JPH04262381A - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To electrically connect apparatuses directly with one another by a single connector while it is prevented from breakage. CONSTITUTION:Base contact pins 11-14 whose one side ends shall work as contacting parts 11b-14b, are mounted on a base molding 15 to constitute a base assembly 60. Socket contact pins 17, 18 equipped with touching parts 17b, 18b touching and separating from the contacting parts 11b-14b are mounted on a socket molding 16 supported on the base molding 15 rotatably, and thus a socket assembly 70 is constructed. This socket assembly 70 is rotated in A2 direction to generate the connecting condition with other apparatus, while in the accommodated condition generated by rotating the assembly in the A1 direction, the connector is precluded from breakage and also electric connection between the two assemblies 60, 70 is shut.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector, and more particularly to an interface connector used for electrical connection between devices.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an interface connector with a cable is used as an electrical connection means between devices of this type, as seen in the electrical connection between a personal computer and its peripheral devices, for example.

[0003] In this method, a connector socket or connector plug is provided on two devices to be connected, and connector plugs or connector sockets that fit into the connector socket or connector plug, respectively, are provided at both ends of the cable to form a connecting cable. Configure. The configuration is such that two devices are electrically connected by fitting a connector socket or connector plug provided on the connection cable and the device in each device.

0004

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the conventional method in which the cable-equipped interface connector of the above configuration was used as an electrical connection means, the following problems occurred.

■Connecting one set of devices requires two sets of connectors consisting of a connector socket and a connector plug, and a cable of a specified length, resulting in a large number of parts and high material costs and labor costs during production. This increases the manufacturing cost of the electrical connection means.

[0006]Cables are placed between both devices, which obstructs the installation of the devices. ■The cable section between both devices is more likely to be affected by noise.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the connector socket and connector plug that fit into each other are installed separately in the two devices to be connected, and the devices are placed close to each other so that they can be installed in each device. Conventionally, a so-called direct connection has been considered in which an electrical connection is achieved by directly fitting a connector socket and a connector plug.

However, in this case, since one of the connecting parts protrudes from the outer surface of the device, there is a high risk of damaging the protruding connecting part when the devices are not connected. Not yet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a connector that can solve the above problems.

0010

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a first contact pin provided with a first contact pin having an external terminal at one end, which is attached to a circuit board in a device.
a second member rotatably supported by the first member and provided with a second contact pin having a connection terminal with a fitting partner at one end; This configuration includes a connection mechanism that electrically connects the contact pin and the second contact pin.

[0011]

[Operation] The second member having the connection terminal with the mating partner,
Since the connector is rotatably supported with respect to the first member installed in the device, even if the connector is installed in the device with the second member protruding from the outer surface of the device,
The second member is rotatable from a protruding state to a state housed inside the outer surface of the device. In the protruding state, connection with other equipment is possible, and in the retracted state, damage caused by the protruding second member is prevented.

0012

[Embodiment] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a front view of a connector socket of the connector shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the connector socket shown in Fig. 2. . Note that the connector socket 10 shown in FIG. 1 shows a cross section taken along line II in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connector 30 according to this embodiment consists of a connector socket 10 and a connector plug 40 fitted into the connector socket 10. In this embodiment, the features of the present invention are implemented in the connector socket 10, and therefore the connector plug 40 is partially omitted from illustration.

In each figure, the connector socket 10 is composed of a base assembly 60, which is a first member, and a socket assembly 70, which is a second member.

The base assembly 60 is generally made up of base contact pins 11 to 14, which are first contact pins, fixed to the base mold 15, and the socket assembly 70 is rotatably mounted on the base mold 15. Socket contact pins 17 and 18, which are second contact pins, are fixed to the socket mold 16.

The configuration will be explained in detail below. The base contact pins 11 to 14 are made of a copper alloy such as phosphor bronze. Upper base contact pin 1
1 and 12 have a shape in which one end side of the straight portions 11a and 12a is bent upward at 90 degrees, has a vertical portion of a predetermined size, and then bent downward into a U-shape. The pole portions of the letter shape are used as contact portions 11b and 12b, which are first contact portions. In addition, the lower base contact pins 13 and 14 have one end side of the straight portions 13a and 14a bent into a small U-shape with an open portion at the top. Contact portions 13b and 14b are contact portions. The other end sides of the straight portions 11a to 14a are each bent 90 degrees downward at a predetermined position, and the external terminals 11c to 14a are bent at a predetermined position.
4c is provided.

FIG. 4 shows a side view, a partially cutaway front view, a bottom view, and a rear view of the base mold 15. The cross-sectional view is shown in Figure 1.
This is omitted as it is shown in .

The base mold 15 is a resin molded product, and as shown in the figure, side plate portions 19 are provided at both ends.
, 20, and has a main body section 21 between the side plate sections 19 and 20.

The side plate portion 19 is shown in FIG.
), as shown in the cross section of the side plate portion 19, the outer surface 1
A notch 19b having an opening at the bottom and a semicircular upper end is formed on the side 9a, and a guide section 19d having an opening at the top is formed on the inner surface 19c. There is. An opening 19e communicating from the outer surface 19a to the inner surface 19c is formed in a portion where the notch 19b and the guide portion 19d overlap. Further, on the outer surface 19a, there are two claws 19f for locking the die-cast cover 50.
, 19g are provided. Above die cast cover 50
As shown in FIG. 2, this is a cover for attaching the connector socket 10 to a device, and has attachment holes 51 and 52 at both ends.

The side plate portion 20 is symmetrical and has the same structure as the side plate portion 19, and similarly has a guide portion 20d, an opening portion 20e, and claw portions 20f and 20g.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main body portion 21 has a contact pin mounting portion 21a that holds the base contact pins 11 to 14 (in FIG. portion) and approximately disk-shaped guide portions 21b are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction (X1-X2 direction). That is, the contact pin mounting portion 21a and the guide portion 21b form a plurality of groove portions 21c in the longitudinal direction in which the contact portions 11b to 14b of the base contact pins 11 to 14 are disposed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper base contact pins 11, 1 are attached to the contact pin mounting portion 21a.
a protruding portion 21d that holds the two contact portions 11b and 12b;
Straight portion 13b of lower base contact pins 13, 14,
An insertion hole 21e for holding the hole 14b is formed.

The upper base contact pins 11 and 12 are
It has a locking claw (not shown) on the side, and the contact part 11b
, 12b are press-fitted from above into the groove 21c with the U-shape of the protrusion 21d aligned with the protrusion 21d. The lower base contact pins 13 and 14 also have locking claws (not shown),
It is press-fitted into the insertion hole 21e in the Y1 direction. Then, the respective contact portions 11b, 12b, and the contact portion 13b
, 14b are fixed at a predetermined position aligned in the Y direction.

[0024] In addition, straight portions 11a and 12a having different lengths
The upper base contact pins 11 and 12 having the upper base contact pins 11 and 12 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 21, and the lower base contact pins 13 and 14 are similarly arranged alternately.

[0025] At the joint between the main body part 21 and the side plate parts 19 and 20, there is a cutout part 2 for moving the socket mold 16.
1f and 21g are provided, respectively.

Furthermore, the rear of the base mold 15 (Y2
Direction) At the lower part, a support plate 23 for fixing the external terminals 11c to 14c of the attached base contact pins 11 to 14 is fixed at both ends to the side plate parts 19 and 20 of the base mold 15. It is provided.

In this way, the base contact pins 11 to 14 and the support plate 23 are attached to the base mold 15 to form a base assembly 60.

The socket contact pins 17 and 18 attached to the socket mold 16 are made of a highly elastic copper alloy such as phosphor bronze for springs, and as shown in FIG. 1, one end of the straight portions 17a and 18a is crank-shaped. It is bent twice by 90 degrees, and a contact part 17, which is a second contact part, is attached to the tip of the bend.
b, 18b are formed. The other ends of the straight portions 17a and 18a are connecting terminals 17 for contacting the plug contact pins 41 and 42 of the mating connector plug 40.
c, 18c are formed. Furthermore, the straight portions 17a, 1
Locking pawls 17d and 18d for being fixed to the socket mold 16 are formed at portions of the contact portions 8a on the side of the contact portions 17b and 18b.

FIG. 5 shows a side view, a sectional view, a bottom view, and a rear view of the socket mold 16. Note that the cross-sectional view in FIG. 3(B) shows a cross section taken along the line Vb-Vb in FIG. 3(A).

The socket mold 16 is the base mold 1
Like No. 5, it is a molded product made of resin, and as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C, it is an elongated member consisting of a socket part 24 and a support part 25.

The socket portion 24 includes a bottom portion 24a for fixing the socket contact pins 17 and 18, and a guide portion 24b surrounding the bottom portion 24a and extending forward (in the Y1 direction) from the bottom portion 24a. has been done. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5(B), insertion holes 24c into which the socket contact pins 17 and 18 are inserted are formed in the bottom portion 24a in an aligned state.

[0032] Also, on the inner surface of the guide portion 24b, there are
As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 24d are arranged in parallel at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction (X1-X2 direction) of the socket mold 16. 17a, 18a, and connection terminals 17c, 18c are provided as grooves. This rib 24d guides the insertion of the connector plug 40 on its upper surface, and also guides the displacement of the socket contact pins 17, 18 on its side surface. The socket contact pins 17 and 18 are press-fitted into the insertion hole 24c in the Y1 direction, and the locking claws 17d and 18d are inserted into the insertion hole 24c.
It is fixed by being locked within c.

The support part 25 is provided continuously at the rear end of the socket part 24, and is formed into a substantially box-like shape with an open part at the rear by side plate parts 25a and 25b, a top plate part 25c, and a bottom plate part 25d at both ends. ing. The length of the top plate portion 25c in the Y1-Y2 direction is smaller than that of the bottom plate portion 25d. Further, on the outer surfaces of the side plate portions 25a and 25b, there are support shafts 25e,
25f are provided with their axes aligned. This spindle 2
5e and 25f form a semicircular recess 25g at the top thereof into which a shell member 26 (described later) engages, and the diameter of the front part is slightly smaller than that of the rear part due to the thickness of the shell member 26. .

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5(D),
A plurality of ribs 25h are arranged in parallel at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction (X1-X2 direction) of the socket mold 16 on the inner surfaces of the top plate part 25c and the bottom plate part 25d. This rib 25h is provided at the same position as the socket contact pins 17 and 18 in the same longitudinal direction, and a part thereof is fitted into the groove 21c of the base mold 15 to form the socket mold 16.
It acts to guide the rotational displacement of the base mold 15.

Around the socket part 24, there is a shell member 2 formed into a cylindrical shape from a Ni-plated thin iron plate.
6 is fitted and attached toward the Y2 direction from the distal end side of the socket portion 24. This shell member 26 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the socket portion 24 is locked by a locking pawl 24e provided on the outer surface of the end portion in the Y2 direction.

In this way, the socket part 24 and the support part 25
A socket assembly 70 is constructed by attaching socket contact pins 17, 18 and a shell member 26 to a socket mold 16.

The socket assembly 70 having the above structure has the support shaft 2
5e and 25f in the base mold 1 of the base assembly 60.
5, respectively attached to the openings 19e and 20e provided in the
It is rotatably supported relative to the base assembly 60. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotation of the socket assembly 70 in the A2 direction is restricted in the horizontal state shown by the solid line in the figure, where the tip of the bottom plate portion 25d of the socket mold 16 is in contact with the base mold 15. , conversely, rotation in the A1 direction is
The tip of the top plate portion 25c of the socket mold 16 is in contact with the base mold 15, and is regulated in a vertical state shown by a dashed line in the figure.

[0038] Here, the openings 19 of the support shafts 25e and 25f
How to install it inside e, 20e will be explained. Figure 4 (B
) The distance between the opposing end surfaces of the guide portion 19d and the guide portion 20d is such that the supporting shafts 25e, 25
It is determined to be equal to the dimension between the tops of f. Therefore, the support shafts 25e and 25f are guided by the guide portions 19d and 20, respectively.
d from above at the same time and push it further, the support shaft 2
The socket assembly 70 having the guide portion 1
The side plate parts 19 and 20 are moved downward while being pushed apart in the direction (X1-X2 direction) by the inclined surfaces formed at 9d and 20d. And the support shafts 25e, 2
When 5f moves down to the openings 19e and 20e, the engagement between the support shafts 25e and 25f and the side plates 19 and 20 is disengaged, so that the side plates 19 and 20 return to their original expanded state. , As a result, the support shafts 25e and 25f are aligned with the opening 1.
9e and 20e.

After the socket assembly 70 is supported on the base assembly 60 as described above, the die-cast cover 50 is finally attached to the side plates 19 and 2 of the base mold 15.
It is locked by claw parts 19f, 19g, 20f, and 20g provided at 0.

When the socket assembly 70 is supported horizontally relative to the base assembly 60 as shown in FIG. Contact portions 11b of base contact pins 11 and 13 (base contact pins 12 and 14 have the same configuration as base contact pins 11 and 13, respectively, so description thereof will be omitted below),
13b respectively with a pressing force. This pressing force changes the distance between the contact parts 17b and 18b before the socket assembly 70 is supported by the base assembly 60, and the contact part 11b of the base contact pins 11 and 13.
, 13b, the contact state shown in the figure is elastically brought about.

Therefore, in this state, the socket contact pins 17 and 18 and the base contact pins 11 and 13 are electrically connected.

FIG. 6 shows a state in which the connector 30 shown in FIG. 1 is disconnected from the connector plug 40 and the socket assembly 70 is rotated in the A1 direction.

As shown in the figure, when the socket assembly 70 is rotated to the maximum in the A1 direction, the contact portions 17b,
18b is displaced to a position away from the contact parts 11b, 13b, and as a result, the socket contact pins 17, 18
Then, the base contact pins 11 and 13 are electrically disconnected. Furthermore, when rotating in the A2 direction from this state, the contact portion 17 is just before reaching the horizontal state shown in FIG.
b, 18b are in contact with the contact parts 11b, 13b, and the socket contact pins 17, 18 and the base contact pin 1
1 and 13 are electrically closed again.

In this way, the connector socket 10 of this embodiment has a contact portion 1 depending on the rotational position of the socket assembly 70.
A switch mechanism is constructed in which the contact portions 7b and 18b come into contact with or separate from the contact portions 11b and 13b. In this switch mechanism, the contact portions 17b and 18b draw circumferential trajectories by the rotational displacement of the socket assembly 70, and the contact portions 11b and 13
b is arranged so as to touch only a part of this locus. That is, the contact parts 11b, 13b
If, however, the contact portions 17b and 18b are configured to have a circumferential shape so as to overlap the entire trajectory, the contact portions 17b and 18b will overlap the contact portion 11.
b, 13b, and the switch mechanism by the rotation of the socket assembly 70 as described above is not constituted.

Next, an example of how the connector 30 having the switch mechanism as described above is attached to a device and its operation will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 1, the device 80 on the other side of the connection
When the mating connector plug 40 is disposed on the side surface 80a of the device 90, the socket assembly 70 is placed on the side surface 80a of the device 90 with the socket assembly 70 horizontal, that is, with the switch mechanism closed. so as to protrude from the side surface 90a,
The connector socket 10 is arranged on the printed circuit board 91 (in the protruding state). By arranging the connector socket 10 in this way, the sides 80a, 9 of the devices 80, 90
The connector plug 40 and the connector socket 10 can be directly fitted by bringing the connector plugs 0a close to each other, thereby making it possible to eliminate the need for a conventional connection cable.

When the connection between the devices 80 and 90 is deemed unnecessary, after separating the devices 80 and 90 and disconnecting the connector plug 40, the socket assembly 70 is moved in the A1 direction as shown in FIG. The base assembly 60 is rotated so that it is perpendicular to the base assembly 60. In this case, the socket assembly 70 is in a stored state in which it enters inside the side surface 90a from the side surface of the device 90. By putting the socket assembly 70 in the stored state in this way, it is possible to prevent the socket assembly 70 that is not in use from being damaged if it remains protruded.

[0048] As described above, with the structure in which damage to the socket assembly 70 is prevented by rotationally displacing the socket assembly 70, the electrical connection means between devices can be directly connected without the need for a connecting cable. This solves the problems caused by conventional connection cables. That is, (1) the number of parts is reduced (only one set of connectors), and the cost of electrical connection means can be reduced. - Since there are no connecting cables between devices, the devices 80 and 90 can be arranged in an orderly manner. ■ Eliminates concerns about noise reception due to connection cables.

Also, consider a state in which connection of the connector plug 40 is unnecessary and a circuit (not shown) within the device 90 is operating. In this state, if the connector plug is erroneously connected to the connector socket 10, it may cause some kind of trouble to the operating circuit and signals. However, in this case, the connector socket 1 of this embodiment
0 has the switch mechanism as described above, and since the socket contact pins 17, 18 and the base contact pins 11, 13 are opened in the stored state, even if the connector plug is accidentally connected in the stored state, It does not affect the internal circuit, and can prevent accidents caused by incorrect connection of the connector.

Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 6 in which the device 80 is separated, a large opening 90b for accommodating the socket assembly 70 is exposed on the side surface 90a of the device 90; 6, the side surface 70a of the socket assembly 70 itself and the bottom plate portion 2 of the socket mold 16 extending long in the Y2 direction in the state shown in FIG.
It is mostly blocked by 5d. In this manner, in the connector socket 10, even if the opening 90b for accommodating the socket assembly 70 is formed in the device 90, it is possible to substantially prevent dust from entering.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the connector socket 10 is divided into the base assembly 60 as the first member and the socket assembly 70 as the second member. The present invention is not limited to this, and even a connector configured such that the connector plug side is divided into a first and a second member and the second member is rotatably supported by the first member may also be used. , the connector may have a configuration in which both the connector socket and the connector plug are divided into first and second members.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the socket assembly 7
0, the switch mechanism was configured to close in the horizontal position and open in the vertical position, but conversely it was configured to close in the vertical position and open in the horizontal position. It may also be a connector for connection.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure that damage to the connector is prevented and to provide direct electrical connection between devices without the need for a connection cable. Therefore, the following three effects can be obtained. ■The number of parts of the electrical connection means is reduced, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. ■Connecting cables between devices are no longer required, and devices and connected devices can be arranged in an orderly manner. ■ Eliminates concerns about noise reception due to connection cables.

Furthermore, since a switch mechanism is constructed in which the first contact pin having the external terminal and the second contact pin having the connecting terminal come into contact with each other and separate when the second member rotates, the connection is made at the connecting terminal. Even if the external terminal is mistakenly connected when it is unnecessary, various accidents can be prevented from occurring within the circuit connected to the external terminal.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention, showing the state in which the connector is installed in a device.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a connector socket in the connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the connector socket shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view, a partially cutaway front view, a bottom view, and a rear view of the base mold.

[Figure 5] Side view, sectional view, bottom view of socket mold,
FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the function of the connector shown in FIG. 1, in which the connector plug is disconnected and the socket assembly is A1.
It shows a state in which the rotation operation has been performed in the direction.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Connector socket 11, 12 Upper base contact pin 13, 14
Lower base contact pins 11b, 12b, 13b,
14b Contact portions 11c, 12c, 13c, 14c
External terminal 15 Base mold 16 Socket mold 17, 18 Socket contact pin 17b, 18b
Contact parts 17c, 18c Connection terminal 30 Connector 40 Connector plug 50 Die-cast cover 60 Base assembly 70 Socket assembly 91 Printed circuit board

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A first member provided with a first contact pin having an external terminal at one end to be attached to a circuit board in a device; rotatably supported by the first member; A second member provided with a second contact pin having a connection terminal with a fitting partner at one end, and a connection mechanism for electrically connecting the first contact pin and the second contact pin. A connector characterized by: 2. The connection mechanism includes a second contact portion provided on the second contact pin and displaced in the circumferential direction by rotational displacement of the second member, and a second contact portion provided on the first contact pin. a first contact portion arranged so as to be in contact with a part of the circumferential locus of the second contact portion; 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to come into contact with or separate from the first contact portion depending on the rotational position relative to the first member.