center of the fixing member 66 to accommodate the mounting plate 201. The mounting plate 201 can move freely and integrally with the suspension rod 60 in the axial direction of the suspension rod 60 without being directly restrained by the fixing member 66 in the hole 203. A compression coil spring 78 is inserted between the bottom surface of the concave portion of the holder 64 and the upper flange of the locking boss 72. The two suspension rods 60 on one side have tapered diameter reduced portions 68, and the reduced diameter portions of the two suspension rods 60 on the other side A horizontal shoulder 69 abutting the lower end surface is formed. The boss hole 74 of the locking boss 72 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 62, and extends concentrically with the small diameter portion 62. Further, a tapered inner peripheral edge 76 is formed at a lower end portion of the locking boss 72 facing the outer peripheral surface of the reduced diameter portion 68 of the suspension rod 60 on the one side. And engages with the reduced diameter portion 68 of the suspension rod 60 on one side. The fixing plate 70 is fixed to the fixing member 66 attached to a transport device 86 such as a trolley on both sides by fixing rods 82, and keeps a fixed distance from the fixing member 66.

FIG. 4 is a process explanatory view schematically showing a connection process for connecting the first and second connector portions 16 and 18 by the connector connection / separation device 10. The operation of the connector connection / separation device 10 at the time of connector connection will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the signal supply body 12 and the signal reception body 14 to which the first and second connector portions 16 and 18 are respectively attached are vertically spaced from each other, and the positioning pins 22 and the positioning holes are provided. 2
6 are aligned substantially vertically. Next, the elevation drive device is operated to extend the guide shaft 41, and the elevation plate 40 is elevated as shown by the arrow a in FIG. When the positioning pin 22 and the positioning hole 26 are correctly aligned, the positioning pin 22 smoothly enters the insertion hole 28 of the positioning hole 26, but a so-called misalignment occurs between the positioning pin 22 and the positioning hole 26. 4A, the hemispherical tip surface of the positioning pin 22 is tapered into the tapered portion 2 of the insertion hole 28 as shown in FIG.
Affirm 9

Since the positioning pin 22 is restricted from being raised by the tapered portion 29, when the elevating plate 40, the combination plate 48 and the spring retainer 50 are further raised by the subsequent extension of the guide shaft 41, the compression coil spring 52 is turned on. When compressed by the retainer 50, the enlarged diameter portion 34 of the support rod 30 becomes the positioning boss 42.
Away from the inner peripheral edge 46. Thereby, the lower support plate 20 is dissociated from the assembly with the lifting plate 40 and shifts to a so-called floating state. This state is shown in FIG.
B. When the resilient force of the compression coil spring 52 increases due to the further extension of the guide shaft 41, the hemispherical tip surface of the positioning pin 22 urged upward by the compression coil spring 52 slides on the tapered portion 29. Displaced in the centripetal direction, and finally, the positioning pin 22 is aligned with the insertion hole 28. When the positioning pin 22 is centered in this way, as shown in FIG. 4C, the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 34 of the support rod 30 partially contacts the inner peripheral edge 46 of the positioning boss 42, and the subsequent extension of the guide shaft 41. As a result, the elevating plate 40, the combination plate 48, the spring retainer 50, and the lower support plate 20 rise integrally.

The positioning pin 22 enters the insertion hole 28,
The lower support plate 20 includes an insertion hole 28 and a positioning pin 2.
2 smoothly rises by the guidance of the upper and lower support plates 2
The first and second connector sections 16 attached to the
18 are pressed and engaged with each other in a state where they are aligned. When the guide shaft 41 further extends, the compression coil spring 30 is compressed, and the upper end of the spring retainer 50 abuts against the lower surface of the upper end plate 32. The driving force of the lifting drive device is directly transmitted to the lower support plate 20 via the lifting plate 40, the combination plate 48, and the spring retainer 50, and the first and second connector portions 16, 18 are driven by the driving force of the lifting drive device. Engage securely. This state is shown in FIG. Thus, the upper and lower first connector portions 16 and 18 are provided with the positioning pin 22 and the positioning hole 2.
The centering of 6 allows smooth alignment, and the connection is reliably connected by the driving force of the lifting drive.

Next, the operation of the connector connection / separation device 10 when the connector is separated will be described with reference to FIG. In the connector connection / separation device 10 in which the first and second connector portions 16 and 18 are connected, the positioning pins 22 are completely inserted into the positioning holes 26, and the upper and lower support plates 20 and 24 are positioned substantially parallel to each other. I have. When the first and second connector portions 16 and 18 are connected in a state where they are accurately aligned in the vertical direction, the axes of the positioning pins 22 and the positioning holes 26 are vertically oriented, and the lifting drive device is operated. When the guide shaft 41 is pulled in, the positioning pin 22 is smoothly pulled out of the positioning hole 26 by an operation reverse to the above-described operation at the time of connection, and both the first connector portions 16,
18 are reliably separated. However, the first and second
As a result of incorrect connection of the connector sections 16 and 18, the connector sections 16 and 18 are not aligned in their proper positions, and FIG.
As shown in the figure, when the axis of the positioning pin 22 is inclined, the driving force of the elevation drive device acts at an angle with respect to the pulling-out direction of the connector portions 16 and 18.

