JP6439376B2 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrical connector.

  As an electrical connector that electrically connects a board on which one connector is mounted and a board on which the other connector is mounted by fitting two connectors configured to be fitted together, for example, Patent Document 1 The electrical connector described in 1 is known.

  This electrical connector includes a plug reinforcement fitting provided on the plug connector and a receptacle reinforcement fitting provided on the receptacle connector. The operator fits the connectors together, and engages the engagement protrusions of the plug reinforcement bracket with the engagement holes of the receptacle reinforcement bracket, thereby bringing the plug connector and the receptacle connector into a locked state (the fitting is maintained). ).

  For this reason, according to the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent the engagement between the engagement protrusion and the engagement hole from being erroneously released by, for example, an unexpected operation of the operator.

JP 2011-65861 A

  In the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, as described above, in order to maintain the fitting between the plug connector and the receptacle connector, the operator can insert the engagement protrusion of the plug reinforcement bracket into the engagement hole of the receptacle reinforcement bracket. Must be engaged.

  Here, the electrical connector of the type described above is being reduced in size. As miniaturization proceeds, in the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, the engagement protrusion and the engagement hole are reduced in size.

  For this reason, in the electrical connector described in Patent Document 1, when inspecting whether the engaging protrusion is correctly engaged with the engaging hole (when inspecting whether the fitting is maintained), Since inspection by image is difficult, a force is applied to the electrical connector in a state in which the mating is maintained to pull the plug connector and the receptacle connector apart to inspect whether the mating is released. Yes. As a result, there is a problem that unscheduled time may be spent on the inspection.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can reliably maintain the fitting between the connectors, and can improve the efficiency of the inspection of whether or not the fitting is maintained. An object is to provide a connector.

In order to achieve the above object, an electrical connector according to the present invention comprises:
A first housing that forms an inner region with an insulating wall having an outer frame, and a first contact that is a conductive member that extends from the wall toward the outside of the first housing. 1 connector,
A second housing formed of an insulating wall portion at least partially disposed in an inner region of the first housing, and extends from the wall portion of the second housing toward the outside of the second housing. A second connector having a second contact which is a conductive member,
An electrical connector for electrically connecting the first contact and the second contact by fitting the first housing and the second housing,
One of the first connector and the second connector is
And a member extending towards the other connector during mating, the portion of the tip, the protruding portion, which protrudes outwardly in the first direction perpendicular to the direction of the extension A locking portion having,
While the movement of the locking portion in the extending direction abuts on the locking portion to regulate , the rotation portion can be rotated around an axis parallel to the extending direction or can move in the one direction. A holding part for holding the locking part ;
With
The other connector is
If it is provided at a position corresponding to the locking portion at the time of fitting, and the overhanging portion is located at a predetermined first position when the housings are fitted together, A locked portion in which a through-hole through which the protruding portion is inserted is formed;
With
In the state where the locking portion is fitted between the housings, the protruding portion in the first position is inserted through the through hole and exposed to the outside through the through hole. When it moves from the first position, the overhanging portion is locked to the locked portion, and the fitting between the housings is maintained.

In addition, the locking portion is configured so that the overhanging portion extends in the extending direction with the overhanging portion in the first position inserted through the throughhole and exposed to the outside through the throughhole. When the first portion is rotated from the first position, the overhanging portion is locked to the locked portion, and the fitting between the housings is maintained.
It may be a thing.

In addition, the cross section of the member extending toward the second connector extends linearly in the opposite direction starting from the axis on the cross section, and is on the edge of the cross section. It is a shape that varies the length of a straight line with the opposite point as the end point depending on the position of the end point,
The holding portion is a pair of elastic members arranged so as to sandwich a cross section of the extended member, and the straight line length is between the pair of elastic members during the rotation of the overhanging portion. When it is longer than the length, it comprises a contact portion that contacts the extended member.
It may be a thing.

Moreover, the cross section of the extended member is a polygonal shape.
It may be a thing.

