connector

Abstract

The present application provides a connector that stably electrically connects an inner conductor and an outer conductor. The connector includes: a shaft member that is a cylindrical conductor; a center contact disposed along a center axis of the shaft member on an inner side; an insulating member interposed between the shaft member and the center contact to hold the center contact; a first flange and a second flange provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member; and a metal spring provided along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member, the metal spring including: a C-shaped metal spring body portion; a bent portion; an elastic piece portion extending from the bent portion to oppose the outer peripheral surface of the metal spring body portion; an inner side protrusion provided on an inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body portion so as to protrude toward an inner side of the metal spring body portion; and an outer side protrusion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic piece portion so as to protrude toward an outer side of the elastic piece portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors incorporating metal springs. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a connector was known in which an annular elastic metal component was provided on the outer periphery of the inner conductor for electrically connecting a cylindrical inner conductor and a cylindrical outer conductor disposed on the outer side of the inner conductor.

[0003] Specifically, as such a connector, there is a known connector that has a retaining clip (400) for the outer periphery of a cylindrical contact (700) that serves as an electrical connection and is an inner conductor, and a retaining clip (400) for the inner periphery of a cylindrical outer connector body (200) that serves as an outer conductor (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] In the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, the retaining clip (400) has an elastic tab (490), and the inner contact (700) contacts the elastic tab (490). Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the retaining clip (400) contacts the inner peripheral surface of the outer connector body (200). Thus, the inner contact (700) is electrically connected to the outer connector body (200) via the retaining clip (400).

[0005] In the connector described above, regarding the contact between the inner contact (700) and the elastic tab (490), even if a positional shift occurs during the use of the connector, the elastic tab (490) can elastically deform, thus maintaining the contact state between the inner contact (700) and the elastic tab (490).

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3683864 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention

[0010] However, regarding the contact between the outer peripheral surface of the retaining clip (400) and the inner peripheral surface of the outer connector body (200), since it is a contact between curved surfaces, a stable contact state between the outer peripheral surface of the retaining clip (400) and the inner peripheral surface of the outer connector body (200) may not be maintained when positional displacement occurs during connector use. Therefore, there is a possibility that the inner contact (700) and the outer connector body (200) may not be stably electrically connected.

[0011] The present invention was proposed to solve this technical problem, and its purpose is to provide a connector that can stably electrically connect the inner conductor and the outer conductor.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the connector according to the present invention comprises: an inner conductor, which is a cylindrical conductor; a center contact disposed on the inner side along the central axis of the inner conductor; an insulating member disposed between the inner conductor and the center contact, holding the center contact; a first flange and a second flange spaced apart on the outer peripheral surface of the inner conductor in the direction of the central axis; and a metal spring fitted between the first flange and the second flange, disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the inner conductor, wherein the metal spring is configured to have: a C-shaped metal spring body portion, and a circular metal... The spring body has a slit and a gap between its two ends; a pair of curved portions that are bent and connected to the two ends of the metal spring body; a pair of elastic plates that extend from the pair of curved portions opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the metal spring body; an inner protrusion that protrudes into the inner side of the metal spring body and contacts the inner conductor with elastic force; and an outer protrusion that protrudes outward from the outer side of the elastic plates and contacts the cylindrical outer conductor located outside the inner conductor with elastic force.

[0014] According to this structure, the connector of the present invention is configured such that an inner protrusion on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body contacts the inner conductor with elastic force, and an outer protrusion on the outer circumferential surface of the elastic sheet portion of the metal spring contacts the outer conductor with elastic force. Therefore, even if there is a positional misalignment between the components during use, the connector of the present invention can stably electrically connect the inner conductor and the outer conductor via the metal spring.

[0015] In addition, the metal spring body has curved and folded-back sections connected to both ends. Since the metal spring body is formed in a C-shape, when the metal spring is installed to the inner conductor from the side, the metal spring can be easily installed to the inner conductor by unfolding the two ends of the C-shape of the metal spring.

[0016] In the connector with the above structure, the outer diameter of the first flange may also be larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sheet portion centered on the central axis of the inner conductor.

[0017] According to this structure, the outer diameter of the first flange of the connector involved in the present invention is larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sheet portion centered on the central axis of the inner conductor. Therefore, when the outer conductor is installed on the inner conductor, it is possible to suppress the bending of the elastic sheet portion and cause it to break.

[0018] In the connector with the above structure, the outer diameter of the first flange can also be configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the second flange.

[0019] According to this structure, the outer diameter of the first flange of the connector involved in the present invention is larger than the outer diameter of the second flange, so that the upper surface of the first flange can contact the inner component, and the outer peripheral surface of the second flange can contact the inner component.

[0020] In the connector with the above structure, it can also be configured to further have a third flange on the outer peripheral surface of the inner conductor, and a waterproof O-ring is inserted between the second flange and the third flange.

[0021] According to this structure, the connector involved in the present invention has a waterproof O-ring embedded between the second flange and the third flange, thus preventing water from flowing in from the flange side to the housing side with the external conductor.

[0022] In the connector with the above structure, the outer protrusions may also be provided in multiple ways on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of elastic sheets.

[0023] According to this structure, the connector involved in the present invention can disperse the external force received by the elastic sheet from the outer conductor.

[0024] In the connector with the above structure, it is also possible to configure the outer protrusions to be provided at the top ends of each of the pair of elastic sheets.

[0025] According to this structure, the outer protrusion of the connector involved in the present invention is provided at the top of each of a pair of elastic plates. Therefore, compared with the case where the outer protrusion is provided near the bending part, it is easier to transmit the force caused by the pressure to the metal spring body. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the metal spring from undergoing plastic deformation due to deformation exceeding the elastic range of the metal spring.

[0026] In the connector with the above structure, multiple inner protrusions may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body.

[0027] According to this structure, the connector involved in the present invention can make the inner protrusion contact the inner conductor in more locations.

[0028] In the connector with the above structure, it is also possible to configure one of the inner protruding portions at each of the two C-shaped ends on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body.

[0029] According to this structure, the connector of the present invention has one inner protrusion at each of the two C-shaped ends on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body. Therefore, compared with the case where the inner protrusion is provided on the side away from the bend, it is easier to transmit the force caused by the pressure to the inner conductor, and the contact pressure between the inner protrusion and the inner conductor can be ensured.

[0030] In the connector with the above structure, the outer peripheral end of the first flange may also engage with the flange engagement portion inside the housing having the outer conductor.

[0031] The effects of the invention

[0032] According to the present invention, a connector capable of stably electrically connecting the inner conductor and the outer conductor can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 These are diagrams showing the connector involved in the embodiments of the present invention viewed from various directions. Figure 2 (a) in the image is a top view. Figure 2 (b) in the image is the front view. Figure 2 (c) in the diagram is the right-side view.

[0035] Figure 3 The connector involved in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of section AA in (a) of the diagram.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, before the metal spring is assembled.

[0037] Figure 5 The connector involved in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) of the diagram.

[0038] Figure 6 The connector involved in the embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section CC in (b) of the diagram.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a metal spring used in a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 It is a metal spring used in the connector according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) of the diagram.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a modified example of the metal spring used in the connector according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) of the diagram.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the rear housing on which the connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a view of the rear housing of the connector according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from various directions. Figure 11 (a) in the image is a top view. Figure 11 (b) in the image is the front view. Figure 11 (c) in the diagram is the right-side view.

[0044] Figure 12 It is a connector installed in the rear shell according to the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of section AA in (a) of the diagram.

[0045] Figure 13 It is a connector installed in the rear shell according to the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) of the diagram.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] 1: Connector

[0048] 10: Shaft component (inner conductor)

[0049] 10a: cylindrical piece

[0050] 11: Center contact element

[0051] 12: Insulating components

[0052] 13: First flange

[0053] 14: Second flange

[0054] 15: Third flange

[0055] 16: convex part

[0056] 17, 18: O-rings

[0057] 20, 60: Metal springs

[0058] 21, 61: Metal spring body

[0059] 21a, 21b, 61a, 61b: Ends of the body (both ends)

[0060] 22, 23, 62, 63: Curved sections

[0061] 24, 25, 64, 65: Elastic sheet portion

[0062] 26, 27, 66a, 66b, 67a, 67b: Inner protrusions

[0063] 28, 29, 68a, 68b, 69a, 69b: Outer protrusions

[0064] 40: Rear shell (shell)

[0065] 41: Cylindrical component (outer conductor)

[0066] 42: Locking section

[0067] 43: Flange engagement part Detailed Implementation

[0068] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 13 The connector 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the structure of the connector 1 will be described.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector 1 according to this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the connector 1 according to this embodiment from various directions. Figure 2 (a) in the image is a top view. Figure 2 (b) in the image is the front view. Figure 2 (c) in the diagram is the right-side view. Additionally, Figure 3 This refers to connector 1 as described in this embodiment. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of section AA in (a).

[0070] The connector 1 includes a shaft component 10, a center contact component 11, an insulating component 12, a first flange 13, a second flange 14, a third flange 15, a protrusion 16, an O-ring 17, an O-ring 18, and a metal spring 20.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the connector 1 in its state before the assembly of the metal spring 20, which will be described later.

[0072] The shaft component 10 is a cylindrical component and a metallic conductor. For example, zinc castings and brass are used as materials for the shaft component 10. As will be explained later, the shaft component 10 is electrically connected to the cylindrical component 41 via a metal spring 20. The shaft component 10 constitutes the inner conductor according to the present invention.

[0073] like Figure 3As shown, the shaft component 10 has a cylindrical plate portion 10a formed inside. The cylindrical plate portion 10a, together with the center contact member 11, engages with a counterpart connector (not shown) within the space S1 formed inside the shaft component 10.

[0074] like Figure 2 (a) and Figure 3 As shown, the center contact 11 is a needle-shaped component disposed along the central axis of the cylindrical shaft component 10 on the inner side of the shaft component 10. For example, a copper alloy is used as the material for the center contact 11. The center contact 11 is held around an insulating component 12, which will be described later.

[0075] The other connector (not shown) is connected within the space S2 surrounded by the insulating member 12. Figure 3 Above the connector 1 shown. The upper end 11a of the center contact 11 contacts the contact of the opposite connector described above. Additionally, the opposite connector, mounted on a substrate (not shown) within the rear housing 40 (to be described later), is connected to the lower part of the connector 1 within space S1. The lower end 11b of the center contact 11 contacts the contact of the opposite connector described above. The center contact 11 contacts the contacts of the opposite connector, forming an electrical signal communication path.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the insulating member 12 is positioned between the shaft member 10 and the center contact member 11, holding the center contact member 11 in place. Specifically, the upper engaging portion 12a of the insulating member 12 engages with the engaging portion 11c of the center contact member 11, and the lower engaging portion 12b of the insulating member 12 engages with the engaging portion 11d of the center contact member 11, thereby holding the center contact member 11 in place. The insulating member 12 is made of insulating resin and insulates the shaft member 10 from the center contact member 11 by being positioned between them.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, connector 1 has three flanges, a first flange 13, a second flange 14, and a third flange 15, sequentially arranged from bottom to top on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft component 10. In this embodiment, the number of flanges provided on the shaft component 10 is three, but the number of flanges is not limited to this; it can also be one, two, or four or more. The materials used for the first flange 13, the second flange 14, and the third flange 15 are the same as those used for the shaft component 10, for example, zinc castings and brass.

[0078] The first flange 13 is spaced apart from the second flange 14 and the third flange 15 on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10 in the central axis direction. For example, in order to accommodate the metal spring 20, which will be described later, the distance between the first flange 13 and the second flange 14 is set to be approximately equal to the height of the metal spring 20, but it can also be set to be larger than the height of the metal spring 20. Similarly, in order to accommodate the O-ring 17, which will be described later, the distance between the second flange 14 and the third flange 15 is set to be approximately equal to the height of the O-ring 17, but it can also be set to be larger than the height of the O-ring 17.

[0079] Figure 5 This illustrates the connector 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) of the diagram. Additionally, Figure 6 This illustrates the connector 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section CC in (b) of the diagram.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is larger than the outer diameter r formed by the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastic sheet portion 24 and the elastic sheet portion 25 centered on the central axis of the shaft member 10, but the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is not limited to this.

[0081] The outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is larger than the outer diameter r formed by the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastic sheet portion 24 and the elastic sheet portion 25 centered on the central axis of the shaft member 10. Therefore, when the cylindrical member 41, which will be described later, is installed on the shaft member 10, it is possible to prevent the elastic sheet portion 24 and the elastic sheet portion 25 from being bent and broken.

[0082] That is, when the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is smaller than the outer diameter r formed by the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastic plate 24 and the elastic plate 25, when the cylindrical component 41 is installed on the shaft component 10, the elastic plate 24 and the elastic plate 25 are in direct contact with the cylindrical component 41, which may cause the elastic plate 24 and the elastic plate 25 to bend and break. Therefore, this situation is prevented.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is larger than the outer diameter R2 of the second flange 14, but the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is not limited to this. Since the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is larger than the outer diameter R2 of the second flange 14, the upper surface of the first flange 13 can contact the shaft component 10, and the outer peripheral surface of the second flange 14 can contact the shaft component 10.

[0084] like Figure 4As shown, the protrusion 16 is a component provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10 and between the first flange 13 and the second flange 14. As for the material of the protrusion 16, similar to that of the shaft component 10, for example, zinc castings and brass are used.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, in the contact member 1 with the metal spring 20 (described later) assembled on the shaft member 10, the protrusion 16 is the size and dimension of the gap between the C-shaped bend 22 and the bend 23 of the metal spring 20. The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 16 and the center contact member 11 is approximately equal to the outer diameter r formed by the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastic plate portion 24 and the elastic plate portion 25 centered on the central axis of the shaft member 10.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown, the O-ring 17 is a waterproof component that is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 10 and between the second flange 14 and the third flange 15. By providing the waterproof O-ring 17 in the connector 1, it is possible to prevent water from flowing in from the flange side to the rear housing 40 side, which has the cylindrical member 41 described later.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the O-ring 18 is a waterproof component that is fitted inside the shaft member 10 and above the cylindrical plate portion 10a in the space formed between it and the insulating member 12. By providing the waterproof O-ring 18 in the connector 1, water can be prevented from flowing from between the shaft member 10 and the insulating member 12 into the rear shell 40 side, which has the cylindrical member 41, which will be described later.

[0088] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the metal spring 20 used in connector 1. Additionally, Figure 8 It is the metal spring 20 used for connector 1. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) of the diagram.

[0089] like Figure 1 As shown, the metal spring 20 is fitted between the first flange 13 and the second flange 14, and is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 10. The material of the metal spring 20 can be, for example, copper alloy and titanium, but is not limited to these; any metal with elasticity is acceptable. The metal spring 20 has a metal spring body portion 21, bent portions 22 and 23, elastic plate portions 24 and 25, inner protrusions 26 and 27, and outer protrusions 28 and 29. The metal spring 20 is positioned between the shaft member 10 and the cylindrical member 41, which will be described later, providing a stable electrical connection between the two.

[0090] The metal spring body 21 is a C-shaped portion formed by cuts in a circular metal surface and gaps between its two ends. The two ends of the metal spring body 21 referred to here are those that, as… Figure 8 The C-shaped top portions shown have body ends 21a and 21b. Body ends 21a and 21b constitute the two ends involved in this invention. The inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body portion 21 is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, a region of more than half of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10.

[0091] Since the metal spring body 21 is formed in a C-shape, when the metal spring 20 is installed on the shaft member 10 from the side, the metal spring 20 can be easily installed on the shaft member 10 by unfolding the body end 21a and body end 21b, which are the two ends of the C-shape of the metal spring 20.

[0092] The two ends 21a and 21b of the metal spring body 21, which are C-shaped, are connected to a pair of curved portions that are U-shaped (to be explained later). Inner protrusions 26 and 27 (to be explained later) are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body 21 in a manner that protrudes inward.

[0093] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the bent portions 22 and 23 are a pair of bent portions that are bent and connected to the two ends of the body portion 21a and 21b, which are the two ends of the metal spring body portion 21. The bent portions 22 and 23 are U-shaped portions that are bent outward from the ends of the body portion 21a and 21b through a bending process.

[0094] The bent portion 22 is bent and connected to the end 21a of the main body. The bent portion 23 is bent and connected to the end 21b of the main body. The metal spring 20 is bent outward of the metal spring body portion 21 by the bent portions 22 and 23, and elastic sheet portions 24 and 25, which will be described later, extend from the bent ends 22a and 23a of the bent portions 22 and 23, respectively.

[0095] The elastic plates 24 and 25 are a pair of curved portions 22 and a pair of elastic plates extending from the curved portion 23 opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the metal spring body portion 21. Figure 7 As shown, the elastic sheet portion 24 extends from the bent end portion 22a of the bent portion 22. Additionally, the elastic sheet portion 25 extends from the bent end portion 23a of the bent portion 23.

[0096] The elastic plates 24 and 25 are made of materials such as copper alloys and titanium, as described above, and are elastic. For example, for Figure 8 The elastic plate 24 shown in the diagram displaces inward when an external force is applied from the outer side in the radial direction toward the inner side. Furthermore, along with the aforementioned external force on the elastic plate 24, the external force also acts through the bending portion 22 on the portion of the metal spring body 21 opposite to the elastic plate 24, causing it to displace inward.

[0097] Similarly, for Figure 8 The elastic plate portion 25 shown is displaced inward when an external force is applied from the outer side in the radial direction toward the inner side. In addition, along with the aforementioned external force on the elastic plate portion 25, the external force also acts on the portion of the metal spring body portion 21 opposite to the elastic plate portion 25 through the bending portion 23, causing it to displace inward.

[0098] In this way, since the elastic plate portion 24 and the elastic plate portion 25 will be displaced by external force, the inner protrusions 26 and 27 will be displaced inward by the external force from the cylindrical member 41 (which will be described later) and come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 10, so that even if there is positional offset between the members, the shaft member 10 and the metal spring 20 can be stably electrically connected.

[0099] like Figure 8 As shown, inner protrusions 26 and 27 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body 21, protruding inwards, and contact the shaft member 10 with elastic force. The inner protrusion 26 is provided on the body end 21a side near the C-shaped end of the metal spring body 21. The inner protrusion 27 is provided on the body end 21b side near the C-shaped end of the metal spring body 21.

[0100] The inner protrusions 26 and 27 are displaced inward by the elastic force exerted by the external force on the cylindrical component 41, which will be described later, thereby coming into contact with the shaft component 10.

[0101] In this embodiment, the inner protrusions 26 and 27 are each provided on the body end 21a and 21b side near the two ends of the C-shape of the inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body 21. Therefore, compared with the case where the inner protrusions 26 and 27 are provided on the side away from the bends 22 and 23, it is easier to transmit the force caused by the pressure to the shaft member 10, and the contact pressure between the inner protrusions 26 and 27 and the shaft member 10 can be ensured.

[0102] The outer protrusion 28 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic plate portion 24 such that it protrudes outward from the elastic plate portion 24, and contacts the cylindrical member 41 (which will be described later) provided on the outer side of the shaft member 10 with elastic force. The outer protrusion 29 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic plate portion 25 such that it protrudes outward from the elastic plate portion 25, and contacts the cylindrical member 41 (which will be described later) provided on the outer side of the shaft member 10 with elastic force.

[0103] The outer protrusion 28 is subjected to an external force from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 41 (which will be described later), causing the elastic plate portion 24 to displace inward and the metal spring body portion 21 to displace inward. The outer protrusion 29 is subjected to an external force from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 41 (which will be described later), causing the elastic plate portion 25 to displace inward and the metal spring body portion 21 to displace inward.

[0104] In this embodiment, the outer protrusions 28 and 29 are each provided at the top end (away from the bending portion) of a pair of elastic sheet portions 24 and 25. Therefore, compared with the case where the outer protrusions are provided near the bending portions 22 and 23, it is easier to transmit the force caused by the pressure to the metal spring body portion 21. In addition, it is possible to prevent the metal spring 20 from undergoing plastic deformation due to deformation exceeding the elastic range of the metal spring 20.

[0105] Figure 9 It is a variation of metal spring 20, specifically metal spring 60. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) shows an example in which multiple outer protrusions are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of a pair of elastic sheet portions 64 and elastic sheet portions 65, and multiple inner protrusions are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body portion 61.

[0106] The metal spring 60 differs from the metal spring 20 which has two inner protrusions in that the metal spring body 61 has four inner protrusions: inner protrusion 66a, inner protrusion 66b, inner protrusion 67a, and inner protrusion 67b on its inner circumferential surface.

[0107] Furthermore, the metal spring 60 differs from the metal spring 20 which has one outer protrusion in that the metal spring 60 has two outer protrusions, outer protrusion 68a and outer protrusion 68b, on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic plate portion 64. Additionally, the metal spring 60 differs from the metal spring 20 which has one outer protrusion in that the metal spring 60 has two outer protrusions, outer protrusion 69a and outer protrusion 69b, on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic plate portion 65.

[0108] By providing multiple outer protrusions, the external forces received by the elastic sheet portions 64 and 65 from the cylindrical member 41 (which will be described later) can be dispersed. Furthermore, by providing multiple inner protrusions, the inner protrusions can contact the shaft member 10 at more locations.

[0109] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the rear housing of the connector 1 according to this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 11 This is a view of the rear housing of the connector 1 according to this embodiment, viewed from various directions. Figure 11 (a) in the image is a top view. Figure 11 (b) in the image is the front view. Figure 11 (c) in the diagram is the right-side view. Additionally, Figure 12 It is a connector installed in the rear shell as described in this embodiment. Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of section AA in (a) of the diagram.

[0110] Connector 1 is, for example, part of an external product used for the rear housing of a vehicle-mounted camera, etc. Figure 10 As shown, the rear shell 40 is a cuboid shell with a cylindrical component 41 at the top. A substrate (not shown) is disposed inside the rear shell 40, and a mating connector that engages with the connector 1 is mounted on the substrate. The rear shell 40 constitutes the housing according to the present invention.

[0111] The cylindrical component 41 is a cylindrical, metallic conductor disposed on the outer side of the shaft component 10, and is contacted by the outer protrusions 28 and 29 with elastic force. That is, the cylindrical component 41 applies an external force to the outer protrusions 28 and 29 of the shaft component 10, causing the elastic sheet portions 24 and 25 to displace inward. The shaft component 10 is inserted inside the cylindrical component 41. The cylindrical component 41 constitutes the outer conductor according to the present invention.

[0112] like Figure 12 As shown, a flange engaging portion 43 is provided inside the rear shell 40, which includes a cylindrical component 41, and engages with the outer peripheral end of the first flange 13. The flange engaging portion 43 is formed in a circular shape and is configured to engage with the first flange 13.

[0113] A locking part 42 is provided on the side of the cylindrical component 41. When the locking part 42 is engaged with an external component, it engages with the locking receiving part of the other component, thus fitting the cylindrical component 41 and the other component together.

[0114] Figure 13 Connector 1 is installed in the rear cover 40 state. Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of section BB in (b) shows that the distance between the outer protrusions 28 and 29 and the center contact member 11 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 41 when no external load is applied to the metal spring 20.

[0115] Therefore, in Figure 13 In this state, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical component 41 applies an external force to the outer protrusion 28 inward, and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical component 41 contacts the outer protrusion 28 with contact pressure, causing the elastic plate portion 24 to displace inward. Similarly, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical component 41 applies an external force to the outer protrusion 29 inward, and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical component 41 contacts the outer protrusion 29 with a certain contact pressure, causing the elastic plate portion 25 to displace inward.

[0116] Due to the inward displacement of the elastic plate portion 24, an external force also acts on the portion of the metal spring body portion 21 opposite to the elastic plate portion 24 through the bending portion 22, causing it to displace inward. Simultaneously, by displacing the inner protrusion 26 inward, the inner protrusion 26 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10 with a certain contact pressure.

[0117] Similarly, due to the inward displacement of the elastic plate portion 25, the external force also acts on the portion of the metal spring body portion 21 opposite to the elastic plate portion 25 through the bending portion 23, causing it to displace inward. Simultaneously, by displacing the inner protrusion 27 inward, the inner protrusion 27 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10 with a certain contact pressure.

[0118] As described above, the connector 1 according to this embodiment includes: a shaft member 10, which is a cylindrical conductor; a center contact member 11 disposed on the inner side along the central axis of the shaft member 10; an insulating member 12 disposed between the shaft member 10 and the center contact member 11, holding the center contact member 11; a first flange 13 and a second flange 14 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 10, spaced apart in the direction of the central axis of the shaft member 10; and a metal spring 20 fitted between the first flange 13 and the second flange 14, disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 10.

[0119] The metal spring 20 is configured to have: a C-shaped metal spring body 21 with a cut in a circular metal and a gap between the two ends of the body end 21a and body end 21b; a pair of bent portions 22 and 23, which are bent and connected to the two ends of the body end 21a and 21b, which are the two ends of the metal spring body 21; a pair of elastic plates 24 and 25, which extend from the pair of bent portions 22 and 23 opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the metal spring body 21; inner protrusions 26 and 27, which are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body 21 and protrude inward toward the inner side of the metal spring body 21, and contact the shaft member 10 with elastic force; and outer protrusions 28 and 29, which are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pair of elastic plates 24 and 25 and protrude outward toward the outer side of the pair of elastic plates 24 and 25, and contact the cylindrical member 41 provided on the outer side of the shaft member 10 with elastic force.

[0120] According to this structure, the connector 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the inner protrusions 26 and 27 on the inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body 21 contact the shaft member 10 with elastic force, and the outer protrusions 28 and 29 on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sheet portions 24 and 25 of the metal spring 20 contact the cylindrical member 41 with elastic force. Therefore, even if there is a positional misalignment between the components when using the connector 1, the connector 1 of this embodiment can stably electrically connect the shaft member 10 and the cylindrical member 41 through the metal spring 20.

[0121] Furthermore, the metal spring body 21 is connected to two ends with bent and folded-back bends 22 and 23. Since the metal spring body 21 is formed in a C-shape, when the metal spring 20 is installed on the shaft member 10 from the side, the metal spring 20 can be easily installed on the shaft member 10 by unfolding the body end 21a and body end 21b, which are the two ends of the C-shape of the metal spring 20.

[0122] Furthermore, the connector 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is larger than the outer diameter r formed by the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastic sheet portions 24 and 25 centered on the central axis of the shaft member 10.

[0123] According to this structure, the outer diameter R1 of the first flange of the connector 1 in this embodiment is larger than the outer diameter r formed by the outer peripheral surfaces of the elastic sheet portions 24 and 25 centered on the central axis of the shaft member 10. Therefore, when the cylindrical member 41 is installed on the shaft member 10, it is possible to suppress the bending of the elastic sheet portions 24 and 25 and prevent them from breaking.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector 1 is configured such that the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 is larger than the outer diameter R2 of the second flange 14.

[0125] According to this structure, the outer diameter R1 of the first flange 13 of the connector 1 involved in this embodiment is larger than the outer diameter R2 of the second flange 14, so that the upper surface of the first flange 13 can contact the shaft member 10, and the outer peripheral surface of the second flange 14 can contact the shaft member 10.

[0126] Furthermore, the connector 1 in this embodiment is configured to have a third flange 15 on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft component 10, and a waterproof O-ring 17 is inserted between the second flange 14 and the third flange 15.

[0127] According to this structure, the connector 1 of this embodiment is fitted with a waterproof O-ring 17 between the second flange 14 and the third flange 15, so as to prevent water from flowing in from the flange side to the rear shell 40 side with the cylindrical component 41.

[0128] Alternatively, the connector 1 according to this embodiment may also be configured such that four outer protrusions 68a, 68b, 69a, 69b are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of a pair of elastic sheet portions 64, 65.

[0129] According to this structure, the connector 1 involved in this embodiment can disperse the external force received by the elastic sheet portions 64 and 65 from the cylindrical component 41.

[0130] Furthermore, the connector 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that an outer protrusion 28 is provided at the top end of the elastic sheet portion 24, and an outer protrusion 29 is provided at the top end of the elastic sheet portion 25.

[0131] According to this structure, the outer protrusions 28 and 29 of the connector 1 in this embodiment are each provided at the top end of a pair of elastic sheet portions 24 and 25. Therefore, compared with the case where the outer protrusions 28 and 29 are provided near the side of the bending portion 22 and 23, it is easier to transmit the force caused by the pressure to the metal spring body portion 21. In addition, it is possible to prevent the metal spring 20 from undergoing plastic deformation due to deformation exceeding the elastic range of the metal spring 20.

[0132] Alternatively, the connector 1 in this embodiment may also be configured such that four inner protrusions 66a, 66b, 67a, and 67b are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body portion 61.

[0133] According to this structure, the connector 1 of this embodiment can make the inner protrusions 66a, 66b, 67a, 67b contact the shaft component 10 in more positions.

[0134] Furthermore, the connector 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that an inner protrusion 26 is provided on the C-shaped body end 21a side near the inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body 21, and an inner protrusion 27 is provided on the C-shaped body end 21b side near the inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body 21.

[0135] According to this structure, the inner protrusions 26 and 27 of the connector 1 in this embodiment are each provided on the C-shaped body end 21a and 21b side near the inner peripheral surface of the metal spring body 21. Therefore, compared with the case where the inner protrusions 26 and 27 are provided on the side away from the bends 22 and 23, it is easier to transmit the pressure-based force to the shaft member 10, and the contact pressure between the inner protrusions 26 and 27 and the shaft member 10 can be ensured.

[0136] Furthermore, the connector 1 in this embodiment is configured such that the outer peripheral end of the first flange 13 engages with the flange engagement portion 43 within the rear shell 40 which has a cylindrical component 41.

[0137] As explained above, the connector involved in this invention has the effect of stably connecting the inner conductor and the outer conductor, which is useful for the entire connector.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: The inner conductor is a cylindrical conductor; A center contact is disposed on the inside along the central axis of the inner conductor; An insulating component, located between the inner conductor and the center contact, retains the center contact. A first flange and a second flange are spaced apart on the outer peripheral surface of the inner conductor along the central axis; and A metal spring, fitted between the first flange and the second flange, is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the inner conductor. The connector is characterized in that the metal spring has: The C-shaped metal spring body has slits in the round metal and gaps between the two ends. A pair of curved portions are respectively connected to one of the corresponding ends of the two ends of the metal spring body portion, and are bent outward from the metal spring body portion into a U-shape; A pair of elastic sheet portions extend opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the metal spring body portion from the bent end of a corresponding one of the pair of bent portions. An inner protrusion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body portion, protruding inward toward the inner side of the metal spring body portion, and contacts the inner conductor with elastic force; and An outer protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sheet portion, protruding outwards, and contacts the cylindrical outer conductor located outside the inner conductor with elastic force. The bent end is located on the opposite side of the corresponding end of the metal spring body in the corresponding bent portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the first flange is larger than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the elastic sheet portion centered on the central axis of the inner conductor.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the first flange is larger than the outer diameter of the second flange.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Furthermore, a third flange is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the inner conductor. A waterproof O-ring is fitted between the second flange and the third flange.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer protrusions are provided in multiple forms on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of elastic sheets.

6. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer protrusion is provided at the top of each of the pair of elastic sheets.

7. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner protrusions are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body.

8. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner protrusion is provided at each of the two ends of the C-shape on the inner circumferential surface of the metal spring body.

9. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer peripheral end of the first flange engages with a flange engagement portion within a housing containing the outer conductor.

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