USB connector equipped with lock mechanism

[0001] This invention relates to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector with a lock mechanism, and more particularly to a lock mechanism-equipped USB connector for electrically connecting a body of a computer (such as a personal computer and a work station) to a peripheral equipment such as a mouse and a keyboard.

[0002] Generally, a computer body and a peripheral equipment are electrically connected together by a USB interface. In recent years, a computer has been required to be also connected to a small-size equipment such as a digital camera and a portable audio player, and therefore Mini-B interfaces of a small-size have now been adopted, and USB connectors for use with this interface have now been marketed.

[0003] In a USB connector, when a plug is inserted into a receptacle, plug terminals is electrically connected to receptacle terminals, respectively. A related USB connector is not provided with a mechanism for preventing the withdrawal of the connector, and a mountain-shaped lock piece, provided at a receptacle shell, is adapted to be engaged in a hole formed in a receptacle shell. Therefore, the retaining force is low, and therefore there has been a fear that the engagement is released upon application of vibration or an external force to the plug or the receptacle.

[0004] To solve the above problem, there has been proposed a connector withdrawal prevention mechanism for preventing the withdrawal of a plug from a receptacle by the use of a cap (see, for example, JP-A-2001-135413 (Pages 3 to 4, FIG. 1)).

[0005] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a connector withdrawal prevention mechanism disclosed in JP-A-2001-135413. In the connector withdrawal prevention mechanism 1, a plug 3 is fitted into a resin-molded cap 2 to be received therein, and claws 2a which are formed on the cap 2 are engaged in a hole 5a formed in a box-like body 5, thereby fixing the cap 2 so as to prevent the plug 3 from being withdrawn from a receptacle 4, as shown in FIG. 20.

[0006] However, when vibration or an external force is applied to a related USB connector not provided with the above connector withdrawal prevention mechanism, and the connector is easily withdrawn, which has invited a problem that the transmission of data is interrupted when a computer is being used. In apparatuses such as a computer and a game player in which a peripheral equipment, when in use, is moved, an external force or vibration is applied to a USB connector, and this has been a big problem.

[0007] Although the connector withdrawal prevention mechanism 1, disclosed in JP-A-2001-135413, has the connector withdrawal prevention function, the plug 3 is adapted to be received within the cap 2, and therefore the cap 2 is rather large in size, and therefore there has been encountered a problem that this structure does not sufficiently meet a requirement for a small-size design of the apparatus which has been increasingly desired in recent years.

[0008] And besides, after the plug 3 is fitted in the cap 2, the claws 2a of the cap 2 are engaged in the hole 5a in the body-like body 5, and therefore each time the plug 3 is engaged with or disengaged from the receptacle 4, the cap 2 must be engaged in the hole 5a in the box-like body 5, or the engagement must be released, and therefore there has been mom for improvement with respect to the operability.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the invention is to provide a USB connector equipped with a lock mechanism, in which a plug and a receptacle which are engaged with each other will not become loose to be withdrawn from each other even upon application of vibration or an external force, and also the connector is high in reliability, and is excellent in operability so that the engagement of the plug with the receptacle can be easily effected and released.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a USB connector, comprising:

• • [0011] a receptacle which includes a receptacle shell, and a receptacle terminal provided in the receptacle shell;
  • [0012] a plug which includes a plug shell for fitting into the receptacle shell, and a plug terminal provided in the plug shell; and
  • [0013] an engagement release member which is provided on the plug shell so as to be movable between an engagement releasing position and an engagement position,
  • [0014] wherein when the plug is fitted into the receptacle, the plug terminal is electrically connected to the receptacle terminal;
  • [0015] wherein the plug shell has a retaining portion;
  • [0016] wherein the receptacle shell has an engagement portion which is engaged with the retaining portion when the plug is fitted into the receptacle;
  • [0017] wherein the engagement release member maintains an engagement of the retaining portion with the engagement portion at the engagement position; and
  • [0018] wherein the engagement release member releases the engagement of the retaining portion with the engagement portion at the engagement releasing position.

[0019] Preferably, the engagement release member presses the retaining portion to release the engagement of the retaining portion with the engagement portion at the engagement releasing position. The engagement release member allows the retaining portion to project from the plug shell at the engagement position.

[0020] In the USB connector of the above construction, the retaining portion is provided at the plug shell, and the engagement portion is provided at the receptacle shelf, and when the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the retaining portion is engaged with the engagement portion. Therefore, the plug and the receptacle are engaged with each other without looseness, and even when vibration or an external force acts on the connector, the plug is prevented from being withdrawn from the receptacle. Therefore, the reliability of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector is enhanced.

[0021] The retaining portion is formed integrally with the plug shell, and the engagement portion is formed integrally with the receptacle, and therefore the retaining mechanism can be formed into a small size, and this construction can sufficiently meet a demand for a small-size design of the equipment.

[0022] And besides, by inserting the plug into the receptacle, the retaining portion is brought into engagement with the engagement portion, and by moving the engagement release mechanism from the engaging position to the engagement releasing position, the engagement release mechanism presses the retaining portion, thereby releasing the engagement of the retaining portion with the engagement portion. Therefore, the plug and the receptacle can be quite easily engaged with each other, and also this engagement can be quite easily released, thus greatly enhancing the operability.

[0023] Preferably, the retaining portion is a resilient piece portion formed at a wall portion of the plug shell. The resilient piece portion has a claw formed at a distal end thereof. The engagement portion is a hole formed in the receptacle shell.

[0024] In the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the above construction, the retaining portion is the resilient piece portion formed at the wall portion of the plug shell, and the engagement portion is the hole formed in the receptacle shell, with this construction, the plug and the receptacle can be positively and easily engaged with and disengaged from each other by a small device without the need for using a large special part as used in the conventional construction.

[0025] Preferably, the receptacle terminal is contained in an inner receptacle shell provided in the receptacle shell. The plug terminals is contained in an inner plug shell provided in the plug shell.

[0026] In the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the above construction, the receptacle terminals are received within the inner receptacle shell provided within the receptacle shell, and the plug terminals are received within the inner plug shell provided within the plug shell, and therefore the receptacle terminals as well as the plug terminals are protected by the double-shell structure, and the connection of high reliability can be achieved. When each shell is made of an electrically-conductive material, the terminals can be electromagnetically shielded by the double-shell structure, and the reliability of protection against external noises can be enhanced. And besides, the receptacle and the plug are fitted and connected together in such a double manner that the receptacle shell and the plug shell (which are the outer shells) are fitted together, while the inner receptacle shell and the inner plug shell (which are the inner shells) are fitted together. Therefore, even when an external force, such as a twisting force, is applied to the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector, the connected condition will not be adversely affected by it, and therefore can be properly maintained.

[0027] Preferably, the engagement release member includes a slide member which is provided on the plug shell so as to slide in a fitting direction of the plug into the receptacle. The slide member is movable between the engagement releasing position where the slide member presses the retaining portion to hold the retaining portion within the plug shell and the engagement releasing position where the slide member allows the retaining portion to project from the plug shell through the engagement portion.

[0028] Preferably, the engagement release member includes a pressing member which is provided on the plug shell so as to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to a fitting direction of the plug into the receptacle. The pressing member is movable between the engagement releasing position where the pressing member presses the retaining portion to hold the retaining portion within the plug shell and the engagement releasing position where the pressing member allows the retaining portion to project from the plug shell through the engagement portion.

[0029] In the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the above construction, the engagement release mechanism is either the slide member which is fitted on the plug shell so as to slide in the direction of fitting of the plug into the receptacle, and is movable between the engagement releasing position where the slide member presses the retaining portion to hold the retaining portion within the plug shell and the engagement releasing position where the slide member allows the retaining portion to project from the plug shell, or the pressing member which is mounted on the plug shell so as to move in the direction generally perpendicular to the direction of fitting of the plug into the receptacle, and is movable between the engagement releasing position where the pressing member presses the retaining portion to hold the retaining portion within the plug shell and the engagement releasing position where the pressing member allows the retaining portion to project from the plug shell. Therefore, merely by effecting either the simple operation for moving the slide member from the engaging position to the engagement releasing position or the simple operation for moving the pressing member from the engaging position to the engagement releasing position, the engagement of the retaining portion with the engagement portion can be easily canceled, and the operability for connection and disconnection of the lock mechanism-quipped USB connector can be greatly enhanced.

[0030] Preferably, the engagement release member has an urging portion which urges the engagement release member with respect to the plug shell so as to move the engagement release member to the engagement position. When the plug is released from the receptacle, the engagement release member moves to the engagement releasing position against an urging forth by the urging portion.

[0031] Preferably, a movement direction of the engagement release member to the engagement releasing position is substantially same as a releasing direction of the plug from the receptacle.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of a lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the receptacle of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a side-elevational view of the receptacle of FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plug of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the plug of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a side-elevational view of the plug of FIG. 4.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a side-elevational view of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the invention, showing a condition in which the plug is inserted in the receptacle, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII—VIII of FIG. 7, showing a condition in which retaining portions of the plug are engaged in engagement portions of the receptacle, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8, showing a condition in which the retaining portions are pressed by a slide member, and are disengaged from the engagement portions.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector 10 of the first embodiment includes the receptacle 11 and the plug 12. This connector 10 is used mainly for connecting an on-vehicle computer body to a peripheral equipment.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the receptacle 11 includes a receptacle shell 13 and receptacle terminals 14 provided within the receptacle shell 13. The receptacle shell 13 is formed by pressing an electrically-conductive thin sheet (made of copper, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy or the like) into a generally rectangular tubular shape.

[0059] In use, the receptacle shell 13 is fixed to a circuit board (not shown) by soldering, brazing or the like. This receptacle shell 13 includes a lower wall 13a for abutting against the circuit board, and opposite side walls 13c extending upwardly perpendicularly from the lower wall 13a. Two mounting legs 13b extend laterally from each of the opposite side walls 13c. The receptacle shell 13 is adapted to be fixedly secured to the circuit board through the four mounting legs 13b fixed thereto by soldering, brazing or the like.

[0060] Cantilever-like shielding contact piece portions 13e are provided at an upper wall 12d disposed in opposed relation to the lower wall 13a, and extend forwardly in a direction (hereinafter referred to as “connector fitting direction”) of fitting of the receptacle 11 and the plug 12. Each shielding contact piece portion 13e of a cantilever shape is formed as a result of forming a generally U-shaped groove (which define three sides of this contact piece portion 13e) through the upper wall by stamping such that the contact piece portion 13e is connected to the upper wall 13d at its rear end in the connector fitting direction. A distal end portion of each contact piece portion 13e is bent toward the inside of the receptacle shell 13 to form a curved portion 13f.

[0061] A hole 13g, serving as the engagement portion, is formed through that portion of each side wall 13c which is to be opposed to the corresponding retaining portions 19c of a plug shell 19 (described later), the hole 13b being adapted to be engaged with the retaining portions 19c. A resin portion 15, formed by injection molding of an insulative resin such as propylene, is provided within the receptacle shell 13.

[0062] The resin portion 15 includes a frame portion 15a of a generally rectangular tubular shape having a fitting hole 16 open forwardly in the connector fitting direction, and a body portion 15b. The body portion 15b has one end portion 15c projecting into the frame portion 15a, and also has a plurality of through holes which extend in the connecting fitting direction, and communicate with the fitting hole 16. Receptacle terminals 14 are inserted respectively in the through holes, and are fixed thereto. The frame portion 15a and the body portion 15b may be separate from each other, in which case the frame portion 15a is formed by pressing an electrically-conductive thin sheet (made of copper, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy or the like) into a generally rectangular tubular shape, and the body portion 15b made of a synthetic resin is received within this frame portion 15a. The frame portion 15a serves as an inner receptacle shell.

[0063] A front end portion of each of the receptacle terminals 14 is bent to form a resilient contact portion 14a, and is disposed in the fitting hole 16 in an exposed manner. A rear end portion of each receptacle terminal 14 is bent into a crank-like shape to form a direct-connecting external terminal portion 14b which extends rearwardly beyond the receptacle shell 13 so as to be electrically connected to a wiring pattern on the circuit board.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the plug 12 includes a housing 18 made of a resin, the plug shell 19 held in the housing 18, plug terminals 20 provided within the plug shell 19, and the slide member 21 which is one example of an engagement release mechanism.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 18 includes a housing body 18a and a tube portion 18b for passing wires (not shown) therethrough, and this housing 18 is molded into an integral construction, using an insulative synthetic resin. The housing body 18a includes a flange portion 18d formed in continuous relation to the tube portion 18b, and a smaller-tube portion 18e extending from the flange portion 18d.

[0066] One end portion of the plug shell 19 is fitted in the smaller-tube portion 18e in a fixed manner. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, a notch of a generally U-shaped contour is formed in each of opposite side surfaces of the flange portion 18d, and is disposed generally centrally of the height of the flange portion 18d. These notches define engagement grooves 18c for engagement respectively with engagement projections 21a of the slide member 21 (described later).

[0067] The plug shell 19 is formed by pressing an electrically-conductive thin sheet (made of copper, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy or the like) into a generally rectangular tubular shape. The outer size of the plug shell 19 is slightly smaller than the inner size of the receptacle shell 13 so that the plug shell 19 can be fitted into the receptacle shell 13.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a pair of resilient piece portions 19b are formed respectively at opposite side walls 19a of the plug shell 19, and extend forwardly in the connector fitting direction. Each resilient piece portion 19b is continuous at its proximal end with the plug shell 19, and is formed into a narrow elongate shape, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the plug shell 19, and is resilient.

[0069] A rear end portion of each resilient piece portion 19b is projected laterally from the plug shell 19 to provide a pressing portion 19g. A pair of claws 19c, serving as the retaining portions, are formed at a distal end of the resilient piece portion 19b, and project outwardly from the side wall 19a. The resilient piece portion 19b can be resiliently deformed, and therefore the claws 19c are retractably projected from the side wall 19a to be engaged in the corresponding hole 13g in the receptacle shell 13.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, each claw 19c includes a slanting surface 19d gradually approaching the side wall 19a forwardly in the connector fitting direction, an interconnecting surface 19e extending from the slanting surface 19d in the connector fitting direction, and a retaining surface 19f substantially perpendicularly intersecting the interconnecting surface 19e.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, the plug terminals 20 are adapted to be contacted respectively with the receptacle terminals 14 to be electrically connected thereto. The plurality of plug terminals 20 are held in a terminal holding portion 22, and are disposed so as to correspond respectively to the resilient contact portions 14a of the receptacle terminals 14. The terminal holding portion 22 is formed by injection molding of an insulative synthetic resin such as polypropylene, and is fixedly mounted within the plug shell 19. A distal end portion of the terminal holding portion 22 is identical in shape to the fitting hole 16 in the resin portion 15, and can be inserted into the fitting hole 16.

[0072] Although the terminal holding portion 22, illustrated in the drawings, is formed into an integral construction, using the synthetic resin, the terminal holding portion 22 may be modified into a construction in which a frame (which is formed by pressing an electrically-conductive thin sheet (made of copper, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy or the like) into a generally rectangular tubular shape) is provided to surround an outer peripheral surface (i.e., four side surfaces except front and rear surfaces in the connector fitting direction) of a synthetic resin-made holding portion holding the plug terminals 20. In this case, the generally rectangular tubular frame serves also as an inner plug shell.

[0073] An electrical contact portion is formed at the distal end of each plug terminal 20, and when the plug 12 is inserted into the receptacle 11, these electrical contact portions of the plug terminals 20 contact the resilient contact portions 14a of the receptacle terminals 14, respectively. An electrical connection portion is formed at the rear end of each plug terminal 20, and the wires are connected respectively to these electrical connection portions by a suitable method such as press-contacting, press-crimping and welding.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the slide member 21 (which is one example of the engagement release mechanism) can press the resilient piece portions 19b so as to cancel the engagement of the claws 19c with the holes 13g. The slide member 21 is molded of a synthetic resin by injection molding. The slide member 21 is fitted on the smaller-tube portion 18e of the housing body 18a, and can slide in the connector fitting direction. The pair of opposed engagement projections 21a are formed respectively at opposite side walls of the slide member 21, and extend rearwardly, and an inwardly-directed claw is formed at a distal end of each engagement projection 21a.

[0075] The claw of each engagement projection 21a includes a slanting surface 21b extending gradually outwardly rearwardly in the connector fitting direction, and a retaining surface 21c substantially perpendicularly intersecting the slanting surface 21b. The retaining surface 21c is engaged with a projection 18f defining one side surface of the engagement groove 18c. The length of each claw of the slide member 21 is smaller than the width of the engagement groove 18c so that the claw can move in the engagement groove 18c in accordance with the movement of the slide member 21 in the connector fitting direction.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, rearwardly-bulging arch portions 21 of a bow-shape are formed respectively at upper and lower walls of the slide member 21 at a rear end portion thereof, and these arch portions 21 are abutted against the flange portion 18d of the housing body 18. The slide member 21 is urged forwardly in the connector fitting direction by resilient forces of the arch portions 21d.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, pressing projections 21e are formed at the slide member 21, and are disposed to correspond respectively to the pressing portions 19g of the resilient piece portions 19b. When the slide member 21 is urged forwardly in the connector fitting direction by the resilient forces of the arch portions 21d to be located in an engaging position, the pressing projections 21e are spaced from the pressing portions 19g, respectively. Therefore, each of the resilient piece portions 19b is not pressed, and the claws 19c are projected from the side wall 19a, and are engaged in the hole 13g.

[0078] When the slide member 21 is urged rearwardly in the connector fitting direction against the resilient forces of the arch portions 21d to be located in an engagement releasing position as shown in FIG. 9, the pressing portions 19g are pressed by the pressing projections 21e, so that the resilient piece portions 19b are resiliently deformed or bent toward the inside of the plug shell 19. As a result the claws 19c are retracted into the plug shell 19, so that the engagement of the claws 19c with the holes 13g is canceled.

[0079] The operation of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the first embodiment will be described.

[0080] In FIG. 8, when the plug shell 19 of the plug 12 is fitted into the receptacle shell 13 of the receptacle 11, and the two are moved toward each other, first, an inner edge of the front end of the receptacle shell 13 is brought into abutting engagement with the slanting surfaces 19d of the claws 19c.

[0081] When the plug 12 is further inserted, the resilient piece portions 19b are resiliently deformed toward the inside of the plug shell 19, so that the claws 19c are retracted into the plug shell 19.

[0082] Each pair of claws 19c advance with their interconnecting surfaces 19e held in sliding contact with the inner surface of the receptacle shell 13, and reach a position where the claws 19c are opposed to the corresponding hole 13g. Each resilient piece portion 19b is resiliently restored into its original condition, and the claws 19c are engaged in the hole 13g, with the retaining surfaces 19f held against the edge of the hole 13g, so that the receptacle 11 and the plug 12 are positively connected together.

[0083] At this time, the resilient contact portions 14a of the receptacle terminals 14 contact the electrical contact portions of the plug terminals 20, respectively, and therefore are electrically connected thereto.

[0084] Also, the curved portions 13f, formed respectively at the shielding contact piece portions 13e of the receptacle shell 13, are held in contact with the upper wall of the plug shell 19. Therefore, the receptacle terminals 14 and the plug terminals 20 are shielded by the receptacle shell 13 and the plug shell 19, and are protected from external effects such as electromagnetic noises.

[0085] When the plug 12 is withdrawn from the receptacle 11, the slide member 21 is held with the hand, and is moved in a direction away from the receptacle 11 as shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, when the slide member 21 is moved from the engaging position to the engagement releasing position, the pressing projections 21e press the pressing portions 19g, respectively, thereby resiliently deforming or bending the resilient piece portions 19b toward the inside of the plug shell 19.

[0086] When the claws 19c are retracted into the plug shell 19, the engagement of the claws 19c with the holes 13g is canceled. In this engagement-canceled condition, when the plug 12 is pulled, the plug 12 is moved apart from the receptacle 11, so that the connected condition is canceled.

[0087] The direction of movement of the slide member 21 so as to cancel the engagement of the claws 19c with the holes 13g is the same as the direction of withdrawal of the plug 12 from the receptacle 11, and therefore the plug 12 can be easily withdrawn from the receptacle 11 with one action.

[0088] Next, a second embodiment of a lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 19. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a receptacle of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the second embodiment, FIG. 11 is a front-elevational view of the receptacle of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a side-elevational view of the receptacle of FIG. 10.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a plug of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the second embodiment disposed upside down, FIG. 14 is a front-elevational view of the plug of FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a plan view of the plug of FIG. 13, and FIG. 16 is a side-elevational view of the plug of FIG. 13.

[0090] FIG. 17 is a side-elevational view of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the invention, showing a condition immediately before the plug is inserted into the receptacle, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII—XVIII of FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVIII—XVIII of FIG. 17, but showing a condition in which retaining portions of the plug are engaged in engagement portions of the receptacle.

[0091] In the following description, those portions which have already been described with respect to the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector of the first embodiment (shown in FIGS. 1 to 9) will be designated by identical reference numerals, respectively, and explanation thereof will be made briefly or omitted.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector 110 of the second embodiment includes the receptacle 111 and the plug 112. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the receptacle 111 includes a receptacle shell 13, an inner receptacle shell 115 provided within the receptacle shell 13, a terminal holding portion 116 fixedly mounted within the inner receptacle shell 115, and a plurality of receptacle terminals 14 held in the terminal holding portion 116. The receptacle shell 13, as well as the inner receptacle shell 115, is formed by pressing an electrically-conductive thin sheet (made of copper, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy or the like) into a generally rectangular tubular shape.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 11 the inner receptacle shell 115 is a generally rectangular tubular member having a fitting hole 16 open forwardly in a connector fitting direction, and leg portions 115b extend laterally from opposite side walls 115a of the inner receptacle shell 115, respectively. The leg portions 115b are electrically connected by welding or the like respectively to fixing portions 13h of the receptacle shell 13 bent to be disposed within this receptacle shell 13. Thus, the inner receptacle shell 115 is disposed within the receptacle shell 13.

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the terminal holding portion 116 serves to hold the receptacle terminals 14 in a predetermined position, and is made of an insulative synthetic resin such as propylene. The terminal holding portion 116 includes a thickened rear portion 116b (that is, a rear portion in the connector fitting direction) which is fitted in the inner receptacle shell 115 to be fixed thereto. The terminal holding portion 116 also includes a thinned front portion 116a (that is, a front portion in the connector fitting direction) which projects forwardly in the connector fitting direction, and is disposed within the fitting hole 16. A plurality of terminal through holes are formed through the terminal holding portion 116, and communicate with the fitting hole 16, and the receptacle terminals 14 are passed respectively through these through holes, and are fixed thereto.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the plug 112 includes a housing 118 made of a resin, a plug shell 19 held in the housing 118, plug terminals 20 provided within the plug shell 19, and a pair of pressing members 121 which are one example of an engagement release mechanism.

[0096] The housing 118 includes a housing body 118a, and a tube portion 118b for passing wires (not shown) therethrough, and this housing 118 is molded into an integral construction, using an insulative synthetic resin. A pair of lock release prevention ribs 118c are formed on and project laterally from upper and lower portions of each of opposite side surfaces of the housing body 118a, respectively. A groove is formed between each pair of lock release prevention ribs 118c, and the pressing members 121 are received in these grooves, respectively. The plug shell 19 is fixed to the housing body 118a, and projects forwardly from the housing body 118a in the connector fitting direction.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the plug shell 19 is formed by pressing an electrically conductive thin sheet (made of copper, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy or the like) into a generally U-shape. The outer size of the plug shell 19 is slightly smaller than the inner size of the receptacle shell 13 so that the plug shell 19 can be fitted into the receptacle shell 13.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, a pair of resilient piece portions 19b are formed respectively at opposite side walls 19a of the plug shell 19, and extend forwardly in the connector fitting direction. Each resilient piece portion 19b is continuous at its proximal end with the plug shell 19, and is formed into a narrow elongate shape, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the plug shell 19, and is resilient.

[0099] A claw 19c (serving as the retaining portion) is formed at a distal end of each resilient piece portion 19b, and projects outwardly from the side wail 19a. The resilient piece portion 19b can be resiliently deformed, and therefore the claw 19c is retractably projected from the side wall 19a so as to be engaged in a corresponding hole 13g in the receptacle shell 13.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 151 each claw 19c includes a slanting surface 19d gradually approaching the side wall 19a forwardly in the connector fitting direction, an interconnecting surface 19e extending from the slanting surface 19d in the connector fitting direction, and a retaining surface 19f substantially perpendicularly intersecting the interconnecting surface 19e.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the plug terminals 20 are adapted to be contacted respectively with the receptacle terminals 14 to be electrically connected thereto. The plug terminals 20 are held in a terminal holding portion 22 which is provided in the housing body 118a, and projects forwardly from this housing body 118a in the connector fitting direction. The outer periphery (i.e., four side surfaces except front and rear surfaces in the connector fitting direction) of the terminal holding portion 22 is surrounded by an inner plug shell 120 which is formed by pressing an electrically-conductive thin sheet (made of copper, a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy or the like) into a generally rectangular tubular shape). An outer size of the inner plug shell 120 is slightly smaller than the inner size of the inner receptacle shell 115 so that the inner plug shell 120 can be fitted into the inner receptacle shell 115.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16, 18 and 19, the pressing members 121 (which are one example of the engagement release mechanism) are designed to press the respective resilient piece portions 19b so as to cancel the engagement of the claws 19c with the respective holes 13g. Each of the pair of pressing members 121 is molded of an insulative synthetic resin by injection molding. A support portion 121a of a generally U-shape is formed at one end of the pressing member 121, and an outer surface of the pressing member 121 is roughened to provide a press operating portion 121b (see FIGS. 18 and 19).

[0103] The generally U-shaped support portions 121a of the pressing members 121 are fitted respectively on support pins 118d formed on the housing body 118a, and the pressing members 121 are mounted respectively in the grooves, formed respectively in the opposite side surfaces of the housing body 118a, so as to be pivotally moved about the respective support pins 118d. The press operating portion 121b of each pressing member 121 is disposed flush with or slightly inwardly of the corresponding lock release prevention ribs 118c so that the press operating portion 121b will not be inadvertently pressed so as to prevent the engagement of the claw 19c with the hole 13g from being canceled.

[0104] When the press operating portions 121b are pressed, the pressing members 121 are pivotally moved about the respective support pins 118d toward each other to press the resilient piece portions 19b, respectively, thereby releasing the engagement of the claws 19c with the respective holes 13g.

[0105] The operation of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector 110 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0106] In FIGS. 17 to 19, when the plug shell 19 of the plug 112 is fitted into the receptacle shell 13 of the receptacle 111, and the two are moved toward each other, first, the inner plug shell 120 is fitted into the inner receptacle shell 115. Then, an inner edge of the front end of the receptacle shell 13 is brought into abutting engagement with the slanting surfaces 19d of the claws 19c. When the plug 12 is further inserted, the resilient piece portions 19b are resiliently deformed toward the inside of the plug shell 19, so that the claws 19c are retracted into the plug shell 19.

[0107] Each of the claws 19c advances with its interconnecting surface 19e held in sliding contact with the inner surface of the receptacle shell 13, and reaches a position where the claw 19c is opposed to the corresponding hole 13g. Each resilient piece portion 19b is resiliently restored into its original condition, and the claw 11c is engaged in the hole 13g, with the retaining surface 19f held against the edge of the hole 13g, so that the receptacle 11 and the plug 12 are positively engaged with each other (see FIG. 19).

[0108] At this time, resilient contact portions 14a of the receptacle terminals 14 contact electrical contact portions of the plug terminals 20, respectively, and therefore are electrically connected thereto. The receptacle shell (outer shell) 13 and the plug shell (outer shell) 19 are disposed in a fitted condition, and also the inner receptacle shell (inner shell) 115 and the inner plug shell (inner shell) 120 are disposed in a fitted condition. Namely, in the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector 110, the outer shells are fitted together, and also the inner shells are fitted together, thus achieving a double fitted condition, and further the claws 19c are engaged in the holes 13g, respectively. Therefore, even when an external force, such as a twisting force and a connector-withdrawing force, is applied to the lock mechanism equipped USB connector 110, it will not adversely affect the electrical contact between the receptacle terminals 14 and the plug terminals 20. And besides, the receptacle terminals 14 are surrounded by the inner receptacle shell 115 and the receptacle shell 13, and are electromagnetically shielded in a double manner, while the plug terminals 20 are surrounded by the plug shell 19 and the inner plug shell 120, and are electrically shielded in a double manner. Therefore, the terminals are positively protected from disturbance such as electromagnetic noises.

[0109] When the plug 112 is withdrawn from the receptacle 1111 the press operating portions 121b of the pair of pressing members 121 are pressed toward each other by the fingers or others, and by doing so, the pressing members 121 are pivotally moved about the respective support pins 118d toward each other. As a result, the resilient piece portions 19b are pressed to be resiliently deformed inwardly, so that the engagement of the claws 19c with the respective holes 13g is canceled. Then, the plug 112 is pulled in the direction opposite to the direction of fitting of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector 110, and by doing so, the plug 112 is moved apart from the receptacle 111, so that the connected condition is canceled.

[0110] In the lock mechanism-equipped USE connectors of the above embodiments, although the retaining portions are provided at the plug shell, while the engagement portions are provided at the receptacle shell, the invention is not limited to this construction, and there can be provided a construction in which retaining portions are provided at the receptacle shell, while engagement portions are provided at the plug shell.

[0111] As described above, in the lock mechanism-equipped USB connectors of the present invention, the retaining portion is provided at the plug shell, and the engagement portion is provided at the receptacle shell, and when the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the retaining portion is engaged with the engagement portion. Therefore, the plug and the receptacle are engaged with each other without looseness, and even when vibration or an external force acts on the connector, the plug is prevented from being withdrawn from the receptacle, thus ensuring the electrical connection regardless of the environment in which the connector is used.

[0112] Therefore, a computer can be mounted on a vehicle. And besides, the connector can be used in a medical equipment, a monetary equipment or the like requiring severe reliability.

[0113] The retaining portion is formed integrally with the plug shells and the engagement portion is formed integrally with the receptacle, and therefore the retaining mechanism can be formed into a small size, and this construction can sufficiently meet a demand for a small-size design of the equipment.

[0114] And besides, by inserting the plug into the receptacle, the retaining portion is brought into engagement with the engagement portion, and by moving the engagement release mechanism from the engaging position to the engagement releasing position, the engagement release mechanism presses the retaining portion, thereby releasing the engagement of the retaining portion with the engagement portion. Therefore, the plug and the receptacle can be quite easily engaged with each other, and also this engagement can be quite easily released, thus greatly enhancing the operability.

[0115] The retaining portion is the resilient piece portion formed at the wall portion of the plug shell, and the engagement portion is the hole formed in the receptacle shell, with this construction, the plug and the receptacle can be positively and easily engaged with and disengaged from each other by the small device.

[0116] The receptacle terminals are received within the inner receptacle shell provided within the receptacle shell, and the plug terminals are received within the inner plug shell provided within the plug shell, and therefore the receptacle terminals as well as the plug terminals are protected by the double-shell structure, and the connection of high reliability can be achieved. When each shell is made of an electrically-conductive material, the terminals can be electromagnetically shielded by the double-shell structure, and the reliability of protection against external noises can be enhanced.

[0117] And besides, the receptacle and the plug are fitted and connected together in such a double manner that the receptacle shell and the plug shell (which are the outer shells) are fitted together while the inner receptacle shell and the inner plug shell (which are the inner shells) are fitted together. Therefore, even when an external force, such as a twisting force, is applied to the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector, the connected condition will not be adversely affected by it, and therefore can be properly maintained.

[0118] The engagement release mechanism is either the slide member which is fitted on the plug shell so as to slide in the direction of fitting of the plug into the receptacle, and is movable between the engagement releasing position where the slide member presses the retaining portion to hold the retaining portion within the plug shell and the engagement releasing position where the slide member allows the retaining portion to project from the plug shell, or the pressing member which is mounted on the plug shell so as to move in the direction generally perpendicular to the direction of fitting of the plug into the receptacle, and is movable between the engagement releasing position where the pressing member presses the retaining portion to hold the retaining portion within the plug shell and the engagement releasing position where the pressing member allows the retaining portion to project from the plug shell. Therefore, merely by effecting either the simple operation for moving the slide member from the engaging position to the engagement releasing position or the simple operation for moving the pressing member from the engaging position to the engagement releasing position, the engagement of the retaining portion with the engagement portion can be easily canceled, and the operability for connection and disconnection of the lock mechanism-equipped USB connector can be greatly enhanced.

[0119] Although the invention has been illustrated and described for the particular preferred embodiments, it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made on the basis of the teachings of the invention. It is apparent that such changes and modifications are within the spirit, scope, and intention of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0120] The present application is based on Japan Patent Application No. 2003-162386 filed on Jun. 6, 2003 and Japan Patent Application No. 2002-190670 filed on Jun. 28, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein for reference.