Further, the locking portion, the connecting portion extending toward the other connector, the one direction, projecting linear portion protruding outwardly in a straight line from one end of the connecting portion, and, In a direction orthogonal to the extending direction, the base has a base projecting outward from the other end of the connecting portion;
The holding portion is formed with a hole through which the connecting portion is inserted, the base portion is accommodated therein, and the protruding linear portion is exposed to the outside.
In the holding portion, the protruding linear portion at the first position exposed from the hole is inserted into the through hole of the locked portion when the housings are fitted to each other. When moving from the first position while being exposed to the outside, the movement of the locking portion in the extending direction is restricted by abutting against the base, while being rotatable around the axis or Holding the locking portion movably in one direction;
It may be a thing.

In addition, the holding part
A restricting portion for restricting movement of the locking portion in the extending direction by contacting the locking portion;
An accommodating portion in which a space that enables movement of the locking portion around the axis or in the one direction is formed;
With
The housing portion is formed integrally with the housing of the one connector,
The restricting portion and the locked portion are made of a metal plate.
It may be a thing.

The restricting portion includes a first connecting portion connectable to a substrate on which the one connector is mounted,
The locked portion includes a second connection portion connectable to a substrate on which the other connector is mounted.
It may be a thing.

The first contacts are disposed at both ends of the first housing in the short direction,
The second contact is disposed at both ends of the second housing in the short direction,
The locking portion and the holding portion are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the one connector,
The locked portions are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the other connector,
It may be a thing.

  The locking portion of the present invention is such that when the housings are fitted to each other, the overhanging portion is in the first position with the overhanging portion in the first position inserted through the throughhole and exposed to the outside from the throughhole. When it moves, the overhang | projection part is latched by the to-be-latched part, and the fitting of housings is maintained. Therefore, whether or not the fitting is maintained can be visually inspected based on whether or not the overhanging portion has moved from the first position. Therefore, according to the electrical connector of the present invention, the fitting between the connectors can be reliably maintained, and the inspection efficiency can be improved.

It is a perspective view when the electrical connector which concerns on embodiment of this invention is mounted in the board | substrate. It is a perspective view of the plug connector of the state mounted in the board | substrate. It is a perspective view of a latching | locking part. (A) is the perspective view seen from the 1st direction of the control part, (b) is the perspective view seen from the 2nd direction of the control part. (A) is a top view of a plug connector when the longitudinal direction of an overhang | straightening linear part follows an x-axis, (b) is sectional drawing in the AA of (a), (c () Is sectional drawing in the BB line of (a). (A) is a side view of the plug connector when the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion is along the x-axis, (b) is a sectional view taken along the line CC of (a), (c) ) Is a side view of the plug connector when the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion is inclined by 45 ° with respect to the x-axis, and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in (c). (A) is a perspective view of the receptacle connector in the state mounted in the board | substrate, (b) is a perspective view of the receptacle connector seen from the board | substrate side. (A) is a perspective view before fitting a plug connector to a receptacle connector, (b) is a perspective view in which a part of (a) is enlarged and a part is notched for convenience. . (A) is a perspective view when the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector, (b) is a perspective view in which a part of (a) is enlarged and partly cut out for convenience. is there. (A) is a perspective view when the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector, and the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion is inclined by 45 ° with respect to the x-axis, and (b) is a part of (a) FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which a part is enlarged for convenience. (A) is a perspective view when the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector and the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion is along the x-axis, and (b) is an enlarged view of a part of (a). FIG. 3 is a perspective view with a part cut away for convenience.

  Hereinafter, an electrical connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, an orthogonal coordinate system in which the short direction of the electrical connector 10 is the x-axis direction, the longitudinal direction is the y-axis direction, and the height direction is the z-axis direction is set and referred to as appropriate. The arrow direction of each axis is indicated by + (plus), and the opposite direction is indicated by-(minus).

  As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1, the electrical connector 10 includes a plug connector 20 and a receptacle connector 40 fitted to the plug connector 20. Plug connector 20 and receptacle connector 40 are each mounted on a substrate.

  As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, the plug connector 20 is a rectangular frame that is at least partially disposed in the inner region of the receptacle connector 40, and is formed from an insulating wall surface (for example, a plastic wall surface). A plug housing 21 is provided. The plug housing 21 is disposed on the xy plane.

  The plug connector 20 includes plug contacts 22 disposed at both ends of the plug housing 21 in the short direction. The plug contact 22 is a conductive member (for example, a copper alloy flat plate or the like).

