Abstract:
A connector includes a connector protrusion to be inserted into a connector socket and including a locking lever provided on a first surface and a connecting terminal provided on a second surface opposing the first surface or on a front surface; and a connector frame surrounding the connector protrusion and having an opening in a surface opposing the first surface of the connector protrusion. When the connector frame is moved in a direction opposite to the direction where the connector protrusion is inserted while the connector protrusion is in the connector socket, an end of the locking lever fits into the opening and the locking lever is unlocked.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation application filed under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C. 120 and 365(c) of PCT International Application No. PCT/JP2008/067806, filed on Oct. 1, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The embodiments discussed herein are related to a connector and a connecting unit that make it easier to unplug a LAN (Local Area Network) cable from a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) card. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    PCI hot-swap cassettes (or cartridges) are becoming widely used as a hot-swapping technology for PCI cards. With this technology, a PCI card is placed in a PCI hot-swap cassette and the PCI hot-swap cassette is mounted in a computer or an information processing apparatus. As illustrated in  FIG. 22(   a ), due to the configuration of the PCI hot-swap cassette, a front plate of the PCI card is recessed from the surface of the computer. 
         [0004]    The recess is generally very narrow as illustrated in  FIG. 22(   b ) and it is difficult to unplug a LAN cable connected to the PCI card with fingers. Therefore, to unplug the LAN cable for maintenance, it is necessary to press down a release clip (or lever) for unlocking a LAN connector of the LAN cable with a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver. 
         [0005]      FIG. 23  illustrates a related-art LAN cable connected to a PCI card. As is apparent from  FIG. 23 , the release clip is short and it is difficult to unlock the LAN connector only with fingers. 
         [0006]    Here, a related-art document discloses an actuator that makes it easier to put a plug in and out of a socket. Another related-art document discloses a modular plug having a lever for unlocking the modular plug to pull out the modular plug from a connector. The disclosed technology makes it easier to pull out the modular plug from the connector and also makes it possible to reduce the size and thickness of the connector. 
         [0007]    Another related-art document discloses a connector with an attaching/detaching mechanism that makes it possible to reduce the size of the connector and to improve the reliability and operability of the connector. Still another related-art document discloses a plug connecting part including a sliding sleeve that is operated to move a locking part to an unlock position to unlock the plug connecting part.
   [Patent document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-134858   [Patent document 2] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-10210   [Patent document 3] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2005-235545   [Patent document 4] Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2006-526262   
 
         [0012]    However, using a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver to unlock a LAN connector is bothersome and if the user drops such a tool, it may damage an apparatus. Also, if a LAN cable is connected to the back side of a computer and the back side of the computer faces a wall of a machine room, it may be necessary to physically move the computer away from the wall. 
         [0013]    Further, when multiple PCI cards are placed in a PCI hot-swap cassette and multiple cables are plugged into the PCI cards, it is difficult to unplug a particular one of the cables with fingers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector that includes a connector protrusion to be inserted into a connector socket and including a locking lever provided on a first surface and a connecting terminal provided on a second surface opposing the first surface or on a front surface; and a connector frame surrounding the connector protrusion and having an opening in a surface opposing the first surface of the connector protrusion. The connector frame is configured such that when the connector frame is moved in a direction opposite to the direction where the connector protrusion is inserted while the connector protrusion is in the connector socket, an end of the locking lever fits into the opening and the locking lever is unlocked. 
         [0015]    The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. 
         [0016]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the followed detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary modular plug according to a first embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2(   a ) through  2 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of an exemplary modular plug according to the first embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary unlocking mechanism according to the first embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4(   a ) through  4 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of an exemplary unlocking mechanism according to the first embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary LAN connector according to the first embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6(   a ) through  6 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of an exemplary LAN connector according to the first embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are a plan view and a front view of an exemplary LAN board according to an embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a drawing used to describe an exemplary method of unlocking a LAN connector according to the first embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary modular plug according to a second embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 10(   a ) through  10 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of an exemplary modular plug according to the second embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary unlocking mechanism according to the second embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIGS. 12(   a ) through  12 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of an exemplary unlocking mechanism according to the second embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary LAN connector according to the second embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 14(   a ) through  14 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of an exemplary LAN connector according to the second embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a drawing used to describe an exemplary method of unlocking a LAN connector according to the second embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an exemplary unlocking mechanism according to a third embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 17(   a ) through  17 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of an exemplary unlocking mechanism according to the third embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary LAN connector according to the third embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 19(   a ) through  19 ( c ) are drawings ( 1 ) illustrating examples of a modular plug, an unlocking mechanism, and a LAN connector according to a fourth embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 20(   a ) through  20 ( c ) are drawings ( 2 ) illustrating examples of a modular plug, an unlocking mechanism, and a LAN connector according to the fourth embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 21(   a ) through  21 ( c ) are drawings ( 3 ) illustrating examples of a modular plug, an unlocking mechanism, and a LAN connector according to the fourth embodiment; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 22(   a ) and  22 ( b ) are drawings ( 1 ) used to describe problems in a related-art LAN connector; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  is a drawing ( 2 ) used to describe problems in a related-art LAN connector. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
       [0040]    A first embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a modular plug  10  for a LAN cable according to the first embodiment.  FIGS. 2(   a ) through  2 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of the modular plug  10 .  FIG. 2(   a ) is a left side view,  FIG. 2(   b ) is a plan view,  FIG. 2(   c ) is a right side view,  FIG. 2(   d ) is a bottom view,  FIG. 2(   e ) is a front view, and  FIG. 2(   f ) is a rear view of the modular plug  10 . In  FIGS. 1 through 2(   f ), the same reference number indicates the same component. 
         [0041]    The modular plug  10  (connector protrusion) includes a locking lever  11 , connecting terminals  12  (first connecting terminals), grooves  13 , and dowel housings  14 . 
         [0042]    One end of the locking lever  11  is fixed to a surface (first surface) of the modular plug  10 . The other end of the locking lever  11  is bent at an acute angle to form a hook-like shape and a middle part of the locking lever  11  is bent at an obtuse angle. Similar to a release clip of a related-art LAN modular plug, the locking lever  11  has elasticity. When no force is applied to the locking lever  11 , the locking lever  11  is in a locking position where the modular plug  10  engages (or is interlocked with) a PCI card (hereafter called a LAN board). When a downward force (toward the LAN cable) is applied to the middle part of the locking lever  11 , the modular plug  10  is unlocked and released from the LAN board. 
         [0043]    Like a related-art LAN modular plug, the connecting terminals  12  are connected with a twisted-pair cable with 8 cores (4 pairs) and used for electric communications between the modular plug  10  and the LAN board. 
         [0044]    The grooves  13  are U-shaped grooves. Assuming that a surface of the modular plug  10  where the connecting terminals  12  are arranged is the front surface, the grooves  13  are formed in the right and left side surfaces of the modular plug  10 . An unlocking mechanism  20  described later engages and slides along the grooves  13 . 
         [0045]    The dowel housings  14  are for housing dowels  22  of the unlocking mechanism  20  and have a cup shape that fits a dorm shape of the dowels  22 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the unlocking mechanism  20  according to the first embodiment.  FIGS. 4(   a ) through  4 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of the unlocking mechanism  20 .  FIG. 4(   a ) is a left side view,  FIG. 4(   b ) is a plan view,  FIG. 4(   c ) is a right side view,  FIG. 4(   d ) is a bottom view,  FIG. 4(   e ) is a front view, and  FIG. 4(   f ) is a rear view of the unlocking mechanism  20 . In  FIGS. 3 through 4(   f ), the same reference number indicates the same component. 
         [0047]    The unlocking mechanism  20  (connector frame) has a U-like shape surrounding the modular plug  10 . The unlocking mechanism  20  includes an opening  21 , the dowels  22 , and engaging parts  23 . 
         [0048]    The opening  21  is formed in a surface of the locking mechanism  20  that opposes the surface of the modular plug  10  to which the locking lever  11  is fixed. The hook-shaped end of the locking lever  11  is to fit into the opening  21 . 
         [0049]    The engaging parts  23  engage the grooves  13  to allow the unlocking mechanism  20  to slide over the modular plug  10 . The engaging parts  13  are formed by bending the ends of right-side and left-side walls of the unlocking mechanism  20  inward at 90 degrees. 
         [0050]    The dowels  22  limit the sliding movement of the unlocking mechanism  20  with respect to the modular plug  10 . The dowels  22  protrude from the engaging parts  23  and have a dorm shape. The dowels  22  fit in the dowel housings  14  and thereby limit the sliding movement of the unlocking mechanism  20 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a LAN connector  1  formed by fitting together the modular plug  10  and the unlocking mechanism  20 .  FIGS. 6(   a ) through  6 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of the LAN connector  1 .  FIG. 6(   a ) is a left side view,  FIG. 6(   b ) is a plan view,  FIG. 6(   c ) is a right side view,  FIG. 6(   d ) is a bottom view,  FIG. 6(   e ) is a front view, and  FIG. 6(   f ) is a rear view of the LAN connector  1 . In  FIGS. 5 through 6(   f ), the same reference number indicates the same component. 
         [0052]    The modular plug  10  and the unlocking mechanism  20  are fitted together to form the LAN connector  1  by engaging the grooves  13  and the engaging parts  23  and inserting the hook-shaped end of the locking lever  11  into the opening  21 . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are a plan view and a front view of a LAN board  101 . 
         [0054]    The LAN board  101  has a configuration similar to that of a related-art LAN board. The LAN board  101  includes a housing  111  and connecting terminals  112  to be connected with the connecting terminals  12  of the modular plug  10 . Grooves are formed in inner walls of the housing  111 . When the modular plug  10  is inserted into the housing ill, the locking lever  11  is pressed down and slides along the grooves. Like a related-art LAN board, the LAN board  101  includes a communication control circuit board  120  for controlling LAN communications. 
         [0055]    An exemplary method of unplugging the LAN connector  1  from the LAN board  101  according to the first embodiment is described below with reference to  FIG. 8 . The method of plugging the LAN connector  1  into the housing  111  of the LAN board  101  is similar to a related-art method and therefore its descriptions are omitted here. 
         [0056]    The user holds the unlocking mechanism  20  and moves or slides the unlocking mechanism  20  in an unplugging direction (the direction indicated by an arrow “a” in  FIG. 8 ) along the grooves  13  engaging the engaging parts  23 . As a result, the hook-shaped end of the locking lever  11  fits into the opening  21 . When the user moves the unlocking mechanism  20  further in the unplugging direction, the bent angle of the middle part of the locking lever  11  becomes shallower (becomes more obtuse) and the bending point of the middle part moves downward in the direction indicated by an arrow a′ in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0057]    As a result, the locking lever  11  or the LAN connector  1  is unlocked. Thus, unlike a related-art configuration where a release clip is pressed down with fingers to unlock a LAN connector, the above configuration makes it possible to unlock the LAN connector  1  by just sliding the unlocking mechanism  20 . 
         [0058]    Accordingly, the above configuration makes it possible to easily unplug a LAN connector from a LAN board without using a tool even when the LAN connector is located in a narrow recess. 
         [0059]    Also, the dowel housings  14  and the dowels  22  function as a position fixing mechanism for keeping the unlocking mechanism  20  in a fixed position. The position fixing mechanism prevents the unlocking mechanism  20  from being unintentionally moved and thereby prevents the LAN connector  1  from being accidentally unplugged. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0060]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary modular plug  10 A according to a second embodiment.  FIGS. 10(   a ) through  10 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of the modular plug  10 A.  FIG. 10(   a ) is a left side view,  FIG. 10(   b ) is a plan view,  FIG. 10(   c ) is a right side view,  FIG. 10(   d ) is a bottom view,  FIG. 10(   e ) is a front view, and  FIG. 10(   f ) is a rear view of the modular plug  10 A. In  FIGS. 9 through 10(   f ), the same reference number indicates the same component. 
         [0061]    The modular plug  10 A (connector protrusion) includes a locking lever  11 A, connecting terminals  12  (first connecting terminals), grooves  13 , and dowel housings  14 . The connecting terminals  12 , the grooves  13 , and the dowel housings  14  have substantially the same configurations and functions as those of the first embodiment and their descriptions are omitted here. 
         [0062]    One end of the locking lever  11 A is fixed to a surface (first surface) of the modular plug  10 A and a middle part of the locking lever  11 A is bent at an obtuse angle. The other end of the locking lever  11 A is a free end that is positioned near the surface of the modular plug  10 A or in contact with the surface of the modular plug  10 A. 
         [0063]    Similar to a release clip of a related-art LAN modular plug, the locking lever  11 A has elasticity. When no force is applied to the locking lever  11 A, the locking lever  11 A is in a locking position where the modular plug  10 A engages (or is interlocked with) a LAN board (e.g., the LAN board  101  of  FIG. 7 ). When a downward force is applied to the middle part of the locking lever  11 A, the modular plug  10 A is unlocked and released from the LAN board. 
         [0064]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an unlocking mechanism  20 A according to the second embodiment.  FIGS. 12(   a ) through  12 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of the unlocking mechanism  20 A.  FIG. 12(   a ) is a left side view,  FIG. 12(   b ) is a plan view,  FIG. 12(   c ) is a right side view,  FIG. 12(   d ) is a bottom view,  FIG. 12(   e ) is a front view, and  FIG. 12(   f ) is a rear view of the unlocking mechanism  20 A. In  FIGS. 11 through 12(   f ), the same reference number indicates the same component. 
         [0065]    Similar to the unlocking mechanism  20  of the first embodiment, the unlocking mechanism  20 A (connector frame) has a U-shape surrounding the modular plug  10 A. The unlocking mechanism  20 A includes dowels  22 , engaging parts  23 , and a locking-lever sliding part  24 . 
         [0066]    The locking-lever sliding part  24  assists a part of the locking lever  11 A including at least the free end to slide into a space between the LAN cable and the unlocking mechanism  20 A (or a space surrounded by the unlocking mechanism  20 A) when the LAN cable is unplugged from the LAN board. 
         [0067]    The locking lever sliding part  24  is formed in an inner wall of the unlocking mechanism  20 A that faces the surface of the modular plug  10 A to which the locking lever  11 A is fixed. In other words, the locking-lever sliding part  24  is a recess through which the locking lever  11 A slides into the unlocking mechanism  20 A and is a part of a wall of the unlocking mechanism  20 A having a thickness that is less than the thickness of other walls. The locking-lever sliding part  24  increases the gap between the unlocking mechanism  20 A and the LAN cable and makes it easier for the free end of the locking lever  11 A to slide into the unlocking mechanism  20 A. 
         [0068]    The dowels  22  and the engaging parts  23  have substantially the same configurations and functions as those of the first embodiment and therefore their descriptions are omitted here. 
         [0069]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a LAN connector  1 A formed by fitting together the modular plug  10 A and the unlocking mechanism  20 A.  FIGS. 14(   a ) through  14 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of the LAN connector  1 A.  FIG. 14(   a ) is a left side view,  FIG. 14(   b ) is a plan view,  FIG. 14(   c ) is a right side view,  FIG. 14(   d ) is a bottom view,  FIG. 14(   e ) is a front view, and  FIG. 14(   f ) is a rear view of the LAN connector  1 A. In  FIGS. 13 through 14(   f ), the same reference number indicates the same component. 
         [0070]    The modular plug  10 A and the unlocking mechanism  20 A are fitted together to form the LAN connector  1 A by engaging the grooves  13  and the engaging parts  23 . 
         [0071]    An exemplary method of unplugging the LAN connector  1 A from the LAN board (e.g., the LAN board  101  of  FIG. 7 ) according to the second embodiment is described below with reference to  FIG. 15 . The method of plugging the LAN connector  1 A into the housing  111  of the LAN board  101  is similar to a related-art method and therefore its descriptions are omitted here. 
         [0072]    The user holds the unlocking mechanism  20 A and moves or slides the unlocking mechanism  20 A toward the modular plug  10 A (in the direction indicated by an arrow “b” in  FIG. 15 ) along the grooves  13  engaging the engaging parts  23 . As a result, the free end of the locking lever  11 A touches the locking-lever sliding part  24  of the unlocking mechanism  20 A. When the unlocking mechanism  20 A is moved further in the direction “b”, the free end of the locking lever  11 A slides into the space between the LAN cable and the inner wall of the unlocking mechanism  20 A. 
         [0073]    The inner wall of the unlocking mechanism  20 A presses the locking lever  11 A in the direction “b” and causes the locking lever  11 A to slide further into the unlocking mechanism  20 A. As the locking lever  11 A slides into the unlocking mechanism  20 A, the bent angle of the middle part of the locking lever  11 A becomes shallower (becomes more obtuse) and the bending point of the middle part moves downward in the direction indicated by an arrow b′ in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0074]    As a result, the locking lever  11 A or the LAN connector  1 A is unlocked. Thus, unlike a related-art configuration where a release clip is pressed down with fingers to unlock a LAN connector, the above configuration makes it possible to unlock the LAN connector  1 A by just sliding the unlocking mechanism  20 A. Accordingly, the above configuration makes it possible to easily unplug a LAN connector from a LAN board even when the LAN connector is located in a narrow recess. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0075]    The unlocking mechanism  20 A of the second embodiment may be normally separated from the modular plug  10 A and attached to the modular plug  10 A when unplugging the LAN connector  1 A from the LAN board. With the configuration of the second embodiment, however, it is difficult to identify the position of the locking-lever sliding part  24  from the outside of the unlocking mechanism  20 A when fitting together the unlocking mechanism  20 A and the modular plug  10 A. 
         [0076]    In a third embodiment, the shape of the locking-lever sliding part  24  of the unlocking mechanism  20 A is changed to solve this problem.  FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an unlocking mechanism  20 B according to the third embodiment.  FIGS. 17(   a ) through  17 ( f ) are drawings illustrating six sides of the unlocking mechanism  20 B.  FIG. 17(   a ) is a left side view,  FIG. 17(   b ) is a plan view,  FIG. 17(   c ) is a right side view,  FIG. 17(   d ) is a bottom view,  FIG. 17(   e ) is a front view, and  FIG. 17(   f ) is a rear view of the unlocking mechanism  20 B. In  FIGS. 16 through 17(   f ), the same reference number indicates the same component. 
         [0077]    The unlocking mechanism  20 B includes dowels  22 , engaging parts  23 , and a locking-lever sliding part  24 A. The dowels  22  and the engaging parts  23  have substantially the same configurations and functions as those of the first and second embodiments and therefore their descriptions are omitted here. 
         [0078]    Different from the locking-lever sliding part  24  of the second embodiment, the locking-lever sliding part  24 A is open to the outside via the upper surface of the unlocking mechanism  20 B so that the locking-lever sliding part  24 A can be identified from the outside of the unlocking mechanism  20 B. 
         [0079]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a LAN connector  1 B according to the third embodiment. The LAN connector  1 B includes the modular plug  10 A of the second embodiment and the unlocking mechanism  20 B described above. The method of unplugging the LAN connector  1 B is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment and therefore its descriptions are omitted here. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0080]    With the LAN connector  1  of the first embodiment, one end of the locking lever  11  fits into the opening  21  of the unlocking mechanism  20  and the locking lever  11  and the unlocking mechanism  20  are thereby connected to each other. When the unlocking mechanism  20  is moved in the unplugging direction, the locking lever  11  is unlocked and the modular plug  10  is unplugged from the LAN board. 
         [0081]    This indicates that it is possible to unlock a locking lever by moving an unlocking mechanism as in the first embodiment as long as the locking lever and the unlocking mechanism are connected to each other. In a fourth embodiment, other exemplary configurations for connecting the unlocking mechanism and the locking lever are described with reference to  FIGS. 19(   a ) through  21 ( c ). 
         [0082]    A first exemplary configuration is described below with reference to  FIGS. 19(   a ) through  19 ( c ).  FIG. 19(   a ) is a side view of a modular plug  10 B,  FIG. 19(   b ) is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of an unlocking mechanism  20 C, and  FIG. 19(   c ) is a side view of a LAN connector  1 C formed by connecting the modular plug  10 B and the unlocking mechanism  20 C. 
         [0083]    The modular plug  10 B includes a locking lever  11 C having a spherical end  61  (see  FIG. 19(   a )). The unlocking mechanism  20 C includes an end receiving part  62  on the upper surface which is to be fitted together with the end  61  of the locking lever  11 C (see  FIG. 19(   b )). 
         [0084]    The modular plug  10 B and the unlocking mechanism  20 C are connected to each other by fitting the end  61  of the locking lever  11 C into the end receiving part  62  of the unlocking mechanism  20 C (see  FIG. 19(   c )). As in the first embodiment, when the unlocking mechanism  20 C is moved in an unplugging direction indicated by an arrow “a” in  FIG. 19(   c ), the LAN connector  1 C is unlocked and released from the LAN board. 
         [0085]    A second exemplary configuration is described below with reference to  FIGS. 20(   a ) through  20 ( c ).  FIG. 20(   a ) is a plan view and a side view of a modular plug  10 C,  FIG. 20(   b ) is a side view of an unlocking mechanism  20 D, and  FIG. 20(   c ) is a side view of a LAN connector  1 D formed by connecting the modular plug  10 C and the unlocking mechanism  20 D. 
         [0086]    The modular plug  10 C includes a locking lever  11 D. A hole  61 A to be fitted together with a spherical protrusion  62 A is formed in one end of the locking lever  11 D (see  FIG. 20(   a )). The unlocking mechanism  20 D includes the spherical protrusion  62 A on the upper surface which is fitted into the hole  61 A of the locking lever  11 D (see  FIG. 20(   b )). 
         [0087]    The modular plug  10 C and the unlocking mechanism  20 D are connected to each other by fitting the spherical protrusion  62 A of the unlocking mechanism  20 D into the hole  61 A of the locking lever  11 D (see  FIG. 20(   c )). As in the first embodiment, when the unlocking mechanism  20 D is moved in an unplugging direction indicated by an arrow “a” in  FIG. 20(   c ), the LAN connector  1 D is unlocked and released from the LAN board. 
         [0088]    A third exemplary configuration is described below with reference to  FIGS. 21(   a ) through  21 ( c ).  FIG. 21(   a ) is a plan view and a side view of a modular plug  10 D,  FIG. 21(   b ) is a side view of an unlocking mechanism  20 E, and  FIG. 21(   c ) is a side view of a LAN connector  1 E formed by connecting the modular plug  10 D and the unlocking mechanism  20 E. 
         [0089]    The modular plug  10 D includes a locking lever  11 E having an end  61 B that is bent to become orthogonal to the upper surface of the modular plug  10 D (see  FIG. 21(   a )). A hole  61 A as shown in  FIG. 20(   a ) is formed in the end  61 B. The unlocking mechanism  20 E includes a connecting part  62 B including a spherical protrusion  62 A as shown in  FIG. 20(   b ) and a trapezoidal support part supporting the spherical protrusion  62 A in a horizontal position (see  FIG. 21(   b )). 
         [0090]    The modular plug  10 D and the unlocking mechanism  20 E are connected to each other by fitting together the end  61 B of the locking lever  11 D and the connecting part  62 B of the unlocking mechanism  20 E (see  FIG. 21(   c )). As in the first embodiment, when the unlocking mechanism  20 E is moved in an unplugging direction indicated by an arrow “a” in  FIG. 21(   c ), the LAN connector  1 E is unlocked and released from the LAN board. 
         [0091]    In the present application, a connecting unit may indicate a combination of the LAN connector  1  of the first embodiment, the housing  111 , and the connecting terminals  112 , or a combination of the LAN connector  1 A of the second embodiment, the housing  111 , and the connecting terminals  112 . 
         [0092]    Also, a connecting unit may indicate a combination of the LAN connector  1 B of the third embodiment, the housing  111 , and the connecting terminals  112 . Further, a connecting unit may indicate a combination of the LAN connector  1 C,  1 D, or  1 E of the fourth embodiment, the housing  111 , and the connecting terminals  112 . 
         [0093]    In the present application, an electronic device may indicate a combination of the LAN connector  1  of the first embodiment, the housing  111 , the connecting terminals  112 , and the communication control circuit board  120 , or a combination of the LAN connector  1 A of the second embodiment, the housing  111 , the connecting terminals  112 , and the communication control circuit board  120 . 
         [0094]    Also, an electronic device may indicate a combination of the LAN connector  1 B of the third embodiment, the housing  111 , the connecting terminals  112 , and the communication control circuit board  120 . Further, an electronic device may indicate a combination of the LAN connector  1 C,  1 D, or  1 E of the fourth embodiment, the housing  111 , the connecting terminals  112 , and the communication control circuit board  120 . 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0095]    As described above, an aspect of the embodiments makes it possible to easily unplug a LAN connector from a LAN board without using a tool even when the LAN board is located in a recess, and thereby makes it possible to improve the reliability of a LAN connector and to reduce the workload. 
         [0096]    All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.