As a result, the two connector portions 16, 18 are not separated smoothly. Activate the lifting drive in this state,
If the two connector portions 16 and 18 are forcibly separated from each other, excessive stress is applied to both connector portions 16 and 18 or
There is a risk of damage to components and members of the connector connection / separation device. However, in the connector connection / separation device 10 of this example, when the lifting / lowering drive device retracts the guide shaft 41 and lowers the lower support plate 20, the two connector portions 16, 1
In order to ensure the smooth separation of 8, the positioning pins 22 and the positioning holes 26 can be corrected in the vertical direction, and the upper and lower support plates 20, 24 can be arranged horizontally.

First, the lift plate 40 is moved by the guide shaft 41.
Is lowered, and the inner peripheral edge 46 and the lower end surface of the positioning boss 42 abut against the enlarged diameter portion 34 and the lower end flange 36 of the support rod 30. The driving force of the lifting drive device is transmitted to the lower support plate 20 via the support rod 30 and acts on the positioning pin 22 as a pull-out force of the positioning pin 22.
Due to the inclination of the positioning pin 22, an oblique or horizontal component force is imposed on the positioning hole 26, and the positioning pin 22
Is transmitted to the upper support plate 24 and the suspension rod 60 through the positioning holes 26. The suspension rod 60 descends while compressing the compression coil spring 78, and the reduced diameter portion 68 and the shoulder 69 are separated from the inner peripheral edge 76 and the lower end surface of the holder 64. As a result, the suspension rod 6
0 is horizontally displaceable and tiltable with respect to the locking boss 72, and the upper support plate 24 is
Is disengaged from the assembly and floats. The floating of the upper support plate 24 causes the positioning pins 22 and the positioning holes 26 to be aligned in the vertical direction, so that the diagonal or horizontal component force is eliminated. By further pulling in the guide shaft 41, the positioning pin 22 is smoothly pulled out from the positioning hole 26, and the first and second connector portions 16,
18 reliably separates.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the connector connection / separation device according to the present invention. In FIG. 5, members or devices having substantially the same functions as those of the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the connector connection / separation device 10 of the present embodiment, the compression coil spring 52 for urging the positioning pin 22, the support rod 30 and the support rod 30 which substantially constitute a floating device when the first and second connector portions 16 and 18 are connected. Not only is the tapered enlarged portion 34, the elevating plate 40, the boss hole 44, and the tapered inner peripheral edge 46 of the boss hole 44 provided on the signal supply body 12, but also the first and second connector portions 16, A floating device 100, which works during the separation of 18, is arranged on the signal supply 12.

The floating device 100 includes a plurality of drive plates 102 connected to guide shafts (not shown) of a lifting drive.
And a drive rod 10 hanging from each drive plate 102
4, a diameter-enlarging portion 106 formed at a lower end portion of the drive rod 104, and a compression coil spring 108 inserted between the upper surface of the elevating plate 40 and each drive plate 102.
It is roughly composed of A boss hole 110 for receiving a lower portion of the drive rod 104 is formed in the elevating plate 40, and a lower end portion of the boss hole 110 expands downward and aligns with the tapered outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 106. The inner peripheral edge 112 is formed.

When the first and second connector portions 16 and 18 are connected, the drive plate 10 is driven by the guide shaft of the lifting drive device.
2 and the drive rod 104 are raised, and the driving force of the lifting drive is transmitted to the lifting plate 40 via the enlarged diameter portion 106 and the inner peripheral edge 112. First connector portions 16 and 18
Devices 34, 40, 42, 44, 46, 5
By the operation of 2, the first holding member 20 is in a floating state, the positioning pins 22 and the positioning holes 26 are automatically aligned, and the connector portions 16 and 18 on the upper and lower support plates 20 and 24 are smoothly and smoothly. Connected securely. On the other hand, when the first and second connector portions 16 and 18 are separated, the drive plate 102 is moved by the guide shaft of the lifting / lowering drive device.
Is lowered, and the driving force of the lifting drive lowers the lifting plate 40 via the compression coil spring 108. When the pull-out resistance of the positioning pin 22 acts due to the displacement or inclination of the positioning pin 22 and the positioning hole 26,
The compression coil spring 108 is excessively compressed, and the outer peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion 106 is separated from the inner peripheral edge 112 of the boss hole 110. As a result, the assembly of the lifting plate 40 and the lower support plate 20 shifts to the floating state, and the positioning pins 22 and the positioning holes 26 are vertically aligned so as to eliminate the pull-out resistance. Further drive plate 102
As a result, the positioning pins 22 are smoothly pulled out of the positioning holes 26 and the upper and lower support plates 2 are removed.
0 and 24 are separated, and the first connector portions 16 and 18 are surely separated.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above.
In particular, an example in which the signal supplier and the signal acceptor are in a vertical positional relationship has been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment but falls within the scope of the present invention described in the claims. Various changes or modifications are possible, including, for example, an example in which the signal supplier and the signal receiver are located at substantially the same horizontal position and are aligned in the horizontal direction, and they are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say, there is. For example, the present invention is applicable not only to a connection or disconnection device of a connector for communicating an electric signal such as an electric control signal, an electric power or a video signal, but also to a hydraulic or pneumatic supply / discharge control pipe and a fluid power supply pipe. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a connector or coupler connection or separation device in various pipes such as a feed pipe for powder or granular material.

