Connector set

Abstract

The present application provides a connector set, which is miniaturized and can ensure the connection state of the plug and the socket when in use, and can easily attach and detach the plug relative to the socket when necessary. The connector set (1) is provided with a plug (2) and a socket (3). The plug (2) is provided with a first external terminal (22) having a cylindrical shape with a part of the circumference open. At least two protrusions (221) are arranged on the inner circumference of the first external terminal (22). At least two undulations (222) are arranged on the outer circumference of the first external terminal (22). The socket (3) is provided with a second external terminal (32) having a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second external terminal (32) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal (22). At the outer circumference of the second external terminal (32), a recess (321) is arranged at a position corresponding to the protrusion (221) of the first external terminal (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector set, and more particularly, to a connector set including a plug connected to a transmission line and a receptacle mounted on a circuit board. Background Art

[0002] The connector assembly is used to electrically connect a transmission line and a circuit board, and is established by combining a plug and a socket. The transmission line, for example, is a coaxial cable and includes a signal line (center conductor) and a ground conductor (outer conductor). The plug is connected to the transmission line. The circuit board, for example, is a flexible circuit board and includes signal pads and ground pads. A socket is attached to the circuit board.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-181703 (Patent Document 1) discloses a conventional connector assembly. The conventional connector assembly disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an electrical connector equivalent to a plug and a mating connector equivalent to a socket. The electrical connector has a cylindrical mating portion that mates with the contacts of the mating connector, serving as its own contact. The mating portion is electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The contacts of the mating connector are electrically connected to the ground pads of the circuit board.

[0004] The electrical connector also includes a locking member mounted on the electrical connector. The locking member can slide relative to the electrical connector to assume a standby position, in which the diameter expansion of the mating portion is not restricted, and a restricted position, in which the diameter expansion of the mating portion is restricted. During use, the locking member is in the restricted position, firmly maintaining the mating state between the electrical connector and the mating connector. When the locking member slides to the standby position, the firmly mated state is released, allowing the electrical connector to be attached to and detached from the mating connector.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-181703

[0006] In the conventional connector set disclosed in Patent Document 1, a locking component is essential. This is to ensure the connection between the plug and the socket during use and to allow the plug to be attached and detached from the socket when necessary. In this case, the overall height of the plug increases by the volume of the locking component, which inevitably increases the overall size of the connector set. This hinders miniaturization. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that is compact and capable of maintaining a connected state between a plug and a socket during use, thereby enabling easy installation and removal of the plug from the socket when necessary. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tool suitable for removing the plug from the socket in the connector assembly.

[0008] The connector assembly disclosed herein includes a plug connected to a transmission line and a receptacle mounted on a circuit board. The transmission line includes a signal line and a ground conductor. The circuit board includes a signal pad and a ground pad.

[0009] The plug comprises a housing, a first external terminal, a first internal terminal, a first bracket, at least two protrusions, and at least two undulating portions. The housing is electrically connected to a ground conductor of a transmission line. The housing includes a bottom wall. The first external terminal is electrically connected to the housing. The first external terminal is arranged to protrude from the bottom wall of the housing. The first external terminal has a cylindrical shape with a portion of the circumference open. The first internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal line of the transmission line. The first internal terminal includes a first internal contact portion. The first internal contact portion is arranged on the inner side of the first external terminal. The first bracket holds the first internal terminal and secures it to the housing. The first bracket insulates the first internal terminal from the housing and the first external terminal. The protrusions are arranged on the inner circumference of the first external terminal. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal. The undulating portions are arranged on the outer circumference of the first external terminal. The undulating portions are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal and are arranged at positions different from those of the protrusions in the circumferential direction.

[0010] The socket includes a second external terminal, a second internal terminal, a second bracket, and a number of recesses equal to the number of protrusions on the first external terminal. The second external terminal is electrically connected to a ground pad on a circuit board. The second external terminal has a cylindrical shape. The second external terminal has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal. The second internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal pad on the circuit board. The second internal terminal includes a second internal contact portion. The second internal contact portion is disposed inside the second external terminal. The second bracket holds the second external terminal and the second internal terminal. The second bracket insulates the second internal terminal from the second external terminal. Recesses are provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal. Each recess is disposed at a position corresponding to a protrusion on the first external terminal.

[0011] The other connector assembly disclosed herein comprises a connector assembly in which some elements of the aforementioned connector assembly are modified. Specifically, a recess is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal in place of the protrusion. A protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal in place of the recess.

[0012] According to the connector set according to the present disclosure, miniaturization is achieved, and the connection state between the plug and the socket can be ensured during use. Furthermore, the plug can be easily attached to and detached from the socket when necessary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector set according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2It is a perspective view of the plug according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a top view of the plug according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a bottom view of the plug according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a side view of the plug according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the socket according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a top view of the socket according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a bottom view of the socket according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a side view of the socket according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the socket are combined in the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a tool used to remove the plug from the socket in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 Observed from the front side Figure 11 The tool is shown in an enlarged top view.

[0025] Figure 13 It is schematically represented Figure 11 A cross-sectional view showing the configuration relationship of the tool and connector assembly.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug is removed from the socket in the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the socket are combined in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between a tool used when removing a plug from a receptacle and a connector assembly in the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug is removed from the socket in the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the socket are combined in the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between a tool used to remove a plug from a receptacle and a connector assembly in the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug is removed from the socket in the third embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the socket are combined in the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the socket are combined in the fifth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug is removed from the socket in the fifth embodiment.

[0036] Description of Reference Numerals

[0037] 1…connector assembly; 2…plug; 21…housing; 211…bottom wall; 22…first external terminal; 221…protrusion; 222…undulation; 223…recess; 224…raised portion; 225…recess; 23…first internal terminal; 231…first internal contact; 24…first bracket; 3…receptacle; 32…second external terminal; 321…recess; 325…protrusion; 33…second internal terminal; 331…second internal contact; 34…second bracket; 4…transmission line (coaxial cable); 41…signal line (center conductor); 42…ground conductor (outer conductor). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described below. In the following description, specific numerical values ​​or specific materials are sometimes cited, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0039] The connector assembly of this embodiment includes a plug connected to a transmission line and a receptacle mounted on a circuit board. The transmission line includes a signal line and a ground conductor. The circuit board includes a signal pad and a ground pad.

[0040] The plug comprises a housing, a first external terminal, a first internal terminal, a first bracket, at least two protrusions, and at least two undulating portions. The housing is electrically connected to a ground conductor of a transmission line. The housing includes a bottom wall. The first external terminal is electrically connected to the housing. The first external terminal is arranged to protrude from the bottom wall of the housing. The first external terminal has a cylindrical shape with a portion of the circumference open. The first internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal line of the transmission line. The first internal terminal includes a first internal contact portion. The first internal contact portion is arranged on the inner side of the first external terminal. The first bracket holds the first internal terminal and secures it to the housing. The first bracket insulates the first internal terminal from the housing and the first external terminal. The protrusions are arranged on the inner circumference of the first external terminal. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal. The undulating portions are arranged on the outer circumference of the first external terminal. The undulating portions are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal and are arranged at positions different from those of the protrusions in the circumferential direction.

[0041] The socket includes a second external terminal, a second internal terminal, a second bracket, and a number of recesses equal to the number of protrusions on the first external terminal. The second external terminal is electrically connected to a ground pad on a circuit substrate. The second external terminal has a cylindrical shape. The second external terminal has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal. The second internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal pad on the circuit substrate. The second internal terminal includes a second internal contact portion. The second internal contact portion is arranged on the inner side of the second external terminal. The second bracket holds the second external terminal and the second internal terminal. The second bracket insulates the second internal terminal from the second external terminal. The recesses are provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal. Each recess is arranged at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the first external terminal (first structure).

[0042] In the connector set of the first configuration, the first internal terminal of the plug is electrically connected to a signal line of the transmission line, and the first external terminal is electrically connected to a ground conductor of the transmission line via the housing. In the receptacle, the second internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal pad on the circuit board, and the second external terminal is connected to a ground pad on the circuit board. During use, the plug and receptacle are combined.

[0043] When the plug and socket are combined, the first internal contact portion of the first internal terminal contacts the second internal contact portion of the second internal terminal. Through the contact between the first and second internal contact portions, the signal line of the transmission line is electrically connected to the signal pads of the circuit substrate, forming a signal circuit. Furthermore, the protrusions of the first external terminal engage with the corresponding recesses of the second external terminal. Through the engagement of the protrusions and recesses, the first external terminal and the second external terminal are engaged, electrically connecting the ground conductor of the transmission line to the ground pads of the circuit substrate, forming a ground circuit. Thus, according to the connector assembly of the first structure, when in use, the protrusions of the first external terminal engage with the corresponding recesses of the second external terminal, thereby ensuring the connection between the plug and socket.

[0044] When removing the plug from the socket, pinch the portion of the undulating part of the first external terminal. By pinching the portion of the undulating part of the first external terminal, the first external terminal is elastically deformed, and the protrusions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding recesses of the second external terminal. The first external terminal can be elastically deformed because the outer diameter of the second external terminal is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal, there is a gap between the inner periphery of the first external terminal and the outer periphery of the second external terminal, and a part of the circumferential area of ​​the first external terminal is open. In this specification, this open area is also referred to as an open area. The protrusions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding recesses of the second external terminal, thereby releasing the engagement between the protrusions and the recesses. Moreover, the plug can be easily removed from the socket while pinching the portion of the undulating part of the first external terminal.

[0045] Here, when removing the plug from the socket, tweezers can be used as a tool to grasp the undulating portion of the first external terminal. In this case, an inverted undulating portion corresponding to the undulating portion is provided at the tip of the tweezers. In this case, when grasping the undulating portion of the first external terminal with the tweezers, the undulating portion is guided toward the inverted undulating portion at the tip of the tweezers. Thus, the desired undulating portion can be grasped appropriately.

[0046] On the other hand, when the plug is mounted on the receptacle, that is, when the plug and receptacle are assembled, the first external terminal is pressed into the second external terminal. By pressing the first external terminal into the second external terminal, the first external terminal elastically deforms to expand its diameter, and the protrusions of the first external terminal easily engage with the corresponding recesses of the second external terminal. Thus, the connector assembly of the first structure allows for easy attachment and detachment of the plug to the receptacle when necessary.

[0047] Furthermore, the connector set of the first structure does not require the locking member of the conventional connector set, thereby achieving miniaturization.

[0048] In a typical example, the convex portion is a plate-shaped tab and the concave portion is a groove. However, as long as the convex portion and the concave portion can engage with each other, their shapes are not particularly limited. For example, the convex portion can be a pin and the concave portion can be a hole.

[0049] The number of convex portions is not particularly limited, as long as there are at least two. The number of concave portions is not particularly limited, as long as it is the same as the number of convex portions. Furthermore, the positions of the convex portions are not particularly limited, as long as they are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The positions of the concave portions are not particularly limited, as long as they correspond to the convex portions.

[0050] The number of undulations is not particularly limited as long as there are at least two. In addition, the positions of the undulations are not particularly limited as long as they are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and are located at positions different from those of the convex portions in the circumferential direction.

[0051] In a typical example, the transmission line to which the plug is connected is a coaxial cable. Alternatively, the transmission line to which the plug is connected may be a flexible circuit board. Furthermore, in a typical example, the circuit board to which the socket is attached is a flexible circuit board. Alternatively, the circuit board to which the socket is attached may be a rigid circuit board.

[0052] In the connector set of the first configuration, the first external terminal preferably has two protrusions and three undulating portions. In this case, when viewing the cylindrical first external terminal having a partially open circumferential region along the axial direction, the protrusions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal (second configuration).

[0053] In the connector assembly of the second structure, the first external terminal has two protrusions disposed on portions of the first external terminal that are opposite to each other across the open region, centered about the axis of the cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the first external terminal has one undulating portion disposed on the portion of the first external terminal that is opposite to the open region, centered about the axis of the cylindrical shape, and two undulating portions disposed near the open region.

[0054] With the connector assembly of the second structure, when removing the plug from the socket, pinch the two undulating portions near the open area of ​​the first external terminal and the remaining undulating portion. This causes the first external terminal to elastically deform, bringing the two undulating portions and the one undulating portion closer together. This elastic deformation causes the two protruding portions of the first external terminal to elastically deform, moving the two protruding portions away from each other. This allows the protruding portions of the first external terminal to separate from the corresponding concave portions of the second external terminal, releasing the engagement between the protruding portions and the concave portions. Furthermore, the plug can be easily removed from the socket while pinching the undulating portions of the first external terminal.

[0055] In the second structure, the projections of the first external terminal engage with the recesses of the second external terminal at two locations, thereby making it easier to attach and detach the plug from the socket.

