JP7105274B2 - Connector pair with open/close shutter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention comprises a first connector and a second connector that are mated and connected, and a shutter for preventing dust and the like from entering from the outside is attached to each tip opening of both connectors, and both connectors are fitted. The present invention relates to a connector pair with an open/close shutter that enables the opening operation of the shutter by utilizing the fitting insertion force at the time of mating connection.

Conventional connectors are sometimes provided with a shutter at the tip opening as a means for preventing foreign matter such as dust from entering the connector, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example. Both of the connector pairs described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 employ a structure in which the shutter is opened by utilizing the fitting insertion force when the two connectors constituting the connector pair are fitted and connected. Only one connector adopts a structure that opens the shutter, and the other connector does not have a shutter. There is a problem that it is not possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the inside of the connector.

In such a dust-proof connector, it is desirable to maintain the tip opening in a closed state until immediately before mating and connecting the connector so that the inside of the connector is airtight (sealed). For this reason, it is useful to provide both of the two connectors that make up the connector pair with a shutter that can open and close the tip opening, and furthermore, it is useful to prevent foreign matter adhering to the outer surface of the shutter from entering the connector. In view of this, it is more desirable that the shutter is configured to rotate outward toward the outside of the connector rather than configured to rotate in the direction (inward) in which it is housed inside the connector. .

In addition, when shutters are provided on both connectors, in order to open and close both shutters, it is possible to provide a new independent power source (for example, a cylinder, a motor, etc.) for controlling the opening and closing operation or the timing of the opening and closing operation. It is conceivable that there is a problem that it is necessary or that the structure of the connector needs to be complicated. In addition, providing such a power source increases the weight of the connector as a whole, which increases the inertial force and may slow down the operation. For this reason, instead of providing a new power source for opening and closing the shutters, a configuration was adopted in which both the shutters are rotated in the opening direction using only the mating insertion force when mating and connecting the two connectors as the power source. No known technology is found at present.

Furthermore, if a single plate-shaped member is used for the structure of the shutter, for example, and a one-sided opening structure that rotates inward is adopted, the size of the shutter becomes large, and when the shutter is opened, the shutter rotates and retracts inside the connector. Since it is necessary to form a large space for enabling the connection, there is a problem that the size of the connector increases accordingly.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-71400 JP-A-6-54260

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide both connectors with openable and closable shutters, and to reliably open and close both shutters with a simple structure by utilizing the insertion force when connecting the two connectors. To provide a connector pair with an opening/closing shutter which enables

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a connector pair with an opening/closing shutter according to the present invention includes a first case member having a first opening, and at least one opening disposed in the first opening. a first connector having a first signal transmission member, a second case member having a second opening, and a second connector having at least one second signal transmission member disposed within the second opening ; A connector pair having a configuration in which the first and second connectors are separably connected to each other,
The inner dimension of the first case member is larger than the outer dimension of the second case member so that the second case member can be inserted into the first opening of the first case member, and the first connector is , a double-opening type first shutter composed of a pair of first plate-like members, the first shutter being positioned at the tip of the first opening and extending toward the inside of the first case member. The second connector is configured to rotate inward to open the first opening, the second connector has a double-opening second shutter composed of a pair of second plate-shaped members, and the second shutter is configured to open the first opening. a shutter positioned at the tip of the second opening and configured to rotate outward toward the outside of the second case member to open the second opening;
A first holding member that holds the first signal transmission member is elastically connected to the first case member via a first elastic member, and is swingable in the internal space of the first case member . A second holding member that has a floating structure and holds the second signal transmission member is elastically connected to the second case member via a second elastic member so that the inside of the second case member The floating structure of the first holding member has a floating structure capable of swinging in space. The first holding member is configured to swing toward and away from both side walls of the first case member .

In the connector pair with opening/closing shutters of the present invention, the rotation of the first and second shutters may be performed using the insertion force when connecting the first and second connectors as a power source. preferable.

Further, in the connector pair with opening and closing shutters of the present invention, the pair of first plate-like members have first engaging ends that overlap each other when the first opening is closed. The first engaging end of the member is a stepped portion facing the outside of the first case member when the first shutter is closed, and the first engaging end of the other first plate member is : When the first shutter is closed, the stepped portion faces the inside of the first case member, and the pair of second plate-like members are second engaging end portions which overlap each other when the second opening is closed. and the second engagement end of one of the second plate-like members is a stepped portion facing the outside of the second case member when the second shutter is closed , and the other of the second plate-like members is a stepped portion facing the inside of the second case member when the second shutter is closed, and connection of the first and second connectors is performed by connecting the first and second shutters. , one first plate-shaped member faces one second plate-shaped member, and the other first plate-shaped member faces the other second plate-shaped member.