[0028]

According to the connector connection / separation device of the present invention, the positioning pin is guided by the tapered surface of the opening of the positioning hole to be displaced in the centripetal direction by the floating mechanism of the moving body. Since the connector holding member of the moving body is floated so as to be accurately aligned, the holding members automatically and centrally align the two connector portions and smoothly and reliably connect the connectors. Therefore,
Provided is a connector separation device which can smoothly and reliably connect a connector having a relatively large displacement or inclination. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the connector connection / separation apparatus of this invention, the floating part mechanism of a stationary body makes it possible to displace and tilt the connector part holding member of a stationary body in the radial direction of a positioning pin using the pull-out resistance of a positioning pin and a positioning hole. Since the positioning pins and the positioning holes are floated, the positioning pins and the positioning holes are aligned in the pulling-out direction by the driving force of the driving device, and the two connector portions respectively supported by the two holding members are separated smoothly and reliably. Accordingly, there is provided a connector separating device capable of smoothly and reliably separating a connector having a relatively large displacement or inclination. According to the connector connection / separation device of the present invention, there is provided a connector connection / separation device capable of performing both the connection and the disconnection smoothly and reliably. The present invention provides a connector connection method or a connector separation method for smoothly and reliably connecting or separating both connector portions supported by both holding members.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a connector connection / separation device according to an embodiment of the present invention with a connector separated.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the connector connection / separation device of FIG. 1 in different cross sections.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the connector connection / separation device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a state where a connector is connected.

4 (A), 4 (B) and 4 (C) are process explanatory views schematically showing a connector connection process of the connector connection and separation device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the connector connection / separation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory plan view of a signal supply body of the connector connection / separation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional side view schematically illustrating a conventional connector connection / separation apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 connector connection / separation device 12 signal supply unit 14 signal reception unit 16, 18 connector unit 20 lower support plate 22 positioning pin 24 upper support plate 26 positioning hole 28 insertion hole 29 taper unit 30 support rod 34 enlarged diameter portion 36 lower end flange 38 connection Plate 40 Lifting plate 41 Guide shaft 42 Positioning boss 44 Boss hole 46 Inner peripheral edge 48 Combination plate 50 Spring retainer 52 Compression coil spring 60 Suspension rod 62 Small diameter portion 64 Holder 66 Fixing member 68 Reduced diameter portion 69 Shoulder portion 70 Fixed plate 72 Locking boss 74 Boss hole 76 Inner peripheral edge 78 Compression coil spring 100 Floating device 102 Drive plate 104 Drive rod 106 Large diameter portion 108 Compression coil spring 110 Boss hole 112 Inner peripheral edge 201 Mounting Hole provided near the center of the fixing member to accommodate the rate 203 mounting plate

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-61-267277 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01R 43/26 H01R 13/631 H01R 13 / 64

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] A first and a second holding member for holding first and second connector portions which can be connected and separated from each other, and a fitting member which can be fitted to each other, wherein the first and second holding members are opposed to each other. The first and second holding members relatively move in a connection direction for connecting the first and second connector portions, so that the fitting member starts to be fitted and the first and second holding members are engaged.
Is brought into a connectable state in which the first and second connector portions are properly connected, and the first and second connector portions are connected by the fitting member being sufficiently fitted. And a floating position in which one of the first and second holding members relatively moving in the connection direction can be changed in position and orientation in accordance with a force acting between the fitting members. A first floating means that separates the first and second connector portions from each other and moves the first and second holding members relatively moving in a separating direction for releasing the fitting of the fitting member . one way, the connector of the connection and separation device having a second floating means for changing the position and orientation in response to a force acting between the engaging member is freely floating state. 2. The first and second connector portions are connected by approaching first and second holding members respectively holding first and second connector portions that can be connected and separated from each other. And a method for separating the first and second connector portions by separating the first and second connector portions by separating the first and second connector portions from each other, wherein the first and second connector portions are opposed to each other when the first and second connector portions are connected. The first and second holding members are relatively moved in a direction in which the first and second connector portions are connected to each other.
And starting fitting of fitting members provided on the second holding member that can be fitted to each other, and position one of the first and second holding members in accordance with a force acting between the fitting members. And a floating state in which the posture can be freely changed, and one of the first and second holding members in the floating state is led to a connectable state in which connection is appropriately performed by fitting the fitting member, and and guided to the first and second connector portions by making sufficiently fitted to the fitting member Ru is connected, in separating the first and second connector portions, the first being connected 1 and is spaced apart from said first and second holding members in a direction of separating the second connector portion, the hand of the first and second holding member in response to a force acting between the fitting member Change the position and posture to a free floating state, Serial in hand floating state of the first and second holding members, said first and second connector portions of the separation and the mating connector connection method separation to release the engagement of the members.