Connector device

This connector (100) is provided with a locking member (200), a receiving part (192), an additional elastic part (420) and a pressing member (440). The locking member (200) comprises a supporting part (220) and a locking part (250). A mating-side connector (600) is provided with a mating-side locking part (660) and an abutting part (632). In the fitted state, the locking part (250) applies backwards force on the mating-side locking part (660) with the elasticity of the supporting part (220). The abutting part (632) is positioned in front of the receiving part (192), is pressed against the receiving part (192), and is restricted from moving backwards by the receiving part (192). When the pressing member (440) is in a first position, the additional elastic part (420) is interposed between the supporting part (220) and the pressing member (440), presses down the supporting part (220), and maintains pressing of the locking part (250) against the mating-side locking part (660). In this way, in the fitted state, even when an outside force in the fitting direction is applied to the connector (100) or the mating-side connector (600), the connector (100) does not move in the fitting direction relative to the mating-side connector (600).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage of PCT/JP2019/035523 filed on Sep. 10, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of Japanese Application No. 2018-241233 filed on Dec. 25, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The international application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a connector device having a connector and a mating connector.

BACKGROUND ART

Referring toFIGS.40and41, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector device900which is provided with a connector910and a mating connector950which is mateable with and removable from the connector910along a front-rear direction (an X-direction). The connector910is provided with one locking hole922, one locking portion924, one supporting portion920, a hood-portion-accommodation portion926and a front retainer928. The locking portion924is a surface directed rearward (a negative X-direction) of the locking hole922. The supporting portion920has resilience and supports the locking portion924. The locking portion924is movable in an orthogonal direction (a Z-direction) orthogonal to the front-rear direction owing to resilient deformation of the supporting portion920. The hood-portion-accommodation portion926is a space extending in the front-rear direction. The mating connector950is provided with one mating locking protrusion960, one mating locking portion962, a hood portion965and a front retainer accommodation portion968. The mating locking portion962is a front surface (a positive X-surface) of the mating locking protrusion960.

A mating operation of the connector910and the mating connector950is carried out as follows. Firstly, the connector910and the mating connector950are arranged as shown inFIG.40. Then, the connector910and the mating connector950are brought close to each other in the front-rear direction. As a result, the hood-portion-accommodation portion926of the connector910accommodates the hood portion965of the mating connector950. At this time, a front-end portion (a positive X-side end portion) of the supporting portion920of the connector910is brought into abutment with the mating locking protrusion960of the mating connector950and rides on the mating locking protrusion960of the mating connector950owing to the resilient deformation of the supporting portion920of the connector910. Here, upon further bringing the connector910and the mating connector950close to each other, the supporting portion920of the connector910returns to an original shape, and the mating locking protrusion960of the mating connector950is accommodated in the locking hole922of the connector910. In other words, the connector910and the mating connector950are mated with each other and put into a mated state shown inFIG.41. Here, in the mated state that the connector910and the mating connector950are mated with each other, the mating connector950is positioned forward (a positive X-direction) of the connector910in the front-rear direction.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the connector device900of Patent Document 1, even when the connector910and the mating connector950are in the mated state, there is a space980between a rear end927of the hood-portion-accommodation portion926of the connector910and a rear end966of the hood portion965of the mating connector950in the front-rear direction or a mating direction, and there is a space990between a front end929of the front retainer928of the connector910and a front end969of the front retainer accommodation portion968of the mating connector950in the mating direction. Accordingly, if an external force in the mating direction (the front-rear direction) is applied to the connector910or the mating connector950in the mated state of the connector910and the mating connector950, the connector910is moved with respect to the mating connector950in the mating direction (the front-rear direction). Thus, the connector device900has a possibility of deterioration of connection characteristics.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector device in which a connector is not moved with respect to a mating connector in a mating direction even if an external force in the mating direction is applied to the connector or the mating connector in a mated state that the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other.

Solution to Problem

One aspect of the present invention provides a connector device comprising a connector and a mating connector which is mateable with and removable from the connector along a front-rear direction, wherein:

in a mated state that the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other, the mating connector is positioned forward of the connector in the front-rear direction;

the connector comprises a locking member, a receiving portion, an additional resilience portion and a retaining member;

the locking member has at least one supporting portion and at least one locking portion;

the supporting portion has resilience and supports the locking portion;

the locking portion is movable at least in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction owing to a resilient deformation of the supporting portion;

the mating connector comprises at least one mating locking portion and an abutment portion;

in the mating connector, relative positions of the mating locking portion and the abutment portion in the front-rear direction are fixed;

at least one of the locking portion and the mating locking portion has an intersecting surface intersecting with both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction;

in the mated state, the mating locking portion is positioned inward of the locking portion in the orthogonal direction;

in the mated state, the locking portion is pressed against the mating locking portion in the intersecting surface owing to the resilience of the supporting portion and applies a rearward force in the front-rear direction to the mating locking portion;

in the mated state, the abutment portion is positioned forward of the receiving portion in the front-rear direction and brought into abutment with the receiving portion by the rearward force so that rearward movement of the abutment portion is regulated by the receiving portion so as not to be beyond the receiving portion.

the retaining member is located outward of the locking member in the orthogonal direction and attached to the locking member to be relatively movable with respect to the locking member between a first position and a second position in a movable direction orthogonal to both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction;

the additional resilience portion is located inward of the retaining member in the orthogonal direction;

when the retaining member is positioned in the first position in the mated state, the additional resilience portion lies between the supporting portion and the retaining member and presses the supporting portion by applying an inward force in the orthogonal direction to the supporting portion so as to form a maintained state maintaining pressing of the locking portion against the mating locking portion; and

when the retaining member is positioned in the second position in the mated state, the additional resilience portion does not press the supporting portion so that the maintained state is cancelled.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In the connector device of the present invention, the locking portion of the connector applies a rearward force to the mating locking portion of the mating connector in the mated state of the connector and the mating connector. Owing to this rearward force, the abutment portion of the mating connector is brought into abutment with the receiving portion of the connector so that rearward movement thereof beyond the receiving portion is regulated by the receiving portion. Thus, the connector device of the present invention is structured so that the connector is not moved with respect to the mating connector even if the external force is applied to the connector or the mating connector in the mating state of the connector and the mating connector. Therefore, the connector device of the present invention can supply stable connection characteristics in the mated state of the connector and the mating connector.

In particular, in the connector device of the present invention, the retaining portion is attached to the locking member so as to be located outward of the locking member in the orthogonal direction and to be relationally movable between the first position and the second position with respect to the locking member in the movable direction orthogonal to both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. With this structure, in the mated state, when the retaining portion is positioned in the first position, the additional resilience portion located inward of the retaining portion in the orthogonal direction lies between the supporting portion and the retaining portion and applies the inward force in the orthogonal direction to the supporting portion to press the supporting portion. This forms the maintained state that maintains pressing of the locking portion against the mating locking portion. Thus, the connector device of the present invention can maintain the state that the locking portion is pressed against the mating locking portion in the mated state without a maintain means which is distinct and separated from the connector and the mating connector and can supply more stable connection characteristics.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

As shown inFIG.1, a connector device10according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a mating connector600and a connector100. In other words, the mating connector600of the present embodiment is used in the connector device10. Moreover, the connector100of the present embodiment is used in the connector device10.

As shown inFIGS.1,15and22, the mating connector600according to the present embodiment is mateable with and removable from the connector100along a front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the front-rear direction is an X-direction. A positive X-direction is directed forward while a negative X-direction is directed rearward.