Further, in the connector pair with the open/close shutter of the present invention, the inward rotation of the first plate-like member is started at the outer surface of the first plate-like member or the outer surface of the second plate-like member. It is preferable to have a convex portion that advances the time to start.

Further, in the connector pair with the opening/closing shutter of the present invention, the grooves or projections extending linearly and continuously in the direction orthogonal to the dividing line of the first shutter are formed on the outer surface of the first plate-like member. a projecting portion that extends linearly and continuously on the outer surface of the second plate member in a direction orthogonal to the dividing line of the second shutter and engages with the first positioning portion Alternatively, it is preferable to have a second positioning portion formed of a groove.

Further, in the connector pair with opening/closing shutter of the present invention, the first positioning portion maintains engagement with the second positioning portion during connection, and the second plate-like member is attached to the first plate-like member. Preferably, it also has a guide function for sliding in the insertion direction along the outer surface.

In addition, in the connector pair with opening/closing shutter of the present invention, a pair of first rotation shafts for connecting the first plate-like member so as to be able to rotate inward are provided at the tip of the first opening, A pair of second rotation shafts for connecting the second plate-shaped member so as to be able to rotate outward is provided at the tip of the second opening, and the distance between the pair of second rotation shafts is the distance between the pair of second rotation shafts. The first and second plate-like members are spaced between the first and second rotation shafts from the beginning of the insertion of the second case member into the first case member to the completion of connection, which is smaller than the distance between the first rotation shafts . It is preferable that the second shutter is held at a position where the rotated second plate-like member extends in the direction along the inner surface of the first opening in the connected state.

According to the present invention, the inner dimension of the first case member is made larger than the outer dimension of the second case member so that the second case member can be inserted into the first opening of the first case member, and the first connector is , a double-opening first shutter composed of a pair of first plate-like members, the first shutter being positioned at the tip of the first opening of the first case member and inside the first case member The second connector has a double-opening second shutter composed of a pair of second plate-like members, and the second connector is configured to rotate inwardly toward the opening to open the first opening. 2 The shutter is positioned at the tip of the second opening of the second case member and configured to rotate outward toward the outside of the second case member to open the second opening. The shutters can be provided on both connectors, and the opening/closing operation of both shutters can be reliably performed with a simple structure by utilizing the insertion force when connecting the two connectors. Shuttered connector pairs can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector pair with an opening/closing shutter according to a representative embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the first and second connectors forming the connector pair have been fitted and connected (fitting and connection completed state). ). 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first connector that constitutes the connector pair of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second connector that constitutes the connector pair of FIG. 1. FIG. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) explain how the first and second connectors constituting the connector pair shown in FIG. 1 are mated from the separated state before mating to the mated and connected state. 4(a) is a state before mating, FIG. 4(b) is a state in which the shutters of both connectors are in contact with each other (shutter abutting state), and FIG. 4(c) is both shutters. is rotated by 45 degrees (shutter rotation state), and FIG. 4(d) shows the fitting connection completed state. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the rotation operation of only the first and second shutters extracted from the first and second connectors shown in FIGS. 4(a) to (d). be. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the state in which the first and second shutters of FIG. 5(b) are in contact with each other, viewed from the inner surface side of the first shutter so that the outer surface of the second shutter can be seen. The first shutter is indicated by a phantom line, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view of the second shutter. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment in which convex portions are provided on the first and second positioning portions. FIG. 8(a) is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the first connector, and FIG. 8(b) is a schematic perspective view showing another embodiment of the second connector.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector pair with opening/closing shutters according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which fitting connection of first and second connectors constituting the connector pair is completed (fitting connection completed state). 2 is a sectional view of a first connector forming the connector pair of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a second connector forming the connector pair of FIG. 4(a) to 4(d) are for explaining a mating image of the first and second connectors constituting the connector pair shown in FIG. 4A is a state before mating, FIG. 4B is a state in which the shutters of both connectors are in contact with each other (shutter abutting state), and FIG. FIG. 4(d) shows the state when rotated by 45 degrees (shutter rotated state), and FIG. 4(d) shows the mating connection completed state, and FIG. 6(a) is a view for extracting only the first and second shutters from among the first and second connectors, and explaining the rotation operation of both shutters, and FIG. ) in which the first and second shutters are in contact with each other, viewed from the inner surface side of the first shutter, and the first shutter is shown in phantom lines so that the outer surface of the second shutter can be seen. There is, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the second shutter.

A connector pair 1 with an opening/closing shutter shown in FIG. is doing.

(first connector)
As shown in FIG. 2, the first connector 10 includes at least one (in the illustrated example, a plurality of) first signal transmission members 12, a first holding member 14, a first case member 16, and a first shutter 18. mainly composed of

The first signal transmission member 12 is mainly composed of an optical fiber (not shown) and a ceramic ferrule in which the optical fiber is inserted and fixed. It has a first contact portion that contacts the signal transmission member 42 .

The first holding member 14 is provided to hold the plurality of first signal transmission members 12 in a predetermined arrangement , and can be configured as a metal block, for example.

The first case member 16 has a first opening extending in the insertion direction and surrounds the first holding member 14, so that when the connectors 10 and 40 are mated and connected, the second connector 40 is opened as described later. 2. A shell portion made of metal or the like that is fitted and connected to the case member 46, and is elastically connected to the first holding member 14 via a first elastic member (not shown) such as a spring member. A structure in which the first holding member 14 holding the first signal transmission member 12 can swing in the internal space S1 of the first case member 16, a so-called floating structure, can be adopted. , when the connectors 10 and 40 are mated and connected, the first signal transmission member 12 can make accurate positioning contact with the second signal transmission member 42 of the second connector 40 without being damaged. there is In addition, the floating structure of the first holding member 14 is such that a pair of spring members (not shown) are arranged only on both side narrow surfaces of the first holding member 14 to approach both side walls of the first case member 16 . In addition, a pair of other spring members are arranged on both side wide surfaces of the first holding member 14 so that both side walls of the first case member 16 can swing. It can be configured so that it oscillates not only in the direction of approaching and separating from it, but also in the direction orthogonal to this direction.

The first shutter 18 is composed of a pair of first plate-like members 20a and 20b.
6 to open the front end portion 22 of the first opening. In addition, in the first connector 10 shown in FIG. 2, the first case member 16 has a pair of first rotation shafts that connect the first plate-like members 20a and 20b to the distal end thereof so as to be capable of rotating inward. 24, and the first pivot shaft 24 has a first plate-like member extending in the direction of returning to the normal position for closing the first tip opening 22 when the first connector 10 is separated from the connector pair 1. An elastic material (not shown) such as a coil spring is provided to bias the members 20a and 20b. It is configured to be held at the steady position.

It is preferable that the rotation of the first shutter 18 is performed by using the insertion force when the first connector 10 is fitted and connected as a power source, in that the connector can be made in a simple structure and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. .

The pair of first plate-like members 20a and 20b have first engaging ends 26a and 26b that overlap each other when the first tip opening 22 is closed. It is preferable that the one engaging end portion 26a is an outwardly facing stepped portion, and the first engaging end portion 26b of the other first plate member 20b is an inwardly facing stepped portion. As a result, when the first shutter 18 is closed, the outward stepped portion formed at the first engaging end portion 26a of the first plate-like member 20a on one side and the first engaging end of the first plate-like member 20b on the other side The inward stepped portion formed on the portion 26b meshes and engages, and as a result, a gap is less likely to occur at the position of the division line L1 of the first shutter 18, and as a result, the inside of the first connector 10 is airtight when the first shutter 18 is closed. It can be of a (sealed) construction, which provides a dust-tight function, and also prevents the first shutter 18 from contacting the first signaling member (e.g., terminal) 12 or the optical fiber, thus avoiding insulation, cuts, etc. safety can be ensured.

As for the material of the first plate members 20a and 20b that constitute the first shutter 18, it is preferable to use a metal material (insulating coating as necessary) when emphasis is placed on strength and rigidity. When considering durability and sliding properties as important, it is preferable to use a resin material (preferably a flame-retardant resin material).

(Second connector)
As shown in FIG. 3, the second connector 40 includes at least one second signal transmission member 42, a plurality of second signal transmission members 42, a second holding member 44, a second case member 46, and a second shutter 48. mainly composed of

The second signal transmission member 42 is composed of an optical fiber (not shown) and a ceramic ferrule in which the optical fiber is inserted and fixed. has a second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion of the 1 and 3 show a case where a cylindrical member 49 made of metal (for example, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, zinc, etc.) is further formed to cover the second signal transmission member 42, and this configuration As a result, when the connectors 10 and 40 are mated and connected, the first signal transmission member 12 of the first connector 10 is kept within the cylindrical member 49 until it reaches a position where it contacts the second contact portion of the second signal transmission member 42 . configured to fit into the

The second holding member 44 is provided to hold the plurality of second signal transmission members 42 in a predetermined arrangement , and can be configured as a metal block.

The second case member 46 has a second opening extending in the insertion direction and surrounds the second holding member 44 so that when the connectors 10 and 40 are mated and connected, the first case member 46 of the first connector 10 is closed. A shell portion made of metal or the like that is fitted and connected to the member 16, and is elastically connected to the second holding member 44 via a second elastic member (not shown) such as a spring member. Therefore, a structure in which the second holding member 44 holding the second signal transmission member 42 can swing in the internal space S2 of the second case member 46, a so-called floating structure, can be adopted. When the connectors 10 and 40 are mated and connected, the second signal transmission member 42 can make accurate positioning contact with the first signal transmission member 12 of the first connector 20 without being damaged.

If it is necessary to ensure accurate positioning contact between the second signal transmission member 42 and the first signal transmission member 12 of the first connector 10, the first holding member 14 and the first case member 16 may be used. , integrally formed with a first positioning means (not shown) constituted by a protrusion such as a pin or a recess such as a hole, and either the second holding member 44 or the second case member 46 It is preferable to integrally form a second positioning means (not shown) composed of a concave portion such as a hole or a convex portion such as a pin. When the connectors 10 and 40 are mated and connected, by first fitting the first positioning means of the first connector 10 to the second positioning means of the second connector 40, the first signal transmission member of the first connector 10 is 12 and the second signaling member 42 of the second connector 40 to make precise positioning contact.

The second shutter 48 is composed of a pair of second plate-like members 50a and 50b. It is configured as a so-called double-door shutter that rotates outward to open the second tip opening 52 .

Further, in the second connector 40 shown in FIG. 3, the second case member 46 has a pair of second rotation shafts that connect the second plate-like members 50a and 50b to the distal end thereof so as to be capable of rotating outward. 54, and on the second pivot shaft 54, the second plate 54 extends in the direction of returning to the normal position where the second tip opening 52 is closed when the second connector 40 is separated from the connector pair 1. An elastic material (not shown) such as a coil spring is provided for biasing the plate-like members 50a and 50b, so that the second plate-like members 50a and 50b are not subjected to external force from the outer surface side of the second shutter 48. In the state, it is configured to be held in said steady position.

It is preferable that the rotational movement of the second shutter 48 is performed by using the insertion force when the second connector 40 is fitted and connected as a power source, in that the connector can have a simple structure and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The pair of second plate-like members 50a and 50b have second engaging ends 56a and 56b that overlap each other when the second tip opening 52 is closed. It is preferable that the second engaging end portion 56a is an outwardly stepped portion, and the second engaging end portion 26b of the other second plate member 50b is an inwardly stepped portion. As a result, when the second shutter 48 is closed, the outward stepped portion formed at the second engaging end portion 56a of one of the second plate-like members 50a and the second engaging end of the other second plate-like member 50b The inward stepped portion formed in the portion 56b meshes and engages, and as a result, a gap is less likely to occur at the position of the division line L2 of the second shutter 48, and as a result, the inside of the second connector 40 is airtight when the second shutter 48 is closed. It can be of a (sealed) construction, which provides a dust-tight function, and prevents the second shutter 48 from contacting the second signaling member (e.g., terminal) 42 or the optical fiber, thus preventing insulation, cuts, etc. safety can be ensured.

Furthermore, the material of the second plate-like members 50a and 50b that constitute the second shutter 48 is preferably a metal material (insulating coating as necessary) when emphasis is placed on strength and rigidity. When the insulation and slidability are important, it is preferable to use a resin material (preferably a flame-retardant resin material).

<Connector pair>
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first connector 10 is configured as a plug optical connector in which a plurality of first signal transmission members 12 each having a total of 20 cores in 4 rows×5 rows are arranged in an exposed state. 40 has a plurality of second signal transmission members 42 arranged at positions corresponding to the first signal transmission members 12 of the first connector 10, and each second signal transmission member 42 is covered with a tubular member 49. 10 shows a case where it is configured as a receptacle optical connector that exists in a state. In addition, in a modification of the present embodiment, the first connector 10 can be configured as a receptacle optical connector, and the second connector 40 can be configured as a plug optical connector.

Further, in the connector pair 1 of this embodiment, the inner dimension of the first case member 16 is larger than the outer dimension of the second case member 46 so that the second case member 46 can be inserted into the first opening of the first case member 16 . and the distance between the pair of second rotating shafts 54 is smaller than the distance between the pair of first rotating shafts 24, forming the first shutter 18 of the first connector 10. 1 Plate-shaped members 20a and 20b are positioned at the tip end portion 22 of the first opening of the first case member 16, rotate inward toward the inside of the first case member 16, and move toward the tip end portion 22 of the first opening. The second plate-like members 50a and 50b that constitute the second shutter 48 of the second connector 40 are positioned at the tip portion 52 of the second opening of the second case member 46, and the second case member It is configured to rotate outwardly toward the outside of the member 46 to open the distal end portion 52 of the second opening. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to effectively utilize the insertion force when connecting the two connectors as a power source for opening and closing the shutter, and the first and second connectors 10 and 40 each have a power source. , the first and second shutters 18, 48 are provided, and the opening and closing timings of the first and second shutters 18, 48 can be synchronized with the fitting operation, compared to the method of electrically controlling the power source. With a simple structure, it is possible to reliably open and close the shutter at a low cost. In addition, since the second shutter 48 of the second connector 40 opens and closes outward, it is possible to more reliably prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering from the outside. Furthermore, by making the second shutter 48 of the second connector 40 open and close outward, there is no need to provide a space for housing the second shutter 48 inside the second connector 40. It is possible to set a short distance between the inner space S2, particularly the second shutter 48 that defines the inner space, and the second signal transmission member 42 or the tubular member 49 (tubular member 49 in FIG. 3). Therefore, the length dimension of the second connector 48 can be reduced, and as a result, the mating length of the connector pair 1 when the second connector 40 is fitted and connected to the first connector 10 can be shortened. be possible.

The first and second connectors 10 and 40 constituting the connector pair of the present embodiment have a structure in which the second connector 40 is inserted into the first connector 10 for fitting connection. Sometimes, the first shutter 18 of the first connector 10 and the second shutter 48 of the second connector 40 rotate inside the first connector 10 and are housed inside the first connector 10. Therefore, it is necessary to make the inner dimension of the first case member 16 larger than the outer dimension of the second case member 46 so as to satisfy such a configuration. For example, the inner dimension of the first case member 16 is the outer dimension of the second case member 46, the positional distance between the first rotating shaft 24 and the second rotating shaft 54, and the first and second plate-like members. It can be set in consideration of the total thickness when the outer surfaces of 20a, 50a or 20b, 50b come into contact with each other.

Furthermore, as in the preferred embodiment described above, the first engaging end portion 26a of one of the first plate-like members 20a constituting the first shutter 18 is an outward stepped portion, and the other first plate-like member 20b The first engaging end portion 26b of the second plate member 50a constituting the second shutter 48 is used as an inwardly stepped portion, and the second engaging end portion 56a of one of the second plate-like members 50a constituting the second shutter 48 is used as an outwardly stepped portion. When the second engaging end portion 26b of the plate-like member 50b is configured to be an inwardly stepped portion, a Depending on the orientation of the stepped portion, when the shutters 18 and 48 are opened, the engaging ends 26a, 26b and 56a, 56b of the shutters 18 and 48 may buffer (contact) each other, allowing smooth opening and closing operations. sometimes not.

Therefore, when adopting such a configuration, the first and second shutters 18 and 48 are arranged such that one first plate-like member 20a faces one second plate-like member 50a and the other first plate-like member 50a faces the other. When the first and second connectors 10 and 40 are fitted and connected with the member 20b facing the other second plate-like member 50b, both the shutters 18 and 48 are connected to one of the first plate-like members 50b. In the order of the member 20a, the other first plate-like member 20b, the other second plate-like member 50b and the one second plate-like member 50a, smooth opening and closing operations can be performed without mutual buffering between the engaging ends. becomes possible to do.

3 and 6 when it is necessary to open and close the first shutter 18 and the second shutter 48 more smoothly without the engagement ends 26a, 26b and 56a, 56b interfering with each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface of one of the first plate-like members 20a or the outer surface of one of the second plate-like members 50a is provided with a convex portion 60 for advancing the timing of starting the inward rotation of the one of the first plate-like members 20a. is preferably provided. The convex portion 60 is a portion where the first shutter 18 and the second shutter 48 first come into contact with each other during mating connection. can be pressed toward the inside of the first connector 10 prior to the first plate-shaped member 20b, and when the connector pair 1 is separated, one first plate-shaped member 20b can be pushed later than the other first plate-shaped member 20b. There is no particular limitation as long as the plate member 20a is configured to return to the stationary position where the first shutter 18 is closed. As will be described later, in FIG. 6B, the contact resistance is reduced because the outer surfaces of the first shutter 18 and the second shutter 48 contact and slide during mating connection and separation. From the viewpoint of doing so, the case where the apex of the projection 60 is processed into an R shape (a semicylindrical shape) is shown.

Furthermore, as another embodiment, the first plate-like members 20a and 20b have grooves or protrusions (such as grooves or protrusions ( The first positioning portion 28 is formed by a trapezoidal groove in FIG. 6), and is linearly continuous with the outer surfaces of the second plate-like members 50a and 50b in a direction perpendicular to the dividing line L2 of the second shutter 48. It preferably has a second locating portion 58 consisting of a projection or groove (trapezoidal projection in FIG. 6) that extends through and engages the first locating portion 28 . As a result, the outer surface of the first shutter 18 of the first connector 10 and the outer surface of the second shutter 48 of the second connector 40 are brought into contact with each other at a normal relative position, particularly at the dividing lines L1 and L2. Positioning along the direction becomes possible, and the first connector 10 and the second connector 40 can be fitted and connected in an accurate positional relationship.

In addition, the first positioning portion 28 maintains the engagement of the second positioning portion 58 at the time of fitting connection, and the second plate-like members 50a and 50b are arranged so that the first plate-like members 20a and 50b facing each other are aligned with each other. Preferably, it also has a guide function for sliding in the fitting insertion direction along the outer surface of 20b. As a result, when the outer surfaces of the first shutter 18 and the second shutter 48 abut and contact each other, relative positioning of the first connector 10 and the second connector 40 starts, and the mating operation proceeds. While the second shutters 18 and 48 are gradually opened, they are guided into the first positioning portions 28 of the first plate-like members 20a and 20b, and the second positioning portions 58 of the second plate-like members 50a and 50b come into contact with each other. The second plate-like members 50a and 50b slide toward the inside of the first connector 10 along the slopes (outer surfaces) of the first plate-like members 20a and 20b to ensure smooth and reliable mating connection. A completed state can be achieved (see FIGS. 5(a)-(d)).

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first positioning portion 28 is formed as a groove (especially a guide groove), and the second positioning portion 58 is formed as a projecting portion. 28 may be formed as a projecting portion, and the second positioning portion 58 may be formed as a groove (in particular, a guide groove).

Moreover, when it is necessary to prevent the second positioning portion 58 from being erroneously inserted in a direction rotated by 180° with respect to the first positioning portion 28, it is preferable to form the cross-sectional shape of the groove asymmetrically. .

Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the groove and the protrusion is not particularly limited, but in order to facilitate the positioning of the first and second shutters 18 and 48, both groove wall surfaces of the groove and both side walls of the protrusion are It is preferably formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape with a slope (with an inclination angle of preferably 5 to 45 degrees, more preferably 10 to 30 degrees).

Furthermore, the first and second plate-shaped members 20a and 50a or 20b and 50b are positioned between the first rotation shaft 24 and the second rotation shaft 54 from the initial state to the completed state of fitting connection, When the second shutter 48 is in the fitted connection complete state, the rotated second plate-like members 50a and 50b move along the inner surface of the first case member 16 in a direction orthogonal to the tip portion 52 of the second opening. It is preferably configured to be held in a position extending in both directions. As a result, the first signal transmission member 12 of the first connector 10 and the second signal transmission member 42 of the second connector 40 can be positioned and brought into contact with each other at the proper fitting position.

In addition, as for the formation position of the convex portion 60, although FIG. 6 shows the case where it is provided on the outer surface of one of the second plate-like members 50a, it may be provided on the outer surface of one of the first plate-like members 20a. . Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the convex portion 60 may be provided on the top surface of the second positioning portion 58 formed on the outer surface of the second plate member 50a.

<Method for Fitting and Connecting First and Second Connectors (Connector Pair)>
Next, an example of a method of connecting the connector pair 1 of the embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

In the method of fitting and connecting the connector pair 1, first, the first connector 10 and the second connector 40 are arranged to face each other so that the outer surfaces of the first shutter 18 and the second shutter 48 face each other (Fig. 4(a)). ) and FIG. 5(a) (state immediately before start of mating connection)).

Next, the second connector 40 is uniaxially moved toward the first connector 10 until the outer surfaces of the shutters 18 and 48 come into contact with each other (FIGS. 4(b) and 5(b)). (Shutter abutment state)). At this time, the pair of second-shaped members 50a constituting the second shutter 48, A second positioning portion (protruding portion) 58 provided on the first shutter 18 is fitted in and engaged in positioning, and the first shutter 18 has a convex portion 60 provided on the outer surface of one of the second plate-like members 50a. The outer surface of the first plate-shaped member 20a is pressed by the height dimension of the convex portion 60 (pushed up in FIG. 4(c)), and as a result, the first engagement end of one of the first plate-shaped members 20a 26a can start rotating inward toward the inside of the first connector 10 before the engaging end 26b of the other first plate member 20b.

After that, when the second connector 40 is further slightly moved in the mating insertion direction with respect to the first connector 10, the insertion force accompanying the movement of the second connector 40 into the first connector 10 causes the first plate shape to move. At the same time that the members 20a and 20b rotate inward and the first shutter 18 opens somewhat, the outer ends of the second plate-like members 50a and 50b (located outside the second case member 46) , the outer ends of the first plate-like members 20a and 20b connected to the first case member 16 are pressed (pressed down in FIG. 4(c)), so that the second plate-like members 50a and 50b are rotated outward. As a result, the second shutter 48 also opens slightly (FIGS. 4(c) and 5(c) (shutter movable state)).

Further, when the second connector 40 is further moved in the mating insertion direction with respect to the first connector 10, the second shutter 48 of the second connector 40 is positioned on the outer surface of the first shutter 18 for the first positioning. While maintaining the engagement state between the portion 28 and the second positioning portion 58, it is possible to move closer to the fitting connection completion position with the first connector 10 while sliding. At this time, if foreign matter such as dust adheres to the first and second shutters 18 and 48, the foreign matter on the outer surface side of both the shutters 18 and 48 may be removed from the first connector 10 at the time of mating connection. Although there is a risk of being caught inside the first connector 10, the range in which the outer surfaces of the first and second shutters 18 and 48 move inside the first connector 10 is the first holding member 14 and the first case. Since it is the spatial area P (the area surrounded by the rectangular dashed line in FIG. 4(c)) located between the members 16, there is little possibility that foreign matter will come into contact with the first signal transmission member 12. As shown in FIG.

After that, by further fitting and inserting the second connector 40 into the interior of the first connector 10 until it abuts, the fitting connection is completed (FIGS. 4D and 5D (fitting connection completed state)). . At this time, the second shutter 48 is in the fitting connection completed state, and the rotated second plate-like members 50a and 50b move in a direction orthogonal to the tip portion 52 of the second opening and in the direction of the first case member 16. By being held at a position extending in the direction along the inner surface, the first signal transmission member 12 of the first connector 10 and the second signal transmission member 42 of the second connector 40 can be accurately positioned and contacted. can.

Also, the method of separating the first connector 10 and the second connector 40 may be performed in the reverse order of the method of fitting and connecting the connector pair 1 described above. In this case, the pair of first plate-like members 20a and 20b that constitute the first shutter 18 are always kept at the front end portion 22 of the first opening by an elastic material such as a coil spring provided on the first rotating shaft 24. The pair of second plate-like members 50a and 50b that constitute the second shutter 48 are biased toward the direction of returning to the normal position that closes the coil Since an elastic material such as a spring is used to always urge the distal end portion 52 of the second opening in the direction of returning to the normal position, the second connector 40 may be pulled from the first connector 10 . in the direction of separating, in other words, in the direction opposite to the mating insertion direction, the first and second plate-like members 20a, 20b and 50a, 50b both return to their respective closed positions. can be done. In addition, since the convex portion 60 is provided on one of the second plate-like members 50a, the order of returning to the normal position where the first shutter 18 and the second shutter 48 are closed is changed by the one of the second plate-like members 50a, The other second plate-like member 50b, the other first plate-like member 20b, and the one first plate-like member 20a, thereby closing the first and second shutters 18, 48 as well as engaging end 26a. , 26b, 56a, and 56b, and can be performed smoothly.

What has been described above merely shows an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first and second connectors 10 and 40 are configured as square connectors, but as shown in FIGS. The first connector is a first connector 10A comprising a first case member 16A having a circular outer shape and a first shutter 18A provided at the open end of the first case member 16A so as to be able to open and close inward. The second connector 40A may be configured to include a second case member 46A and a second shutter 48A provided at the open end of the second case member 46A so as to be openable and closable outward. Moreover, the first and second connectors 10 and 40 are not limited to optical connectors, and may be configured as connectors having other configurations such as electrical connectors.

According to the present invention, both connectors can be provided with openable and closable shutters, and the opening and closing operations of both the shutters can be performed with a simple structure by utilizing the fitting insertion force when fitting and connecting the two connectors. It is possible to provide a connector pair with an opening/closing shutter that enables reliable operation.

Reference Signs List 1 connector pair with open/close shutter 10, 10A first connector 12 first signal transmission member 14 first holding member 16, 16A first case member 18, 18A first shutter 20a, 20b first plate member 22 tip of first opening Part 24 First rotation shaft 26a, 26b First engagement end 28 First positioning part 40, 40A Second connector 42 Second signal transmission member 44 Second holding member 46, 46A Second case member 48, 48A Second Shutter 49 Cylindrical member 50a, 50b Second plate-shaped member 52 Tip of second opening 54 Second rotating shaft 56a, 56b Second engaging end 58 Second positioning part 60 Protruding part

Claims (7)

a first connector having a first case member having a first opening and at least one first signal transmission member disposed within the first opening;
a second case member having a second opening and a second connector having at least one second signal transmission member disposed within the second opening, wherein the first and second connectors are separable from each other A connector pair configured to be connected to
the inner dimension of the first case member is larger than the outer dimension of the second case member so that the second case member can be inserted into the first opening of the first case member;
The first connector has a double-door type first shutter composed of a pair of first plate-shaped members, the first shutter is positioned at the tip of the first opening, and the first case member configured to open the first opening by rotating inward toward the inside of the
The second connector has a double-door type second shutter composed of a pair of second plate-shaped members, the second shutter is positioned at the tip of the second opening, and the second case member configured to open the second opening by rotating outward toward the outside of the
A first holding member that holds the first signal transmission member is elastically connected to the first case member via a first elastic member, and is swingable in the internal space of the first case member . has a floating structure,
A second holding member that holds the second signal transmission member is elastically connected to the second case member via a second elastic member, and is swingable in the internal space of the second case member . has a floating structure ,
In the floating structure of the first holding member, a pair of spring members as the first elastic members are arranged on both side surfaces of the first holding member, and the first holding member is attached to both side walls of the first case member. A connector pair with an opening/closing shutter, characterized in that it is constructed so as to swing in directions of approaching and separating from each other . 2. The connector with opening and closing shutters according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of said first and second shutters is driven by an insertion force when said first and second connectors are connected. versus. The pair of first plate-like members have first engaging ends that overlap each other in the closed state of the first opening, and the first engaging end of one of the first plate-like members is connected to the first opening. When the shutter is closed, the first case member has a stepped portion facing the outside, and the first engaging end of the other first plate-shaped member is the first case member when the first shutter is closed. A stepped portion facing the inside of the member,
The pair of second plate-like members have second engaging ends that overlap each other in the closed state of the second opening, and the second engaging end of one of the second plate-like members is connected to the second opening. When the shutter is closed, it is a step portion facing the outside of the second case member, and when the second shutter is closed, the second engaging end portion of the other second plate-shaped member is a stepped portion facing the outside of the second case member. A stepped portion facing the inside of the member,
The first and second connectors are connected by connecting the first and second shutters so that the one first plate-like member faces the one second plate-like member and the other first plate-like member 3. A connector pair with an opening/closing shutter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of connectors with opening/closing shutters is arranged in a state of facing the other second plate member. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the outer surface of the one first plate-like member or the outer surface of the one second plate-like member has a convex portion for advancing the timing of starting the inward rotation of the one first plate-like member. Connector pair with open/close shutter as described. The outer surface of the first plate-like member has a first positioning portion consisting of a groove or a protrusion extending linearly and continuously in a direction perpendicular to the dividing line of the first shutter,
A second shutter formed of a protrusion or a groove extending linearly and continuously in a direction perpendicular to the dividing line of the second shutter on the outer surface of the second plate-like member and engaged with the first positioning portion. 5. The connector pair with an opening/closing shutter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a positioning portion. The first positioning portion causes the second plate-like member to slide in the insertion direction along the outer surface of the first plate-like member while maintaining the engagement of the second positioning portion during the connection. 6. The connector pair with an opening/closing shutter according to claim 5, which also has a guide function for . a pair of first rotation shafts that connect the first plate-like member so as to be able to rotate inward at the tip of the first opening;
having a pair of second rotation shafts that connect the second plate-shaped member so as to be capable of rotating outwardly at the tip of the second opening;
the distance between the pair of second rotation shafts is smaller than the distance between the pair of first rotation shafts,
the first and second plate members are positioned between the first and second rotation shafts from the initial stage of insertion of the second case member into the first case member to the completion of connection;
A said 2nd shutter is comprised so that it may be hold|maintained at the position where the 2nd plate-shaped member rotated in the connection completion state extends in the direction along the inner surface of said 1st opening. 6. A connector pair with an opening/closing shutter according to any one of items 6 to 6 above.

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