  The plug contact 22 extends from the inner wall surface of the plug housing 21 to the outer wall surface of the plug housing 21 and extends toward the outside of the plug housing 21. For example, the plug contact 22 is soldered to an electrode of the flexible substrate Ka having high flexibility.

  The plug connector 20 includes lock members 23 disposed at both ends of the plug housing 21 in the longitudinal direction. When the housings are fitted to each other, the lock member 23 is engaged with a member to be locked, which will be described later, of the receptacle connector 40 to maintain the fitting between the housings. The lock member 23 includes an accommodation part 24, a locking part 25, and a restriction part 26.

  The accommodating portion 24 is integrally formed with the plug housing 21. The accommodating portion 24 is formed with a space that allows the locking portion 25 to be rotated (movable) around the axis. Here, the axis of the locking portion 25 is substantially parallel to the z-axis.

  The locking part 25 is made of metal. The locking portion 25 is a member that extends toward the receptacle connector 40 when fitted (toward the + z direction), and is perpendicular to the extending direction (+ z direction) from a part of the tip. Projecting outward (in the y-axis direction in FIG. 2).

  Specifically, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 3, the locking portion 25 has a cross section extending toward the receptacle connector 40 in a direction orthogonal to the connecting portion 25 a having a substantially rectangular shape and the extending direction. In addition, an extended linear portion 25b (corresponding to the “extended portion” described in the claims) that extends linearly outward from one end of the connecting portion 25a, and the connecting portion 25a A base portion 25c projecting outward from the other end is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 25a is arranged along the + z direction, and the protruding linear portion 25b and the base portion 25c protrude outward so as to follow the y-axis direction. With the above-described configuration, the locking portion 25 has a substantially H-shaped outer shape. In addition, the cross section of the connection part 25a is the shape which smoothed the square corner | angular part in detail.

  As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, the restricting portion 26 abuts the restricting portion 25 to restrict the movement of the engaging portion 25 in the extending direction (+ z direction) of the connecting portion 25 a. On the other hand, the restricting part 26 enables the movement of the locking part 25 in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the connecting part 25 a by not contacting the locking part 25.

  In addition, in this Embodiment, the movement of the latching | locking part 25 to the direction orthogonal to the direction of extension of the connection part 25a is a direction orthogonal to the extension direction (+ z direction) of the connection part 25a. The movement of the overhanging straight line portion 25b, that is, the rotation of the locking portion 25 around the axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the connecting portion 25a (+ z direction) is meant.

  The restricting portion 26 is disposed so as to cover the space formed in the accommodating portion 24. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4A and the perspective view of FIG. 4B, the restricting portion 26 is fixed to the lid portion 26a, the hole 26b formed in the lid portion 26a, the contact portion 26c, and the fixed portion. 26d. The restriction part 26 is formed by molding a metal plate.

  The lid portion 26a includes a top plate 26a1 disposed on the xy plane and a side plate 26a2 connected to one end of the flat plate 26a1 and disposed on the xz plane. Therefore, the lid part 26a has a substantially L-shaped outer shape.

  The side plate 26 a 2 forms a side wall in the space formed in the accommodating portion 24. The side plate 26a2 includes, at one end, a plug first connecting portion 26a3 that is soldered to a metal layer (for example, a conductive path) of the flexible substrate Ka.

  The top plate 26 a 1 forms a ceiling in the space formed in the accommodating portion 24. A hole 26b is formed in the top plate 26a1.

  As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, the hole 26b is formed so as to pass through the connecting portion 25a, accommodate the base portion 25c in the space of the accommodating portion 24, and expose the protruding straight portion 25b to the outside.

  As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4 (a) and the perspective view of FIG. 4 (b), the contact portion 26c positioned in the longitudinal direction of the hole 26b is connected to one end (side plate 26a2) of the top plate 26a1 in the longitudinal direction. Not connected to the end). As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4B, the abutting portion 26c is composed of a pair of elastic members (for example, metal bars) that become thinner as the tip is advanced. The pair of contact portions 26c are arranged so as to sandwich the cross section of the connecting portion 25a when the connecting portion 25a is inserted through the hole 26b.

  The fixing portion 26d located outside the contact portion 26c is a pair of members connected to both ends of the top plate 26a1 in the short direction. Each of the pair of fixing portions 26 d forms a side wall in the space formed in the accommodating portion 24.

  The fixed portion 26d is provided with a protrusion 26d1 protruding in the ± y direction. The protrusion 26d1 is press-fitted into a part of the accommodating portion 24. Therefore, the fixing portion 26 d is firmly fixed to the housing portion 24.

  The fixing portion 26d includes a plug second connecting portion 26d2 that is soldered to a metal layer (for example, a conductive path) of the flexible substrate Ka.

  The base portion 25c of the locking portion 25 is accommodated in the space of the accommodating portion 24 described above, and then the restricting portion 26 is fixed to the accommodating portion 24 so that the protruding linear portion 25b and the connecting portion 25a are inserted into the hole 26b. Then, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 5A, the overhanging linear portion 25b is exposed to the outside. When the restricting portion 26 is fixed to the accommodating portion 24, a part of the hole 26b is blocked by the accommodating portion 24.

  At this time, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B (cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5A) and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5C (cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 5A) As shown in the figure, the connecting portion 25a is inserted through the hole 26b, and the base portion 25c is confined in the space formed by the accommodating portion 24 and the restricting portion 26.

  At this time, the accommodating part 24 and the restricting part 26 enable rotation around the axis GS of the locking part 25 by not contacting the base part 25c. On the other hand, the accommodating part 24 and the restricting part 26 move the engaging part 25 in the extending direction (+ z direction) of the connecting part 25a (the detachment of the engaging part 25 from the space) to the base part 25c. Abut and regulate.

  Therefore, the operator can rotate without operating the overhanging linear portion 25 b without detaching the locking portion 25 from the space formed by the accommodating portion 24 and the restricting portion 26.

  In addition, the accommodating part 24 is a shape which covers the base 25c. For this reason, there is no possibility that the base 25c touches the wiring on the flexible substrate Ka and short-circuits the wiring. Therefore, the locking portion 25 including the base portion 25c can be made of metal having, for example, electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength.

  As a specific configuration of the housing portion 24 that prevents short-circuiting between the wirings, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B and the cross-sectional view of FIG. A receiving portion 24a for supporting the base portion 25c is provided at a position corresponding to the lower portion.

  Further, when the locking portion 25 is rotatable around the axis GS, the connecting portion 25a is as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6B (cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 6A). Further, the state is sandwiched between the pair of contact portions 26c.

  Here, the cross section of the connecting portion 25a is substantially rectangular. In other words, the cross section of the connecting portion 25a extends linearly in the opposite direction starting from the axis GS on the cross section, and the length of the straight line with the opposite point on the edge of the cross section as the end point depends on the end point Different shapes. More specifically, in the cross section of the connecting portion 25a, the length (straight line length) of the portion sandwiched between the pair of contact portions 26c is made different by the rotation of the connecting portion 25a around the axis GS. Shape.

  As a result, when the length of the portion sandwiched between the pair of contact portions 26c (the length of the straight line) is the longest and the connecting portion 25a rotates 45 degrees about the axis GS, the pair of contact portions The length of the portion sandwiched between 26c (the length of the straight line) is the shortest. When the connecting portion 25a rotates 45 ° about the axis GS from the shortest straight line length, the straight line length becomes the longest.

  Here, as shown in the side view of FIG. 6A, when the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b is at a position along the x-axis, the sectional view of FIG. 6B (see FIG. 6A). As shown in the cross-sectional view taken along the line CC, a straight line parallel to the length between the pair of contact portions 26c, starting from the axis GS and ending at two points on the side of the cross section of the connecting portion 25a. The length of la (the length of the portion sandwiched between the pair of contact portions 26c) is the shortest and is less than the length between the pair of contact portions 26c. For this reason, the connection part 25a does not contact | abut to a pair of contact part 26c.

  On the other hand, as shown in the side view of FIG. 6C, when the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b is at a position inclined by about 45 ° with respect to the x-axis, a cross-sectional view of FIG. (C) Cross-sectional view taken along line D-D) The length between the pair of contact portions 26c starting from the axis GS and ending at two points on the side of the cross-section of the connecting portion 25a. The length of the straight line lb parallel to the longest length (the length of the portion sandwiched between the pair of contact portions 26c) is the longest and is equal to or longer than the length between the pair of contact portions 26c.

  For this reason, the connection part 25a contact | abuts to a pair of contact part 26c, and makes the length between a pair of contact parts 26c longer than when the connection part 25a does not contact | abut.

  When the contact is released by the rotation of the overhanging linear portion 25b, the pair of contact portions 26c applies a force that promotes the rotation of the overhanging linear portion 25b to the connecting portion 25a. Thereby, when rotating the overhang | straightening straight part 25b, an operator can obtain a click feeling. With this click feeling, the operator can recognize that the direction of the overhanging straight portion 25b in the longitudinal direction has changed.

  In addition, the facing wall of the accommodating part 24 which faces the connection part 25a is recessed inside, as shown to sectional drawing of FIG.6 (b). For this reason, the connection part 25a does not contact | abut to the facing wall of the accommodating part 24 in the case of rotation of the overhanging linear part 25b. In this way, the connecting portion 25a made of, for example, metal prevents the facing wall of the housing portion 24 made of, for example, plastic from being scraped.

  As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 7 (a) and the perspective view of FIG. 7 (b), the receptacle connector 40 fitted to the plug connector 20 described above insulates the internal region for housing the plug housing 21. A receptacle housing 41 that is a substantially rectangular frame and is formed of a flexible wall surface (for example, a plastic wall surface). The receptacle housing 41 is disposed on the xy plane.

  The receptacle housing 41 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block portion 42 that is integrally formed in a region surrounded by an outer frame. The plug housing 21 is accommodated in an internal region formed by the block portion 42 and the receptacle housing 41.

  The receptacle connector 40 is a conductive member (for example, a copper alloy flat plate or the like) extending from the wall surface of the block portion 42 to the outside of the receptacle housing 41 through the wall surface of the receptacle housing 41. A receptacle contact 43 is provided.

  The receptacle contacts 43 are arranged at both ends of the receptacle housing 41 in the short direction. The receptacle contact 43 is soldered to an electrode of the circuit board Kb having low flexibility, for example.

  The receptacle connector 40 includes a locked member 44 that is integrally formed of a metal plate. The locked member 44 is configured to be lockable with the lock member 23 of the plug connector 20.

  The locked member 44 includes a frame portion 45, a locked portion 46, and an inclined portion 47. The frame portion 45 is attached to the receptacle housing 41 so as to sandwich the outer frame of the receptacle housing 41.

  Part of the frame portion 45 is connected to a plurality of ground terminals of the receptacle contact 43. Thereby, the frame part 45 makes the electric potential of each ground terminal substantially the same electric potential. The frame portion 45 includes a receptacle connection portion 45a that is soldered to a metal layer (for example, a conductive path) of the circuit board Kb on which the receptacle connector 40 is mounted.

  The locked portions 46 are disposed in the region surrounded by the frame portion 45 and at both ends of the receptacle housing 41 in the longitudinal direction. The locked portion 46 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking portion 25 at the time of fitting, and the protruding linear portion 25b is formed at a predetermined first position when the housings are fitted together. If it is located (if the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b is a position along the y axis), a through hole 46a is formed through which the overhanging straight portion 25b can be inserted.

  In addition, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 7B, the circuit board Kb is provided so that the operator can operate the overhanging linear portion 25b inserted through the through hole 46a when the housings are fitted to each other. A through hole Kbh is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole 46a.

  The inclined portion 47 is disposed on the outer frame in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 41 so as to constitute a part of the outer frame. A part of the inclined portion 47 protrudes toward the block portion 42 as it goes toward the through hole 46a (toward the bottom of the receptacle housing 41).

  The protruding portion of the inclined portion 47 contacts the side plate 26a2 of the lid portion 26a when the housings are fitted together. Thereby, the inclined portion 47 has an elastic force, and gives a resistance force to the plug housing 21 when the housings are fitted to each other.

  The operator's operation for fitting the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector 40 described above and maintaining the fitting will be described. When fitting the connectors together, the operator conveniently cuts a part of the electrical connector 10 shown in the perspective view of FIG. 8A and the partial perspective view of FIG. 8B (FIG. 8A). As shown in FIG. 2, the plug connector 20 mounted on the flexible board Ka, for example, is directly opposed to the receptacle connector 40 mounted on the circuit board Kb. At this time, the operator sets the protruding linear portion 25b to the first position (the longitudinal direction of the protruding linear portion 25b is along the y-axis).

  The operator is shown in a perspective view of FIG. 9A and a partial perspective view of FIG. 9B (a part of the electrical connector 10 shown in FIG. 9A is cut out for convenience). In this manner, the plug housing 21 is fitted into the receptacle housing 41. At this time, the protruding linear portion 25b at the first position is inserted into the through hole 46a and exposed to the outside from the through hole 46a (exposed to the outside through the through hole Kbh).

  Thereafter, the operator operates a general-purpose jig (for example, tweezers or the like) that can operate the overhanging linear portion 25b, and a perspective view of FIG. 10 (a) and a partial perspective view of FIG. 10 (b) (FIG. 10). As shown in (a), a part of the electrical connector 10 or the like is cut out for the sake of convenience), and the overhanging linear portion 25b is rotated so that the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b is along the x axis. . At this time, the connecting portion 25a comes into contact with the pair of contact portions 26c.

  In addition, when the fitting between the connectors is insufficient, the protruding straight portion 25b is inserted through the through hole 46a but is not exposed to the outside through the through hole 46a. For this reason, even if an operator tries to rotate the overhanging linear portion 25b, the overhanging linear portion 25b does not rotate because it interferes with the through hole 46a of the locked portion 46. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the fitting between the connectors is insufficient.

  When the operator further rotates the overhanging straight line portion 25b, a perspective view of FIG. 11A and a partial perspective view of FIG. 11B (a part of the electrical connector 10 shown in FIG. The longitudinal direction of the overhanging straight line portion 25b is along the x-axis, as shown in FIG.

  Immediately before the longitudinal direction of the overhanging straight portion 25b is along the x-axis, the pair of contact portions 26c applies a force that promotes the rotation of the overhanging straight portion 25b to the connecting portion 25a.

  Therefore, the operator obtains a click feeling immediately before the longitudinal direction of the overhanging straight line portion 25b is along the x axis. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the longitudinal direction of the overhanging straight line portion 25b is along the x-axis.

  Further, the pair of contact portions 26c are in contact with the base portion 25c from above during the rotation of the overhanging linear portion 25b, and the base portion 25c is in contact with a portion of the housing portion 24 that blocks part of the hole 26b. Prevent contact. As a result, the pair of contact portions 26c can prevent the base portion 25c made of metal from scraping the portion of the accommodating portion 24 that covers a part of the hole 26b when the overhanging linear portion 25b rotates. .

  When the longitudinal direction of the overhanging straight portion 25b is along the x axis, the overhanging straight portion 25b is locked to the locked portion 46 as shown in the partial perspective view of FIG. Thereby, the plug connector 20 cannot be removed from the receptacle connector 40. Therefore, the fitting between the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector 40 is maintained.

  When the fitting between the connectors is maintained, the top plate 26a1, the contact portion 26c, and the locked portion 46 are interposed between the protruding linear portion 25b and the base portion 25c. It is made of metal. Therefore, the electrical connector 10 has a force (the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector) for releasing the fitting between the connectors as compared with the case where the top plate 26a1, the contact portion 26c, and the locked portion 46 are made of, for example, resin. Resistance to force 40).

  When the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector 40 are fitted, the plug contact 22 and the receptacle contact 43 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the plug contact 22 and the receptacle contact 43 are electrically connected, and the flexible substrate Ka and the circuit substrate Kb are electrically connected.

  Thereafter, when the fitting between the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector 40 is released to replace the plug connector 20, for example, the operator can use a general-purpose jig (for example, tweezers or the like) that can operate the protruding straight portion 25b. To move the overhanging straight line portion 25b to the first position (the longitudinal direction is along the y-axis).

  As a result, the projecting straight line portion 25b and the through hole 46a are in a positional relationship such that they do not interfere with each other, and the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector 40 can be released from fitting. In this state, the operator pulls away the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector 40, and replaces the plug connector 20, for example.

  In addition, when the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b changes from the state along the x axis to the state along the y axis, the pair of contact portions 26c contacts the connecting portion 25a. Therefore, immediately before the longitudinal direction of the overhanging straight line portion 25b is along the y-axis (immediately before the first position is reached), the operator gets a click feeling. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the longitudinal direction of the overhanging straight line portion 25b is along the y-axis.

  As described above, according to the electrical connector 10 of the present embodiment, when the plug connector 20 and the receptacle connector 40 are fitted, the operator inserts the protruding straight portion 25b in the first position into the through hole 46a. To be inserted. Then, the operator rotates the overhanging linear portion 25b exposed to the outside through the through hole 46a, and moves from the first position (the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b is along the x axis). Let

  When inspecting whether or not the connectors are properly maintained, the operator determines whether the overhanging linear portion 25b has moved from the first position (the longitudinal direction is along the x-axis). Specifically, in the present embodiment, it may be visually confirmed through the through hole Kbh formed in the circuit board Kb whether the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b is located along the y-axis.

  Therefore, according to the electrical connector 10 of the present embodiment, the fitting between the connectors can be reliably maintained, and the inspection efficiency can be improved.

  In the electrical connector 10 of the present embodiment, the locking portions 25 are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plug housing 21, and the locked portions 46 are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle housing 41. Is arranged. According to the electrical connector 10 of the present embodiment, the fitting between the connectors can be maintained firmly in a balanced manner.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible.

  In the electrical connector 10 of the above-described embodiment, the connecting portion 25a has a substantially square cross section, but is not limited thereto. The connection part 25a should just be able to obtain the force which accelerates | stimulates rotation of the overhanging linear part 25b from a pair of contact part 26c at the time of rotation of the overhanging linear part 25b. Therefore, the cross section of the connecting portion 25a may be polygonal. The polygon includes a shape obtained by smoothing the corners of the polygon.

  Further, in the electrical connector 10 of the above-described embodiment, the base portion 25c has a shape that protrudes outward in a straight line, but is not limited thereto. The base portion 25c is in contact with the accommodating portion 24 and the restricting portion 26, and the locking portion 25 moves in the extending direction (+ z direction) of the connecting portion 25a (the locking portion 25 is released from the space). Anything that is regulated is acceptable. Therefore, the base 25c may have a shape such as a solo projecting outward.

  Further, in the electrical connector 10 of the above-described embodiment, the protruding linear portion 25b is configured to be locked to the locked portion 46 by rotating around the axis GS of the connecting portion 25a. However, it is not limited to this. The overhanging straight line portion 25 b may slide and be locked to the locked portion 46.

  When the overhanging linear portion 25b slides, the portion of the accommodating portion 24 that has blocked a part of the hole 26b is eliminated. Thus, when the plug housing 21 and the receptacle housing 41 are fitted, the protruding straight portion 25b inserted through the through hole 46a and exposed to the outside through the through hole 46a is shown in, for example, the perspective view of FIG. It becomes movable in the y-axis direction.

  In the case of the above-described configuration, when fitting the connectors, the operator fits the plug housing 21 into the receptacle housing 41 and inserts the protruding straight portion 25b at the first position into the through hole 46a. And exposed to the outside through the through hole 46a.

  Then, the operator operates a general-purpose jig (for example, tweezers or the like) that can operate the overhanging linear portion 25b so that the longitudinal direction of the overhanging linear portion 25b is along the y-axis. 25b is moved in the + y direction or the -y direction and moved to the end of the hole 26b. Thereby, the overhang | straightening linear part 25b and the to-be-latched part 46 are latched, and the fitting of connectors is maintained.

  The operator may visually confirm whether or not the overhanging straight line portion 25b has moved to the end of the hole 26b when inspecting whether the fitting between the connectors is correctly maintained. Even with the above-described configuration, it is possible to reliably maintain the fitting between the connectors and improve the inspection efficiency.

  In the electrical connector 10 according to the above-described embodiment, the lock member 23 is provided in the plug connector 20 and the member to be locked 44 is provided in the receptacle connector 40. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The lock member 23 may be provided in the receptacle connector 40, and the locked member 44 may be provided in the plug connector 20.

  Various embodiments and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. In other words, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims, not the embodiment described above. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

10 electrical connector, 20 plug connector, 21 plug housing, 22 plug contact, 23 locking member, 24 receiving portion, 24a receiving portion, 25 locking portion, 25a connecting portion, 25b overhanging straight portion (in claims) 25c base part, 26 regulating part, 26a lid part, 26a1 top plate, 26a2 side plate, 26a3 plug first connection part, 26b hole, 26c abutting part, 26d fixing part, 26d1 Protrusion, 26d2 Plug second connection part, 40 Receptacle connector, 41 Receptacle housing, 42 Block part, 43 Receptacle contact, 44 Locked member, 45 Frame part, 45a Receptacle connection part, 46 Locked part, 46a Through-hole, 47 inclined part, GS axis, Ka flexible substrate, Kb circuit Plate, Kbh through hole, la, lb straight.

Claims (8)

A first housing that forms an inner region with an insulating wall having an outer frame, and a first contact that is a conductive member that extends from the wall toward the outside of the first housing. 1 connector,
A second housing formed of an insulating wall portion at least partially disposed in an inner region of the first housing, and extends from the wall portion of the second housing toward the outside of the second housing. A second connector having a second contact which is a conductive member,
An electrical connector for electrically connecting the first contact and the second contact by fitting the first housing and the second housing,
One of the first connector and the second connector is
And a member extending towards the other connector during mating, the portion of the tip, the protruding portion, which protrudes outwardly in the first direction perpendicular to the direction of the extension A locking portion having,
While the movement of the locking portion in the extending direction abuts on the locking portion to regulate , the rotation portion can be rotated around an axis parallel to the extending direction or can move in the one direction. A holding part for holding the locking part ;
With
The other connector is
If it is provided at a position corresponding to the locking portion at the time of fitting, and the overhanging portion is located at a predetermined first position when the housings are fitted together, A locked portion in which a through-hole through which the protruding portion is inserted is formed;
With
In the state where the locking portion is fitted between the housings, the protruding portion in the first position is inserted through the through hole and exposed to the outside through the through hole. When moved from the first position, the overhanging portion is locked to the locked portion, and the fitting between the housings is maintained.
Electrical connector. The locking portion rotates around the extending direction with the protruding portion in the first position inserted through the through hole and exposed to the outside through the through hole. Then, when moving from the first position, the overhanging portion is locked to the locked portion, and the fitting between the housings is maintained.
The electrical connector according to claim 1. The locking portion has a cross section of a member extending toward the second connector extending linearly in an opposing direction starting from an axis on the cross section, and is opposed to an edge of the cross section. It is a shape that varies the length of a straight line with a point as an end point depending on the position of the end point,
The holding portion is a pair of elastic members arranged so as to sandwich a cross section of the extended member, and the straight line length is between the pair of elastic members during the rotation of the overhanging portion. When it is longer than the length, it comprises a contact portion that contacts the extended member.
The electrical connector according to claim 2. The cross-section of the extended member is a polygonal shape,
The electrical connector according to claim 3. The locking portion, the connecting portion extending toward the other connector, the one direction, projecting linear portion protruding outwardly in a straight line from one end of the connecting portion, and the extension A base portion projecting outward from the other end of the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of installation ,
The holding portion is formed with a hole through which the connecting portion is inserted, the base portion is accommodated therein, and the protruding linear portion is exposed to the outside.
In the holding portion, the protruding linear portion at the first position exposed from the hole is inserted into the through hole of the locked portion when the housings are fitted to each other. When moving from the first position while being exposed to the outside, the movement of the locking portion in the extending direction is restricted by abutting against the base, while being rotatable around the axis or Holding the locking portion movably in one direction;
The electrical connector according to claim 1. The holding part is
A restricting portion for restricting movement of the locking portion in the extending direction by contacting the locking portion;
An accommodating portion in which a space that enables movement of the locking portion around the axis or in the one direction is formed;
With
The housing portion is formed integrally with the housing of the one connector,
The restricting portion and the locked portion are made of a metal plate.
The electrical connector according to claim 1. The restricting portion includes a first connecting portion connectable to a substrate on which the one connector is mounted,
The locked portion includes a second connection portion connectable to a substrate on which the other connector is mounted.
The electrical connector according to claim 6. The first contacts are disposed at both ends of the first housing in the short direction,
The second contact is disposed at both ends of the second housing in the short direction,
The locking portion and the holding portion are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the one connector,
The locked portions are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the other connector,
The electrical connector according to claim 1.

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