[0056] The connector assembly of the first structure can also be configured as follows. The number of protrusions of the first external terminal is three, and the number of undulating portions of the first external terminal is two. In this case, when the cylindrical first external terminal having a partially open circumferential region is viewed along the axial direction, the protrusions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal (third structure).

[0057] In the connector assembly of the third structure, the first external terminal has one raised portion located on the portion opposite the open region, with the cylindrical axis as the center, and two raised portions located near the open region. Furthermore, the first external terminal has two undulating portions located on the portion opposite each other, with the cylindrical axis as the center, across the open region.

[0058] According to the connector assembly of the third structure, when removing the plug from the socket, the two undulating portions are pinched. This causes the first external terminal to elastically deform so that the two undulating portions approach each other. Due to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal elastically deforms so that the two convex portions near the open area are each warped outward, and the remaining convex portion is elastically deformed so that the portion bulges outward. This separates the convex portions of the first external terminal from the corresponding concave portions of the second external terminal, releasing the engagement between the convex portions and the concave portions. Furthermore, the plug can be easily removed from the socket while pinching the undulating portions of the first external terminal.

[0059] In the third configuration, the projections of the first external terminal engage with the recesses of the second external terminal at three locations, thereby providing an advantage of a more stable connection between the plug and the socket.

[0060] The other connector assembly disclosed herein comprises a connector assembly in which some elements of the first configuration are modified. Specifically, a recess is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal in place of the protrusion. A protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal in place of the recess (a fourth configuration).

[0061] In the connector set of the fourth structure, when the plug and receptacle are combined, the protrusions of the second external terminal engage with the corresponding recesses of the first external terminal. This engagement of the protrusions and recesses allows the first and second external terminals to be mated. Thus, with the connector set of the fourth structure, when in use, the protrusions of the second external terminal engage with the corresponding recesses of the first external terminal, thereby ensuring the connection between the plug and receptacle.

[0062] When removing the plug from the socket, pinch the undulating portion of the first external terminal, so that the first external terminal is elastically deformed, and the concave portions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding convex portions of the second external terminal. The concave portions of the first external terminal are separated from the convex portions of the second external terminal, thereby releasing the engagement between the convex portions and the concave portions. Moreover, the plug can be easily removed from the socket while pinching the undulating portion of the first external terminal. On the other hand, when installing the plug in the socket, the first external terminal is pressed into the second external terminal, so that after the first external terminal is elastically deformed in an expanded manner, the convex portions of the second external terminal are easily engaged with the corresponding concave portions of the first external terminal. In this way, according to the connector set of the fourth structure, the plug can also be easily loaded and unloaded relative to the socket when necessary.

[0063] Furthermore, the connector set of the fourth structure does not require the locking member used in the conventional connector set, thereby achieving miniaturization.

[0064] In the connector set of the fourth configuration, the first external terminal preferably has two recesses and three undulating portions. In this case, when viewing the cylindrical first external terminal having a partially open circumferential region along the axial direction, the recesses are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal (fifth configuration).

[0065] In the connector assembly of the fifth structure, the first external terminal has two recessed portions disposed in portions opposing each other across the open region, centered about the axis of the cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the first external terminal has one undulating portion disposed in a portion opposite the open region, centered about the axis of the cylindrical shape, and two undulating portions disposed in a portion proximal to the open region.

[0066] According to the connector assembly of the fifth structure, when removing the plug from the socket, the two undulating portions near the open area of ​​the first external terminal and the remaining undulating portion are pinched. This causes the first external terminal to elastically deform, bringing the two undulating portions and the one undulating portion closer together. This elastic deformation causes the first external terminal to elastically deform, moving the two recessed portions away from each other. This causes the recesses of the first external terminal to separate from the corresponding protrusions of the second external terminal, releasing the engagement between the protrusions and recesses. Furthermore, the plug can be easily removed from the socket while pinching the undulating portions of the first external terminal.

[0067] In the fifth configuration, the projections of the second external terminal engage with the recesses of the first external terminal at two locations, thereby making it easier to attach and detach the plug from the receptacle.

[0068] The connector assembly of the fourth configuration can also be configured as follows. The first external terminal has three recesses and two undulating portions. In this case, when viewing the cylindrical first external terminal with a partially open circumferential region along the axial direction, the recesses are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first external terminal (sixth configuration).

[0069] In the connector assembly of the sixth structure, the first external terminal has one recessed portion located in a portion opposite the open region, centered about the axis of the cylindrical shape, and two recessed portions located in a portion closer to the open region. Furthermore, the first external terminal has two undulating portions located in portions opposite to each other, across the open region, centered about the axis of the cylindrical shape.

[0070] According to the connector assembly of the sixth structure, when removing the plug from the socket, the two undulating portions are pinched. This causes the first external terminal to elastically deform so that the two undulating portions approach each other. Based on this elastic deformation, the first external terminal elastically deforms so that the two concave portions near the open area are each warped outward, and the remaining concave portion is elastically deformed so that the portion bulges outward. As a result, the concave portions of the first external terminal separate from the corresponding convex portions of the second external terminal, releasing the engagement between the convex portions and the concave portions. Furthermore, the plug can be easily removed from the socket while pinching the undulating portions of the first external terminal.

[0071] In the sixth configuration, the projections of the second external terminal engage with the recesses of the first external terminal at three locations, thereby providing an advantage of further stabilizing the connection between the plug and the socket.

[0072] In any one of the connector sets of the first to sixth structures, it is preferable that the undulating portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is a recessed portion (seventh structure).

[0073] When removing the plug from the socket, tweezers can be used as a tool for pinching the undulating portion of the first external terminal. In the case where the undulating portion is a recessed portion as in the seventh configuration, a raised portion corresponding to the recessed portion is provided at the front end of the tweezers. In this case, when pinching the undulating portion (recessed portion) of the first external terminal with the tweezers, the recessed portion, which is the undulating portion, is guided toward the raised portion at the end of the tweezers. Therefore, the desired undulating portion can be appropriately pinched.

[0074] In any one of the connector sets of the first to sixth structures, it is preferable that the undulating portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is a raised portion (eighth structure).

[0075] When removing the plug from the socket, tweezers can be used as a tool for pinching the undulating portion of the first external terminal. In the case where the undulating portion is a raised portion, as in the eighth configuration, a recessed portion corresponding to the raised portion is provided at the front end of the tweezers. In this case, when pinching the undulating portion (raised portion) of the first external terminal with the tweezers, the raised portion, which is the undulating portion, is guided toward the recessed portion at the end of the tweezers. Therefore, the desired portion of the undulating portion can be appropriately pinched.

[0076] The tool of this embodiment is used to remove a plug from a receptacle in the second or fifth connector set. The tool comprises two arms and three inverted undulations. The three inverted undulations are located at two locations on the front end of one of the two arms and at one location on the front end of the other arm. Each inverted undulation inversely reflects the shape of the corresponding undulation of the first external terminal (ninth configuration).

[0077] According to the tool of the ninth configuration, when removing the plug from the receptacle, the tool grasps the undulating portion of the first external terminal. At this time, the undulating portion is guided toward the inverted undulating portion at the end of the tool arm. Therefore, the desired undulating portion can be grasped appropriately.

[0078] Hereinafter, a specific example of the connector set according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same description will not be repeated.

[0079] [First embodiment]

[0080] [Connector Group 1]

[0081] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 FIG shows the state before the plug 2 and the socket 3 are combined. Figure 1Figure 2 shows the plug 2 removed from the receptacle 3. Connector assembly 1 is used to electrically connect a transmission line 4 to a circuit board (not shown). Connector assembly 1 includes a plug 2 and a receptacle 3. Plug 2 is connected to the transmission line 4, and receptacle 3 is mounted on the circuit board. Transmission line 4 includes a signal line and a ground conductor (both not shown). The circuit board includes signal pads and ground pads (both not shown).

[0082] The transmission line 4 to which the plug 2 is connected is, for example, a coaxial cable. Figure 1 The following figures illustrate an example of using a coaxial cable as transmission line 4. Hereinafter, transmission line 4 is also referred to as a coaxial cable. The circuit board to which receptacle 3 is attached is, for example, a flexible circuit board. By combining plug 2 and receptacle 3, transmission line 4 and the circuit board are electrically connected to each other.

[0083] [Plug 2]

[0084] Figures 2 to 5 The plug 2 according to the first embodiment is shown. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the plug 2. Figure 3 2 is a top view of the plug 2. Figure 4 It is a bottom view of the plug 2. Figure 5 is a side view of the plug 2.

[0085] In this specification, the upper surface of the plug 2 means the surface facing the socket 3. The bottom surface of the plug 2 means the surface on the opposite side of the surface facing the socket 3. Therefore, when the plug 2 is arranged above the socket 3, the upper surface of the plug 2 faces downward, and when the plug 2 is arranged below the socket 3, the upper surface of the plug 2 faces upward. When indicating a direction, for the sake of convenience, the direction in which the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable) extends is referred to as the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the side in the front-to-back direction where the transmission line 4 exists is referred to as the rear, and the opposite side is referred to as the front. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In the drawings, U represents up, D represents down, Fr represents front, Re represents rear, Ri represents right, and Le represents left.

[0086] Reference Figure 2 The transmission line 4 includes a signal line 41 and a ground conductor 42. When the transmission line 4 is a coaxial cable, the center conductor corresponds to the signal line 41, and the outer conductor corresponds to the ground conductor 42. Hereinafter, the signal line 41 is also referred to as the center conductor, and the ground conductor 42 is also referred to as the outer conductor. The coaxial cable serving as the transmission line 4 includes, in order from the axis, a signal line 41 (center conductor), an insulator 43, a ground conductor 42 (outer conductor), and a protective film 44. The signal line 41 (center conductor) is insulated from the ground conductor 42 (outer conductor) by the insulator 43.

[0087] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The plug 2 includes a housing 21, a first external terminal 22, a first internal terminal 23, and a first bracket 24. The housing 21 is conductive. It includes a bottom wall 211 and two side walls 212. The bottom wall 211 is generally rectangular in plan view. Behind the bottom wall 211 and the two side walls 212, the housing 21 includes, in order from the side closest to the side walls 212, two first rivets 213, two second rivets 214, and two third rivets 215.

[0088] The first rivet 213, together with the exposed insulator 43 of the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable), clamps the first bracket 24 and the rear end portion of the first internal terminal 23 (not shown). By clamping the first rivet 213, the transmission line 4, the first bracket 24 and the first internal terminal 23 are held in the housing 21. An upright socket portion (not shown) is formed at the rear end portion of the first internal terminal 23. By clamping the first rivet 213, the socket portion pierces the insulator 43 of the transmission line 4. As a result, the signal line 41 (center conductor) of the transmission line 4 is inserted into the socket portion of the first internal terminal 23 and is electrically connected to the first internal terminal 23. The second rivet 214 clamps the exposed grounding conductor 42 (outer conductor) of the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable). By clamping the second rivet 214, the grounding conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 comes into contact with the second rivet 214 and is electrically connected to the housing 21. The third rivet 215 holds the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable) together with the protective film 44. The transmission line 4 is firmly held by the housing 21 by the third rivet 215.

[0089] The housing 21 is formed, for example, from a metal plate. The housing 21 is manufactured by punching, bending, and drawing the metal plate. The housing 21 (metal plate) can be made, for example, of a copper alloy. The housing 21 (metal plate) can also be plated (e.g., with Ni (nickel) or Au (gold)).

[0090] The first external terminal 22 is provided so as to protrude from the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21. The first external terminal 22 has a cylindrical shape with a portion of the circumferential area open. The axial direction of the first external terminal 22 is perpendicular to the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21, that is, the vertical direction. In the first external terminal 22, the open area is formed on the rear side of the first external terminal 22.

[0091] The first external terminal 22 is conductive and electrically connected to the housing 21. As described above, the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 is electrically connected to the housing 21. Therefore, the first external terminal 22 is electrically connected to the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 via the housing 21.

[0092] The first external terminal 22 is formed, for example, from a metal plate. The material of the first external terminal 22 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The first external terminal 22 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., with Ni (nickel) or Au (gold)). The first external terminal 22 is formed integrally with the housing 21 by punching, bending, and drawing a metal plate integral with the housing 21. However, the first external terminal 22 may also be formed separately from the housing 21 and welded to the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21.

[0093] The first internal terminal 23 extends in the front-to-rear direction of the housing 21. As described above, a socket portion is formed at the rear end of the first internal terminal 23. The signal line 41 (center conductor) of the transmission line 4 is inserted into the socket portion of the first internal terminal 23 and electrically connected to the first internal terminal 23. In other words, the first internal terminal 23 is electrically connected to the signal line 41 of the transmission line 4.

[0094] The first internal terminal 23 includes a first internal contact portion 231 at its front end. The first internal contact portion 231 is located inside the first external terminal 22. The first internal contact portion 231 has a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the first internal contact portion 231 is perpendicular to the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21, that is, in the vertical direction. The axis of the first internal contact portion 231 coincides with the axis of the first external terminal 22. In other words, the first internal contact portion 231 is located inside the first external terminal 22 and is concentric with the first external terminal 22.

[0095] The first internal terminal 23 is formed of a conductive component. For example, the first internal terminal 23 is formed of a metal plate. In other words, the first internal terminal 23 is conductive. The first internal terminal 23 is manufactured by subjecting the metal plate to processes such as punching, bending, and drawing. In this case, the first internal contact portion 231 is bent so as to be curled into a cylindrical shape. The material of the first internal terminal 23 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The first internal terminal 23 (metal plate) can also be plated (for example, Ni (nickel) plating or Au (gold) plating).

[0096] The first bracket 24 has insulating properties and is disposed on the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21. The first bracket 24 holds the first internal terminal 23 and is fixed to the housing 21. The first bracket 24 insulates the first internal terminal 23 from the housing 21 and the first external terminal 22.

[0097] The first bracket 24 is made of, for example, resin and is manufactured by injection molding. The material of the first bracket 24 is, for example, liquid crystal polymer. The first bracket 24 can also be insert-molded to form an integral body with the first internal terminal 23.

[0098] The plug 2 also has at least two protrusions 221. In this embodiment, there are two protrusions 221. These protrusions 221 are located on the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22. These protrusions 221 are plate-shaped projections. The protrusions 221 are integrally formed with the first external terminal 22 and protrude radially inward from the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22. Details will be described later. When the plug 2 is assembled with the receptacle 3, the protrusions 221 serve to mate the first external terminal 22 with the second external terminal of the receptacle 3.

[0099] The two protrusions 221 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22. In other viewpoints, the two protrusions 221 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, two protrusions 221 are arranged in portions facing each other across an open area, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center. In other viewpoints, when observing the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open area along the axial direction (up and down direction), the protrusions 221 are arranged line-symmetrically in the left-right direction of the first external terminal 22 (refer to Figure 3 ). That is, the protrusions 221 are arranged symmetrically.

[0100] The plug 2 also has at least two undulating portions 222. In this embodiment, there are three undulating portions 222. The undulating portions 222 are provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the undulating portions 222 are recessed portions 223. The recessed portions 223, which are the undulating portions 222, are recessed from the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22. The recessed portions 223 have, for example, a concave spherical cap shape. Details will be described later. The undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) are utilized when removing the plug 2 from the socket 3.

[0101] Each of the three undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22, and is arranged at a position different from the position of the convex portion 221 in the circumferential direction. In other viewpoints, each of the three undulating portions 222 is arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center, one undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) is arranged in the portion opposite to the open area, and two undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) are arranged in the portion close to the open area. In other viewpoints, when observing the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open area along the axial direction (up and down direction), the undulating portions 222 are arranged line-symmetrically in the left-right direction of the first external terminal 22 (refer to Figure 3 ) That is, the undulating portions 222 are arranged symmetrically.

[0102] [Socket 3]

[0103] Figures 6 to 9 The socket 3 according to the first embodiment is shown. Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the socket 3. Figure 7 It is a top view of the socket 3. Figure 8 It is a bottom view of the socket 3. Figure 9 It is a side view of the socket 3.

[0104] In this specification, the upper surface of the socket 3 refers to the surface facing the plug 2. The bottom surface of the socket 3 refers to the surface opposite to the surface facing the plug 2. Therefore, when the plug 2 is placed above the socket 3, the upper surface of the socket 3 faces upward, and when the plug 2 is placed below the socket 3, the upper surface of the socket 3 faces downward.

[0105] Reference Figures 6 to 9 The socket 3 includes a second external terminal 32, a second internal terminal 33, and a second bracket 34. The second external terminal 32 has a cylindrical shape. The bottom plate 31 extends leftward and rightward from the lower end of the second external terminal 32. The axial direction of the second external terminal 32 is perpendicular to the bottom plate 31, that is, the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the second external terminal 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal 22.

[0106] The second external terminal 32 is formed together with the bottom plate portion 31 by a conductive component. For example, the second external terminal 32 is formed of a metal plate. In other words, the second external terminal 32 is conductive. The second external terminal 32 is manufactured by performing processes such as punching, bending, and drawing on the metal plate. The material of the second external terminal 32 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The second external terminal 32 (metal plate) can also be plated (for example, Ni (nickel) plating or Au (gold) plating).

[0107] The second internal terminal 33 is conductive and includes a second internal contact portion 331. The second internal contact portion 331 is located inside the second external terminal 32. The second internal contact portion 331 has a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the second internal contact portion 331 is perpendicular to the bottom plate 31 of the second external terminal 32, i.e., in the vertical direction. The axis of the second internal contact portion 331 coincides with the axis of the second external terminal 32. In other words, the second internal contact portion 331 is located inside the second external terminal 32 and is concentric with the second external terminal 32. The outer diameter of the second internal contact portion 331 is the same as the inner diameter of the first internal contact portion 231.

[0108] The second internal terminal 33 extends in the front-back direction and includes a lead portion 332 at its front end portion. The lead portion 332 is exposed to the outside.

[0109] The second internal terminal 33 is formed, for example, from a metal plate. The second internal terminal 33 is manufactured by subjecting the metal plate to processes such as punching, bending, and drawing. The material of the second internal terminal 33 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The second internal terminal 33 (metal plate) may also be plated (e.g., with Ni (nickel) or Au (gold)).

[0110] The second holder 34 has insulating properties and holds the second external terminal 32 and the second internal terminal 33 . The second holder 34 insulates the second internal terminal 33 from the second external terminal 32 .

[0111] The second bracket 34 is made of, for example, a resin. The second bracket 34 is manufactured by injection molding. The material of the second bracket 34 is, for example, a liquid crystal polymer. The second bracket 34 can also be insert-molded to form an integral unit with the second external terminal 32 and the second internal terminal 33.

[0112] As described above, the socket 3 is mounted on a circuit board. In the socket 3 mounted on the circuit board, the bottom plate portion 31 of the second external terminal 32 is soldered to the ground pad of the circuit board. This electrically connects the second external terminal 32 to the ground pad of the circuit board via the bottom plate portion 31. Furthermore, the lead portion 332 of the second internal terminal 33 is soldered to the signal pad of the circuit board. This electrically connects the second internal terminal 33 to the signal pad of the circuit board.

[0113] The socket 3 further includes the same number of recesses 321 as the number of protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22. In this embodiment, there are two protrusions 221, so there are two recesses 321. The recesses 321 are provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32. The recesses 321 are grooves.

[0114] Each of the two recesses 321 is arranged at a position corresponding to the protrusion 221 of the first external terminal 22. Specifically, each of the two recesses 321 is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second external terminal 32. In other viewpoints, each of the two recesses 321 is arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second external terminal 32. More specifically, in the second external terminal 32, two recesses 321 are arranged in mutually opposing portions with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center. In other viewpoints, when observing the cylindrical second external terminal 32 along the axial direction (up and down direction), the recesses 321 are arranged line-symmetrically in the left and right directions of the second external terminal 32 (refer to the later-described Figure 10 ) That is, the recesses 321 are arranged symmetrically.

[0115] [Installation of plug 2 to socket 3]

[0116] When in use, the plug 2 is combined with the socket 3. When the plug 2 and the socket 3 are combined, that is, when the plug 2 is installed in the socket 3, the first external terminals 22 are pressed into the second external terminals 32.

[0117] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, and is a cross section including each convex portion 221 of the first external terminal 22 and each concave portion 321 of the second external terminal 32. Figure 10 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are omitted from illustration.

[0118] Reference Figure 10 By pressing the first external terminal 22 into the second external terminal 32, the first external terminal 22 elastically deforms to expand its diameter. The protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22 then easily engage with the corresponding recesses 321 of the second external terminal 32. As the protrusions 221 and recesses 321 engage, the first external terminal 22 elastically returns to its original shape. This engagement of the protrusions 221 and recesses 321 engages the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32, electrically connecting the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 to the ground pad of the circuit board, forming a grounding circuit.

[0119] Although not shown in the figure, by pressing the first external terminal 22 into the second external terminal 32, the first internal contact portion 231 of the first internal terminal 23 is pressed into the second internal contact portion 331 of the second internal terminal 33. This causes the first internal contact portion 231 and the second internal contact portion 331 to contact and engage with each other. This contact between the first internal contact portion 231 and the second internal contact portion 331 electrically connects the signal line 41 of the transmission line 4 to the signal pad of the circuit substrate, forming a signal circuit.

[0120] During use, the protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22 engage with the corresponding recesses 321 of the second external terminal 32, thereby ensuring the connection between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first internal contact portion 231 engages with the second internal contact portion 331, thereby also ensuring the connection between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3.

[0121] [Removal of plug 2 from socket 3]

[0122] When removing the plug 2 from the receptacle 3, pinch the undulating portion 222 (the recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22. As a tool for pinching the undulating portion 222 of the first external terminal 22, tweezers can be used.

[0123] Figures 11 to 13 A tool 6 used to remove the plug 2 from the socket 3 in the first embodiment is shown. Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the tool 6. Figure 12 This is an enlarged plan view of the tool 6 as viewed from the front end side. Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool 6 and the connector set 1 . Figure 13 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (concave portions 223 ) of the first external terminal 22 , and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32 .

[0124] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The tool 6 is a pair of tweezers. The tool 6 includes two arms 61. A protrusion 63 is provided on the inner side of each of the distal end portions 62 of the two arms 61.

[0125] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The raised portion 63 of the tool 6 is provided at a position corresponding to the recessed portion 223 of the undulating portion 222 of the first external terminal 22 and has a shape corresponding to the recessed portion 223. Therefore, the raised portion 63 of the tool 6 can be said to be an inverted undulating portion that inversely reflects the shape of the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22.

[0126] In this embodiment, as described above, there are three recessed portions 223 serving as the undulating portions 222. In the first external terminal 22, one recessed portion 223 is located in the portion opposite the open area, centered on the cylindrical axis, and two recessed portions 223 are located in the portion closer to the open area. In this case, in the tool 6, the tip 62 of one of the two arms 61 is provided with a raised portion 63 (inverted undulating portion) corresponding to the one recessed portion 223 of the first external terminal 22. The tip 62 of the other arm 61 is provided with two raised portions 63 (inverted undulating portions) corresponding to the two recessed portions 223 of the first external terminal 22. The tip 62 of the arm 61 provided with these two raised portions 63 (inverted undulating portions) is bifurcated.

[0127] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 14 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (concave portions 223) of the first external terminal 22, and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. Figure 14 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 , the second external terminal 32 , and the tool 6 are omitted from illustration.

[0128] Reference Figure 14 When removing the plug 2 from the socket 3, the tool 6 is used to pinch the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 (see the hollow arrow in the figure). This causes the first external terminal 22 to elastically deform. Specifically, the two undulating portions 222 (recessed portion 223) near the open area of ​​the first external terminal 22 and the remaining portion of the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) are pinched. In this way, the first external terminal 22 elastically deforms so that the two undulating portions 222 and the portion of the one undulating portion 222 approach each other. Based on this elastic deformation, the first external terminal 22 elastically deforms so that the two convex portions 221 move away from each other. The elastic deformation of the first external terminal 22 is possible because the outer diameter of the second external terminal 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal 22, a gap exists between the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22 and the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32, and a portion of the circumferential area (open area) of the first external terminal 22 is open.

[0129] This elastic deformation of the first external terminal 22 causes the protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22 to separate from the corresponding recesses 321 of the second external terminal 32 (see the solid arrows in the figure). The separation of the protrusions 221 from the recesses 321 releases the engagement between the protrusions 221 and the recesses 321. Furthermore, the plug 2 can be easily removed from the receptacle 3 by gripping the undulating portions 222 (recesses 223) of the first external terminal 22.

[0130] In the present embodiment, when the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 is pinched with the tool 6, the recessed portion 223, which is the undulating portion 222, is guided toward the raised portion 63 (inverted undulating portion) of the front end portion 62 of the tool 6. Therefore, the desired portion of the undulating portion 222 can be pinched appropriately.

[0131] Thus, according to the connector set 1 of this embodiment, the plug 2 can be easily attached to and detached from the receptacle 3 when necessary. Furthermore, the connector set 1 of this embodiment does not require a locking member as in conventional connector sets, thereby achieving miniaturization.

[0132] In addition, in this embodiment, the projections 221 of the first external terminal 22 engage with the recesses 321 of the second external terminal 32 at two locations. This has the advantage of making it easier to attach and detach the plug from the receptacle 3.

[0133] [Second embodiment]

[0134] Reference Figures 15 to 17The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is a modified embodiment of the plug 2 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, descriptions of components that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0135] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 15 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up and down direction. Figure 15 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are omitted from illustration.

[0136] Reference Figure 15 In the plug 2 of this embodiment, the undulating portion 222 provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22 is a raised portion 224. In other words, the undulating portion 222 of this embodiment replaces the recessed portion 223 of the first embodiment with a raised portion 224. The raised portion 224, serving as the undulating portion 222, is a portion protruding from the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22. The raised portion 224 has, for example, a convex spherical cap shape. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of the raised portions 224, serving as the undulating portion 222, are identical to those of the recessed portions 223 of the first embodiment.

[0137] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool 6 and the connector assembly 1 used when removing the plug 2 from the receptacle 3 in the second embodiment. Figure 16 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0138] Reference Figure 16 Tool 6 is a pair of tweezers, similar to the first embodiment. In tool 6, a recessed portion 64 is provided on the inner side of each of the distal ends 62 of the two arms 61, serving as an inverted undulating portion, replacing the raised portion 63 of the first embodiment. The recessed portion 64 of tool 6 is provided at a position corresponding to the raised portion 224 of the undulating portion 222 of the first external terminal 22, and has a shape corresponding to the raised portion 224.

[0139] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 17 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (raised portions 224) of the first external terminal 22, and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. Figure 17 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 , the second external terminal 32 , and the tool 6 are omitted from illustration.

[0140] Reference Figure 17 When removing the plug 2 from the receptacle 3, the tool 6 is used to pinch the undulating portion 222 (protrusion 224) of the first external terminal 22 (see the hollow arrows in the figure). As in the first embodiment, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed, and the protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22 separate from the corresponding recesses 321 of the second external terminal 32 (see the solid arrows in the figure). Consequently, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0141] In the present embodiment, when the tool 6 is used to pinch the portion of the undulating portion 222 (raised portion 224) of the first external terminal 22, the raised portion 224, which is the undulating portion 222, is guided toward the recessed portion 64 (inverted undulating portion) of the tip 62 of the tool 6. Therefore, the desired portion of the undulating portion 222 can be appropriately pinched.

[0142] [Third embodiment]

[0143] Reference Figures 18 to 20 The third embodiment is a modification of the plug 2 and the socket 3 of the first embodiment.

[0144] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 18 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up and down direction. Figure 18 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are omitted from illustration.

[0145] Reference Figure 18 In the plug 2 of this embodiment, the number of protrusions 221 provided on the inner circumference of the first external terminal 22 is three. The three protrusions 221 are arranged at equal intervals relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, with the cylindrical axis as the center, one protrusion 221 is arranged in the portion opposite to the open area, and two protrusions 221 are arranged in the portion closer to the open area. From another perspective, when observing the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open area along the axial direction (the vertical direction), the protrusions 221 are arranged in a line-symmetrical manner in the left-right direction of the first external terminal 22. In other words, the protrusions 221 are arranged symmetrically.

[0146] The number of undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22 is two. Each of the two undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) is arranged at equal intervals relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22, and is arranged at a position different from the position of the convex portion 221 in the circumferential direction. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, two undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) are arranged in portions facing each other across an open area, centered on the axis of the cylindrical shape. From another perspective, when observing the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open area along the axial direction (up and down direction), the undulating portions 222 are arranged linearly symmetrically in the left and right directions of the first external terminal 22. In other words, the undulating portions 222 are arranged symmetrically.

[0147] In the socket 3 of this embodiment, the number of recesses 321 provided on the outer circumference of the second external terminal 32 is three. This is because the number of recesses 321 is the same as the number of protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22. Each of the three recesses 321 is arranged at a position corresponding to the protrusion 221 of the first external terminal 22. Specifically, each of the three recesses 321 is arranged at equal intervals relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the second external terminal 32. More specifically, in the second external terminal 32, the recesses 321 are respectively arranged in three portions at equal intervals relative to each other in the circumferential direction, centered around the axis of the cylindrical shape. From another perspective, when observing the cylindrical second external terminal 32 along the axial direction (the vertical direction), the recesses 321 are arranged in a line-symmetrical manner in the left-right direction of the second external terminal 32. In other words, the recesses 321 are arranged symmetrically.

[0148] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool 6 and the connector assembly 1 used when removing the plug 2 from the receptacle 3 in the third embodiment. Figure 19 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0149] Reference Figure 19 , tool 6 is a pair of tweezers as in the first embodiment. The raised portion 63 of tool 6 is provided at a position corresponding to the recessed portion 223 of the undulating portion 222 serving as the first external terminal 22. In this embodiment, as described above, there are two recessed portions 223 serving as the undulating portions 222. In the first external terminal 22, two undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) are provided in portions facing each other across an open area, centered on the axis of the cylindrical shape. In this case, in tool 6, a raised portion 63 corresponding to the recessed portion 223 of the first external terminal 22 is provided at each of the front end portions 62 of the two arms 61.

[0150] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 20 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (concave portions 223) of the first external terminal 22, and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. Figure 20 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 , the second external terminal 32 , and the tool 6 are omitted from illustration.

[0151] Reference Figure 20 When removing the plug 2 from the socket 3, the tool 6 is used to pinch the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 (see the hollow arrow in the figure). As a result, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed. Specifically, the two undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) are pinched. In this way, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so that the two undulating portions 222 are close to each other. Due to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so that the portions of the two convex portions 221 near the open area are respectively warped outward, and the portion of the remaining convex portion 221 is elastically deformed so that it bulges outward.

[0152] By elastically deforming the first external terminal 22, as in the first embodiment, the protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22 and the corresponding recesses 321 of the second external terminal 32 are separated (see the solid arrows in the figure).

[0153] In this embodiment, there are three locations where the protrusions 221 of the first external terminal 22 engage with the recesses 321 of the second external terminal 32. This provides an advantage in that the connection between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 is more stable.

[0154] [Fourth embodiment]

[0155] Reference Figure 21 The fourth embodiment is a modification of the plug 2 of the third embodiment.

[0156] Figure 21 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 21 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up and down direction. Figure 21 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are omitted from illustration.

[0157] Reference Figure 21In the plug 2 of this embodiment, the undulating portion 222 provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22 is a raised portion 224. In other words, the undulating portion 222 of this embodiment replaces the recessed portion 223 of the third embodiment with a raised portion 224. The raised portion 224 serving as the undulating portion 222 is similar to the raised portion 224 of the second embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment can be said to be an embodiment in which the structure of the undulating portion 222 of the second embodiment is applied to the connector assembly 1 of the third embodiment.

[0158] [Fifth embodiment]

[0159] Reference Figure 22 and Figure 23 The fifth embodiment is a modification of the plug 2 and the socket 3 of the first embodiment.

[0160] Figure 22 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 22 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up and down direction. Figure 22 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are omitted from illustration.

[0161] Reference Figure 22 In the plug 2 of this embodiment, recesses 225 are provided on the inner circumference of the first external terminal 22, replacing the protrusions 221 of the first embodiment. The number and arrangement of recesses 225 are the same as those of the protrusions 221 of the first embodiment. In the receptacle 3 of this embodiment, protrusions 325 are provided on the outer circumference of the second external terminal 32, replacing the recesses 321 of the first embodiment. The number and arrangement of protrusions 325 are the same as those of the recesses 321 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the protrusions 221 of the first embodiment are replaced by recesses 225, and the recesses 321 of the first embodiment are replaced by protrusions 325.

[0162] In this embodiment, when the plug 2 and receptacle 3 are assembled, the first external terminal 22 is pressed into the second external terminal 32. After the first external terminal 22 elastically deforms to expand its diameter, the protrusions 325 of the second external terminal 32 easily engage with the corresponding recesses 225 of the first external terminal 22. As the protrusions 325 engage with the recesses 225, the first external terminal 22 elastically returns to its original shape. This engagement of the protrusions 325 with the recesses 225 mates the first external terminal 22 with the second external terminal 32, electrically connecting the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 to the ground pad of the circuit board, forming a grounding circuit. Thus, according to the connector assembly 1 of this embodiment, during use, the protrusions 325 of the second external terminal 32 engage with the corresponding recesses 225 of the first external terminal 22, thereby ensuring the connection between the plug 2 and receptacle 3.

[0163] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state when the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 23 The cross section shown is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, and includes the concave portions 225 and the undulating portions 222 (depressed portions 223) of the first external terminal 22, and the convex portions 325 of the second external terminal 32. Figure 23 Elements other than the first external terminal 22 , the second external terminal 32 , and the tool 6 are omitted from illustration.

[0164] Reference Figure 23 When removing the plug 2 from the receptacle 3, similarly to the first embodiment, the tool 6 is used to pinch the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 (see the hollow arrows in the figure). This elastically deforms the first external terminal 22, similarly to the first embodiment, and the convex portions 325 of the second external terminal 32 separate from the corresponding concave portions 225 of the first external terminal 22 (see the solid arrows in the figure). This achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0165] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0166] For example, the structure of the second embodiment may be applied to the connector set 1 of the fifth embodiment. In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the recessed portion 223 serving as the undulating portion 222 is replaced with a raised portion 224 .

[0167] The structure of the third embodiment can also be applied to the connector assembly 1 of the fifth embodiment. In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the number of recessed portions 225 provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22 and the number of raised portions 325 provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32 are each three, and the number of undulating portions 222 is reduced to two.

[0168] The structure of the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the connector assembly 1 of the fifth embodiment. In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the recessed portion 223 serving as the undulating portion 222 is replaced with a raised portion 224. Furthermore, the number of recessed portions 225 provided on the inner circumference of the first external terminal 22 and the number of raised portions 325 provided on the outer circumference of the second external terminal 32 are each increased to three, and the number of undulating portions 222 is reduced to two.

[0169] The transmission line 4 connected to the plug 2 is not limited to a coaxial cable but may be a circuit board (eg, a flexible circuit board). The circuit board to which the receptacle 3 is mounted is not limited to a flexible circuit board but may be a rigid circuit board.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising a plug and a socket, wherein the plug is connected to a transmission line including a signal line and a ground conductor, and the socket is mounted on a circuit board including a signal pad and a ground pad, wherein: The plug has: a housing electrically connected to the ground conductor of the transmission line, the housing comprising a bottom wall; a first external terminal electrically connected to the housing, the first external terminal being arranged to protrude from the bottom wall of the housing and having a cylindrical shape with a portion of the circumference open; a first internal terminal electrically connected to the signal line of the transmission line, the first internal terminal including a first internal contact portion disposed inside the first external terminal; a first bracket, holding the first internal terminal and fixed to the housing, wherein the first bracket insulates the first internal terminal from the housing and the first external terminal; at least two protrusions provided on an inner periphery of the first external terminal, wherein the at least two protrusions are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the first external terminal; as well as At least two undulating portions are provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal, each of the at least two undulating portions is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and is arranged at a position different from the position of the convex portion in the circumferential direction. The socket has: a second external terminal electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit substrate, the second external terminal having a cylindrical shape and an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first external terminal; a second internal terminal electrically connected to the signal pad of the circuit substrate, the second internal terminal including a second internal contact portion disposed inside the second external terminal; a second bracket holding the second outer terminal and the second inner terminal, the second bracket insulating the second inner terminal from the second outer terminal; and The number of recessed portions provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal is equal to the number of the protruding portions of the first external terminal, and each of the recessed portions is arranged at a position corresponding to the protruding portion of the first external terminal.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the protrusions of the first external terminal is two, and the number of the undulations of the first external terminal is three. When observing the first external terminal having a cylindrical shape with a partially open circumferential area along the axial direction, the protrusions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulations are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the protrusions of the first external terminal is three, and the number of the undulations of the first external terminal is two. When observing the first external terminal having a cylindrical shape with a partially open circumferential area along the axial direction, the protrusions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulations are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: A recessed portion is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal instead of the raised portion. A convex portion is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal instead of the concave portion.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The number of the concave portions of the first external terminal is two, and the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is three. When observing the first external terminal having a cylindrical shape with a partially open circumferential area along the axial direction, the recesses are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal. The connector assembly according to claim 4 , wherein: The number of the concave portions of the first external terminal is three, and the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is two. When observing the first external terminal having a cylindrical shape with a partially open circumferential area along the axial direction, the recesses are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal.

7. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The undulating portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is a recessed portion.

8. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The undulating portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is a raised portion.

9. A tool for removing a plug from the socket in the connector assembly according to claim 2 or 5, wherein: The tool has: two arms; and Three inverted undulations are respectively provided at two locations of the front end portion of one of the two arms and at one location of the front end portion of the other arm, and each of the inverted undulations reflects in reverse the shape of the corresponding undulation of the first external terminal.

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