As shown inFIG.4, the mating connector600according to the present embodiment is provided with a mating connector body610and fixing screws670.

As shown inFIG.3, the mating connector body610of the present embodiment has a mating shell630, a connector accommodation portion680and a mating electric connector612.

As shown inFIG.1, the mating shell630of the present embodiment is attached to a case800when the connector device10is used. In more detail, the mating shell630attached to an outer surface of the case800with the fixing screws670when the connector device10is used.

As shown inFIG.3, the mating shell630of the present embodiment has a mating shell body631and a mating projecting portion640.

As shown inFIG.3, the mating shell body631of the present embodiment extends from the inside to the outside of the case800in the front-rear direction. As shown inFIG.1, the mating shell body631is attached to the case800with the fixing screws670so that a rear end part thereof is positioned outside the case800.

As shown inFIG.3, the mating shell body631of the present embodiment is formed with an abutment portion632. In other words, the mating shell630of the present embodiment is formed with the abutment portion632. The abutment portion632is a surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction and directed rearward in the front-rear direction.

As shown inFIG.1, the mating projecting portion640of the present embodiment has an approximately cylindrical shape having a central axis coincident with an axis AX extending in the front-rear direction. The mating projecting portion640is located rearward of the mating shell body631in the front-rear direction. The mating projecting portion640is provided so as to be located outside of the case800when the mating shell630is attached to the case800. As shown inFIG.3, the mating projecting portion640is located outward of the abutment portion632of the mating shell body631in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. In other words, the abutment portion632of the mating shell body631extends inward in the orthogonal direction from the mating projecting portion640. In the present embodiment, the orthogonal direction is any one of radial directions of an imaginary circle having a center on the axis AX in a plane orthogonal to the axis AX.

As understood fromFIGS.1and4, the mating projecting portion640of the present embodiment has a plurality of depressed portions650and a plurality of bulge portions645which correspond to the depressed portions650, respectively. In other words, the mating connector600of the present embodiment has a plurality of sets each of which consists of the depressed portion650and the bulge portion645. In the present embodiment, the sets of the depressed portions650and the bulge portions645are four in number. In the present embodiment, the depressed portions650have the same shape and the same size, and the bulge portions645have the same shape and the same size. Each of the bulge portions645is located at a rear part of the depressed portion650corresponding thereto. The sets of the depressed portions650and the bulge portions645are arranged at regular intervals in a circumferential direction R of the imaginary circle having the center on the axis AX. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The depressed portions650or the bulge portions645do not necessarily have the same size in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the sets of the depressed portions650and the bulge portions645are not necessarily arranged at regular intervals. Furthermore, at least one set of the depressed portion650and the bulge portion645is required. In addition, the depressed portion650and the bulge portion645may be formed so as to surround an entire periphery of the mating projecting portion640. For example, giving different sizes to the depressed portions650or arranging the depressed portions650at unequal intervals can prevent the connector100and the mating connector600from being mated with each other incorrectly. However, when the depressed portions650are arranged at regular intervals, the connector100and the mating connector600achieve better balance in a mated state.

As shown inFIG.3, each of the depressed portions650of the present embodiment opens outward in the orthogonal direction. In other words, the depressed portion650is depressed inward in the orthogonal direction. The depressed portion650forms, in part, an outer surface of the mating projecting portion640in the orthogonal direction. A front end of the depressed portion650is coupled to the mating shell body631in the front-rear direction.

As shown inFIG.3, each of the depressed portions650of the present embodiment has a front surface658and a bottom surface652. The front surface658consists of a surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction and directed rearward and a surface directed outward in the orthogonal direction and rearward in the front-rear direction. The front surface658is located forward of the bottom surface652in the front-rear direction. The bottom surface652is orthogonal to the orthogonal direction and directed outward in the orthogonal direction. The bottom surface652forms, in part, a cylindrical surface having a central axis coincident with the axis AX. The bottom surface652is located forward of the bulge portion645in the front-rear direction. The bottom surface652is located between the front surface658and the bulge portion645in the front-rear direction.

As understood fromFIG.3, each of the bulge portions645protrudes in the orthogonal direction at the rear part of the depressed portion650corresponding thereto. A size of the bulge portion645in the orthogonal direction is smaller than a size (depth) of the depressed portion650in the orthogonal direction. The bulge portion645defines, in part, a rear end of the mating projecting portion640in the front-rear direction. In other words, the bulge portion645defines, in part, a rear end of the mating shell630in the front-rear direction. The bulge portion645is tapered rearward.

As shown inFIG.3, each of the bulge portions645of the present embodiment has an outer surface647and an end face662.

As shown inFIG.3, the outer surface647of the present embodiment is a surface orthogonal to the orthogonal direction and directed outward in the orthogonal direction. The outer surface647is located outward of the bottom surface652of the depressed portion650in the orthogonal direction.

As shown inFIG.3, the end face662of the present embodiment is directed outward in the orthogonal direction and forward in the front-rear direction. In other word, the end face662is an intersecting surface662intersecting with both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. The end face662is also a rear surface662defining, in part, a rear end of the depressed portion650corresponding thereto.

As shown inFIG.3, the bulge portion645of the present embodiment is provided with a mating locking portion660. In other words, the mating locking portion660of the present embodiment is provided to the bulge portion645. The mating locking portion660is provided to a front part of the bulge portion645.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the mating connector600is provided with the mating connector body610, the mating shell body631is formed with the abutment portion632, and the bulge portion645is provided with the mating locking portion660. In other words, the mating connector600according to the present embodiment is provided with the mating connector body610, the mating locking portion660and the abutment portion632. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The mating connector600should be provided with at least one mating locking portion660and an abutment portion632.

As shown inFIG.3, in the mating connector600of the present embodiment, relative positions of the mating locking portion660and the abutment portion632in the front-rear direction are fixed. In more detail, in the mating connector600of the present embodiment, the mating locking portion660is located rearward of the abutment portion632in the front-rear direction, and the mating locking portion660and the abutment portion632are fixed so as to be located apart from each other at a distance D in the front-rear direction.

As shown inFIG.3, the mating locking portion660of the present embodiment has the intersecting surface662intersecting with both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction.

As shown inFIG.3, the intersecting surface662of the mating locking portion660of the present embodiment is directed outward in the orthogonal direction and forward in the front-rear direction. The intersecting surface662of the mating locking portion660is also the end face662of the bulge portion645. In other words, the intersecting surface662of the mating locking portion660is one surface of the bulge portion645.

As shown inFIG.3, the connector accommodation portion680of the present embodiment is a space extending forward from a rear end of the mating connector body610and has an opening portion682at the rear end.

As shown inFIG.3, the mating electric connector612of the present embodiment is fixed on a circuit board810disposed in the case800when the connector device10is used.

As shown inFIG.3, the mating electric connector612of the present embodiment has a mating terminal700. In other words, the mating connector600of the present embodiment has the mating terminal700. The mating terminal700of the present embodiment is made of metal.

As shown inFIGS.1,15and22, the connector100of the present embodiment is mateable with and removable from the mating connector600along the front-rear direction.

As shown inFIG.3, the connector100of the present embodiment is provided with a connector body150, a locking member200and a retaining member440.

As shown inFIG.3, the connector body150of the present embodiment is provided with a holding member180, an optical connector300and an optical module170.

Referring toFIGS.3and5, the holding member180of the present embodiment is made of electrical insulator and has an insertion portion181, a protruding portion190, protrusions183, front-rear-movement-regulating portions160and an optical-module-accommodation portion187. In other words, the connector body150of the present embodiment is provided with the front-rear-movement-regulating portions160.

Referring toFIGS.1and3, the insertion portion181of the present embodiment extends in the front-rear direction and defines a front end of the holding member180.

As shown inFIG.3, the protruding portion190of the present embodiment protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The protruding portion190is located rearward of the insertion portion181in the front-rear direction. The protruding portion190is located outward of the insertion portion181in the orthogonal direction. The protruding portion190has a front surface192directed forward in the front-rear direction. The front surface192of the protruding portion190is a surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction and directed forward in the front-rear direction. The front surface192of the protruding portion190functions as a receiving portion192. In other words, the connector100is provided with the receiving portion192.

As shown inFIG.5, each of the protrusions183of the present embodiment protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction. Referring toFIGS.3and5, the protrusion183is located rearward of the protruding portion190in the front-rear direction. The protrusion183is located outward of the protruding portion190in the orthogonal direction. The protrusion183has a rear surface160. The rear surface160of the protrusion183is a surface orthogonal to the front-rear direction and directed rearward in the front-rear direction. The rear surface160of the protrusion183functions as the front-rear-movement-regulating portion160.

As shown inFIG.3, the optical connector300of the present embodiment connects an optical fiber cable750and the optical module170to each other. In other words, the optical connector300is attached to the optical fiber cable750, and the optical connector300is formed so as to be attachable to and detachable from the optical module170.

As shown inFIG.3, the optical module170of the present embodiment has a photoelectric conversion portion (not shown) and an electric connector174. The photoelectric conversion portion converts optical signals and electric signals to each other between the optical connector300and the electric connector174.

Referring toFIG.3, the electric connector174of the present embodiment inputs and outputs the electric signals to the photoelectric conversion portion (not shown). The electric connector174of the present embodiment has a terminal500. In other words, the connector100of the present embodiment has the terminal500. The terminal500of the present embodiment is made of metal.

As shown inFIG.3, the locking member200of the present embodiment is attached to the connector body150. In more detail, the locking member200is attached outward of the holding member180of the connector body150in the orthogonal direction. In other words, the locking member200covers the connector body150at least in part. Since the locking member200is formed so as to cover the connector body150, increase of a size of the connector100in the direction of the axis AX, which is brought by providing the locking member200, can be avoided.

As understood fromFIGS.6,7and8, the locking member200of the present embodiment has a sidewall205, a plurality of slits210, a plurality of supporting portions220, a plurality of projecting portions240, a plurality of locking portions250, a plurality of additional resilience portions420and a plurality of front-rear-movement-regulated portions270. In other words, the locking member200of the present embodiment has the supporting portions220, the locking portions250and the additional resilience portions420. Moreover, the locking member200of the present embodiment is provided with the front-rear-movement-regulated portions270. In more detail, the locking member200of the present embedment has eight slits210, four supporting portions220, four projecting portions240, four additional resilience portions420and four front-rear-movement-regulated portions270. It should be noted that the projecting portions240correspond to the depressed portions650of the mating projecting portion640, respectively, and the number and arrangement of them depend on the number and arrangement of the depressed portions650.

As shown inFIGS.6,7and8, the sidewall205of the present embodiment has an approximately cylindrical shape having a central axis coincident with the axis AX.

As shown inFIGS.6,7and8, each of the slits210of the present embodiment is a groove extending rearward from a front end of the sidewall205of the locking member200. In more detail, the slit210pierces the sidewall205of the locking member200in the orthogonal direction. Moreover, the slit210does not reach a rear end of the sidewall205of the locking member200. The eight slits210of the present embodiment are divided into four slit pairs212each of which consist of two of the slits210.

As shown inFIGS.6,7and8, the supporting portions220of the present embodiment are parts of the sidewall205, which has the approximately cylindrical shape, of the locking member200. In more detail, the four supporting portions220correspond to the slit pairs212, respectively, and each of the supporting portions220is located between the slits of the slit pair212corresponding thereto in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the supporting portions220are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The supporting portions220have resilience and support the locking portions250.

As shown inFIGS.3,7, and8, each of the projecting portions240of the present embodiment protrudes inward from the supporting portion220in the orthogonal direction. In other words, the connector100of the present embodiment has the projecting portion240protruding inward from the supporting portion220in the orthogonal direction. The projecting portion240is located at a front end of the supporting portion220. The projecting portion240is tapered forward.

As shown inFIGS.3,7and8, each of the projecting portions240of the present embodiment has an inner surface242and the locking portion250. In other words, the projecting portion240is provided with the locking portion250.

As shown inFIG.3, the inner surface242of the present embodiment is a curved surface orthogonal to the orthogonal direction and directed inward in the orthogonal direction.

As shown inFIG.3, the locking portion250of the present embodiment is located at a rear end of the projecting portion240in the front-rear direction.

As understood fromFIGS.3and6to8, the locking portions250of the present embodiment are supported by the supporting portions220, respectively. The locking portions250are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Each of the locking portions250of the present embodiment is movable in the orthogonal direction owing to resilient deformation of the supporting portion220. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The locking portion250should be movable at least in the orthogonal direction owing to the resilient deformation of the supporting portion220.

As shown inFIG.3, each of the locking portions250has an intersecting surface252intersecting with both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. Since the mating locking portion660has the intersecting surface662as described above, the intersecting surfaces252and662are provided to the locking portion250and the mating locking portion660, respectively. The intersecting surface252of the locking portion250is directed inward in the orthogonal direction and rearward in the front-rear direction. In more detail, referring toFIGS.7and8, all of the intersecting surfaces252of the locking portions250are parts of a common conical surface having a central axis coincident with the axis AX.

Referring toFIGS.3,7and8, each of the additional resilience portions420of the present embodiment is a spring extending from the supporting portion220like a cantilever.

As shown inFIGS.3and6, each of the additional resilience portions420of the present embodiment has a connection portion422, a chamfer424and a pressed portion423.

As shown inFIG.3, the connection portion422is connected to the supporting portion220. The connection portion422is located outward of the locking portion250in the orthogonal direction.

As understood fromFIG.6, the chamfer424of the present embodiment is provided on a front-end portion of the additional resilience portion420. The chamfer424is parallel to the front-rear direction and intersects with the orthogonal direction. In more detail, the chamfer424is directed outward in the orthogonal direction and directed in one direction (a first turning direction) of the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the pressed portion423of the present embodiment is a flat surface having its part orthogonal to the orthogonal direction and directed outward in the orthogonal direction. The pressed portion423is located at the front-end portion of the additional resilience portion420. Moreover, the pressed portion423is adjacent to the chamfer424corresponding thereto in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In more detail, the pressed portion423is located, in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX, on an opposite side in the direction in which the chamfer424is directed.

As shown inFIGS.7and8, each of the front-rear-movement regulated portions270of the present embodiment is located inward of the sidewall205of the locking member200in the orthogonal direction. The front-rear-movement regulated portion270is a surface directed forward in the front-rear direction. Referring toFIGS.4,5,7and8, the front-rear-movement-regulated portion270is located rearward of the front-rear-movement-regulating portion160of the holding member180of the connector body150in the front-rear direction.

Referring toFIGS.6to8, the locking member200is further provided with a plurality of regulating portions280each of which protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction. In the present embodiment, the regulating portions280are four in number. The regulating portions280are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the regulating portions280are arranged apart from the additional resilience portions420in the front-rear direction and apart from the additional resilience portions420in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. According to this structure, production of the locking member200using molding can be carried out easily.

As shown inFIGS.6to8, each of the regulating portions280has a first regulating surface282, a second regulating surface284and a front surface286. The first regulating surface282extends in the front-rear direction and is directed in a second turning direction of the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The second turning direction is a clockwise direction when the locking member200is viewed from behind in the front-rear direction. The second regulating surface284extends in the front-rear direction and is directed in the first turning direction of the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The first turning direction is a counter clockwise direction when the locking member200is viewed from behind in the front-rear direction. The front surface286extends in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX and is directed forward in the front-rear direction. As described later, the first regulating surface282functions as a first regulating portion282, and the second regulating surface284functions as a second regulating portion284. Moreover, the front surface286functions as a fourth regulating portion286. In other words, the locking member200is provided with the first regulating portion282, the second regulating portion284and the fourth regulating portion286.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, each of the regulating portions280further has a provisional regulating portion288. In the present embodiment, the provisional regulating portion288is a part of the first regulating surface282. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The provisional regulating portion288may be provided separately from the first regulating surface282.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, each of the regulating portions280is provided with a guide portion290. In the present embodiment, the guide portion290is adjacent to the second regulating surface284and is a depressed portion depressed inward in the orthogonal direction.

As shown inFIGS.6to8, the locking member200is further formed with a plurality of platform-shaped supporting portions292each of which protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction. In the present embodiment, the platform-shaped supporting portions292are four in number. The platform-shaped supporting portions292correspond to the regulating portions280, respectively, and each of them is contiguous to the regulating portion280corresponding thereto. Each of the platform-shaped supporting portions292has a pair of side surfaces294and296. One of them, the side surface294, forms a flat surface together with the first regulating surface282of the regulating portion280corresponding thereto. The remaining one, the side surface296, is located, in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX, outward of the second regulating surface284of the regulating portion280corresponding thereto.

Referring toFIGS.6to8, the locking member200is further formed with protruding portions310each of which protrudes outward in the orthogonal direction. The protruding portions310are provided at a front-end portion of the locking member200in the front-rear direction. Each of the protruding portions310is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and has a rear surface312directed rearward in the front-rear direction. As described later, the rear surface312functions as a fifth regulating portion312. Thus, the locking member200is further provided with the fifth regulating portion312.

As shown inFIG.3, the locking member200is located inward of the retaining member440in the orthogonal direction. In other words, the retaining member440is located outward of the locking member200in the orthogonal direction. In the present embodiment, the retaining member440covers the retaining member440entirely in the orthogonal direction. Accordingly, each of the additional resilience portions420of the locking member200is located inward of the retaining member440in the orthogonal direction. The retaining member440is attached to the locking member200so as to be movable with respect to the locking member200between a first position and a second position in a movable direction perpendicular to both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. In the present embodiment, the movable direction of the retaining member440coincides with the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In other words, the retaining member440is attached to the locking member200so as to be turnable in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In the present embodiment, the movable direction of the retaining member440from the first position to the second position is the first turning direction. Moreover, the movable direction of the retaining member440from the second position to the first position is the second turning direction.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, the retaining member440of the present embodiment has an approximately cylinder shape having a center on the axis AX. The retaining member440has a plurality of additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions442, a plurality of inclined surfaces444and a plurality of pressing portions446. In more detail, the retaining member440has four additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions442, four inclined surfaces444and four pressing portions446. Here, the four additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions442correspond to the four additional resilience portions420of the locking member200, respectively. Moreover, the four additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions442correspond to the four inclined surfaces444, respectively. Furthermore, the four inclined surfaces444correspond to the four pressing portions446, respectively.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, each of the additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions442of the present embodiment is a space extending rearward from a front end of the retaining member440. As shown inFIGS.14and21, when the retaining member440is positioned in the second position, the additional resilience portions420of the locking member200are accommodated in the additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portions442.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, each of the pressing portions446of the present embodiment is a flat surface including its part perpendicular to the orthogonal direction and directed inward in the orthogonal direction. The pressing portion446is located at a front-end portion of the retaining member440. In the orthogonal direction, the pressing portion446is located inward of the additional-resilience-portion accommodation portion442.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, the inclined surface444of the present embodiment is located between the additional-resilience-portion accommodation portion442corresponding thereto and the pressing portion446corresponding thereto in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The inclined surface444is in parallel to the front-rear direction and intersects with the orthogonal direction. In more detail, the inclined surface444is directed inward in the orthogonal direction and directed in the second turning direction of the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the locking member200of the connector100has the additional resilience portions420, and the connector100has the retaining member440. In other words, the connector device10further has a maintaining mechanism400provided with the additional resilience portions420and the retaining member440.

Moreover, as described above, in the present embodiment, the locking member200has the plurality of the supporting portions220, each of the projecting portions240of the locking member200is provided with the locking portion250, and the connector100is provided with the receiving portion192. In other words, the connector100of the present embodiment is provided with the plurality of the supporting portions220, the plurality of the locking portions250and the receiving portion192. In more detail, the connector100of the present embodiment is provided with the four supporting portions220, the four locking portions250and the receiving portion192. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto. The connector100should be provided at least one supporting portion220, at least one locking portion250and a receiving portion192.

Referring again toFIGS.9to11, the retaining member440is further provided with a plurality of regulating-portion-accommodation portions (accommodation portions)450. In the present embodiment, the retaining member440is provided with four regulating-portion-accommodation portions450. The regulating-portion-accommodation portions450correspond to the regulating portions280of the locking member200, respectively. Accordingly, the regulating-portion-accommodation portions450are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX and arranged in the approximately middle of the retaining member440in the front-rear direction. Each of the regulating-portion-accommodation portions450accommodates the regulating portion280corresponding thereto.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, the retaining member440is further provided with a plurality of platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions480. The platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions480correspond to the regulating-portion-accommodation portions450, respectively. Each of the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions480is located rearward of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450corresponding thereto in the front-rear direction and communicates with the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450corresponding thereto. Each of the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions480accommodates the platform-shaped-supporting portion292corresponding thereto.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, each of the regulating-portion-accommodation-portions450has a first inner surface (a first regulated portion)452and a second inner surface (a second regulated portion)454. Moreover, each of the regulating-portion-accommodation portions450has a front surface456extending in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The first inner surface452is directed in the first turning direction, and the second inner surface454is directed in the second turning direction. Moreover, the front surface456is directed rearward in the front-rear direction. Since the regulating-portion-accommodation portions450are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX, the first inner surfaces452are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R in the present embodiment. Similarly, the second inner surfaces454are also arranged in regular intervals in the circumferential direction R.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, each of the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portions480has a pair of inner side surfaces482and484extending in the front-rear direction. One of them, the inner side surface482, is directed in the first turning direction of the circumferential direction R about the axis AX, and the remaining one, the inner side surface484, is directed in the second turning direction of the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the inner side surface482forms the same surface as the first inner surface452of the regulating-portion accommodation portion450corresponding thereto. On the other hand, the inner side surface484is located outward of the second inner surface454of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450corresponding thereto in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.

As understood fromFIGS.13,20and27, a size of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450is larger than a size of the regulating portion280in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, as understood fromFIGS.12,19and26, a size of the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portion480is larger than a size of the platform-shaped-supporting portion292. Accordingly, the regulating portion280can relatively move in the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX, and the platform-shaped-supporting portion292can relatively move in the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portion480.

As shown inFIGS.13and20, when the retaining member440is positioned in the second position, the first inner surface452of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450is in contact with or faces the first regulating surface (the first regulating portion)282in the first turning direction. Then, the first regulating surface282functions as the first regulating portion282which regulates movement of the retaining member440so that the retaining member440is not moved beyond the second position in the first turning direction. At this time, the first inner surface452functions as the first regulated portion452. In other words, the retaining member440is provided with the first regulated portions452.

As shown inFIG.27, when the retaining member440is positioned in the first position, the second inner surface454of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450is in contact with or faces the second regulating surface (the second regulating portion)284in the second turning direction. Then, the second regulating surface284functions as the second regulating portion284which regulates movement of the retaining member440so that the retaining member440is not moved beyond the first position in the second turning direction. At this time, the second inner surface454functions as the second regulated portion454. In other words, the retaining member440is provided with the second regulated portions454.

As understood fromFIGS.6to11, the front surface456of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450is in contact with or faces the front surface286of the regulating portion280corresponding thereto. Then, rearward movement of the front surface456of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450in the front-rear direction is regulated by the front surface (the fourth regulating portion)286of the regulating portion280. In other words, the front surface456of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450is in contact with or faces the fourth regulating portion286in the front-rear direction, and thereby rearward movement of the retaining member440in the front-rear direction is regulated. In this way, the front surface286of the regulating portion280functions as the fourth regulating portion286which regulates the rearward movement of the retaining member440in the front-rear direction. At this time, the front surface456of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450functions as a fourth regulated portion456, wherein the movement of the fourth regulated portion456is regulated by the fourth regulating portion286. In other words, the retaining member440is provided with the fourth regulated portion456.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, the retaining member440has protruding portions458each of which protrudes inward in the orthogonal direction in the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450corresponding thereto. Each of the protruding portions458temporarily regulates movement of the regulating portion280(seeFIGS.6to8) in the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450. In detail, when the retaining member440is positioned in the first position, the protruding portion458is in contact with or faces the provisional regulating portion288in the first turning direction as shown inFIG.27. In other words, when the retaining member440is positioned in the first position, the provisional regulating portion288is in contact with or faces the protruding portion458in the second turning direction. Accordingly, movement of the retaining member440in the first turning direction is temporarily regulated by the provisional regulating portion288. At this time, the protruding portion458functions as a holding mechanism458which holds the retaining member440in the first position. Thus, the connector device10is provided with the holding mechanism458to hold the retaining member440at the first position.

As shown inFIGS.9to11, the retaining member440is further provided with a plurality of grooves460each of which extends in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In the present embodiment, the retaining member440is formed with four grooves460. The grooves460are formed in the front-end portion of the retaining member440and arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, each of the grooves460opens forward in the front-rear direction and has a rear surface462directed forward in the front-rear direction. The rear surface462extends in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX and is directed forward in the front-rear direction.

As understood fromFIGS.6to11, the grooves460correspond to the protruding portions310of the locking member200, respectively. Each of the grooves460accommodates the protruding portion310corresponding thereto. At this time, the rear surface462of the groove460is in contact with or faces the rear surface312of the protruding portion310. The rear surface462of the groove460functions as a fifth regulated portion462, wherein forward movement of the fifth regulated portion462is regulated by the protruding portion310in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the rear surface312of the protruding portion310functions as the fifth regulating portion312. As just described, the retaining member440is provided with the fifth regulated portion462. The fifth regulated portion462is in contact with or faces the fifth regulating portion312in the front-rear direction, and thereby forward movement of the retaining member440in the front-rear direction is regulated.

Mating Operation

A mating operation of the connector100and the mating connector600in the connector device10of the present embodiment will be described in detail in the following.

Firstly, as shown inFIG.3, the connector100and the mating connector600are arranged to face each other in the front-rear direction so that a front end of the insertion portion181of the holding member180of the connector body150of the connector100faces the opening portion682of the connector accommodation portion680of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600. After that, the connector100or the mating connector600is moved so that the connector100and the mating connector600becomes close to each other.

Thereupon, front ends of the projecting portions240of the locking member200of the connector100are brought into contact with rear ends of the bulge portions645of the mating projecting portion640of the mating shell630of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600, respectively, and the supporting portions220of the locking member200of the connector100are resiliently deformed to move the projecting portions240outward in the orthogonal directions, respectively.

Next, the connector100or the mating connector600is further moved so that the connector100and the mating connector600become closer to each other. Thereupon, the projecting portions240of the connector100run onto the bulge portions645of the mating connector600, respectively. In other words, the inner surfaces242of the projecting portions240of the connector100are brought into contact with the outer surfaces647of the bulge portions645of the mating connector600, respectively.

Subsequently, the connector100or the mating connector600is moved so that the connector100and the mating connector600become further close to each other in the front-rear direction. Thereupon, each of the projecting portions240of the connector100is moved inward in the orthogonal direction, and the connector100and the mating connector600come into a first mated state (mated state) shown inFIGS.15to18. At this time, in the first mated state in which the connector100and the mating connector600are mated with each other, the mating connector600is positioned forward of the connector100in the front-rear direction.

As shown inFIG.17, in this first mated state, the insertion portion181of the connector100is accommodated in the connector accommodation portion680of the mating connector600.

Moreover, in this first mated state, each of the depressed portions650of the mating projecting portion640of the mating shell630of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600receives the corresponding projecting portion240of the connector100at least in part, and the intersecting surface662of the mating locking portion660of the bulge portion645is located rearward of the projecting portion240as understood fromFIG.17. Here, although each of the projecting portions240of the connector100is in contact with the depressed portion650of the mating connector600via the intersecting surfaces252and662, the inner surface242of the projecting portion240of the connector100is not in contact with the bottom surface652of the depressed portion650of the mating connector600in the orthogonal direction. And, a front end of the projecting portion240of the connector100is not in contact with the front surface658of the depressed portion650of the mating connector600in the front-rear direction. In other words, the projecting portion240of the connector100is in contact with the depressed portion650of the mating connector600only via the intersecting surfaces252and662. In addition, each of the supporting portions220of the connector100is not in contact with the outer surface647of the bulge portion645of the mating connector600in the orthogonal direction.

Furthermore, in this first mated state, each of the supporting portions220of the connector100does not return to an original shape shown inFIG.3but remains resiliently deformed. Moreover, as shown inFIG.17, the receiving portion192of the connector100and the abutment portion632of the mating shell630of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600are in contact with each other.

In more detail, in this first mated state, each of the mating locking portions660is located inward of the locking portion250in the orthogonal direction as shown inFIG.17, and each of the supporting portions220presses the locking portion250against the mating locking portion660. Moreover, in this first mated state, the locking portion250is pressed against the mating locking portion660via the intersecting surfaces252and663and applies a rearward force in the front-rear direction on the mating locking portion660. In addition, in this first mated state, the abutment portion632of the mating connector600is located forward of the receiving portion192of the connector100in the front-rear direction. Here, as described above, the relative positions of the mating locking portion660and the abutment portion632are fixed in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the rearward force applied on the mating locking portion660is transmitted to the abutment portion632. However, the abutment portion632of the mating connector600is located forward of the receiving portion192of the connector100in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the abutment portion632cannot be moved rearward beyond the receiving portion192owing to the receiving portion192. In other words, in the first mated state, the abutment portion632of the mating connector600is brought into abutment with the receiving portion192of the connector100by the rearward force applied on the mating locking portion660, and movement thereof beyond the receiving portion192is regulated by the receiving portion192. Accordingly, the connector device10of the present embodiment is structured so that the connector100is not moved with respect to the mating connector600in the front-rear direction even if an external force in the front-rear direction is applied on the connector100or the mating connector600in the first mated state.

In particular, as described above, in the connector device10of the present embodiment, the locking portions250(seeFIGS.7and8) are arranged in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX at regular intervals, and all the intersecting surfaces252of the locking portions250are the parts of the conical surface having the center on the axis AX. Accordingly, when the connector100and the mating connector600are mated with each other, a resultant force of forces acting on the intersecting surfaces252of the locking portions250consists of only components of the front-rear direction because components of the forces acting on the intersecting surfaces252in directions perpendicular to the axis AX are canceled. Therefore, in this first mated state, no axis misalignment between the connector100and the mating connector600will occur.

In this first mated state, the front-rear-movement regulated portions270of the locking member200(seeFIGS.7and8) and the front-rear-movement regulating portions160of the connector body150(seeFIG.5) are in contact with each other. In more detail, in this first mated state, each of the locking portions250of the connector100(seeFIG.17) applies the rearward force on the mating locking portion660of the mating connector600(seeFIG.17) and receives a forward force from the mating locking portion660as a reaction force. Owing to the forward force received by the locking portions250, the front-rear-movement regulated portion270is pressed against the front-rear-movement regulating portion160, and relative movement between the locking member200and the connector body150is regulated.

In this first mated state, the retaining member440is positioned in the second position. At this time, as shown inFIG.19, each of the platform-shaped-supporting portions292is located in the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portion480and located near the inner side surface482in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, as shown inFIG.20, each of the regulating portions280is located in the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450and between the protruding portion458and the first inner surface452in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In other words, the regulating portion280is located in the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450and located near the first inner surface452in the circumferential direction R. And, the first regulating surface282of the regulating portion280faces or is in contact with the first inner surface452. With this structure, the movement of the retaining member440beyond the second position in the first turning direction is regulated. Moreover, as shown inFIG.21, each of the additional resilience portions420is located in the additional-resilience-portion-accommodation portion442. At this time, the additional resilience portion420is not in contact with the retaining member440. Accordingly, the additional resilience portion420is not resiliently deformed nor presses the supporting portion220. In other words, at this time, a maintained state caused by the maintaining mechanism400is cancelled.

In this first mated state, the terminal500of the connector100(seeFIG.3) is connected to the mating terminal700of the mating electric connector612of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600(seeFIG.3). In other words, in the first mated state, the connector device10has an electrical contact between the terminal500of the connector100and the mating terminal700of the mating connector600.

Upon moving the retaining member440in the second turning direction with respect to the locking member200from the first mated state shown inFIG.17, each of the protruding portions458of the retaining member440(seeFIG.20) is guided by the guide portion290of the regulating portion280of the locking member200(seeFIG.20) and moved on the regulating portion280of the locking member200(seeFIG.20). Simultaneously, each of the inclined surfaces444of the retaining member440(seeFIG.21) is brought into abutment with the chamfer424of the additional resilience portion420of the locking member200(seeFIG.21). The chamfer424guides movement of the retaining member44in the second turning direction and prevents the supporting portion220from twisting.

After that, upon further moving the retaining member440with respect to the locking member200in the second turning direction, the connector100and the mating connector600come into a second mated state (a mated state) shown inFIGS.22to25. At this time, the retaining member440is positioned in the first position. Moreover, in the second mated state that the connector100and the mating connector600are mated with each other, the mating connector600is positioned forward of the connector100in the front-rear direction.

In the second mated state, each of the platform-shaped-supporting portions292is located near the inner side surface484of the platform-shaped-supporting-portion-accommodation portion480in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX as shown inFIG.26. Moreover, each of the regulating portions280is located between the protruding portion458and the second inner surface454of the regulating-portion-accommodation portion450in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX as shown inFIG.27. The second regulating surface284of the regulating portion280faces or is in contact with the second inner surface454. Accordingly, the movement of the retaining member440beyond the first position in the second turning direction is regulated. On the other hand, each of the protruding portions458is in contact with the provisional regulating portion288in the first turning direction, and the provisional regulating portion288provisionally regulates the movement of the retaining member440in the first turning direction. Moreover, each of the inclined surfaces444of the retaining member440rides over the chamfer424of the additional resilience portion420and is located outward of the pressed portion423in the radial direction as shown inFIG.28. Furthermore, each of the pressing portions446of the retaining member440is positioned outward of the pressed portion423in the radial direction. The pressing portion446is in contact with the pressed portion423and presses the pressed portion423inward in the orthogonal direction. Accordingly, a state that the additional resilience portion420is resiliently deformed inward in the orthogonal direction is maintained. The additional resilience portion420lies between the retaining member440and the supporting portion220(seeFIGS.24and27) and applies a force directed inward on the supporting portions220. In this way, the additional resilience portion420presses the supporting portion220to form a maintain state that pressing of the locking portion250to the mating locking portion660is maintained. Thus, according to the present embodiment, a maintain means which is distinct and separated from the connector100is unnecessary.

In this second mated state, as understood fromFIG.24, each of the depressed portions650of the mating projecting portion640of the mating shell630of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600receives the corresponding projecting portion240of the connector100at least in part, and the intersecting surface662of the mating locking portion660of the bulge portion645is located rearward of the projecting portion240. Here, the projecting portion240of the connector100is in contact with the depressed portion650of the mating connector600via the intersecting surfaces252and662. However, the inner surface242of the projecting portion240of the connector100is not in contact with the bottom surface652of the depressed portion650of the mating connector600in the orthogonal direction. The front end of the projecting portion240of the connector100is not in contact with the front surface658of the depressed portion650of the mating connector600in the front-rear direction. In other words, the projecting portion240of the connector100is in contact with the depressed portion650of the mating connector600only via the intersecting surfaces252and662. In addition, the supporting portion220of the connector100is not in contact with the outer surface647of the bulge portion645of the mating connector600in the orthogonal direction.

Moreover, in this second mated state, each of the supporting portions220of the connector100does not return to the original shape shown inFIG.3but remains resiliently deformed. Moreover, as shown inFIG.24, the receiving portion192of the connector100and the abutment portion632of the mating shell630of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600are in contact with each other.

In more detail, in this second mated state, as shown inFIG.24, each of the mating locking portions660is located inward of the locking portion250in the orthogonal direction, and each of the supporting portions220presses the locking portion250against the mating locking portion660. Moreover, in this second mated state, the locking portion250is pressed against the mating locking portion660via the intersecting surfaces252and662owing to resilience of the supporting portion220and applies the rearward force on the mating locking portion660in the front-rear direction. In addition, in this second mated state, the abutment portion632of the mating connector600is located forward of the receiving portion192of the connector100in the front-rear direction. Here, as described above, the relative positions of the mating locking portion660and the abutment portion632in the front-rear direction are fixed. Accordingly, the rearward force applied on the mating locking portion660is transmitted to the abutment portion632. However, the abutment portion632of the mating connector600is located forward of the receiving portion192of the connector100in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the abutment portion632cannot be moved beyond the receiving portion192owing to the receiving portion192. In other words, in this second mated state, the abutment portion632of the mating connector600is brought into abutment with the receiving portion192of the connector100by the rearward force applied on the mating locking portion660, and rearward movement thereof beyond the receiving portion192is regulated by the receiving portion192. Accordingly, the connector device10according to the present embodiment is structured so that the connector100is not moved with respect to the mating connector600even if an external force is applied on the connector100or the mating connector600in the front-rear direction in the second mated state.

In particular, as described above, in the connector device10of the present embodiment, the locking portions250(seeFIGS.7and8) are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX, and all the intersecting surfaces252of the locking portions250are the parts of the conical surface having the center on the axis AX. Accordingly, when the connector100and the mating connector600are mated with each other, the resultant force of the forces acting on the intersecting surfaces252of the locking portions250consists of the only components of the front-rear direction because the components of the forces acting on the intersecting surfaces252in directions perpendicular to the axis AX are canceled. Therefore, in this second mated state, no axis misalignment between the connector100and the mating connector600will occur.

In this second mated state, each of the front-rear-movement regulated portions270of the locking member200(seeFIGS.7and8) and the front-rear-movement regulating portion160of the connector body150(seeFIG.5) are in contact with each other. In more detail, in this second mated state, when the locking portion250of the connector100(seeFIG.24) applies the rearward force on the mating locking portion660of the mating connector600, the locking portion250receives the forward force as the reaction force from the mating locking portion660. The front-rear-movement regulated portion270is pressed against the front-rear-movement-regulating portion160by the forward force received by the locking portion250, and the relative movement between the locking member200and the connector body150is regulated.

In this second mated state, as shown inFIG.28, each of the pressing portions446of the retaining member440is located outward of the pressed portion423in the orthogonal direction and presses the pressed portion423to maintain the state that the supporting portion220(seeFIG.24) presses the locking portion250(seeFIG.24) against the mating locking portion660(FIG.24). In this way, the retaining member440and the additional resilience portions420form the maintaining mechanism400. Moreover, in this second mated state, as shown inFIG.24, each of the additional resilience portions420is located between the supporting portion220and the retaining member440and applies an inward force on the supporting portion220in the orthogonal direction.

In more detail, in this second mated state, as shown inFIG.24, the pressing portion446of the retaining member440is in contact with the pressed portion423of the additional resilience portion420of the locking member200and presses the additional resilience portion420of the locking member200from outside in the orthogonal direction.

In this second mated state, the terminal500of the connector100(FIG.3) is connected to the mating terminal700of the mating electric connector612of the mating connector body610of the mating connector600(FIG.3). In other words, in the second mated state, the connector device10has an electrical contact between the terminal500of the connector100and the mating terminal700of the mating connector600.

Mating Release Operation

In a case to release mating of the connector100and the mating connector600in the connector device10, just carry out a reverse operation of the mating operation of the connector100and the mating connector600.

Second Embodiment

Referring toFIG.29, a connector device10A according to a second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a mating connector600and a connector100A. Difference between the connector device10A and the connector device10according to the first embodiment is in a point that the connector100A is provided with a maintained-state-holding mechanism550. In other points, the connector device10A and the connector device10are in common with each other. Accordingly, the description of them will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.30and31, a locking member200A of the connector device10A is provided with an additional supporting portion552and a subsidiary resilient piece554. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The locking member200A may not have the subsidiary resilient piece554.

As shown inFIGS.30and31, the additional supporting portion552and the subsidiary resilient piece554are located between adjacent two of the supporting portions220in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the additional supporting portion552and the subsidiary resilient piece554are located rearward of a regulating portion280A in the front-rear direction. Additionally, the regulating portion280A is smaller than other regulating portions280in size in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.

As understood fromFIGS.30and31, the additional supporting portion552is a resilient piece having a cantilever-shape extending in the second turning direction. Moreover, the subsidiary resilient piece554is a resilient piece having a cantilever-shape extending in the first turning direction. Each of the additional supporting portion552and the subsidiary resilient piece554has resilience, and a tip portion thereof is movable at least in the orthogonal direction. The tip portion of the additional supporting portion552and the tip portion of the subsidiary resilient piece554overlap with each other when viewed along the orthogonal direction. In detail, in the orthogonal direction, the tip of the additional supporting portion552is located slightly apart from and outward of the tip portion of the subsidiary resilient piece554. In other words, the subsidiary resilient piece554is located inward of the additional supporting portion552at least in part in the orthogonal direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The additional supporting portion552may be formed to have a both ends supported beam shape. In that case, the subsidiary resilient piece554is unnecessary. However, when operationality, a displacement amount and durability of the additional supporting portion552are considered, it is desirable to combine the additional supporting portion552having the cantilever-shape and the subsidiary resilient piece554.

As shown inFIGS.30and31, the tip portion of the additional supporting portion552is provided with an operated portion556. In the present embodiment, the operated portion556is a surface of the tip portion of the additional supporting portion552, wherein the surface is a plane surface including a part perpendicular to the orthogonal direction. The operated portion556is directed outward in the orthogonal direction. When the operated portion556is pressed inward in the orthogonal direction, the additional supporting portion552is resiliently deformed. Then, the tip portion of the additional supporting portion552is moved inward in the orthogonal direction. When movement of the tip portion of the additional supporting portion552becomes large, the tip portion of the additional supporting portion552is brought into abutment with the tip portion of the subsidiary resilient piece554. Accordingly, the additional supporting portion552is prevented from being excessively deformed.

As understood fromFIGS.30and31, the additional supporting portion552has an extremity surface558directed in the second turning direction in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The extremity surface558functions as a third regulating portion558as described later. In other words, the locking member200A is provided with the third regulating portion558. The third regulating portion558is supported by the additional supporting portion552to be movable at least in the orthogonal direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The third regulating portion558may be a protruding portion provided to the additional supporting portion552.

As shown inFIGS.30and31, the locking member200A is provided with leg accommodation portions560and562. Each of the leg accommodation portions560and562is adjacent to the additional supporting portion552in the front-rear direction. The additional supporting portion552is located between the leg accommodation portions560and562in the front-rear direction. The leg accommodation portions560and562accommodate two leg portions584and586(seeFIG.37) of an operation member580(seeFIG.29), respectively, and allow movement of the leg portions584and586in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In the present embodiment, the leg accommodation portions560and562communicate with each other in the front-rear direction. In detail, each of the leg accommodation portions560and562communicates with a space located inward of the additional supporting portion552and the subsidiary resilient piece554in the orthogonal direction. However, the leg accommodation portions560and562may not communicate with each other. However, when the leg accommodation portions560and562communicate with each other, manufacture of the locking member200A by molding can be easily carried out.

Referring toFIGS.32to34, a retaining member440A is provided with a window portion570. The window portion570has a rectangular shape when viewed along the orthogonal direction. The window portion570is provided in a place corresponding to the additional supporting portion552of the locking member200A (seeFIGS.30and31). In detail, the window portion570is provided to a rear end portion of the retaining member440A in the front-rear direction. To the window portion570, the operation member580(seeFIG.29) is attached. In other words, the connector100A is provided with the operation member580.

As shown inFIG.34, the retaining member440A is provided with an additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572and a subsidiary-resilient-piece-accommodation portion574. The additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572is adjacent to the window portion570in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. Moreover, the subsidiary-resilient-piece-accommodation portion574is adjacent to the additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. The additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572is located between the window portion570and the additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.

As shown inFIG.34, one of edge portions forming the window portion570is formed to be thick. In more detail, an edge portion576, which is directed in the first turning direction, among the edge portions of the window portion570is formed to be thick. The edge portion576is located between the window portion570and the additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572. The edge portion576functions as a third regulated portion576as described later. In other words, the retaining member440A is provided with the third regulated portion576.

As shown inFIG.37, the operation member580has an operation portion582and two leg portions584and586. The leg portions584and586are located apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Moreover, the leg portions584and586are provided with hook portions588and590, respectively, which protrude outward in the front-rear direction. The operation member580is attached to the window portion570of the retaining member440A (seeFIG.32) so as to be movable in the orthogonal direction. Each of the leg portions584and586has a length enough to be moved in the orthogonal direction in a state that the operation member580is attached to the window portion570. Moreover, the hook portions588and590prevent the operation member580from being detached from the window portion570.

As shown inFIGS.35to37, the operation member580is disposed to extend over the additional supporting portion552in the front-rear direction. In other words, the additional supporting portion552is located between the leg portions584and586in the front-rear direction. The operation member580is located outward of the additional supporting portion552in the orthogonal direction at least in part. Upon moving the retaining member440A (seeFIG.29) in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX, the operation portion582of the operation member580is moved outside the additional supporting portion552in the orthogonal direction. Moreover, the leg portions584and586of the operation member580are moved in the leg accommodation portions560and562, respectively. The leg accommodation portions560and562allow movement of the retaining member440A between the first position and the second position by allowing movement of the leg portions584and586.

As shown inFIG.38, when the retaining member440A is positioned in the second position, the tip end portion of the additional supporting portion552is accommodated in the additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572in part. Moreover, the subsidiary resilient piece554is accommodated in the subsidiary-resilient-piece-accommodation portion574in part. At this time, the operation member580is positioned near a rear end portion of the additional supporting portion552. In other words, the operation member580is apart from the operated portion556in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX.

As shown inFIG.39, when the retaining member440A is positioned in the first position, the tip end portion of the additional supporting portion552is positioned outside the additional-supporting-portion-accommodation portion572and enters in the window portion570(seeFIGS.32and34) in part. At this time, the extremity surface558of the additional supporting portion552faces or is in contact with the edge portion576of the window portion570in the circumferential direction R about the axis AX. In other words, when the retaining member440A is positioned in the first position, the third regulated portion576is in contact with or faces the third regulating portion558in the first turning direction. Accordingly, movement of the retaining member440A from the first position toward the second position in the first turning direction is regulated. Thus, the extremity surface558of the additional supporting portion552functions as the third regulating portion558which regulates the movement of the retaining member440A in the first turning direction. The edge portion576of the window portion570functions as the third regulated portion576. Thus, the additional supporting portion552and the window portion570function as the maintained-state-holding mechanism550which maintains a state that the retaining member440A is positioned in the first position.

As shown inFIG.39. when the retaining member440A is positioned in the first position, the operation portion582of the operation member580is positioned outward of the operated portion556of the additional supporting portion552in the orthogonal direction. At this time, the additional supporting portion552is in contact with the operation portion582of the operation member580. In detail, the additional supporting portion552presses the operation member580outward in the orthogonal direction by a reaction force.

As understood fromFIG.39, the operation portion582of the operation member580is moved inward in the orthogonal direction when receiving an inward force in the orthogonal direction. Accordingly, the operated portion556of the additional supporting portion552receives an inward force in the orthogonal direction from the operation portion582. In other words, the operation portion582presses the operated portion556inward in the orthogonal direction when receiving the inward force in the orthogonal direction. When the operated portion556receives the inward force in the orthogonal direction, the additional supporting portion552is resiliently deformed. When the extremity surface558of the additional supporting portion552is positioned inward of the edge portion576of the window portion570in the orthogonal direction as a result, the retaining member440A becomes movable in the first turning direction. In this way, regulation made by the third regulating portion558and the third regulated portion576on the movement of the retaining member440A in the first turning direction is released.

Although the specific explanation about the present invention is made above referring to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto but susceptible of various modifications.

Although the connector device10of the first embodiment has the electrical contact between the terminal500of the connector100and the mating terminal700of the mating connector600, the present invention is applicable to an optical connector device having no electrical contact. If there is a space when an optical connector and a mating optical connector are mated with each other in the optical connector device, there is possibility that the optical connector is moved with respect to the mating optical connector in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, there is a possibility that dust, such as shavings, is produced and that connection characteristics of the optical connector device are degraded. However, by applying the present invention to the optical connector device, these problems can be avoided.

The connector device10of the first embodiment is provided with no coupling nut for maintaining the mated state between the connector100and the mating connector600. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The connector device10may be provided with a coupling nut for maintaining the mated state between the connector100and the mating connector600.

The maintaining mechanism400of the connector device10of the first embodiment is provided with the additional resilience portions420. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The maintaining mechanism400may be provided with a rising part rising inward in the orthogonal direction on an inner surface of the retaining member440in place of the additional resilience portion420and may be formed so that the rising part of the retaining member440suppresses outward movement of the locking portions250of the locking member200in the orthogonal direction. Here, the part provided on the inner surface of the retaining member440and rising inward in the orthogonal direction may be formed so that an elastic body, such as a ring-shape rubber, is adhered on the inner surface of the retaining member440and functions similarly to the additional resilience portions420. Moreover, in a case where the connector device10is provided with the aforementioned coupling nut, instead of providing the maintaining mechanism400, a part rising inward in the orthogonal direction may be provided on an inner surface of the coupling nut, and the rising part of the coupling nut may suppress outward movement of the locking portions250of the locking member200in the orthogonal direction.

In the connector device10of the first embodiment, in each of the first mated state and the second mated state, the mating locking portion660is positioned inward of the locking portion250in the orthogonal direction, and the maintaining mechanism400is positioned outward of the supporting portion220in the orthogonal direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other words, in each of the first mated state and the second mated state, the mating locking portion660may be positioned outward of the locking portion250in the orthogonal direction, and the maintaining mechanism400may be positioned inward of the supporting portions220in the orthogonal direction.

In the connector device10of the first embodiment, the intersecting surfaces252and662are provided to both of the locking portion250and the mating locking portion660. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. At least one of the locking portion250and the mating locking portion660may have the intersecting surface252or662intersecting with both of the front-rear direction and the orthogonal direction. However, in the case where both of the locking portion250and the mating locking portion660have the intersecting surfaces252and662like the present embodiment, one of the intersecting surfaces252and662is in point or line contact with the other even if the intersecting surfaces252and662have manufacturing variations and/or abrasion. Accordingly, a force is certainly transmitted between the locking portion250and the mating locking portion660. Therefore, it is more preferably.

In the connector device10of the first embodiment, each of the locking member200and the retaining member440is formed to be mirror images with respect to the axis AX. However, the locking member200and the retaining member440may be formed not to be mirror images. For example, by making different in size between one of the four platform-shaped supporting portions292and the remaining of the platform-shaped supporting portions292, it is possible to attach the retaining member440to the locking member200in only a predetermined direction. Accordingly, assembling errors are prevented.

The present invention is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-241233 filed on Dec. 25, 2018, and the contents of which forms a part of the present specification by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST