Connector and electronic device

A connector (10) according to the present disclosure includes an insulator (20) including an insertion space portion (21) into and from which a cable (70) including a to-be-locked portion (74) can be inserted and removed, an actuator (50) including a locking portion (51) and supported by the insulator (20) rotatably about a rotation axis (C) between a lock position at which the to-be-locked portion (74) and the locking portion (51) engage with each other when the cable (70) is in an inserted state and an insertion/removal position at which the cable (70) can be inserted into and removed from the insertion space portion (21), and a biasing member (60) supported by the insulator (20) and including an abutting portion (64) that abuts on the actuator (50), the biasing member (60) applying a force to bias the actuator (50) toward the lock position through the abutting portion (64), wherein the locking portion (51), the abutting portion (64), and the rotation axis (C) are positioned apart from one another in an insertion/removal direction in which the cable (70) is inserted into and removed from the insertion space portion (21).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-152912 filed Aug. 23, 2019 in Japan, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connector and an electronic device.

BACKGROUND ART

Hitherto, connectors for use in electronic devices and so on have been demanded to have structures capable of enabling cables to be easily inserted and removed from the viewpoint of improving workability. Because of an increase in complexity of internal assembly in the electronic devices and so on, there is also a demand for a connector with which, for example, when a worker manually inserts and removes a cable in maintenance work of the device, the worker can easily perform the work.

There has been a tendency to miniaturize electronic devices, such as personal computers, for easier portability. With miniaturization of the electronic devices, it is demanded that, even under situations in which a working space inside the electronic device is small, the worker can manually insert and remove the cable in an easy and reliable manner.

For example, Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses an electrical connector for a flat conductor in which a movable member automatically returns from an open position to a closed position after removal of the flat conductor.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector including:an insulator including an insertion space portion into and from which a cable including a to-be-locked portion can be inserted and removed;an actuator including a locking portion and supported by the insulator rotatably about a rotation axis between a lock position at which the to-be-locked portion and the locking portion engage with each other when the cable is in an inserted state and an insertion/removal position at which the cable can be inserted into and removed from the insertion space portion; anda biasing member supported by the insulator and including an abutting portion that abuts on the actuator, the biasing member applying a force to bias the actuator toward the lock position through the abutting portion,wherein the locking portion, the abutting portion, and the rotation axis are positioned apart from one another in an insertion/removal direction in which the cable is inserted into and removed from the insertion space portion.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic device including:the above-described connector.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the electrical connector for the flat conductor disclosed in PTL1, the actuator rotatable between the closed position and the open position with respect to the insulator is rotated toward the open position by, for example, a worker putting a finger on the actuator and raising it upward. Such an operation of opening the actuator needs a working space in which the worker moves and puts the finger on the actuator. Accordingly, the related-art actuator disclosed in PTL 1, for example, is difficult to use in a miniaturized electronic device in which the above-mentioned working space cannot be ensured.

With the connector and the electronic device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, workability in inserting and removing a cable can be improved even in the miniaturized electronic device.

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, front and rear directions, left and right directions, and up and down directions are defined on the basis of directions denoted by arrows in the drawings. Among the different drawings, the directions denoted by the corresponding arrows match with one another. In some of the drawings, a circuit board CB, described later, is not illustrated for the sake of simplicity of the drawings.

FIG.1is an external perspective view, looking from above, of a connector10according to the embodiment, the view illustrating a state in which a cable70is inserted. Structures of the connector10according to the embodiment and of a cable70are mainly described with reference toFIG.1.

The connector10according to the embodiment is mounted on the circuit board CB. The connector10electrically connects the cable70inserted into the connector10and the circuit board CB. The circuit board CB may be a rigid board or any other suitable circuit board.

The cable70inserted into the connector10is, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board. However, the cable70is not limited to such an example and may be any suitable cable insofar as the cable is electrically connected to the circuit board CB through the connector10. For example, the cable70may be a flexible flat cable (FFC).

The following description is made on an assumption that the cable70is inserted into the connector10in a direction parallel to the circuit board CB on which the connector10is mounted. The cable70is inserted into the connector10along, for example, a front-rear direction. The cable insertion direction is not limited to such an example, and the cable70may be inserted into the connector10in a direction orthogonal to the circuit board CB on which the connector10is mounted. The cable70may be inserted into the connector10along an up-down direction.

The wording “insertion/removal direction in which the cable70is inserted and removed” used in the following indicates, for example, the front-rear direction. The wording “insertion direction in which the cable70is inserted” indicates, for example, a direction from the front toward the rear. The wording “removal direction in which the cable70is removed” indicates, for example, a direction from the rear toward the front. The wording “extending direction of a rotation axis C” indicates, for example, the left-right direction. The wording “lengthwise direction of the connector10” indicates, for example, the left-right direction. The wording “direction orthogonal to both the insertion/removal direction and the extending direction of the rotation axis C” indicates, for example, the up-down direction. The wording “insertion/removal position side of the actuator50” indicates, for example, an upper side. The wording “side closer to an abutting portion64of a biasing member60” indicates, for example, the upper side. The wording “entrance side of the insertion space portion21” indicates, for example, a front side. The wording “removal side of the cable70” indicates, for example, the front side.

FIG.2is an external perspective view, looking from above, of the connector10inFIG.1, the view illustrating a state in which the cable70is removed.FIG.3is an external perspective view, looking from below, of the connector10inFIG.1, the view illustrating the state in which the cable is removed.

Referring toFIGS.2and3, the cable70has a multilayer structure including multiple thin film materials bonded to each other. The cable70includes a reinforced portion71that forms a tip portion in an extending direction of the cable70, namely in the insertion/removal direction in which the cable70is inserted and removed, and that is harder than the other portion. The cable70includes multiple signal lines72extending linearly along the insertion/removal direction up to a tip end of the reinforced portion71. The signal lines72are covered with an armor of the cable70on the removal side of the cable70but are exposed downward in the tip portion of the cable70on the rear side.

The cable70includes holding portions73formed on both left and right sides of the reinforced portion71in the tip portion of the cable70in the insertion direction in which the cable70is inserted. The cable70includes to-be-locked portions74that are positioned adjacent to the holding portions73on the removal side and that are formed by cutting both left and right side edges of the reinforced portion71toward an inner side of the cable70. The cable70includes guide portions75formed in a rounded shape at rear-side corners of the holding portions73. The cable70includes a grounded portion76forming a lowermost layer of the armor on the removal side.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view, looking from above, of the connector10inFIG.1. Referring toFIG.4, the connector10according to the embodiment includes, as main components, an insulator20, first contacts30, second contacts40, the actuator50, and biasing members60.

The connector10is assembled, by way of example, as follows. The first contacts30and the second contacts40are press-fitted to the inside of the insulator20from behind the insulator20. The actuator50is attached to the insulator20from above the insulator20in a state in which the actuator50is inclined downward from the front side toward the rear side relative to the insulator20. Then, in a state in which the actuator50is laid down on the insulator20, the biasing members60are each press-fitted to the inside of the insulator20from the front of the insulator20. At that time, the biasing member60comes into contact with the actuator50and inhibits the actuator50from slipping off upward from the insulator20. Referring toFIGS.1and2, the connector10is mounted on the circuit board CB. The connector10electrically connects the cable70and the circuit board CB through the first contacts30and the second contacts40.

FIG.5is an enlarged perspective view, looking from above, of part of the insulator20alone inFIG.4. A structure of the insulator20will be mainly described with reference toFIGS.4and5.

The insulator20is a bilaterally symmetric box-shaped member that is formed by injection molding of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material. The insulator20includes the insertion space portion21extending in the lengthwise direction of the connector10and formed inside the insulator20in a shape recessed in the front-rear direction. The cable70is inserted into and removed from the insertion space portion21. For improving easiness in insertion of the cable70, the insertion space portion21has a slope surface21aformed in a front region of a lower surface of the insertion space portion21, the slope surface21asloping toward an inner side of the insertion space portion21from the front side toward the rear side. The insertion space portion21further has slope surfaces21bformed on the entrance side of the insertion space portion21to extend along the insertion direction and to gradually narrow a width of the insertion space portion21in the left-right direction.

The insulator20includes multiple first attachment grooves22aextending from a rear surface of the insulator20up to the entrance side of the insertion space portion21in the insertion/removal direction. The first attachment grooves22aare recessed in the lower surface of the insertion space portion21over the entire surface in the insertion/removal direction. The first attachment grooves22aare arrayed side by side in the lengthwise direction of the connector10apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The first contacts30are press-fitted to the first attachment grooves22ain one-to-one relation.

The insulator20includes a pair of second attachment grooves22bextending from the rear surface of the insulator20up to the entrance side of the insertion space portion21in the insertion/removal direction. The second attachment grooves22bare recessed in the lower surface of the insertion space portion21over the entire surface in the insertion/removal direction. The pair of second attachment grooves22bare formed to sandwich a group of the first attachment grooves22ain the lengthwise direction of the connector10therebetween. The pair of second attachment grooves22bare formed on both the left and right sides of the group of the first attachment grooves22a. The pair of second contacts40are press-fitted to the pair of second attachment grooves22bin one-to-one relation.

The insulator20includes, at both left and right ends, a pair of third attachment grooves22cextending from a front surface of the insulator20up to a substantially central region in the insertion direction. The pair of biasing members60are press-fitted to the pair of third attachment grooves22cin one-to-one relation.

The insulator20includes a ceiling portion23aformed to cover the insertion space portion21from the insertion/removal position side of the actuator50in the up-down direction. The insulator20has a slope surface23bsloping downward while extending rearward from the ceiling portion23a.

The insulator20includes a projection24projecting from the ceiling portion23aand extending over a predetermined length along the lengthwise direction of the connector10. The projection24includes a slope portion24awith which a width of the projection24in the insertion direction is gradually reduced as a distance from the ceiling portion23aincreases in the up-down direction. In more detail, the slope portion24ahas a slope surface positioned on a front side of the projection24and sloping gradually upward from the front toward the rear, and a slope surface positioned on a rear side of the projection24and sloping gradually downward from the front toward the rear.

The insulator20includes, at both left and right ends of the ceiling portion23a, first recesses25arecessed one step toward an inner side of the insulator20. The insulator20includes, at both the left and right ends of the ceiling portion23a, second recesses25bon a rear side of the first recesses25a, the second recesses25bbeing recessed toward the inner side of the insulator20another one step from the first recesses25a. The first recesses25aand the second recesses25bare integrally recessed in continuous form.

The insulator20includes, at both left and right sides of the projection24, first through-holes26penetrating through the ceiling portion23aand reaching the inside of the insulator20. The insulator20includes second through-holes27penetrating from the slope surface23bup to a back side of the insulator20at positions that are substantially the same as those of the first through-holes26in the left-right direction but are slightly shifted rearward from the first through-holes26. The insulator20includes an engagement portion28formed on a rear side of each of the second through-holes27in adjacent to the second through-hole27. As illustrated inFIG.12described later, the engagement portion28has an engagement surface28athat is formed substantially horizontally on the rear side of the second through-hole27to face downward.

Referring toFIG.4, the first contact30is obtained by forming a thin plate made of, for example, a copper alloy or a Corson-based copper alloy containing phosphoric bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper and having spring elasticity into the shape illustrated inFIG.4with a progressive die (stamping). The first contact30is formed by, for example, only punching. More specifically, the first contact30is formed flat in the lengthwise direction of the connector10. A method of forming the first contact30is not limited to the above-mentioned example and may include a step of bending a workpiece in a plate thickness direction after punching. A surface of the first contact30is finished by, after forming an underlying layer with nickel plating, coating a surface layer with plating of gold or tin, for example. The multiple first contacts30are arrayed side by side in the left-right direction.

The first contact30includes a tight-fitting portion31tightly fitted to the first attachment groove22aof the insulator20. The first contact30includes a mounting portion32extending rearward in a substantially L-shape from a lower end part of the tight-fitting portion31. The first contact30includes an elastic portion33that is formed to extend forward continuously from an upper end part of the tight-fitting portion31and that is elastically deformable. The elastic portion33extends from the upper end part of the tight-fitting portion31in a substantially crank-like shape and then inclines obliquely upward toward the front. The first contact30further includes a contact portion34positioned at a tip end of the elastic portion33.

The second contact40is obtained by forming a thin plate made of, for example, a copper alloy or a Corson-based copper alloy containing phosphoric bronze, beryllium copper, or titanium copper and having spring elasticity into the shape illustrated inFIG.4with a progressive die (stamping). The second contact40is formed by, for example, only punching. More specifically, the second contact40is formed flat in the lengthwise direction of the connector10. A method of forming the second contact40is not limited to the above-mentioned example and may include a step of bending a workpiece in a plate thickness direction after punching. A surface of the second contact40is finished by, after forming an underlying layer with nickel plating, coating a surface layer with plating of gold or tin, for example. The pair of second contacts40are disposed at both the left and right sides of the group of the first contacts30.

The second contact40includes a tight-fitting portion41tightly fitted to the second attachment groove22bof the insulator20. The second contact40includes a mounting portion42extending rearward in a substantially L-shape from a lower end part of the tight-fitting portion41. The second contact40includes an elastic portion43that is formed to extend forward continuously from an upper end part of the tight-fitting portion41and that is elastically deformable. The elastic portion43extends from the upper end part of the tight-fitting portion41in a substantially crank-like shape and then inclines obliquely upward toward the front. The second contact40further includes a contact portion44positioned at a tip end of the elastic portion43.

FIG.6is an external perspective view, looking from above, of the actuator50alone inFIG.4.FIG.7is an external perspective view, looking from below, of the actuator50alone inFIG.4. A structure of the actuator50will be mainly described with reference toFIGS.4,6and7.

The actuator50is a bilaterally symmetric plate-shaped member that is formed by injection molding of an insulating and heat-resistant synthetic resin material and that extends in the left-right direction as illustrated inFIGS.4,6and7. The actuator50includes the locking portions51projecting downward from both left end right sides of a front end portion. Each of the locking portions51has a slope surface51adefining an outer surface of the locking portion on the removal side and sloping gradually downward toward the rear side.

The actuator50includes a projection52formed in a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction and extending over substantially an entire region in the left-right direction. The projection52includes a slope portion52asloping obliquely upward toward the rear side along the insertion direction. The projection52includes a slope portion52bsloping obliquely upward toward the removal side along the removal direction in which the cable70is removed. The actuator50includes abutting surfaces53that are formed in both left and right end portions substantially at the same position as the projection52in the front-rear direction. The abutting surfaces53are each substantially horizontally formed to face upward at a position lower than an uppermost surface of the actuator50by one step.

The actuator50includes protruding portions54positioned on a rear side of the abutting surfaces53and protruding downward. The protruding portions54are each formed in a substantially U shape in a sectional view looking in the left-right direction. The actuator50includes, in a rear end portion, extending portions55extending downward from left and right positions that are located on an inner side than the protruding portions54in the left-right direction and that are substantially the same as the left and right positions at which the locking portions51are formed. Each of the extending portions55has, in a lower end part, a slope surface55adefining an outer surface of the extending portion on the removal side and sloping gradually downward toward the rear side. The actuator50includes hook portions56formed in the lower end parts of the extending portions55. Each of the hook portions56has an engagement surface56aformed substantially horizontally and facing upward on a rear side of the hook portion56. The actuator50includes an operating portion57positioned substantially at a center in a rear edge region of the uppermost surface and extending in the left-right direction.

Referring toFIG.4, the biasing member60is a member obtained by forming a thin plate made of any suitable metal material into the shape illustrated inFIG.4with a progressive die (stamping). The biasing member60is formed by, for example, only punching that is performed to punch out the metal material in the lengthwise direction of the connector10. More specifically, the biasing member60is formed flat in the lengthwise direction of the connector10. The biasing member60is formed flat to lie in a plane orthogonal to the left-right direction. A method of forming the biasing member60is not limited to the above-mentioned example and may include a step of bending a workpiece in a plate thickness direction after punching. The pair of biasing members60are disposed at both left and right ends of the connector10.

The biasing member60includes a tight-fitting portion61tightly fitted to the third attachment groove22cof the insulator20. The biasing member60includes a mounting portion62formed continuously from a front end of the tight-fitting portion61. The biasing member60includes an elastic portion63that extends upward in a substantially S-shape from a substantially central region of the tight-fitting portion61in the front-rear direction and that is elastically deformable. The biasing member60includes an abutting portion64positioned at a tip end of the elastic portion63.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the connector10is mounted to a circuit formation surface formed in an upper surface of the circuit board CB that is disposed substantially parallel to the insertion/removal direction. In more detail, the mounting portion32of the first contact30is placed on a solder paste applied to a pattern on the circuit board CB. The mounting portion42of the second contact40and the mounting portion62of the biasing member60are placed on solder pastes applied to patterns on the circuit board CB. The mounting portion32, the mounting portion42, and the mounting portion62are soldered to the patterns on the circuit board by heating and melting the solder pastes in a reflow furnace, for example. As a result, mounting of the connector10to the circuit board CB is completed.

FIG.8is an external perspective view, looking from above, of the connector10inFIG.1when the actuator50is in a lock position.FIG.9is an external perspective view, looking from above, of the connector10inFIG.1when the actuator50is in an insertion/removal position. Functions of the connector10will be mainly described with reference toFIGS.8and9.

The actuator50of the connector10is rotatably supported by the insulator20about the rotation axis C (described later) between the lock position at which the to-be-locked portions74of the cable70and the locking portions51engage with each other when the cable70is in an inserted state and the insertion/removal position at which the cable70can be inserted into and removed from the insertion space portion21. When the actuator50is in the lock position, the connector10holds the cable70inserted in the insertion space portion21of the insulator20. In more detail, the connector10inhibits the cable70from being removed out of the insertion space portion21by causing the locking portion51of the actuator50and the to-be-locked portion74of the cable70to engage with each other. When the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, the connector10allows the cable70to be inserted into and removed from the insertion space portion21of the insulator20. For example, the connector10enables the cable70to be removed from the insertion space portion21by releasing the engagement between the locking portion51of the actuator50and the to-be-locked portion74of the cable70.

FIG.10is a sectional view taken along an arrow line X-X inFIG.8.FIG.11is a sectional view taken along an arrow line XI-XI inFIG.9. Functions of the components included in the insulator20, the actuator50, and the biasing member60will be mainly described with reference toFIGS.10and11.

When the actuator50is attached to the insulator20, the protruding portion54of the actuator50protruding toward the insulator20in the up-down direction is received and supported to be positioned inside the insulator20with the presence of the second recess25bof the insulator20. At that time, the rotation axis C of the actuator50, included in the protruding portion54, is supported in the second recess25bof the insulator20from below, whereby the actuator50is rotatable about the rotation axis C between the lock position and the insertion/removal position. In the connector10according to the embodiment, the actuator50is rotated while inclining obliquely downward toward the rear relative to the insulator20when the actuator50is shifted from the lock position to the insertion/removal position.

The biasing member60press-fitted to the insulator20contacts the actuator50from above. This inhibits the actuator50from slipping off upward from the insulator20. In more detail, the abutting portion64of the biasing member60contacts the abutting surface53formed in the actuator50from the insertion/removal position side of the actuator50. The abutting portion64may contact the abutting surface53in any suitable contact manner, such as point contact, line contact, or surface contact.

When the actuator50is in the lock position, the elastic portion63of the biasing member60is elastically deformed in the up-down direction. Accordingly, the biasing member60applies a downward biasing force to the actuator50through the contact between the abutting surface53and the abutting portion64. Similarly, when the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, the elastic portion63of the biasing member60is elastically deformed in the up-down direction. Accordingly, the biasing member60applies a force biasing the actuator50toward the lock position through the contact between the abutting surface53and the abutting portion64. Thus, the biasing member60always applies the force biasing the actuator50toward the lock position through the abutting portion64at any positions in a stroke from the lock position to the insertion/removal position.

The locking portion51of the actuator50, the abutting portion64of the biasing member60, and the rotation axis C of the actuator50are positioned apart from one another in the insertion/removal direction with respect to the insertion space portion21of the insulator20. For example, the locking portion51, the abutting portion64, and the rotation axis C are positioned apart from one another in order from the entrance side of the insertion space portion21along the insertion direction from the entrance side toward the inner side of the insertion space portion21. More specifically, the locking portion51of the actuator50, the abutting portion64of the biasing member60, and the rotation axis C of the actuator50are positioned apart from one another along the front-rear direction in order from the front toward the rear.

When the actuator50is in the lock position, the abutting portion64of the biasing member60and the abutting surface53of the actuator50are positioned inside the insulator20in the direction orthogonal to both the insertion/removal direction and the extending direction of the rotation axis C. In such a state, the first recess25aof the insulator20receives and supports the abutting portion64of the biasing member60and the abutting surface53of the actuator50to be positioned inside the insulator20.

When the actuator50is in the lock position, the slope surface23bof the insulator20facing the operating portion57of the actuator50in the up-down direction provides a gradually increasing distance relative to the operating portion57at locations further apart from the entrance side of the insertion space portion21in the insertion direction. The operating portion57of the actuator50is positioned on an opposite side to the abutting portion64in the insertion/removal direction with respect to the rotation axis C as a reference and is rotatable between the lock position and the insertion/removal position. When the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, the operating portion57of the actuator50, positioned on the rear side, can be brought into contact with the slope surface23bof the insulator20by depressing the operating portion57in the up-down direction. With the operating portion57of the actuator50being depressed, the locking portion51of the actuator50is raised upward, thus releasing the engagement between the to-be-locked portion74of the cable70and the locking portion51of the actuator50. As a result, the cable70can be removed from the insertion space portion21of the insulator20. When the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, for example, an outer surface S1of the protruding portion54of the actuator50and an inner surface S2of the second recess25bof the insulator20may contact each other.

FIG.12is a sectional view taken along an arrow line XII-XII inFIG.8.FIG.13is a sectional view taken along an arrow line XIII-XIII inFIG.9. Functions of the components included in the insulator20and the actuator50will be mainly described with reference toFIGS.12and13.

When the actuator50is in the lock position, a lower end of the locking portion51of the actuator50is located inside the insulator20at a more inner position than the first through-hole26of the insulator20. A lower end of the extending portion55of the actuator50is positioned within the second through-hole27of the insulator20.

When the first contact30is press-fitted to the first attachment groove22aof the insulator20, the first contact30becomes elastically deformable along the up-down direction. In a free state of the first contact30in which the first contact is not elastically deformed, the contact portion34protrudes from the first attachment groove22aand is positioned inside the insertion space portion21. Similarly, when the second contact40is press-fitted to the second attachment groove22bof the insulator20, the second contact40becomes elastically deformable along the up-down direction. In a free state of the second contact40in which the second contact is not elastically deformed, the contact portion44protrudes from the second attachment groove22band is positioned inside the insertion space portion21.

An inner surface of the insertion space portion21of the insulator20defines a reference plane S3on a side closer to the abutting portion64of the biasing member60, the reference plane S3facing the cable70when the cable70is in the inserted state. The reference plane S3matches with an end surface of the insertion space portion21on the insertion/removal position side in the up-down direction. As also illustrated inFIG.10, for example, the abutting portion64of the biasing member60, the reference plane S3, and the rotation axis C of the actuator50are positioned apart from one another in order from the side closer to the abutting portion64in the direction orthogonal to both the insertion/removal direction and the extending direction of the rotation axis C.

The extending portion55of the actuator50extends toward the inner side of the insulator20in the direction orthogonal to both the insertion/removal direction and the extending direction of the rotation axis C. The hook portion56of the actuator50faces the insulator20in the above-mentioned orthogonal direction. The hook portion56engages with the engagement portion28formed in the insulator20to inhibit the actuator50from slipping out of the insulator20. In more detail, when the actuator50is in the lock position, the engagement surface56aof the hook portion56faces toward the insertion/removal position side and engages with the engagement surface28aof the engagement portion28of the insulator20, the engagement surface28abeing formed substantially horizontally to face downward in the up-down direction. For example, as also illustrated inFIG.7, the hook portion56is positioned in an opposite side to both the abutting portion64of the biasing member60and the abutting surface53of the actuator50in the insertion direction with the protruding portion54of the actuator50including the rotation axis C interposed therebetween. The rotation axis C is positioned between the hook portion56and the abutting portion64in the insertion/removal direction.

The projection52of the actuator50projects from an opposing surface58of the actuator50, the opposing surface58being opposed to the ceiling portion23aof the insulator20. The slope portion52aof the projection52provides a gradually decreasing distance relative to the opposing surface58toward the extending portion55along the insertion direction. The slope portion52bof the projection52provides a gradually decreasing distance relative to the opposing surface58toward the entrance side of the insertion space portion21along the removal direction.

The projection52of the actuator50and the projection24of the insulator20are positioned apart from each other in the insertion/removal direction. The projection24of the insulator20and the operating portion57of the actuator50are formed at positions sandwiching the projection52of the actuator50therebetween in the insertion direction. The projection52of the actuator50is disposed between the operating portion57and the projection24of the insulator20in the insertion/removal direction.

FIG.14is a sectional view corresponding toFIG.12, the view illustrating a situation when the cable70is inserted into the connector10inFIG.1. Functions of the components when the cable70is inserted into the connector10will be mainly described with reference toFIG.14.

When the cable70is inserted into the connector10, for example, a tip of the reinforced portion71of the cable70enters the insertion space portion21along the slope surface21athat is formed in the front region of the lower surface of the insertion space portion21. At that time, even if an inserted position of the cable70is slightly deviated downward relative to the insertion space portion21, the tip of the reinforced portion71slides over the slope surface21aof the insertion space portion21, whereby the cable70is guided into the inside of the insertion space portion21. Similarly, even if the inserted position of the cable70is slightly deviated in the left-right direction relative to the insertion space portion21, the guide portion75of the cable70slides over the slope surface21bof the insertion space portion21, whereby the cable70is guided into the inside of the insertion space portion21.

When the cable70is further moved toward the inner side of the insertion space portion21, the holding portion73of the cable70comes into contact with the locking portion51of the actuator50. At that time, a drag force acting toward the insertion/removal position of the actuator50is generated due to the contact between the locking portion51and the cable70at the slope surface51aof the locking portion51on the removal side. Accordingly, the moment of a force acting toward the insertion/removal position is generated on the actuator50. When the cable70is still further moved toward the inner side of the insertion space portion21in the state in which the locking portion51and the holding portion73are in contact with each other, the actuator50is rotated toward the insertion/removal position due to the moment of the force acting toward the insertion/removal position. When the actuator50is rotated toward the insertion/removal position, an amount of elastic deformation of the elastic portion63of the biasing member60is further increased, and hence the force applied from the abutting portion64of the biasing member60to bias the abutting surface53of the actuator50toward the lock position is further increased. At that time, the locking portion51of the actuator50rides over an upper surface of the holding portion73of the cable70once. With further movement of the cable70toward the rear side, the holding portion73slides relative to a tip end of the locking portion51.

FIG.15is a sectional view corresponding toFIG.12, the view illustrating a situation when the cable70has been inserted into the connector10inFIG.1. Functions of the components in the situation when the cable70has been inserted into the connector10will be mainly described with reference toFIG.15.

When the cable70is in the inserted state, the ceiling portion23aof the insulator20faces the cable70from the side closer to the abutting portion64. When the cable70is completely inserted into the insertion space portion21, the holding portion73of the cable70passes over the locking portion51of the actuator50and is received inside the insertion space portion21. On that occasion, the locking portion51and the holding portion73come into a non-contact state in the up-down direction, and the actuator50is automatically rotated to the lock position by the biasing force applied from the biasing member60. In the lock position of the actuator50, the locking portion51engages with the to-be-locked portion74of the cable70. As a result, the actuator50holds the cable70inserted in the insertion space portion21and prevents removal of the cable70. Even if the cable70is forced to be removed in the above-mentioned state, the holding portion73of the cable70contacts the locking portion51. Hence the cable70is more effectively held in place and prevented from being removed.

Thus, with only one operation of inserting the cable70, the connector10holds the cable70and prevents removal of the cable70without needing any operation on the actuator50by a worker or with an assembly device, for example.

When the cable70is completely inserted into the insertion space portion21, a lower surface of the signal line72of the cable70contacts the contact portion34of the first contact30, thereby causing the first contact30to be elastically deformed into the inner side of the first attachment groove22a. Similarly, a lower surface of the grounded portion76of the cable70contacts the contact portion44of the second contact40, thereby causing the second contact40to be elastically deformed into the inner side of the second attachment groove22b. As a result, the circuit board CB on which the connector10is mounted and the cable70are electrically connected to each other through the first contact30and the second contact40. With the contact between the contact portion44and grounded portion76, the cable70is grounded to the circuit board CB through the connector10. Thus, since the grounded portion76is formed at a position different from the signal line72and is grounded to the circuit board CB, noise is reduced even in high-speed transmission.

FIG.16is a sectional view corresponding toFIG.13, the view illustrating a situation when the cable70is removed from the connector10inFIG.1. Functions of the components in the situation when the cable70is removed from the connector10will be mainly described with reference toFIG.16.

When the connector10is in the state in which the cable70is completely inserted into the insertion space portion21, the worker or the assembly device, for example, operates the operating portion57of the actuator50, thus rotating the actuator50to the insertion/removal position. More specifically, the worker or the assembly device, for example, moves the operating portion57downward by depressing it along the up-down direction. As a result, the locking portion51of the actuator50, positioned on the opposite side to the operating portion57in the insertion direction, is raised upward, whereby the engagement between the to-be-locked portion74of the cable70and the locking portion51of the actuator50is released.

The worker or the assembly device, for example, removes the cable70, inserted in the insertion space portion21, in the removal direction while maintaining the depressing of the operating portion57of the actuator50. After removing the cable70, the worker or the assembly device, for example, stops the depressing of the operating portion57of the actuator50. During the above operation, the biasing member60continues to bias the actuator50toward the lock position through the contact between the abutting portion64and the abutting surface53of the actuator50due to the elastic deformation of the elastic portion63. Accordingly, the actuator50is rotated about the rotation axis C by the biasing force applied from the biasing member60and is automatically returned to the lock position.

With the above-described connector10according to the embodiment, workability in inserting and removing the cable70can be improved even in a miniaturized electronic device. For example, the connector10includes the biasing member60that applies the force biasing the actuator50toward the lock position through the abutting portion64held in abutment on the actuator50, and the locking portion51that comes into contact with the cable70inserted into the insertion space portion21, thus causing the actuator50to be rotated toward the insertion/removal position side. Therefore, with only one operation of inserting the cable70, the connector10can realize stable holding of the cable70and reliable prevention of removal of the cable70without needing any operation on the actuator50by the worker or with the assembly device, for example. As a result, the connector10can improve the workability in inserting the cable70even in the miniaturized electronic device.

With the connector10, since the locking portion51, the abutting portion64, and the rotation axis C are positioned apart from one another in the insertion/removal direction with respect to the insertion space portion21, the actuator50can be operated to incline downward toward the rear. Therefore, the worker or the assembly device, for example, can remove the cable70by depressing the operating portion57of the actuator50. A working space necessary for work of depressing the operating portion57of the actuator50is smaller than that necessary for work of raising the actuator. Accordingly, unlike the related-art connector in which the worker puts the finger on the actuator and raises it upward, the connector10according to the embodiment can improve the workability in removing the cable70even in the miniaturized electronic device.

Since the locking portion51, the abutting portion64, and the rotation axis C are positioned apart from one another and the rotation axis C is located at the rearmost position, an amount of movement of the locking portion51in the up-down direction when the actuator50is rotated from the lock position toward the insertion/removal position is greater than that when they are disposed substantially at the same position along the front-rear direction. As a result, the amount of movement of the locking portion51in the up-down direction with which the above-described operation of the actuator50for inserting and removing the cable70can be realized is ensured even when the connector10is miniaturized and an amount of depressing of the actuator50is reduced. Hence the connector10can maintain the workability in inserting and removing the cable70even when the connector is miniaturized.

Since the abutting portion64and the abutting surface53are positioned inside the insulator20when the actuator50is in the lock position, the height of the connector10is reduced. Accordingly, convenience of the connector10is improved even in application to the miniaturized electronic device.

Since the insulator20includes the first recess25areceiving and supporting the abutting portion64and the abutting surface53to be positioned inside the insulator20, the abutting portion64and the abutting surface53are not exposed to the outside from an upper surface of the insulator20. Accordingly, during assembly of an electronic device, for example, it is possible to suppress not only contact between the biasing member60and another component used in the electronic device during the assembly of the electronic device, but also adhesion of foreign matters to the abutting portion64and the abutting surface53. Therefore, deformation or damage of the biasing member60can be suppressed. As a result, reliability of the connector10as a product is improved.

The rotation of the actuator50is allowed due to the structure that the second recess25bof the insulator20receives and supports the protruding portion54including the rotation axis C to be positioned inside the insulator20. With that structure, damage of the actuator50can be suppressed unlike a related-art connector in which a rotation shaft of an actuator is supported by metal contacts or other metal fittings. More specifically, since the protruding portion54including the rotation axis C of the actuator50contacts the insulator20made of resin instead of a metal member, shaving or deformation of the actuator50caused by friction attributable to the rotation is suppressed.

Since the outer surface S1of the actuator50and the inner surface S2of the insulator20contact each other when the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, stability of the actuator50in the insertion/removal position is improved in comparison with the case in which only the operating portion57contacts the insulator20.

Since the biasing member60is formed flat in the lengthwise direction of the connector10, a width of the connector10in the lengthwise direction can be reduced. Hence a mounting area of the connector10to the circuit board CB can be reduced.

Since the rotation axis C is positioned on an opposite side to the insertion/removal position with the reference plane S3interposed therebetween, the moment of a force acting to rotate the actuator50toward the lock position is more apt to generate when the actuator50is in the lock position. Accordingly, even when the actuator50is biased toward the lock position by a small biasing force, a possibility of the cable70being unintentionally removed from the insulator20is effectively suppressed.

Since the abutting portion64, the reference plane S3, and the rotation axis C are positioned apart from one another in order from the insertion/removal position side in the up-down direction, the amount of movement of the locking portion51in the up-down direction when the actuator50is rotated from the lock position toward the insertion/removal position is greater than that when they are disposed substantially at the same position along the up-down direction. As a result, the amount of movement of the locking portion51in the up-down direction with which the above-described operation of the actuator50for inserting and removing the cable70can be realized is ensured even when the connector10is miniaturized and the amount of depressing of the actuator50is reduced. Hence the connector10can maintain the workability in inserting and removing the cable70even when the connector50is miniaturized.

Since the actuator50includes the operating portion57coming into contact with the insulator20and releasing the engagement between the cable70and the locking portion51when the operating portion57is depressed, the actuator50is inhibited from opening excessively. For example, in the related-art connector in which the worker puts the finger on the actuator and raises it upward, there is a possibility that the actuator may be rotated excessively beyond a correct insertion/removal position. With the connector10according to the embodiment, the insulator20can inhibit the actuator50from opening excessively. As a result, the connector10can inhibit the actuator50from slipping out of the insulator20due to the excessive opening, and can suppress, for example, damages of the insulator20and the actuator50, which may be caused in the event of the slipping-out of the actuator50. In addition, since the worker or the assembly device, for example, can remove the cable70just by depressing the operating portion57, the operating portion57is easy to operate. Hence operability in performing the operation by the worker or with the assembly device, for example, is improved.

Since the biasing member60includes the elastic portion63that extends in the substantially S-shape and that is elastically deformable, the width of the connector10in the insertion/removal direction can be reduced. Accordingly, the mounting area of the connector10to the circuit board CB can be reduced.

With the above-described connector10according to the embodiment, damage attributable to the operation of rotating the actuator50can be suppressed even in the miniaturized electronic device. With the connector10, it is easy to rotate the actuator50because, as described above, the rotation axis C is positioned on the rear side of the abutting portion64such that the amount of movement of the locking portion51in the up-down direction when the actuator50is rotated from the lock position toward the insertion/removal position is increased. The extending portion55and the hook portion56of the actuator50engage with the engagement portion28of the insulator20, whereby the actuator50is inhibited from slipping out of the insulator20even if the operating portion57is lifted upward. As a result, the damage attributable to the operation of rotating the actuator50and the slipping-off the actuator50from the insulator20are effectively inhibited.

With the connector10, not only the biasing member60inhibits the slipping-off of the actuator50, but also the hook portion56inhibits the slipping-off of the actuator50from the insulator20. Accordingly, the biasing member60does not need to be formed so thick in the lengthwise direction of the connector10beyond a necessary level with intent to inhibit the slipping-off of the actuator50from the insulator20. Hence the thickness of the biasing member60in the lengthwise direction of the connector10can be reduced, and the width of the connector10in the lengthwise direction can also be reduced. As a result, the mounting area of the connector10to the circuit board CB can be reduced.

Since the actuator50includes the projection52projecting from the opposing surface58, the strength of the actuator50is increased. Accordingly, even when the connector10is miniaturized, the damage of the actuator50is less likely to occur, and the reliability of the connector10as a product is improved.

Since the projection52has the slope portion52a, the damages of the insulator20and the actuator50are suppressed when the actuator50is shifted to the insertion/removal position. For example, as illustrated inFIG.13, when the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, the surface of the slope portion52aand the upper surface of the ceiling portion23aare substantially parallel to each other. Accordingly, although the slope portion52aand the ceiling portion23acontact each other when the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, both the portions contact each other between their facing surfaces. Hence a force caused by the contact between the actuator50and the insulator20is distributed, and the damages of the insulator20and the actuator50are suppressed.

Since the insulator20includes the projection24projecting from the ceiling portion23a, the strength of the insulator20is increased. Accordingly, even when the connector10is miniaturized, the damage of the insulator20is less likely to occur, and the reliability of the connector10as a product is improved.

Since the projection52of the actuator50and the projection24of the insulator20are formed apart from each other in the insertion direction, the height of the connector10is reduced in comparison with that when both the projections are formed substantially at the same position in the insertion direction. Accordingly, the size of the connector10is reduced.

Since the projection24of the insulator20is formed apart from the operating portion57and the projection52of the actuator50in the removal direction, the contact between the projection24of the insulator20and the actuator50is suppressed even when the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position. Hence the damage of the projection24of the insulator20caused by the contact with the actuator50is suppressed.

Since the insulator20has the slope surface23b, the actuator50is inhibited from rotating excessively toward the insertion/removal position side. When the actuator50is rotated toward the insertion/removal position side, the operating portion57of the actuator50comes into contact with the slope surface23b, whereby the insertion/removal position of the actuator50is determined and further rotation of the actuator50is inhibited.

Since the hook portion56has the engagement surface56aengaging with the engagement portion28, the actuator50is inhibited from slipping off upward from the insulator20even when an unintentional external force is applied to the actuator50in the lock position. More specifically, even when the actuator50is caused to move in the direction slipping out of the insulator20by the unintentional external force, upward movement of the actuator50is inhibited due to the engagement between the engagement surface56aof the hook portion56and the engagement surface28aof the engagement portion28. Accordingly, the reliability of the connector10as a product is improved.

Since the extending portion55has the slope surface55a, the contact between the extending portion55and the insulator20is sufficiently suppressed even when the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position.

It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can also be implemented in other specific forms other than the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit or the substantial features of the present disclosure. Thus, the above description is merely illustrative, and the present disclosure is not limited to the above description. The scope of the present disclosure is defined in attached Claims instead of the foregoing description. Among all kinds of modifications, some modifications falling within the ranges of equivalent concepts are to be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the shapes, layouts, orientations, numbers, and so on of the above-described components are not limited to those described above and illustrated in the drawings. The shapes, layouts, orientations, numbers, and so on of the components may be optionally adopted or selected insofar as the intended functions of the components can be realized.

A method of assembling the above-described connector10is not limited to the above-described one. The method of assembling the connector10may be optionally selected insofar as the method can assemble the components to be able to obtain the intended functions. For example, the first contact30, the second contact40, and the biasing member60may be molded integrally with the insulator20by insert molding instead of press-fitting.

For example, even when the actuator50is in the lock position, the abutting portion64and the abutting surface53may be positioned outside the insulator20in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

For example, even when the actuator50is in the insertion/removal position, the outer surface S1of the actuator50does not always need to contact the inner surface S2of the insulator20.

For example, the actuator50does not always need to include the operating portion57for releasing the engagement between the cable70and the locking portion51. The connector10may be a connector in which, once the cable70is inserted, the cable70is maintained in the inserted state without being removed.

For example, the actuator50does not always need to include the projection52projecting from the opposing surface58of the actuator50, the opposing surface58being opposed to the ceiling portion23a.

For example, the projection52may be formed in any suitable sectional shape without including the slope portion52a.

For example, the insulator20does not always need to include the projection24projecting from the ceiling portion23a.

For example, the projection24may be formed in any suitable sectional shape without including the slope portion24a.

For example, the projection52of the actuator50and the projection24of the insulator20may be formed at the same position along the insertion direction.

For example, the insulator20may determine the insertion/removal position of the actuator50with the aid of a surface having any suitable shape instead of the slope surface23bthat is formed as a flat surface. For example, the slope surface23bof the insulator20may be formed as a curved surface.

The hook portion56may have, instead of the engagement surface56aformed as a horizontal surface facing the insertion/removal position side, an engagement surface that acts to increase firmness of the engagement between the hook portion56and the engagement portion28. For example, the engagement surface56aof the hook portion56and the engagement surface28aof the engagement portion28may be slope surfaces sloping obliquely upward toward the rear side from the removal side.

The extending portion55may have a surface in any suitable shape instead of the slope surface55athat is formed as a flat surface. For example, the extending portion55may have a curved surface in a rounded shape.

The above-described connector10is mounted on electronic devices. The electronic devices include, for example, any suitable information devices such as a personal computer, a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction device. The electronic devices include any suitable audiovisual devices such as a liquid crystal television, a recorder, a camera, and a headphone. The electronic devices include, for example, any suitable on-vehicle devices such as a camera, a radar, a drive recorder, and an engine control unit. The electronic devices include, for example, any suitable on-vehicle devices for use in on-vehicle systems such as a car navigation system, an advanced driver assistance system, and a security system. In addition, the electronic devices include any suitable industrial equipment.

In respect of those electronic devices, since workability is improved by using the above-described connector10, assembly work of the electronic devices is effectively performed even when the electronic devices are miniaturized. Hence manufacturing of the electronic devices is facilitated.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST