WO2020196492A1 - Connector lock structure, connector lock release jig, and lock device - Google Patents

Connector lock structure, connector lock release jig, and lock device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020196492A1
WO2020196492A1 PCT/JP2020/012944 JP2020012944W WO2020196492A1 WO 2020196492 A1 WO2020196492 A1 WO 2020196492A1 JP 2020012944 W JP2020012944 W JP 2020012944W WO 2020196492 A1 WO2020196492 A1 WO 2020196492A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
connector
connecting portion
opening
cap
view
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2020/012944
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
恭幸 本間
Original Assignee
Ｎｅｃプラットフォームズ株式会社
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ｎｅｃプラットフォームズ株式会社 filed Critical Ｎｅｃプラットフォームズ株式会社
Publication of WO2020196492A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020196492A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector lock structure, a connector unlock jig, and a lock device.
  • USB registered trademark
  • HDMI registered trademark
  • Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3 As a technique related to preventing unauthorized access to such electronic devices from the outside, there are structures described in Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a lock claw protruding from an insertion case inserted into a USB port is engaged with the inside of the USB port, and this locked state is held by a cylinder on the insertion case side.
  • Patent Document 2 discloses a lock mechanism that is inserted into a USB port and fixed in a state of being covered by hooking a claw.
  • Patent Document 3 discloses a security device that regulates connection to a connector by fixing the device while it is inserted into the connector.
  • the member required for locking protrudes from the device. Therefore, for example, when used in a portable electronic device, a member constituting the lock mechanism protrudes from the housing of the device. As a result, it may be damaged during carrying and unlocked, or unlocking may become impossible.
  • An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.
  • the lock structure according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided inside an opening penetrating a housing for accommodating an electronic device, and includes a first conductor electrode connected to the electronic device and a first connecting portion.
  • a first connector having a, and a second connecting portion connected to the first connector and detachably connected to the first connecting portion by moving in a direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening.
  • the first connecting portion of the first connector is provided at a position overlapping with the movement locus of the second connecting portion of the second connector in a plan view.
  • the second connector has a lid that is arranged inside the opening in a state of being connected to the first connector, and the lid has the lid when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface.
  • the locking device is provided inside the opening penetrating the housing for accommodating the electronic device, and is connected to the electronic device with the first conductor electrode and the first connecting portion. It has a second connecting portion which is connected to the first connector having and is detachably connected to the first connecting portion by moving in a direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening.
  • a lid arranged inside the opening in a state of being connected to the connector 1 and a position of the lid that does not overlap with the first connecting portion when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface.
  • the second connector having an arranged second connecting portion and an elastic member that urges the second connecting portion to a position overlapping the first connecting portion by elastic deformation, and the second connector of the second connector.
  • the movement locus of the connecting portion 2 is at a position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion of the first connector in a plan view.
  • An example of the minimum configuration of the connector lock structure in the present embodiment is shown, and is an enlarged perspective view of a main part. It is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the 2nd connector of the connector lock structure in this embodiment. It is a top view of the unlocked state of the 1st connector and the 2nd connector of the connector lock structure in this embodiment. It is a top view of the locked state of the 1st connector and the 2nd connector of the connector lock structure in this embodiment.
  • the lock structure of the connector in the 1st Embodiment is shown, and it is the enlarged perspective view of the main part.
  • the lock structure of the connector in the 1st embodiment is shown, and it is the enlarged perspective view of the main part of the 2nd connector.
  • FIG. 4C. 5 is a view taken along the line CC of FIG. 5C1. It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4A. 6 is an arrow view taken along the line DD of FIG. 6A1. It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4B. 6 is an arrow view taken along the line EE of FIG. 6B1. It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4C. 6 is a view taken along the line FF of FIG. 6C1. It is a perspective view of the state before the unlocking jig is inserted. It is a perspective view of the unlocking jig inserted state. It is a perspective view of the cap removed state.
  • FIG. 7A. 8 is a view taken along the line GG of FIG. 8A1. It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 7B. 8 is a view taken along the line HH of FIG. 8B1. It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 7C. 8 is a view taken along the line JJ of FIG. 8C1. It is a side view of the state corresponding to FIG. 7A. 9 is a view taken along the line KK of FIG. 9A1.
  • FIG. 1A shows an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the lock structure of the connector.
  • FIG. 1B shows an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the second connector.
  • FIG. 1C shows a plan view of the first connector and the second connector in the unlocked state.
  • FIG. 1D shows a plan view of the first connector and the second connector in the locked state.
  • a first connector 10 is provided inside an opening 20a that penetrates a housing 20 that houses an electronic device (not shown).
  • the first connector 10 has a first wiring board 10a connected to the electronic device and a first connecting portion 10b.
  • the first connecting portion 10b has a convex portion 10c and a notched portion 10d.
  • a second connector 1 as a locking device is connected to the first connector 10.
  • the second connector 1 has a contour slightly smaller than the contour of the opening 20a, and is pushed into the opening 20a in a state of being connected to the first connector 10 and inside the opening 20a. It has a lid 1a to be arranged.
  • the lid 1a has a second connecting portion 1b inside the lid 1a (on the front side in the insertion direction), which is detachably connected to the first connecting portion 10b by moving in a direction intersecting the opening 20a. ..
  • the second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 can be attached to and detached from the first connecting portion 10b located inside the opening 20a by moving in a direction (insertion direction) intersecting the opening surface of the opening 20a. Is connected to.
  • the first connecting portion 10b of the first connector 10 is a plan view of the moving locus of the second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 (moving locus when moving in a direction intersecting the opening 20a). It is provided at the position where it overlaps with.
  • the height at which the first connecting portion 10b is provided is different from the height of the moving surface of the second connecting portion 1b that fits with the first connecting portion 10b. In other words, when the second connector 1 is inserted, the second connecting portion 1b moves in a state of being displaced in the vertical direction from the first connecting portion 10b.
  • the lid 1a of the second connector 1 has the second connecting portion 1b at a position that does not overlap with the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening 20a. Further, the lid body 1a of the second connector 1 has an elastic member 1e that urges the second connecting portion 1b to a position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion 10b by elastic deformation. That is, the second connector 1 is fitted with the first connecting portion 10b at a height different from the fitting portion of the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening 20a. Provide a part.
  • the height of the fitting portion of the second connecting portion 1b is the same as that of the fitting portion of the first connecting portion 10b due to the downward bias due to the elastic deformation of the elastic member 1e. Move to the height of. As a result, the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 are locked.
  • the second connector 1 is inserted into the opening 20a in order to connect the first connector 10 and the second connector 1. Subsequently, until the second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 reaches a position (shown in FIG. 1C) directly above the first connecting portion 10b on both sides of the first wiring board 10a of the first connector 10. , The second connector 1 is pushed in. As shown in FIG. 1C, in the pushed state, the second connecting portion 1b is located in the upward direction of the first connecting portion 10b. Then, the elastic member 1e of the second connector 1 is elastically deformed downward, and the second connecting portion 1b is pushed down from the position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion 10b to a lower position (shown in FIG.
  • the second connecting portion 1b meshes with at least one of the convex portion 10c and the notch portion 10d of the first connecting portion 10b. That is, as the second connecting portion 1b moves downward, the convex portion 1c (described later) of the second connecting portion 1b has the same height as the convex portion 10c and the notch portion 10d of the first connecting portion 10b. become. As a result, the second connecting portion 1b and the first connecting portion 10b are fitted together. Therefore, the movement in the left-right direction of FIGS. 1C and 1D, particularly in the direction of pulling out the second connector 1 from the housing 20, is restricted.
  • the lid 1a is inside the opening 20a (specifically, it is flush with the surface of the sheet metal constituting the housing 20 or slightly recessed from the surface). Therefore, the opening 20a is opened by grasping or hooking the lid body 1a in the pulling-out direction, and it becomes difficult to face the first connector 10 from the outside. Further, it becomes difficult to perform some kind of access such as pushing and pulling the first connector 10.
  • the lid body 1a is as thick as possible so that the opening 20a is closed and the arm portion 1b is not easily deformed even when subjected to an external force such as prying open from the outside, and the arm portion 1b is not damaged or separated. May be thinned. That is, it is desirable that the opening 20a is recessed as much as possible.
  • FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the lock structure of the connector
  • FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of the main part.
  • the cap 1 as the second connector used as the locking device is inserted into the USB port 10 (Port of the Universal Serial Bus standard) as the first connector through the opening 20a. That is, the cap 1 (second connector) is inserted into the USB port 10 (first connector) provided in the opening 20a.
  • the cap 1 as the second connector has a lid 1a having a contour smaller than that of the opening 20a (for example, having an external dimension having a negative dimensional tolerance with sufficient margin).
  • a tubular metal shell 10e in which a substrate or the like is housed is shown.
  • the lid 1a has arm portions 1b as two second connecting portions at both ends thereof, spaced apart from each other in the width direction.
  • the lid body 1a has a plurality of arm portions 1b arranged at intervals in the width direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.
  • the tips of the two arm portions 1b have a convex portion 1c and a flat surface portion 1d, respectively.
  • the convex portion 1c is provided above the tip of the arm portion 1b, and the flat surface portion 1d is provided below the tip of the arm portion 1b.
  • the lower side is the direction in which the cap 1 is urged and pushed by the deformation of the elastic member 1e
  • the upper side is the direction in which the cap 1 is pushed back by the deformed elastic member 1e.
  • the convex portion 1c is provided on the movement source side
  • the flat surface portion 1d is provided on the movement destination side.
  • the lid body 1a has two elastic members 1e that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction between the arm portions 1b. That is, a plurality of elastic members 1e are provided between the plurality of arm portions 1b arranged at intervals in the width direction.
  • the elastic member 1e is formed of a leaf spring molded into a curved shape as shown in the figure. Further, the elastic members 1e are provided in pairs according to a symmetrical arrangement so as to move the cap 1 in the vertical direction as linearly as possible. That is, a plurality of elastic members 1e are provided in order to avoid being caught on the inner surface of the member due to linear movement such as swinging as small as possible. A plurality of elastic members 1e are symmetrically arranged so that the cap 1 is evenly biased. Further, the lid body 1a has a cutout portion 1f that penetrates the lid body 1a in the thickness direction (direction of inserting and removing from the first connector 10).
  • FIG. 3A shows the USB port 10 before the cap 1 is attached.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the USB port 10 before the cap 1 is inserted.
  • the arm portion 1b of the cap 1 passes over the wiring board 10a inside the USB port 10 and invades the inside.
  • the convex portion 1c of the arm portion 1b is located above, and the flat surface portion 1d is located below. Therefore, the movement of the arm portion 1b is not hindered by the contact with the wiring board 10a, and the arm portion 1b can be easily inserted. Since the convex portion 1c is provided only above the arm portion 1b, it passes over the wiring board 10a when the cap 1 is inserted.
  • FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the USB port 10 after the cap 1 is inserted. After that, when the elastic member 1e comes into contact with the inner surface of the shell 10e of the USB port 10 (or the inner peripheral surface of the opening 20a), the cap 1 is pushed downward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the cap 1 is pressed against the inner circumference of the lower portion of the opening 20a.
  • FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in a state before the cap 1 is inserted.
  • FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in a state immediately after the cap 1 is inserted.
  • FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in a locked state after the cap 1 is inserted.
  • 5 and 6 show the internal cross section of the USB port 10.
  • 5A1 is a side view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4A
  • FIG. 5A2 is an arrow view taken along the line AA in FIG.
  • 5A1 is a side view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4B
  • FIG. 5B2 is an arrow view taken along the line BB in FIG. 5B1
  • 5C1 is a side view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4C
  • FIG. 5C2 is an arrow view taken along the line CC in FIG. 5C1.
  • 6A1 is a plan view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4A
  • FIG. 6A2 is an arrow view taken along the line DD in FIG. 6A1.
  • 6B1 is a plan view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4B, and FIG.
  • 6B2 is an arrow view taken along the line EE in FIG. 6B1.
  • 6C1 is a plan view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4C
  • FIG. 6C2 is an arrow view taken along the line FF in FIG. 6C1.
  • the USB port 10 is surrounded by a tubular shell 10e, and a wiring board 10a provided with a contact portion for electrically connecting to a USB plug (not shown) is housed inside the USB port 10.
  • the USB plug is, for example, a connector provided at the tip of a USB cable and which should be originally connected in order to connect an electronic device and another electronic device.
  • a convex portion 10c and a notch portion 10d for lock fitting with the USB plug are formed on the side surfaces of both ends of the wiring board 10a.
  • the cap 1 is oriented horizontally toward the USB port 10 to prepare for insertion.
  • the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 from the horizontal direction. That is, the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 in the direction intersecting the opening surface. In this state, the cap 1 is held by the operator with his / her fingers. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member 1e still does not act, and the cap 1 is arranged on the upper side. That is, the cap 1 is not moving in the urging direction.
  • the flat surface portion 1d of the arm portion 1b can pass through the inside of the USB port 10 without interfering with both sides of the wiring board 10a. That is, the convex portion 10c of the wiring board 10a provided inside the USB port 10 and the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 are in a positional relationship shifted in the vertical direction (positional relationship shifted from the direction orthogonal to the opening). .. Therefore, the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 without the convex portion 10c of the wiring board 10a and the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 interfering with each other. Further, the elastic member 1e provided on the cap 1 interferes with the shell 10e of the USB port 10 during the movement accompanying the insertion. Therefore, the elastic member 1e of the cap 1 is inserted while being deformed. That is, when the cap 1 is inserted, the elastic member 1e is deformed due to interference with the shell 10e.
  • the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 to be in the locked state. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5B1, 5B2, 6B1, and 6B2, the operator releases the finger from the cap 1 with the cap 1 completely inserted into the USB port 10. As a result, the elastic member 1e of the cap 1 that has interfered with the shell 10e of the USB port 10 is elastically deformed in an attempt to be restored. Then, the cap 1 is urged downward to move due to the repulsion due to the elastic deformation, and the cap 1 is fixed at the positions shown in FIGS. 5C1, 5C2, 6C1 and 6C2.
  • the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 is accommodated in the notch portion 10d of the USB port 10.
  • the cap 1 is locked by the convex portion 1c and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10, so that the cap 1 cannot be easily removed.
  • the insertion operation of the cap 1 will be summarized and described again.
  • the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 passes over the wiring board 10a of the USB port 10, and as shown in FIGS. 5B1 and 5B2, the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 is inserted.
  • the flat portion 1d of the cap 1 passes through. Therefore, the cap 1 can be inserted without interfering with the USB port 10.
  • the cap 1 moves downward due to the urging by the elastic member 1e in the states of FIGS. 4C, 5C1, and 5C2.
  • the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 mesh with each other and are locked.
  • the connector lock structure of the present embodiment includes the first connector 10 and the second connector 1.
  • the first connector 10 is provided inside the opening 20a penetrating the housing 20 accommodating the electronic device, and is connected to the electronic device in a tubular shell 10e connected to the opening 20a. It has a conductor electrode of the above and a first connecting portion 10b.
  • the second connector 1 is connected to the first connector 10.
  • the second connector 1 has a second connecting portion 1b and an elastic member 1e.
  • the second connecting portion 1b is a direction that intersects the opening 20a, and moves in a straight line direction along the tubular shell 10e and one direction that intersects the straight line in a plane crossing the shell 10e. It is detachably connected to the first connecting portion 10b by moving to.
  • the first connecting portion 10b of the first connector 10 is in the linear direction of the second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 when viewed from one direction in which the straight line intersects the shell 10e in a plane. It is provided at a position that overlaps with the moving area.
  • the second connector 1 has a lid body 1a having a shape corresponding to the opening 20a and having a gap between the second connector 1 and the opening 20a to allow movement in the plane including the opening 20a.
  • the second connecting portion 1b is provided integrally with the lid body 1a, and is located at a position that does not overlap with the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening 20a, and the first connecting portion 10b. It can be moved to and from the overlapping position.
  • the elastic member 1e is one in a state where the lid 1a substantially overlaps the opening 20a and the second connecting portion 1b is on the outside of the shell 10e on a surface parallel to the surface crossing the shell 10e. It extends along the direction to the outside of the shell 10e. Further, the elastic member 1e can be elastically deformed inward of the shell 10e along one direction in the shell 10e with the second connecting portion 1b inserted into the shell 10e. Due to this elastic deformation, the elastic member 1e moves the second connecting portion 1b to a position overlapping the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening 20a.
  • the first connecting portion 10b has a first convex portion 10c.
  • the first convex portion 10c is a flat wiring board extending along a straight line along the moving direction of the second connector 1 when viewed from one direction intersecting a straight line in a plane crossing the shell 10e.
  • the second connecting portion 1b has a second convex portion 1c.
  • the second convex portion 1c is a first convex portion when viewed from one direction in which the straight line and the shell 10e intersect in a plane in a state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 are connected. It is arranged at a position where it meshes with 10c.
  • the second connector 1 is inserted into the first connector 10 without the first convex portion 10c and the second convex portion 1c interfering with each other. Further, in the connected state, the second convex portion 1c and the first convex portion 10c are fitted to each other, and the second connector 1 is not easily disengaged.
  • FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a state before the unlocking jig 2 is inserted
  • FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a state in which the unlocking jig 2 is inserted
  • FIG. 7C is a perspective view showing a state in which the cap 1 is removed.
  • a plurality of hook portions 2a are provided at the tip of the jig 2 at predetermined mutual intervals in the width direction.
  • the tip of the hook portion 2a is formed in a tapered shape.
  • the overall height (thickness) of the hook portion 2a is set so small that it can be inserted into the opening 20a. Further, at the tip of the hook portion 2a, an inclined surface 2b is formed so as to penetrate into a narrow gap and facilitate insertion of a subsequent portion.
  • FIG. 7A shows a state in which the jig 2 is inserted all the way.
  • FIG. 7C shows a state in which the cap 1 is connected to the tip of the jig 2 and is integrally pulled out by pulling out the jig 2 after the state of FIG. 7B.
  • 8A1 and 8A2 and 8B1 and 8B2 are views and a cross-sectional view of how the jig 2 is inserted.
  • 8C1 and C2 are a top view and a cross-sectional view of the state in which the jig 2 is inserted all the way.
  • 9A1 and 9A2 are side views and cross-sectional views of the states of FIGS. 8C1 and 8C2. The details of the operation of removing the cap 1 from the USB port 10 incorporated in the device 20 will be described.
  • the hook portion 2a provided at the tip of the jig 2 is inserted into the notch portion 1f of the cap 1. The state is changed from FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B.
  • the cap 1 is lifted upward by the hook portion 2a, and the cap 1 is in the state of FIGS. 8B1 and 8B2 to 8C1 and 8C2.
  • the cap 1 is lifted by the hook portion 2a formed in a tapered shape being inserted into the notch portion 1f.
  • the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 moves above the wiring board 10a of the USB port 10. That is, the position of the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 is higher than that of the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10. In this state, the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 is in the upper position.
  • the cap 1 can be easily removed without the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 interfering with each other in order to pull out the cap 1.
  • the hook portion 2a of the jig 2 is inserted all the way into the cap 1 and is elastically deformed while being hooked on the lid body 1a of the cap 1 and integrally connected.
  • the jig 2 and the cap 1 are connected by hooking the hook portion 2a on the lid body 1a of the cap 1. Therefore, along with the operation of pulling out the jig 2, the cap 1 is pulled out integrally with the jig 2. That is, as shown in FIGS.
  • the hook portion 2a of the jig 2 is caught inside the notch portion 1f of the cap 1, and the cap 1 is pulled out from the first USB port 10 together with the operation of pulling out the jig 2.
  • the opening 20a can be seen from the outside, and a USB connector or the like can be connected.
  • the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 mesh with each other and are locked and fixed.
  • the lid 1a of the cap 1 can be maintained in a state of closing the opening 20a of the USB port 10 so as not to easily fall off.
  • the cap 1 is hard to fall off, the cap 1 can be easily removed only by horizontally operating the jig 2.
  • the position of the second connector 1 is moved by the urging by the elastic member 1e, and the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 are fitted and a locked state is generated. Therefore, when the second connector 1 is removed, the fitting state can be easily released by inserting the jig 2 into the notch 1f and returning the position of the second connector 1 to the same position as when the second connector 1 is inserted. .. Further, the second connector 1 can be easily removed by hooking the jig 2 on a part of the second connector 1.
  • the shape of the cap is not limited to the embodiment, and it is needless to say that the shape of the cap may be appropriately changed according to the shape of the opening. Further, the shapes of the convex portion and the flat portion formed on the arm portion on the cap side, and the convex portion and the notch portion on the USB port side corresponding to these may be appropriately changed as long as they can be caught when they are pulled out from each other. .. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied not only to the USB port but also to the prevention of unauthorized access to connectors of other standards.
  • the present invention is not limited to this example.
  • the positional relationship of each part in the cap 1 may differ depending on the shape of the first connector.
  • arm portions 1b may be provided at the upper and lower ends of the cap 1
  • a convex portion 1c may be provided on one side of each arm portion 1b in the left-right direction
  • a flat surface portion 1d may be provided on the other side.
  • the present invention can be used to lock a connector such as a USB port.
  • Second connector (cap) 1a Lid body 1b Second connecting part (arm part) 1c Convex part 1d Flat part 1e Elastic member 1f Notch part 2 Jig 2a Hook part 2b Inclined surface 10 First connector (USB port) 10a First conductor electrode (wiring board) 10b First connecting part 10c Convex part 10d Notch part 10e Shell 20 Housing 20a Opening

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

This connector lock structure is provided inside an opening passing through a housing that accommodates an electronic apparatus, the connector lock structure having: a first connector that has a first conductor electrode connected to the electronic apparatus and a first connection part; and a second connector that is connected to the first connector and has a second connection part detachably connected to the first connection part by moving in a direction crossing the open surface of the opening, wherein the first connection part of the first connector is provided at a position overlapping the moving trajectory of the second connection part of the second connector in a plan view, the second connector has a lid body disposed inside the opening in a state of being connected to the first connector, and the lid body includes a second connection part disposed at a position not overlapping the first connection part when viewed in the direction crossing the open surface and an elastic member that biases, by elastic deformation, the second connection part to a position overlapping the first connection part.

Description

コネクタのロック構造、コネクタのロック解除治具、およびロック装置Connector locking structure, connector unlocking jig, and locking device
　本発明は、コネクタのロック構造、コネクタのロック解除治具、およびロック装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a connector lock structure, a connector unlock jig, and a lock device.
　電子機器と他の電子機器との接続に使用されるコネクタとして、ＵＳＢ（登録商標）（Universal Serial Bus）、ＨＤＭＩ（登録商標）（High Definition Multimedia Interface　登録商標）等の規格に基づくものが知られている。このコネクタは、電子機器の筐体の開口部ら外部を臨む位置に設けられている。このため、開口部を介してコネクタに外部機器のコネクタを接続することにより、筐体内部の基板（電子機器の本体）へのアクセスが可能となる。 Known connectors used to connect electronic devices to other electronic devices are those based on standards such as USB (registered trademark) (Universal Serial Bus) and HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface registered trademark). ing. This connector is provided at a position facing the outside from the opening of the housing of the electronic device. Therefore, by connecting the connector of the external device to the connector through the opening, it is possible to access the substrate (main body of the electronic device) inside the housing.
　このような電子機器への外部からの不正アクセスを防止に関連する技術として、特許文献１、２、３に記載された構造がある。 As a technique related to preventing unauthorized access to such electronic devices from the outside, there are structures described in Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3.
　特許文献１には、ＵＳＢポートに挿入される挿入ケースから突出するロック爪をＵＳＢポートの内部に係合させ、このロック状態を挿入ケース側のシリンダー状によって保持する構造が開示されている。 Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a lock claw protruding from an insertion case inserted into a USB port is engaged with the inside of the USB port, and this locked state is held by a cylinder on the insertion case side.
　特許文献２には、ＵＳＢポートに挿入されて、爪を引っ掛けることにより蓋をした状態で固定されるロック機構が開示されている。 Patent Document 2 discloses a lock mechanism that is inserted into a USB port and fixed in a state of being covered by hooking a claw.
　特許文献３には、コネクタに差し込んだ状態で固定することにより、コネクタへの接続を規制するセキュリティ装置が開示されている。 Patent Document 3 discloses a security device that regulates connection to a connector by fixing the device while it is inserted into the connector.
特開２０１７－２２８０１５号公報JP-A-2017-228015 登録実用新案第３１３５０４７号公報Registered Utility Model No. 313504 特開２０１０－０２７３７９号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-0273779
　しかしながら、特許文献１に記載されたロック機構は、シリンダー錠という複雑な機構を必要とするため、ロックを解除するには鍵を回すという面倒な操作を必要とする。
　また特許文献２に記載されたロック機構は、取り外しに際し、先端が特殊な形状に加工された治具を必要とする。
　また特許文献３に記載されたセキュリティ装置は、特殊な形状を備えた解錠具の把持部を回すという面倒な操作を必要とする。 However, since the lock mechanism described in Patent Document 1 requires a complicated mechanism called a cylinder lock, a troublesome operation of turning the key is required to release the lock.
Further, the lock mechanism described in Patent Document 2 requires a jig whose tip is processed into a special shape when it is removed.
Further, the security device described in Patent Document 3 requires a troublesome operation of turning a grip portion of an unlocking tool having a special shape.
　さらに、特許文献１～３のいずれの機構、方式においても、ロックに必要な部材が機器から突出している。このため、例えば、携帯型の電子機器に用いた場合、ロック機構を構成する部材が機器の筐体から突出する。これにより、携帯中に破損してロックが解除され、あるいは、ロック解除が不能になることがあり得る。
　この発明は、上記課題を解決することを目的とする。 Further, in any of the mechanisms and methods of Patent Documents 1 to 3, the member required for locking protrudes from the device. Therefore, for example, when used in a portable electronic device, a member constituting the lock mechanism protrudes from the housing of the device. As a result, it may be damaged during carrying and unlocked, or unlocking may become impossible.
An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems.
　上記課題を解決するために、この発明は以下の手段を提案している。
　本発明の第１態様にかかるロック構造は、電子機器を収容する筐体を貫通する開口部の内側に設けられ、前記電子機器に接続された第１の導体電極と、第１の連結部と、を有する第１のコネクタと、前記第１のコネクタに接続され、前記開口部の開口面と交差する方向への移動によって第１の連結部に着脱可能に連結される第２の連結部を有する第２のコネクタとを有し、前記第１のコネクタの前記第１の連結部は、前記第２のコネクタの前記第２の連結部の移動軌跡と、平面視において重なる位置に設けられ、前記第２のコネクタは、前記第１のコネクタに連結された状態で前記開口部の内側に配置される蓋体を有し、前記蓋体には、前記開口面と交差する前記方向から見て、前記第１の連結部と重ならない位置に配置された前記第２の連結部と、弾性変形によって、前記第１の連結部と重なる位置へ前記第２の連結部を付勢する弾性部材とを備える。
　また本発明の第２態様にかかるロック装置は、電子機器を収容する筐体を貫通する開口部の内側に設けられ、前記電子機器に接続された第１の導体電極と、第１の連結部と、を有する第１のコネクタに接続され、前記開口部の開口面と交差する方向への移動によって前記第１の連結部に着脱可能に連結される第２の連結部を有し、前記第１のコネクタに連結された状態で前記開口部の内側に配置される蓋体と、前記蓋体の、前記開口面と交差する前記方向から見て、前記第１の連結部と重ならない位置に配置された第２の連結部と、弾性変形によって、前記第１の連結部と重なる位置へ前記第２の連結部を付勢する弾性部材と、を有し、前記第２のコネクタの前記第２の連結部の移動軌跡は、前記第１のコネクタの第１の連結部と、平面視において重なる位置にある。 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The lock structure according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided inside an opening penetrating a housing for accommodating an electronic device, and includes a first conductor electrode connected to the electronic device and a first connecting portion. A first connector having a, and a second connecting portion connected to the first connector and detachably connected to the first connecting portion by moving in a direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening. The first connecting portion of the first connector is provided at a position overlapping with the movement locus of the second connecting portion of the second connector in a plan view. The second connector has a lid that is arranged inside the opening in a state of being connected to the first connector, and the lid has the lid when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface. , The second connecting portion arranged at a position not overlapping with the first connecting portion, and an elastic member for urging the second connecting portion to a position overlapping with the first connecting portion by elastic deformation. To be equipped.
Further, the locking device according to the second aspect of the present invention is provided inside the opening penetrating the housing for accommodating the electronic device, and is connected to the electronic device with the first conductor electrode and the first connecting portion. It has a second connecting portion which is connected to the first connector having and is detachably connected to the first connecting portion by moving in a direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening. A lid arranged inside the opening in a state of being connected to the connector 1 and a position of the lid that does not overlap with the first connecting portion when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface. The second connector having an arranged second connecting portion and an elastic member that urges the second connecting portion to a position overlapping the first connecting portion by elastic deformation, and the second connector of the second connector. The movement locus of the connecting portion 2 is at a position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion of the first connector in a plan view.
　本発明によれば、電子機器の筐体のコネクタが設けられた開口部への外部からのアクセスを防止することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent external access to the opening provided with the connector of the housing of the electronic device.
本実施形態におけるコネクタのロック構造の最小構成例を示し、要部の拡大斜視図である。An example of the minimum configuration of the connector lock structure in the present embodiment is shown, and is an enlarged perspective view of a main part. 本実施形態におけるコネクタのロック構造の第２コネクタの要部の拡大斜視図である。It is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the 2nd connector of the connector lock structure in this embodiment. 本実施形態におけるコネクタのロック構造の第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの非ロック状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the unlocked state of the 1st connector and the 2nd connector of the connector lock structure in this embodiment. 本実施形態におけるコネクタのロック構造の第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとのロック状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the locked state of the 1st connector and the 2nd connector of the connector lock structure in this embodiment. 第１実施形態におけるコネクタのロック構造を示し、要部の拡大斜視図である。The lock structure of the connector in the 1st Embodiment is shown, and it is the enlarged perspective view of the main part. 第１実施形態におけるコネクタのロック構造を示し、第２コネクタの要部の拡大斜視図である。The lock structure of the connector in the 1st embodiment is shown, and it is the enlarged perspective view of the main part of the 2nd connector. 第１実施形態のキャップ挿入前の状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the state before the cap insertion of 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態のキャップ挿入後の状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the state after the cap insertion of 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態におけるキャップ挿入前の状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the state before the cap insertion in 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態におけるキャップ挿入直後の状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the state immediately after the cap insertion in 1st Embodiment. 第１実施形態におけるキャップ挿入後、ロックされた状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the locked state after the cap insertion in 1st Embodiment. 図４Ａに対応する状態の側面図である。It is a side view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4A. 図５Ａ１のＡ－Ａ線に沿う矢視図である。5 is an arrow view taken along the line AA of FIG. 5A1. 図４Ｂに対応する状態の側面図である。It is a side view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4B. 図５Ｂ１のＢ―Ｂ線に沿う矢視図である。5 is a view taken along the line BB of FIG. 5B1. 図４Ｃに対応する状態の側面図である。It is a side view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4C. 図５Ｃ１のＣ―Ｃ線に沿う矢視図である。5 is a view taken along the line CC of FIG. 5C1. 図４Ａに対応する状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4A. 図６Ａ１のＤ－Ｄ線に沿う矢視図である。6 is an arrow view taken along the line DD of FIG. 6A1. 図４Ｂに対応する状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4B. 図６Ｂ１のＥ―Ｅ線に沿う矢視図である。6 is an arrow view taken along the line EE of FIG. 6B1. 図４Ｃに対応する状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 4C. 図６Ｃ１のＦ―Ｆ線に沿う矢視図である。6 is a view taken along the line FF of FIG. 6C1. ロック解除治具挿入前の状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the state before the unlocking jig is inserted. ロック解除治具挿入状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the unlocking jig inserted state. キャップ取り外し状態の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the cap removed state. 図７Ａに対応する状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 7A. 図８Ａ１のＧ－Ｇ線に沿う矢視図である。8 is a view taken along the line GG of FIG. 8A1. 図７Ｂに対応する状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 7B. 図８Ｂ１のＨ―Ｈ線に沿う矢視図である。8 is a view taken along the line HH of FIG. 8B1. 図７Ｃに対応する状態の平面図である。It is a top view of the state corresponding to FIG. 7C. 図８Ｃ１のＪ―Ｊ線に沿う矢視図である。8 is a view taken along the line JJ of FIG. 8C1. 図７Ａに対応する状態の側面図である。It is a side view of the state corresponding to FIG. 7A. 図９Ａ１のＫ－Ｋ線に沿う矢視図である。9 is a view taken along the line KK of FIG. 9A1.
　図１Ａ～図１Ｄを参照して、本実施形態にかかるロック構造およびこれを用いたロック装置の最小構成例について説明する。図１Ａは、コネクタのロック構造の要部の拡大斜視図を示す。図１Ｂは第２コネクタの要部の拡大斜視図を示す。図１Ｃは、非ロック状態の第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの平面図を示す。図１Ｄはロック状態の第１のコネクタと第２のコネクタとの平面図を示す。
　図示しない電子機器を収容する筐体２０を貫通する開口部２０ａの内側には、第１のコネクタ１０が設けられている。この第１のコネクタ１０は、前記電子機器に接続された第１の配線基板１０ａと、第１の連結部１０ｂとを有する。この第１の連結部１０ｂは、凸部１０ｃと切欠部１０ｄとを有する。 A lock structure according to the present embodiment and a minimum configuration example of a lock device using the lock structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1D. FIG. 1A shows an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the lock structure of the connector. FIG. 1B shows an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the second connector. FIG. 1C shows a plan view of the first connector and the second connector in the unlocked state. FIG. 1D shows a plan view of the first connector and the second connector in the locked state.
A first connector 10 is provided inside an opening 20a that penetrates a housing 20 that houses an electronic device (not shown). The first connector 10 has a first wiring board 10a connected to the electronic device and a first connecting portion 10b. The first connecting portion 10b has a convex portion 10c and a notched portion 10d.
　前記第１のコネクタ１０には、ロック装置としての第２のコネクタ１が接続されている。この第２のコネクタ１は、前記開口部２０ａの輪郭より僅かに小さい輪郭を有し、前記第１のコネクタ１０に連結された状態で前記開口部２０ａに押し込まれて当該開口部２０ａの内側に配置される蓋体１ａを有する。この蓋体１ａは、その内側（挿入方向前方側）に、前記開口部２０ａと交差する方向への移動によって第１の連結部１０ｂに着脱可能に連結される、第２の連結部１ｂを有する。第２のコネクタ１の第２の連結部１ｂは、開口部２０ａの開口面と交差する方向（挿入方向）への移動によって、開口部２０ａの内側に位置する第１の連結部１０ｂに着脱可能に連結される。　前記第１のコネクタ１０の第１の連結部１０ｂは、前記第２のコネクタ１の第２の連結部１ｂの移動軌跡（開口部２０ａと交差する方向へ移動する際の移動軌跡）と平面視で重なる位置に設けられている。第１の連結部１０ｂが設けられた高さは、当該第１の連結部１０ｂと嵌合する第２の連結部１ｂの移動面の高さと異なる。換言すると、第２のコネクタ１の挿入時、第２の連結部１ｂは第１の連結部１０ｂと上下方向にずれた状態で移動する。 A second connector 1 as a locking device is connected to the first connector 10. The second connector 1 has a contour slightly smaller than the contour of the opening 20a, and is pushed into the opening 20a in a state of being connected to the first connector 10 and inside the opening 20a. It has a lid 1a to be arranged. The lid 1a has a second connecting portion 1b inside the lid 1a (on the front side in the insertion direction), which is detachably connected to the first connecting portion 10b by moving in a direction intersecting the opening 20a. .. The second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 can be attached to and detached from the first connecting portion 10b located inside the opening 20a by moving in a direction (insertion direction) intersecting the opening surface of the opening 20a. Is connected to. The first connecting portion 10b of the first connector 10 is a plan view of the moving locus of the second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 (moving locus when moving in a direction intersecting the opening 20a). It is provided at the position where it overlaps with. The height at which the first connecting portion 10b is provided is different from the height of the moving surface of the second connecting portion 1b that fits with the first connecting portion 10b. In other words, when the second connector 1 is inserted, the second connecting portion 1b moves in a state of being displaced in the vertical direction from the first connecting portion 10b.
　前記第２のコネクタ１の蓋体１ａは、前記開口部２０ａと交差する方向から見て、前記第１の連結部１０ｂと重ならない位置に前記第２の連結部１ｂを有する。また、前記第２のコネクタ１の蓋体１ａは、弾性変形によって、前記第２の連結部１ｂを前記第１の連結部１０ｂと重なる位置へ付勢する弾性部材１ｅを有する。すなわち、第２のコネクタ１は、開口部２０ａの開口面と交差する方向から見た場合に、第１の連結部１０ｂの嵌合部と異なる高さに、第１の連結部１０ｂと嵌合部を設ける。第２のコネクタ１の挿入後、弾性部材１ｅの弾性変形による下方向への付勢によって、第２の連結部１ｂの嵌合部の高さが第１の連結部１０ｂの嵌合部と同様の高さに移動する。これにより、第１のコネクタ１０と第２のコネクタ１とがロック状態になる。 The lid 1a of the second connector 1 has the second connecting portion 1b at a position that does not overlap with the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening 20a. Further, the lid body 1a of the second connector 1 has an elastic member 1e that urges the second connecting portion 1b to a position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion 10b by elastic deformation. That is, the second connector 1 is fitted with the first connecting portion 10b at a height different from the fitting portion of the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening 20a. Provide a part. After the insertion of the second connector 1, the height of the fitting portion of the second connecting portion 1b is the same as that of the fitting portion of the first connecting portion 10b due to the downward bias due to the elastic deformation of the elastic member 1e. Move to the height of. As a result, the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 are locked.
　上記構成のコネクタのロック構造にあっては、第１のコネクタ１０と第２のコネクタ１とを接続するために、第２のコネクタ１が開口部２０ａへ挿入される。続いて、第２のコネクタ１の第２の連結部１ｂが第１のコネクタ１０の第１の配線基板１０ａの両側の第１の連結部１０ｂの直上の位置（図１Ｃに示す）に達するまで、第２のコネクタ１が押し込まれる。図１Ｃに示すように、押し込まれた状態において、第２の連結部１ｂは第１の連結部１０ｂの上方向に位置する。そして、第２のコネクタ１の弾性部材１ｅが下方へ弾性変形し、前記第２の連結部１ｂが前記第１の連結部１０ｂと重なる位置から下方の位置（図１Ｄに示す）へ押し下げられる。これにより、第２の連結部１ｂが第１の連結部１０ｂの凸部１０ｃ、切欠部１０ｄのすくなくともいずれかに噛み合う。つまり、第２の連結部１ｂが下方に移動することによって、第２の連結部１ｂの凸部１ｃ（後述する）が、第１の連結部１０ｂの凸部１０ｃ及び切欠部１０ｄと同じ高さになる。これにより、第２の連結部１ｂと第１の連結部１０ｂとが嵌合する。したがって、図１Ｃ、図１Ｄの左右方向、特に、第２のコネクタ１を筐体２０から引き抜く方向への移動が規制される。 In the connector lock structure having the above configuration, the second connector 1 is inserted into the opening 20a in order to connect the first connector 10 and the second connector 1. Subsequently, until the second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 reaches a position (shown in FIG. 1C) directly above the first connecting portion 10b on both sides of the first wiring board 10a of the first connector 10. , The second connector 1 is pushed in. As shown in FIG. 1C, in the pushed state, the second connecting portion 1b is located in the upward direction of the first connecting portion 10b. Then, the elastic member 1e of the second connector 1 is elastically deformed downward, and the second connecting portion 1b is pushed down from the position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion 10b to a lower position (shown in FIG. 1D). As a result, the second connecting portion 1b meshes with at least one of the convex portion 10c and the notch portion 10d of the first connecting portion 10b. That is, as the second connecting portion 1b moves downward, the convex portion 1c (described later) of the second connecting portion 1b has the same height as the convex portion 10c and the notch portion 10d of the first connecting portion 10b. become. As a result, the second connecting portion 1b and the first connecting portion 10b are fitted together. Therefore, the movement in the left-right direction of FIGS. 1C and 1D, particularly in the direction of pulling out the second connector 1 from the housing 20, is restricted.
　このとき、蓋体１ａが開口部２０ａの内側（詳細には、筐体２０を構成する板金の表面と面一、あるいは、表面より僅かに引っ込んだ位置）にある。このため、蓋体１ａを引き出す方向へつかむ、あるいは引っかけることで開口部２０ａを開放し、第１のコネクタ１０を外部から臨むことが困難な状態になる。さらには、第１のコネクタ１０を押し、引き、等何らかのアクセスをすることが困難な状態になる。なお蓋体１ａは、開口部２０ａを塞ぎ、かつ、外部からこじ開ける等の外力を受けても変形し難く、さらにアーム部１ｂが破損、分離しない程度の強度を担保することができる限り、厚さを薄くしてもよい。すなわち、できるだけ、開口部２０ａの内側に引っ込むよう構成することが望ましい。 At this time, the lid 1a is inside the opening 20a (specifically, it is flush with the surface of the sheet metal constituting the housing 20 or slightly recessed from the surface). Therefore, the opening 20a is opened by grasping or hooking the lid body 1a in the pulling-out direction, and it becomes difficult to face the first connector 10 from the outside. Further, it becomes difficult to perform some kind of access such as pushing and pulling the first connector 10. The lid body 1a is as thick as possible so that the opening 20a is closed and the arm portion 1b is not easily deformed even when subjected to an external force such as prying open from the outside, and the arm portion 1b is not damaged or separated. May be thinned. That is, it is desirable that the opening 20a is recessed as much as possible.
　図２～図７を参照して本発明の第１実施形態を説明する。なお、図２～図７において図１と共通の構成要素には同一符号を付し、説明を簡略化する。図２Ａは、コネクタのロック構造の要部の拡大斜視図であり、図２Ｂは要部の拡大斜視図である。
　図２Ａに示すように、ロック装置として使用される第２のコネクタとしてのキャップ１は、第１のコネクタとしてのＵＳＢポート１０（Universal Serial Bus規格のポート）に開口部２０ａから挿入される。つまり、開口部２０ａに備えられたＵＳＢポート１０（第１のコネクタ）に、キャップ１（第２のコネクタ）が挿入される。前記第２のコネクタとしてのキャップ１は、前記開口部２０ａより小さな輪郭を有する（例えば、十分に余裕のあるマイナスの寸法公差とされた外形寸法を有する）蓋体１ａを有する。なお図２～図６においては、前記ＵＳＢポート１０として、内部に基板等が収容された筒状の金属製のシェル１０ｅが図示されている。 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. In FIGS. 2 to 7, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals to simplify the description. FIG. 2A is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the lock structure of the connector, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view of the main part.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the cap 1 as the second connector used as the locking device is inserted into the USB port 10 (Port of the Universal Serial Bus standard) as the first connector through the opening 20a. That is, the cap 1 (second connector) is inserted into the USB port 10 (first connector) provided in the opening 20a. The cap 1 as the second connector has a lid 1a having a contour smaller than that of the opening 20a (for example, having an external dimension having a negative dimensional tolerance with sufficient margin). In FIGS. 2 to 6, as the USB port 10, a tubular metal shell 10e in which a substrate or the like is housed is shown.
　図２Ｂは、キャップ１の形状の理解を容易にすべく、弾性部材１ｅを省略し、拡大して要部のみを示す。
　この蓋体１ａは、その両端に、幅方向に相互に間隔をおいて、２つの第２の連結部としてのアーム部１ｂを有する。例えば、蓋体１ａは、挿入方向と直行する幅方向に間隔をおいて配置される複数のアーム部１ｂを有する。２つのアーム部１ｂの先端は、それぞれ凸部１ｃと平面部１ｄとを有する。前記凸部１ｃは、アーム部１ｂの先端の上側に設けられ、前記平面部１ｄは、アーム部１ｂの先端の下側に設けられている。図２Ａ、図２Ｂにおいて、下側とは、弾性部材１ｅの変形によりキャップ１が付勢されて押される方向であり、上側とは、変形した弾性部材１ｅにより押し戻される方向である。例えば、付勢によってキャップ１が移動する方向において、凸部１ｃは移動元の側に設けられ、平面部１ｄは移動先の側に設けられる。 In FIG. 2B, in order to facilitate understanding of the shape of the cap 1, the elastic member 1e is omitted and enlarged to show only the main part.
The lid 1a has arm portions 1b as two second connecting portions at both ends thereof, spaced apart from each other in the width direction. For example, the lid body 1a has a plurality of arm portions 1b arranged at intervals in the width direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The tips of the two arm portions 1b have a convex portion 1c and a flat surface portion 1d, respectively. The convex portion 1c is provided above the tip of the arm portion 1b, and the flat surface portion 1d is provided below the tip of the arm portion 1b. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the lower side is the direction in which the cap 1 is urged and pushed by the deformation of the elastic member 1e, and the upper side is the direction in which the cap 1 is pushed back by the deformed elastic member 1e. For example, in the direction in which the cap 1 moves due to urging, the convex portion 1c is provided on the movement source side, and the flat surface portion 1d is provided on the movement destination side.
　前記蓋体１ａは、前記アーム部１ｂの間に上下方向へ弾性変形可能な二つの弾性部材１ｅを有する。つまり、幅方向に間隔をおいて配置された複数のアーム部１ｂの間に、複数の弾性部材１ｅが設けられる。この弾性部材１ｅは、図示のような湾曲状に成型された板バネにより構成されている。また前記弾性部材１ｅは、前記キャップ１を上下方向へできるだけ直線的に移動させるべく、対称の配置にしたがって一対設けられている。すなわち、首振り等の動きが可能な限り小さい直線的な移動によって、部材の内面に引っ掛かることを回避するために、弾性部材１ｅが複数設けられている。キャップ１が均等に付勢されるように、複数の弾性部材１ｅが対称的に配置される。
　また前記蓋体１ａは、蓋体１ａを厚さ方向（第１のコネクタ１０へ挿抜する方向）において貫通する切欠部１ｆを有する。 The lid body 1a has two elastic members 1e that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction between the arm portions 1b. That is, a plurality of elastic members 1e are provided between the plurality of arm portions 1b arranged at intervals in the width direction. The elastic member 1e is formed of a leaf spring molded into a curved shape as shown in the figure. Further, the elastic members 1e are provided in pairs according to a symmetrical arrangement so as to move the cap 1 in the vertical direction as linearly as possible. That is, a plurality of elastic members 1e are provided in order to avoid being caught on the inner surface of the member due to linear movement such as swinging as small as possible. A plurality of elastic members 1e are symmetrically arranged so that the cap 1 is evenly biased.
Further, the lid body 1a has a cutout portion 1f that penetrates the lid body 1a in the thickness direction (direction of inserting and removing from the first connector 10).
　図３Ａは、キャップ１を取り付ける前のＵＳＢポート１０を示すものである。図３Ａは、キャップ１の挿入前のＵＳＢポート１０の斜視図である。
　このＵＳＢポート１０へキャップ１を挿入すると、キャップ１のアーム部１ｂがＵＳＢポート１０内部の配線基板１０ａの上を通過して内部へ侵入する。この時、アーム部１ｂの凸部１ｃが上方に位置し、平面部１ｄが下方に位置している。このため、アーム部１ｂの移動が配線基板１０ａとの接触により妨げられることなく、容易に挿入することができる。凸部１ｃは、アーム部１ｂの上方にのみ設けられるため、キャップ１の挿入時に配線基板１０ａの上を通過する。 FIG. 3A shows the USB port 10 before the cap 1 is attached. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the USB port 10 before the cap 1 is inserted.
When the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10, the arm portion 1b of the cap 1 passes over the wiring board 10a inside the USB port 10 and invades the inside. At this time, the convex portion 1c of the arm portion 1b is located above, and the flat surface portion 1d is located below. Therefore, the movement of the arm portion 1b is not hindered by the contact with the wiring board 10a, and the arm portion 1b can be easily inserted. Since the convex portion 1c is provided only above the arm portion 1b, it passes over the wiring board 10a when the cap 1 is inserted.
　図３Ｂは、キャップ１の挿入後のＵＳＢポート１０の斜視図である。その後、弾性部材１ｅがＵＳＢポート１０のシェル１０ｅの内面（あるいは開口部２０ａの内周面）と接触することにより、キャップ１が下方へ押し下げられる。これにより、図３Ｂに示すように、キャップ１が開口部２０ａの下部の内周に押し付けられた状態となる。 FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the USB port 10 after the cap 1 is inserted. After that, when the elastic member 1e comes into contact with the inner surface of the shell 10e of the USB port 10 (or the inner peripheral surface of the opening 20a), the cap 1 is pushed downward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the cap 1 is pressed against the inner circumference of the lower portion of the opening 20a.
　図４、５、６を参照して、前記キャップ１の挿入に際してのキャップ１の各部とＵＳＢポート１０の各部との動作をより詳細に説明する。図４Ａは、キャップ１の挿入前の状態における、キャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の斜視図を示す。図４Ｂは、キャップ１の挿入直後の状態における、キャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の斜視図を示す。図４Ｃは、キャップ１の挿入後にロックされた状態のキャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の斜視図である。
　図５と図６にＵＳＢポート１０の内部断面を示す。図５Ａ１は、図４Ａの状態におけるキャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の側面図であり、図５Ａ２は図５Ａ１におけるＡ－Ａ線に沿った矢視図である。図５Ｂ１は、図４Ｂの状態におけるキャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の側面図であり、図５Ｂ２は図５Ｂ１におけるＢ―Ｂ線に沿った矢視図である。図５Ｃ１は図４Ｃの状態におけるキャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の側面図であり、図５Ｃ２は図５Ｃ１におけるＣ―Ｃ線に沿った矢視図である。
　図６Ａ１は、図４Ａの状態におけるキャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の平面図であり、図６Ａ２は図６Ａ１におけるＤ－Ｄ線に沿う矢視図である。図６Ｂ１は、図４Ｂの状態におけるキャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の平面図であり、図６Ｂ２は図６Ｂ１におけるＥ―Ｅ線に沿う矢視図である。図６Ｃ１は、図４Ｃの状態におけるキャップ１及びＵＳＢポート１０の平面図であり、図６Ｃ２は図６Ｃ１におけるＦ―Ｆ線に沿う矢視図である。
　ＵＳＢポート１０は周囲を筒状のシェル１０ｅで覆われ、ＵＳＢポート１０の内部には図示しないＵＳＢプラグと電気的に接続するための接点部が設けられた配線基板１０ａが収容されている。ＵＳＢプラグは、例えば、ＵＳＢケーブルの先端に設けられ、電子機器と他の電子機器とを接続すべく本来接続すべきコネクタである。配線基板１０ａの両端の側面には、ＵＳＢプラグとロック嵌合するための凸部１０ｃと切欠部１０ｄとが形成されている。 With reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the operation of each part of the cap 1 and each part of the USB port 10 when the cap 1 is inserted will be described in more detail. FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in a state before the cap 1 is inserted. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in a state immediately after the cap 1 is inserted. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in a locked state after the cap 1 is inserted.
5 and 6 show the internal cross section of the USB port 10. 5A1 is a side view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 5A2 is an arrow view taken along the line AA in FIG. 5A1. 5B1 is a side view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5B2 is an arrow view taken along the line BB in FIG. 5B1. 5C1 is a side view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4C, and FIG. 5C2 is an arrow view taken along the line CC in FIG. 5C1.
6A1 is a plan view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 6A2 is an arrow view taken along the line DD in FIG. 6A1. 6B1 is a plan view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4B, and FIG. 6B2 is an arrow view taken along the line EE in FIG. 6B1. 6C1 is a plan view of the cap 1 and the USB port 10 in the state of FIG. 4C, and FIG. 6C2 is an arrow view taken along the line FF in FIG. 6C1.
The USB port 10 is surrounded by a tubular shell 10e, and a wiring board 10a provided with a contact portion for electrically connecting to a USB plug (not shown) is housed inside the USB port 10. The USB plug is, for example, a connector provided at the tip of a USB cable and which should be originally connected in order to connect an electronic device and another electronic device. On the side surfaces of both ends of the wiring board 10a, a convex portion 10c and a notch portion 10d for lock fitting with the USB plug are formed.
　図４Ａ、図５Ａ１、及び図５Ａ２に示すように、キャップ１を水平方向からＵＳＢポート１０に向けることで、挿入の準備が行われる。
　図４Ｂ、図５Ｂ１、及び図５Ｂ２に示すように、キャップ１が水平方向からＵＳＢポート１０に挿入される。つまり、開口面と交差する方向にしたがって、キャップ１がＵＳＢポート１０に挿入される。この状態では、キャップ１が操作者によって手指で保持されている。このため、まだ弾性部材１ｅの弾性力が作用することがなく、キャップ１は上側に配置されている。つまり、キャップ１は付勢方向に移動していない状態である。
　キャップ１が上側に位置する状態では、アーム部１ｂの平面部１ｄが配線基板１０ａの両側と干渉することがなく、ＵＳＢポート１０の内部を通過することができる。すなわち、ＵＳＢポート１０の内部に設けられた配線基板１０ａの凸部１０ｃとキャップ１の凸部１ｃは上下方向にずれた位置関係（開口部と直交する方向から見てずれた位置関係）にある。このため、配線基板１０ａの凸部１０ｃとキャップ１の凸部１ｃとが干渉することなく、キャップ１がＵＳＢポート１０に差し込まれていく。さらに、この差し込みに伴う移動に際し、キャップ１に設けられた弾性部材１ｅは、ＵＳＢポート１０のシェル１０ｅと干渉する。このため、キャップ１の弾性部材１ｅが変形しながら差し込まれて行く。すなわち、キャップ１の挿入時、シェル１０ｅとの干渉に伴って弾性部材１ｅが変形する。 As shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A1 and 5A2, the cap 1 is oriented horizontally toward the USB port 10 to prepare for insertion.
As shown in FIGS. 4B, 5B1 and 5B2, the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 from the horizontal direction. That is, the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 in the direction intersecting the opening surface. In this state, the cap 1 is held by the operator with his / her fingers. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member 1e still does not act, and the cap 1 is arranged on the upper side. That is, the cap 1 is not moving in the urging direction.
When the cap 1 is located on the upper side, the flat surface portion 1d of the arm portion 1b can pass through the inside of the USB port 10 without interfering with both sides of the wiring board 10a. That is, the convex portion 10c of the wiring board 10a provided inside the USB port 10 and the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 are in a positional relationship shifted in the vertical direction (positional relationship shifted from the direction orthogonal to the opening). .. Therefore, the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 without the convex portion 10c of the wiring board 10a and the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 interfering with each other. Further, the elastic member 1e provided on the cap 1 interferes with the shell 10e of the USB port 10 during the movement accompanying the insertion. Therefore, the elastic member 1e of the cap 1 is inserted while being deformed. That is, when the cap 1 is inserted, the elastic member 1e is deformed due to interference with the shell 10e.
　上記の差し込みの操作により、図４Ｃ、図５Ｃ１、及び図５Ｃ２に示すように、キャップ１がＵＳＢポート１０に差し込まれることでロック状態となる。
　すなわち、図５Ｂ１、図５Ｂ２、図６Ｂ１、及び図６Ｂ２に示すように、キャップ１がＵＳＢポート１０へ完全に差し込まれた状態で、キャップ１から操作者が手指を放す。この結果、ＵＳＢポート１０のシェル１０ｅと干渉していたキャップ１の弾性部材１ｅが復元しようとして弾性変形する。そして、その弾性変形による反発によりキャップ１が下方へ付勢されて移動し、図５Ｃ１、図５Ｃ２、図６Ｃ１、及び図６Ｃ２に示すような位置でキャップ１が固定される。 By the above insertion operation, as shown in FIGS. 4C, 5C1 and 5C2, the cap 1 is inserted into the USB port 10 to be in the locked state.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 5B1, 5B2, 6B1, and 6B2, the operator releases the finger from the cap 1 with the cap 1 completely inserted into the USB port 10. As a result, the elastic member 1e of the cap 1 that has interfered with the shell 10e of the USB port 10 is elastically deformed in an attempt to be restored. Then, the cap 1 is urged downward to move due to the repulsion due to the elastic deformation, and the cap 1 is fixed at the positions shown in FIGS. 5C1, 5C2, 6C1 and 6C2.
　この動作の際は、図５Ｃ１、及び図５Ｃ２に示すようにキャップ１の凸部１ｃがＵＳＢポート１０の切欠部１０ｄに収容される。キャップ１は凸部１ｃとＵＳＢポート１０の凸部１０ｃとによってロックされ、キャップ１が容易に外れない状態になる。 During this operation, as shown in FIGS. 5C1 and 5C2, the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 is accommodated in the notch portion 10d of the USB port 10. The cap 1 is locked by the convex portion 1c and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10, so that the cap 1 cannot be easily removed.
　上記キャップ１の差し込み動作を要約して再度説明する。キャップ１を差し込む際は、キャップ１の凸部１ｃがＵＳＢポート１０の配線基板１０ａの上を通過するとともに、図５Ｂ１、及び図５Ｂ２に示すように、ＵＳＢポート１０の凸部１０ｃの部分では、キャップ１の平面部１ｄの部分が通過する。このため、ＵＳＢポート１０に干渉することなく、キャップ１の差し込みが可能である。
　そして、操作者が保持していたキャップ１から手指を離すと、図４Ｃ、図５Ｃ１、及び図５Ｃ２の状態で、キャップ１は弾性部材１ｅによる付勢により下方へ移動する。これにより、キャップ１の凸部１ｃとＵＳＢポート１０の凸部１０ｃとが噛み合ってロックされる。
　以上のように、本実施の形態におけるコネクタのロック構造は、第１のコネクタ１０と、第２のコネクタ１とを有する。
　第１のコネクタ１０は、電子機器を収容する筐体２０を貫通する開口部２０ａの内側に設けられて該開口部２０ａに連なる筒状をなすシェル１０ｅ内に、電子機器に接続された第１の導体電極と、第１の連結部１０ｂとを有する。
　第２のコネクタ１は、この第１のコネクタ１０に接続される。第２のコネクタ１は、第２の連結部１ｂと、弾性部材１ｅとを有する。第２の連結部１ｂは、開口部２０ａと交差する方向であって、筒状をなすシェル１０ｅに沿う直線方向への移動と、該直線とシェル１０ｅを横断する面内で交差する一の方向への移動とによって第１の連結部１０ｂに着脱可能に連結される。
　第１のコネクタ１０の第１の連結部１０ｂは、直線とシェル１０ｅを横断する面内で交差する一の方向から見て、第２のコネクタ１の第２の連結部１ｂの直線方向への移動領域と重なる位置に設けられる。また、第２のコネクタ１は、開口部２０ａに対応する形状であって、開口部２０ａとの間に開口部２０ａを含む面内での移動を許容する隙間を有する蓋体１ａを有する。
　第２の連結部１ｂは、この蓋体１ａと一体に設けられていて、開口部２０ａと交差する方向から見て、第１の連結部１０ｂと重ならない位置と、第１の連結部１０ｂと重なる位置との間で移動可能である。弾性部材１ｅは、シェル１０ｅを横断する面と平行な面において、蓋体１ａが開口部２０ａと略重なり、かつ第２の連結部１ｂがシェル１０ｅの外側となる位置にある状態で、一の方向に沿ってシェル１０ｅの外方まで延在する。また、弾性部材１ｅは、第２の連結部１ｂがシェル１０ｅに挿入された状態で、シェル１０ｅ内で一の方向に沿ってシェル１０ｅの内方へ弾性変形可能である。弾性部材１ｅは、この弾性変形により、開口部２０ａと交差する方向から見て、第２の連結部１ｂを第１の連結部１０ｂと重なる位置へ移動させる。
　これにより、第２のコネクタ１が第１のコネクタ１０に差し込まれた際に、弾性部材１ｅの弾性変形によって第２の連結部１ｂが付勢され、第２の連結部１ｂと第１の連結部１０ｂとが嵌合する。このため、開口部２０ａへの外部からのアクセスを防止するとともに、ロック状態を簡易な操作によって実現することができる。また、ロック状態を実現するために要する部材が機器から突出することも回避される。
　また、第１の連結部１０ｂは、第１の凸部１０ｃを有する。第１の凸部１０ｃは、シェル１０ｅを横断する面内で直線と交差する一の方向から見て、第２のコネクタ１の移動方向に沿う直線に沿って延在する平面状の配線基板の一部に形成される。第２の連結部１ｂは、第２の凸部１ｃを有する。第２の凸部１ｃは、第１のコネクタ１０と第２のコネクタ１とを連結した状態において、直線とシェル１０ｅを横断する面内で交差する一の方向から見て、第１の凸部１０ｃと互いにかみあう位置に配置される。
　これにより、第１の凸部１０ｃと第２の凸部１ｃとが干渉することなく、第２のコネクタ１が第１のコネクタ１０に差し込まれる。また、連結した状態では、第２の凸部１ｃと第１の凸部１０ｃとが嵌合し、第２のコネクタ１が容易に外れない状態になる。 The insertion operation of the cap 1 will be summarized and described again. When the cap 1 is inserted, the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 passes over the wiring board 10a of the USB port 10, and as shown in FIGS. 5B1 and 5B2, the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 is inserted. The flat portion 1d of the cap 1 passes through. Therefore, the cap 1 can be inserted without interfering with the USB port 10.
Then, when the operator releases the cap 1 held by the operator, the cap 1 moves downward due to the urging by the elastic member 1e in the states of FIGS. 4C, 5C1, and 5C2. As a result, the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 mesh with each other and are locked.
As described above, the connector lock structure of the present embodiment includes the first connector 10 and the second connector 1.
The first connector 10 is provided inside the opening 20a penetrating the housing 20 accommodating the electronic device, and is connected to the electronic device in a tubular shell 10e connected to the opening 20a. It has a conductor electrode of the above and a first connecting portion 10b.
The second connector 1 is connected to the first connector 10. The second connector 1 has a second connecting portion 1b and an elastic member 1e. The second connecting portion 1b is a direction that intersects the opening 20a, and moves in a straight line direction along the tubular shell 10e and one direction that intersects the straight line in a plane crossing the shell 10e. It is detachably connected to the first connecting portion 10b by moving to.
The first connecting portion 10b of the first connector 10 is in the linear direction of the second connecting portion 1b of the second connector 1 when viewed from one direction in which the straight line intersects the shell 10e in a plane. It is provided at a position that overlaps with the moving area. Further, the second connector 1 has a lid body 1a having a shape corresponding to the opening 20a and having a gap between the second connector 1 and the opening 20a to allow movement in the plane including the opening 20a.
The second connecting portion 1b is provided integrally with the lid body 1a, and is located at a position that does not overlap with the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening 20a, and the first connecting portion 10b. It can be moved to and from the overlapping position. The elastic member 1e is one in a state where the lid 1a substantially overlaps the opening 20a and the second connecting portion 1b is on the outside of the shell 10e on a surface parallel to the surface crossing the shell 10e. It extends along the direction to the outside of the shell 10e. Further, the elastic member 1e can be elastically deformed inward of the shell 10e along one direction in the shell 10e with the second connecting portion 1b inserted into the shell 10e. Due to this elastic deformation, the elastic member 1e moves the second connecting portion 1b to a position overlapping the first connecting portion 10b when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening 20a.
As a result, when the second connector 1 is inserted into the first connector 10, the second connecting portion 1b is urged by the elastic deformation of the elastic member 1e, and the second connecting portion 1b and the first connecting portion 1b are connected. Fits with the portion 10b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent access to the opening 20a from the outside and to realize the locked state by a simple operation. In addition, it is possible to prevent the member required for realizing the locked state from protruding from the device.
Further, the first connecting portion 10b has a first convex portion 10c. The first convex portion 10c is a flat wiring board extending along a straight line along the moving direction of the second connector 1 when viewed from one direction intersecting a straight line in a plane crossing the shell 10e. Formed in part. The second connecting portion 1b has a second convex portion 1c. The second convex portion 1c is a first convex portion when viewed from one direction in which the straight line and the shell 10e intersect in a plane in a state where the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 are connected. It is arranged at a position where it meshes with 10c.
As a result, the second connector 1 is inserted into the first connector 10 without the first convex portion 10c and the second convex portion 1c interfering with each other. Further, in the connected state, the second convex portion 1c and the first convex portion 10c are fitted to each other, and the second connector 1 is not easily disengaged.
　次いで、図７Ａ～図７Ｃにより、第１実施形態のキャップ１を取り外す際に使用する治具２について説明する。図７Ａは、ロック解除用の治具２が挿入される前の状態の斜視図であり、図７Ｂはロック解除用の治具２が挿入された状態の斜視図である。図７Ｃはキャップ１が取り外された状態の斜視図である。
　図７Ａに示すように、治具２の先端には、幅方向へ所定の相互間隔をおいて、複数のフック部２ａが設けられている。このフック部２ａは、先端が先細り状に形成されている。フック部２ａの全体の高さ（厚さ）は、開口部２０ａに挿入可能な程度に小さく設定されている。またフック部２ａの先端には、狭隘な隙間へ侵入して後続部分の挿入を容易にするための傾斜面２ｂが形成されている。 Next, the jig 2 used when removing the cap 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a state before the unlocking jig 2 is inserted, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a state in which the unlocking jig 2 is inserted. FIG. 7C is a perspective view showing a state in which the cap 1 is removed.
As shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of hook portions 2a are provided at the tip of the jig 2 at predetermined mutual intervals in the width direction. The tip of the hook portion 2a is formed in a tapered shape. The overall height (thickness) of the hook portion 2a is set so small that it can be inserted into the opening 20a. Further, at the tip of the hook portion 2a, an inclined surface 2b is formed so as to penetrate into a narrow gap and facilitate insertion of a subsequent portion.
　筐体２０へ組み込まれたＵＳＢポート１０からキャップ１を取り外す操作について説明する。
　前記キャップ１を取り外す際には、図７Ａに示すように治具２を準備する。この治具２をキャップ１の切欠部１ｆへ水平に差し込み、奥まで差し込んだ後、治具２を水平に引き抜く操作によって、ＵＳＢポート１０からキャップ１を取り外すことができる。
　図７Ｂは治具２を奥まで差し込んだ状態を示す。図７Ｃは、図７Ｂの状態の後、治具２を引き抜くことで、治具２の先端にキャップ１が連結されて一体に引き抜かれた状態を示している。 The operation of removing the cap 1 from the USB port 10 incorporated in the housing 20 will be described.
When removing the cap 1, a jig 2 is prepared as shown in FIG. 7A. The cap 1 can be removed from the USB port 10 by horizontally inserting the jig 2 into the notch 1f of the cap 1, inserting it all the way, and then pulling out the jig 2 horizontally.
FIG. 7B shows a state in which the jig 2 is inserted all the way. FIG. 7C shows a state in which the cap 1 is connected to the tip of the jig 2 and is integrally pulled out by pulling out the jig 2 after the state of FIG. 7B.
　図８Ａ１及び図８Ａ２と、図８Ｂ１及び図８Ｂ２とは治具２を差し込んでいく様子を上から見た図と断面図である。図８Ｃ１及び図Ｃ２は治具２を奥まで差し込んだ状態を上から見た図と断面図である。図９Ａ１及び図９Ａ２は、図８Ｃ１及び図８Ｃ２の状態を横から見た図と断面図である。
　装置２０へ組み込まれたＵＳＢポート１０からキャップ１を取り外す動作の詳細を説明する。治具２の先端に設けられたフック部２ａがキャップ１の切欠部１ｆに差し込まれていく。図７Ａから図７Ｂの状態になる。この動作の際は、フック部２ａによりキャップ１が上方に持ち上げられていき、図８Ｂ１及び図８Ｂ２から図８Ｃ１及び図８Ｃ２の状態になる。先細り状に形成されたフック部２ａが切欠部１ｆに差し込まれていくことによって、キャップ１が持ち上げられる。
　キャップ１が持ち上げられることで、キャップ１の凸部１ｃがＵＳＢポート１０の配線基板１０ａの上方に移動する。つまり、キャップ１の凸部１ｃの位置が、ＵＳＢポート１０の凸部１０ｃより高くなる。この状態では、キャップ１の凸部１ｃが上の位置にある。このため、キャップ１を引き出すためにキャップ１の凸部１ｃとＵＳＢポート１０の凸部１０ｃとが干渉することなく、容易にキャップ１を取り外すことができる。
　また前記治具２のフック部２ａは、キャップ１へ奥まで差し込まれることにより、弾性変形しながらキャップ１の蓋体１ａに引っ掛かって一体に連結される。フック部２ａがキャップ１の蓋体１ａに引っ掛かることで、治具２とキャップ１とが連結される。このため、治具２を引き抜く操作とともに、キャップ１が治具２と一体に引き抜かれる。すなわち、図９Ａ１及び図９Ａ２に示すように、治具２のフック部２ａは、キャップ１の切欠部１ｆの内側に引っ掛かり、治具２を引き抜く操作とともに、キャップ１を第１のＵＳＢポート１０から引き抜くことができる。すなわち、キャップ１を引き抜くことにより、キャップ１とのロック状態が解除される。これにより、開口部２０ａを外部から臨むことができることとなり、ＵＳＢコネクタ等の接続が可能になる。
　以上説明したように、第１実施形態にあっては、キャップ１の凸部１ｃとＵＳＢポート１０の凸部１０ｃとが噛み合ってロック固定される。これにより、キャップ１の蓋体１ａがＵＳＢポート１０の開口部２０ａを塞いだ状態のまま、容易に脱落しないように維持することができる。
　また、キャップ１が脱落しにくい構成にも関わらず、治具２を水平動作させるだけでキャップ１を容易に取り外すことが可能である。
　本実施の形態では、弾性部材１ｅによる付勢によって第２のコネクタ１の位置が移動し、第１のコネクタ１０と第２のコネクタ１とが嵌合されロック状態が生じる。このため、第２のコネクタ１の取り外し時には、治具２を切欠部１ｆに差し込み第２のコネクタ１の位置を挿入時と同じ位置に戻すことで、嵌合状態を容易に解除することができる。また、治具２を第２のコネクタ１の一部に引っ掛けることで、第２のコネクタ１を容易に取り外すことができる。 8A1 and 8A2 and 8B1 and 8B2 are views and a cross-sectional view of how the jig 2 is inserted. 8C1 and C2 are a top view and a cross-sectional view of the state in which the jig 2 is inserted all the way. 9A1 and 9A2 are side views and cross-sectional views of the states of FIGS. 8C1 and 8C2.
The details of the operation of removing the cap 1 from the USB port 10 incorporated in the device 20 will be described. The hook portion 2a provided at the tip of the jig 2 is inserted into the notch portion 1f of the cap 1. The state is changed from FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B. At the time of this operation, the cap 1 is lifted upward by the hook portion 2a, and the cap 1 is in the state of FIGS. 8B1 and 8B2 to 8C1 and 8C2. The cap 1 is lifted by the hook portion 2a formed in a tapered shape being inserted into the notch portion 1f.
When the cap 1 is lifted, the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 moves above the wiring board 10a of the USB port 10. That is, the position of the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 is higher than that of the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10. In this state, the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 is in the upper position. Therefore, the cap 1 can be easily removed without the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 interfering with each other in order to pull out the cap 1.
Further, the hook portion 2a of the jig 2 is inserted all the way into the cap 1 and is elastically deformed while being hooked on the lid body 1a of the cap 1 and integrally connected. The jig 2 and the cap 1 are connected by hooking the hook portion 2a on the lid body 1a of the cap 1. Therefore, along with the operation of pulling out the jig 2, the cap 1 is pulled out integrally with the jig 2. That is, as shown in FIGS. 9A1 and 9A2, the hook portion 2a of the jig 2 is caught inside the notch portion 1f of the cap 1, and the cap 1 is pulled out from the first USB port 10 together with the operation of pulling out the jig 2. Can be pulled out. That is, by pulling out the cap 1, the locked state with the cap 1 is released. As a result, the opening 20a can be seen from the outside, and a USB connector or the like can be connected.
As described above, in the first embodiment, the convex portion 1c of the cap 1 and the convex portion 10c of the USB port 10 mesh with each other and are locked and fixed. As a result, the lid 1a of the cap 1 can be maintained in a state of closing the opening 20a of the USB port 10 so as not to easily fall off.
Further, although the cap 1 is hard to fall off, the cap 1 can be easily removed only by horizontally operating the jig 2.
In the present embodiment, the position of the second connector 1 is moved by the urging by the elastic member 1e, and the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 are fitted and a locked state is generated. Therefore, when the second connector 1 is removed, the fitting state can be easily released by inserting the jig 2 into the notch 1f and returning the position of the second connector 1 to the same position as when the second connector 1 is inserted. .. Further, the second connector 1 can be easily removed by hooking the jig 2 on a part of the second connector 1.
　なお、キャップの形状は実施形態に限定されるものではなく、開口部の形状に応じて適宜変更しても良いのはもちろんである。またキャップ側のアーム部に形成される凸部、平面部、および、これらに対応するＵＳＢポート側の凸部、切欠部の形状は、互いに引き抜く際に引っ掛かることができれば、適宜変更しても良い。
　さらに本発明は、ＵＳＢポートのみならず、他の規格のコネクタの不正アクセス防止にも適用することができるのはもちろんである。
　また、上述した実施形態では、キャップ１の両端にアーム部１ｂを備え、各アーム部１ｂの上部に凸部１ｃを、下部に平面部１ｄを設ける場合を例示した。ただし、この例に限定されるものではない。キャップ１における各部の位置関係は、第１のコネクタの形状に応じて異なってもよい。例えば、キャップ１の上下端にアーム部１ｂが備けられ、各アーム部１ｂの左右方向の一方に凸部１ｃが、他方に平面部１ｄが設けられてもよい。
　以上、本発明の実施形態について図面を参照して詳述したが、具体的な構成はこの実施形態に限られるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲の設計変更等も含まれる。 The shape of the cap is not limited to the embodiment, and it is needless to say that the shape of the cap may be appropriately changed according to the shape of the opening. Further, the shapes of the convex portion and the flat portion formed on the arm portion on the cap side, and the convex portion and the notch portion on the USB port side corresponding to these may be appropriately changed as long as they can be caught when they are pulled out from each other. ..
Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied not only to the USB port but also to the prevention of unauthorized access to connectors of other standards.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the arm portions 1b are provided at both ends of the cap 1, the convex portion 1c is provided on the upper portion of each arm portion 1b, and the flat surface portion 1d is provided on the lower portion is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The positional relationship of each part in the cap 1 may differ depending on the shape of the first connector. For example, arm portions 1b may be provided at the upper and lower ends of the cap 1, a convex portion 1c may be provided on one side of each arm portion 1b in the left-right direction, and a flat surface portion 1d may be provided on the other side.
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within a range not deviating from the gist of the present invention are also included.
　この出願は、２０１９年３月２６日に日本出願された特願２０１９－０５８５４４号を基礎とする優先権を主張し、その開示の全てをここに取り込む。 This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-058544 filed in Japan on March 26, 2019, and incorporates all of its disclosures here.
　本発明は、ＵＳＢポート等のコネクタのロックに利用することができる。 The present invention can be used to lock a connector such as a USB port.
　　１　第２のコネクタ（キャップ）
　　１ａ　蓋体
　　１ｂ　第２の連結部（アーム部）
　　１ｃ　凸部
　　１ｄ　平面部
　　１ｅ　弾性部材
　　１ｆ　切欠部
　　２　治具
　　２ａ　フック部
　　２ｂ　傾斜面
　　１０　第１のコネクタ（ＵＳＢポート）
　　１０ａ　第１の導体電極（配線基板）
　　１０ｂ　第１の連結部
　　１０ｃ　凸部
　　１０ｄ　切欠部
　　１０ｅ　シェル
　　２０　筐体
　　２０ａ　開口部 1 Second connector (cap)
1a Lid body 1b Second connecting part (arm part)
1c Convex part 1d Flat part 1e Elastic member 1f Notch part 2 Jig 2a Hook part 2b Inclined surface 10 First connector (USB port)
10a First conductor electrode (wiring board)
10b First connecting part 10c Convex part 10d Notch part 10e Shell 20 Housing 20a Opening

Claims (6)

  1. 　電子機器を収容する筐体を貫通する開口部の内側に設けられ、前記電子機器に接続された第１の導体電極と、第１の連結部と、を有する第１のコネクタと、
    　前記第１のコネクタに接続され、前記開口部の開口面と交差する方向への移動によって前記第１の連結部に着脱可能に連結される第２の連結部と、を有する第２のコネクタと、を有し、
    　前記第１のコネクタの前記第１の連結部は、前記第２のコネクタの前記第２の連結部の移動軌跡と、平面視において重なる位置に設けられ、
    　前記第２のコネクタは、前記第１のコネクタに連結された状態で前記開口部の内側に配置される蓋体を有し、
    　前記蓋体は、
    　前記開口面と交差する前記方向から見て、前記第１の連結部と重ならない位置に配置された前記第２の連結部と、
    　弾性変形によって、前記第１の連結部と重なる位置へ前記第２の連結部を付勢する弾性部材とを備える、
    コネクタのロック構造。     A first connector provided inside an opening penetrating a housing for accommodating an electronic device and having a first conductor electrode connected to the electronic device and a first connecting portion.
    A second connector having a second connector that is connected to the first connector and is detachably connected to the first connecting portion by moving in a direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening. Have,
    The first connecting portion of the first connector is provided at a position overlapping with the movement locus of the second connecting portion of the second connector in a plan view.
    The second connector has a lid that is arranged inside the opening while being connected to the first connector.
    The lid is
    The second connecting portion arranged at a position not overlapping with the first connecting portion when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface.
    An elastic member for urging the second connecting portion to a position overlapping the first connecting portion by elastic deformation is provided.
    Connector lock structure.
  2. 　前記第１の連結部は、前記第２のコネクタの前記移動の方向と交差する他の方向へ突出する第１の凸部を有し、
    　前記第２の連結部は、前記平面視において、前記第１の凸部と重なる移動軌跡を有する第２の凸部を有する、
    請求項１に記載のコネクタのロック構造。     The first connecting portion has a first convex portion that projects in another direction that intersects the direction of movement of the second connector.
    The second connecting portion has a second convex portion having a movement locus that overlaps with the first convex portion in the plan view.
    The connector lock structure according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記第１の連結部と前記第２の連結部とは、前記弾性部材の弾性変形方向において互いに位置をずらして配置される、
    請求項１または２のいずれか１項に記載のコネクタのロック構造。     The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged so as to be displaced from each other in the elastic deformation direction of the elastic member.
    The connector locking structure according to any one of claims 1 or 2.
  4. 　前記蓋体は、前記開口部の内周の輪郭より小さい輪郭を有し、前記開口部が形成された前記筐体の厚さより小さい厚さを有する、請求項１～３のいずれか１項に記載のコネクタのロック構造。 According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the lid has a contour smaller than the contour of the inner circumference of the opening and has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the housing in which the opening is formed. The lock structure of the described connector.
  5. 　請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の前記コネクタのロック構造に使用され、
    　前記蓋体と前記開口部との間に挿入され、前記弾性部材の弾性力に抗して前記蓋体を移動させる傾斜面を有するロック解除治具。     Used in the lock structure of the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
    An unlocking jig that is inserted between the lid and the opening and has an inclined surface that moves the lid against the elastic force of the elastic member.
  6. 　電子機器を収容する筐体を貫通する開口部の内側に設けられ、前記電子機器に接続された第１の導体電極と、第１の連結部と、を有する第１のコネクタに接続され、前記開口部の開口面と交差する方向への移動によって前記第１の連結部に着脱可能に連結される第２の連結部を有し、
    　前記第１のコネクタに連結された状態で前記開口部の内側に配置される蓋体と、
    　前記蓋体の、前記開口面と交差する前記方向から見て、前記第１の連結部と重ならない位置に配置された第２の連結部と、
    　弾性変形によって、前記第１の連結部と重なる位置へ前記第２の連結部を付勢する弾性部材と、を有し、
    　前記第２の連結部の移動軌跡は、前記第１のコネクタの第１の連結部と、平面視において重なる位置にある、
    コネクタのロック装置。     The first connector provided inside the opening penetrating the housing for accommodating the electronic device and having a first conductor electrode connected to the electronic device and a first connecting portion is connected to the connector. It has a second connecting portion that is detachably connected to the first connecting portion by moving in a direction intersecting the opening surface of the opening.
    A lid arranged inside the opening in a state of being connected to the first connector,
    A second connecting portion of the lid body arranged at a position not overlapping the first connecting portion when viewed from the direction intersecting the opening surface.
    It has an elastic member that urges the second connecting portion to a position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion by elastic deformation.
    The movement locus of the second connecting portion is located at a position where it overlaps with the first connecting portion of the first connector in a plan view.
    Connector lock device.
PCT/JP2020/012944 2019-03-26 2020-03-24 Connector lock structure, connector lock release jig, and lock device WO2020196492A1 (en)

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JP2019058544A JP6717508B1 (en) 2019-03-26 2019-03-26 Connector locking structure and connector unlocking jig

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7202007B2 (en) * 2019-08-27 2023-01-11 テクノベインズ株式会社 Protective device and withdrawal device that closes the part insertion slot
JP7132400B1 (en) * 2021-06-24 2022-09-06 Ｎｅｃプラットフォームズ株式会社 Connector port cap, connector port protection structure, and connector port cap removal tool

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2000003763A (en) * 1998-04-17 2000-01-07 Yazaki Corp Connector locking mechanism
JP2014150012A (en) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-21 Furukawa Electric Co Ltd:The Connector
US20150340812A1 (en) * 2013-02-01 2015-11-26 Chang Hoon Ahn Usb port locking device
JP2017041349A (en) * 2015-08-19 2017-02-23 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 connector
JP2018120713A (en) * 2017-01-24 2018-08-02 株式会社コムテック Connector lock device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2000003763A (en) * 1998-04-17 2000-01-07 Yazaki Corp Connector locking mechanism
US20150340812A1 (en) * 2013-02-01 2015-11-26 Chang Hoon Ahn Usb port locking device
JP2014150012A (en) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-21 Furukawa Electric Co Ltd:The Connector
JP2017041349A (en) * 2015-08-19 2017-02-23 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 connector
JP2018120713A (en) * 2017-01-24 2018-08-02 株式会社コムテック Connector lock device

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