Connector

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce a gap between an outer conductor and a mating conductor to the greatest extent when the outer conductor of a connector and the mating conductor are connected by a spring connection part, thereby achieving good electromagnetic shielding properties. The connector includes: a terminal module including an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the periphery of the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor surrounding the periphery of the insulator; an outer conductor connected to the counterpart conductor and having an opening extending around a central axis of the outer conductor; and a plurality of spring connection portions arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor on the outer peripheral side of the outer conductor, the plurality of spring connection portions being arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor, each of the plurality of spring connection portions extending toward the outer conductor side from the edge of the opening and elastically pressing against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a gasket provided in a coaxial connector is grounded by contacting a shield case, and also discloses that the gasket has conductivity and elasticity. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-26021 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] The conductivity and elasticity of the gasket may be achieved by processing a portion of the metal plate into a spring shape. In this case, a gap may be generated around the spring. It is desirable to minimize the gap around the spring to improve the electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to minimize the gap between the outer conductor and the other conductor of the connector and improve the electromagnetic shielding property when the outer conductor and the other conductor of the connector are connected by a spring connection portion. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The connector of the present invention comprises: a terminal module including an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor surrounding the insulator; a connecting counterpart conductor having an opening extending around the central axis of the outer conductor; and a plurality of spring connecting portions arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor on the outer peripheral side of the outer conductor, the plurality of spring connecting portions being arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor, and when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor, the plurality of spring connecting portions respectively extend from the edge of the opening toward the outer conductor side and elastically press against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when the outer conductor of the connector and the other conductor are connected by the spring connection portion, the gap between the outer conductor and the other conductor can be minimized to improve the electromagnetic shielding performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a device including the connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the second housing and the connector from the inside. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the connector from the outside. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the connector. Figure 6 is the rear view of the connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples.

[0010] The connector of the present invention is as follows.

[0011] (1) A connector, comprising: a terminal module including an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor surrounding the insulator; a connecting counterpart conductor having an opening extending around a central axis of the outer conductor; and a plurality of spring connecting portions arranged along a circumferential direction of the outer conductor on an outer peripheral side of the outer conductor, the plurality of spring connecting portions being arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor, and extending from an edge of the opening toward the outer conductor side and elastically pressing against an outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor.

[0012] According to the present invention, the outer conductor and the other conductor can be electrically connected more reliably by using the spring connection part. In addition, when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor, the plurality of spring connection parts extend from the edge of the opening toward the outer conductor and elastically press against the outer periphery of the outer conductor, so that the gap between the spring connection parts can be easily reduced. As a result, the gap between the outer conductor and the other conductor can be minimized to improve the electromagnetic shielding performance.

[0013] (2) The connector of (1) may include a clamping member, the clamping member including an annular portion along the opening and the plurality of spring connecting portions, the clamping member being a member separate from the outer conductor and the connecting partner conductor, the annular portion being electrically connected to the connecting partner conductor at the outer periphery of the opening, and the plurality of spring connecting portions being supported on the annular portion by using the portion connected to the annular portion as a spring fulcrum.

[0014] In this case, since the spring connection portion is formed as an intervening member that is a member separate from the outer conductor and the connection partner conductor, the spring connection portion can be easily formed.

[0015] (3) In the connector of (2), the annular portion may include a clamping tube portion and a protruding portion, the clamping tube portion having a first opening and a second opening, the protruding portion extending outward from an edge of the first opening, the protruding portion contacting any main surface of the conductor to be connected to the other party at the outer periphery of the opening, and the plurality of spring connecting portions being supported on the edge of the second opening and extending inwardly thereof.

[0016] In this case, the plurality of spring connection parts can be brought into contact with the outer conductor at different positions along the axial direction of the outer conductor relative to the opening connected to the other conductor, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the outer conductor relative to the opening.

[0017] (4) In the connector of (3), the extension portion may be fixed to one main surface of the connecting partner conductor at the outer periphery of the opening, and the clamping tube portion may protrude through the opening toward the other main surface of the connecting partner conductor. Thus, the clamping member can be firmly fixed to the connecting partner conductor.

[0018] (5) In any one of the connectors of (1) to (4), the plurality of spring connection parts may each have a shape in which the width of the tip is narrower than the width of the base end. This can suppress interference between the tips of the plurality of spring connection parts.

[0019] (6) In any one of the connectors of (1) to (5), the plurality of spring connection parts may each have a gradually decreasing width portion whose width gradually narrows toward the top end side. Thus, in the gradually decreasing width portion, the gap between the plurality of spring connection parts can be minimized, and the top ends of the plurality of spring connection parts are less likely to interfere with each other.

[0020] (7) In any one of the connectors of (1) to (6), the plurality of spring connection parts may be arranged along a radial direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the outer conductor when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor. Thus, a force that presses the spring connection parts toward the central axis of the outer conductor against the outer periphery of the outer conductor can be easily exerted.

[0021] (8) In the connector of (7), the plurality of spring connection parts may be evenly dispersed along the edge of the opening when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor, so that each spring connection part is pressed against the outer conductor in a well-balanced manner.

[0022] (9) In any one of the connectors of (1) to (8), the plurality of spring connection parts may be pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor at the same position along the central axis of the outer conductor. This can further reduce the gap between the spring connection parts.

[0023] (10) In the connector of any one of (1) to (9), the plurality of spring connection parts may each include a spring body extending in a direction inclined relative to the central axis of the outer conductor, and a contact tip connected to the tip of the spring body, the contact tip extending from the tip of the spring body in a direction inclined relative to the central axis of the outer conductor and away from the central axis. This makes it easy to insert the outer conductor into the portion surrounded by the plurality of spring connection parts.

[0024] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] Specific examples of the connector of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0025] [Implementation Method] Hereinafter, a connector according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a device 10 including a connector 30 . Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0026] <About the overall structure of the equipment> The device 10 is, for example, a camera device. The camera device is, for example, a vehicle-mounted device. The device 10 may not be a camera device.

[0027] The device 10 includes a housing 12, an electrical component 20, and a connector 30. The electrical component 20 is stored in the housing 12. The connector 30 is a connector for connecting the electrical component 20 to an external electrical component. For example, the connector 30 is a connector to which a cable connected to the external electrical component is connected. The cable connected to the connector 30 is, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0028] The housing 12 includes a first housing 13 and a second housing 14. The first housing 13 and the second housing 14 are formed of, for example, resin. The first housing 13 and the second housing 14 are combined to form a rectangular box-shaped housing 12 that accommodates the electrical components 20. In the case where the device 10 is a camera device, it is assumed that the first housing 13 has a lens or a window for photographing, and the second housing 14 has a connector 30.

[0029] The electrical component 20 is, for example, a mounting substrate on which electronic components are mounted. In the case where the device 10 is a camera device, it is assumed that the electrical component 20 is a circuit substrate 21 and an image pickup element 22 mounted on the circuit substrate 21. The image pickup element 22 is opposed to a lens or a window for imaging of the first housing 13, and the lens or the window is rotated to capture an image of the outside scene. In the following, the side of the first housing 13 facing the image pickup element 22 is sometimes referred to as the front side, and the side of the second housing 14 opposite thereto is sometimes referred to as the rear side.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the electrical component 20 includes a substrate-side connector 24, and the substrate-side connector 24 is located on the surface of the circuit substrate 21 on the side opposite to the imaging element 22. The substrate-side connector 24 includes, for example, a substrate-side inner conductor 25, a substrate-side insulator 26, and a substrate-side outer conductor 27. The substrate-side insulator 26 surrounds the substrate-side inner conductor 25. A dielectric body can be regarded as a type of insulator, and the substrate-side insulator 26 can also be a dielectric body. The substrate-side outer conductor 27 surrounds the substrate-side insulator 26. The substrate-side connector 24 protrudes from the circuit substrate 21 toward the connector 30.

[0031] The relay connector 90 is connected to the substrate-side connector 24. The relay connector 90 includes, for example, a movable-side inner conductor 91, a movable-side insulator 92, and a movable-side outer conductor 93. The movable-side insulator 92 surrounds the movable-side inner conductor 91. A dielectric body can be regarded as a kind of insulator, and the movable-side insulator 92 may also be a dielectric body. The movable-side outer conductor 93 surrounds the movable-side insulator 92. In a state where the movable-side inner conductor 91 is inserted and connected to the substrate-side inner conductor 25, and the substrate-side outer conductor 27 is inserted and connected to the movable-side outer conductor 93, the relay connector 90 is connected to the substrate-side connector 24. The relay connector 90 further protrudes from the substrate-side connector 24 toward the connector 30. The relay connector 90 performs relay connection between the substrate-side connector 24 and the connector 30. The relay connector 90 can be connected to the substrate-side connector 24 and the connector 30 in a changeable posture.

[0032] The connector 30 is provided on the second housing 14 side, that is, on the rear side of the housing 12. In the housing 12, the relay connector 90 is connected to the connector 30. By connecting the connector 30 with an external cable, an external electrical component that is the connection partner of the cable and the electrical component 20 in the housing 12 are electrically connected.

[0033] <Connector> The connector 30 will be described in more detail.

[0034] <Overall structure of the connector> Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the second housing 14 and the connector 30 from the inside. Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the connector 30 from the outside. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the connector 30 . Figure 6 is a rear view of the connector 30 .

[0035] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the connector 30 includes a terminal block 32 , a connection partner conductor 50 , and a plurality of spring connection portions 62 .

[0036] The terminal module 32 includes an inner conductor 34, an insulator 36, and an outer conductor 40. The insulator 36 surrounds the inner conductor 34. A dielectric body can be regarded as a type of insulator, and the insulator 36 may also be a dielectric body. The outer conductor 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape and surrounds the insulator 36.

[0037] The connecting partner conductor 50 is a conductor that is electrically connected to the outer conductor 40 and is formed of metal or the like. In the present embodiment, the connecting partner conductor 50 is a shielding conductor that provides electromagnetic shielding between the electrical component 20 and the outside. More specifically, the connecting partner conductor 50 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box with one side open and is arranged along the inner side surface of the second shell 14. By locating the connecting partner conductor 50 behind the electrical component 20, electromagnetic shielding can be provided between the electrical component 20 and the outside behind it. By surrounding the substrate-side connector 24 and the relay connector 90 and being located behind the connecting partner conductor 50, electromagnetic shielding can be provided between the substrate-side connector 24 and the relay connector 90 and the outside behind them. The connecting partner conductor 50 can be formed by deep drawing a metal material, by stamping a metal plate, by die forming, or by cutting.

[0038] The connecting partner conductor 50 is not necessarily in the above-mentioned shape. For example, the connecting partner conductor may be formed in a plate shape extending along the inner surface of the bottom of the second housing 14. The connecting partner conductor may be extended toward the first housing 13. The connecting partner conductor may be electrically connected to the shield conductor on the first housing 13 side.

[0039] The terminal module 32 is supported by the bottom portion 15 of the second housing 14. The connecting partner conductor 50 is also supported in the second housing 14. The configuration in which the second housing 14 supports the terminal module 32 and the connecting partner conductor 50 will be described.

[0040] The bottom 52 of the connecting partner conductor 50 is formed in a shape extending to the entire inner surface of the bottom 15 of the second shell 14, and is formed in a square shape here. A hole portion 52h is formed in the bottom 52. A fixing protrusion 15p that can be embedded in the hole portion 52h is protrudingly provided on the inner surface of the bottom 15 of the second shell 14. The connecting partner conductor 50 is supported in the second shell 14 by the fixing protrusion 15p being embedded in the hole portion 52h. For example, the fixing protrusion 15p may be pressed into the hole portion 52h. For example, the top end portion of the fixing protrusion 15p may be melted by heat or the like when the fixing protrusion 15p is inserted into the hole portion 52h, and the melted and solidified portion may be hooked to the periphery of the hole portion 52h in a state of preventing it from coming off. For example, a protrusion for preventing slipping may be formed at the top end of the fixing protrusion 15p, and the protrusion for preventing slipping may pass through the hole 52h by utilizing the elastic deformation of the fixing protrusion 15p or the peripheral portion of the hole 52h, and the fixing protrusion 15p may be inserted into the hole 52h. In this case, after the fixing protrusion 15p is inserted into the hole 52h, the peripheral portion of the fixing protrusion 15p or the hole 52h returns to its original shape, and the protrusion for preventing slipping is hooked on the peripheral portion of the hole 52h.

[0041] The configuration of fixing the connection partner conductor to the second housing 14 is not limited to the above example. For example, the connection partner conductor may be fixed to the second housing 14 by screw fixing, adhesive, or the like.

[0042] A retaining cylinder 16 is protrudingly provided at the bottom 15. The retaining cylinder 16 is a cylinder that protrudes outward from the center of the bottom 15. The inner opening of the retaining cylinder 16 opens inside the second shell 14, and the outer opening of the retaining cylinder 16 opens outside the second shell 14. A retaining partition 17 is formed in the middle portion in the axial direction of the retaining cylinder 16. In the present embodiment, a retaining partition 17 is formed in the middle portion in the axial direction of the retaining cylinder 16 and close to the inner opening. The retaining partition 17 separates the space on the inner opening side and the space on the outer opening side in the retaining cylinder 16. A retaining hole 17h is formed in the retaining partition 17, and the terminal module 32 is inserted and retained in the retaining hole 17h.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the locking projection 18a for holding the cable connector mounted on the end of the cable is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the holding cylinder 16. The locking projection 18a is not necessarily formed.

[0044] <Terminal module> The terminal module 32 will be described in more detail. As described above, the terminal module 32 includes the inner conductor 34 , the insulator 36 , and the outer conductor 40 .

[0045] The inner conductor 34 is formed in a long and thin rod shape and is formed of a conductive material such as metal. In this embodiment, the inner conductor 34 is thicker in the middle portion in the longitudinal direction than at both ends of the inner conductor 34. The inner conductor 34 may also be formed in a rod shape with the same thickness.

[0046] The insulator 36 is formed of an insulator such as resin, and surrounds the inner conductor 34. In the present embodiment, the insulator 36 is a dielectric. The insulator 36 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The length of the insulator 36 is shorter than the length of the inner conductor 34. A through hole 36h is formed in the center of the insulator 36 along its extension direction. The inner conductor 34 is inserted into the through hole 36h, and the middle part of the inner conductor 34 in the longitudinal direction is retained in the through hole 36h. When the inner conductor 34 is retained in the insulator 36, the two ends of the inner conductor 34 protrude to the outside of the two end surfaces of the insulator 36. A locking protrusion that hooks on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 36h may also be formed on the inner conductor 34.

[0047] The outer conductor 40 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. The outer conductor 40 is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the insulator 36. More specifically, the outer conductor 40 is formed into a cylindrical shape. The length of the outer conductor 40 is greater than the length of the insulator 36. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the outer portion of the outer conductor 40 is thinner than the outer diameter of the inner portion, depending on the thickness of the relay connector 90 or the connector at the end of the cable that is connected to the other party. Depending on the thickness of the connector to be connected to the other party, the outer conductor 40 is sometimes a cylindrical shape with the same diameter, and sometimes the thickness relationship is opposite to the above. The insulator 36 is retained in the middle portion of the outer conductor 40 in the longitudinal direction, and the two ends of the outer conductor 40 protrude further outward than the two ends of the insulator 36. A locking protrusion that hooks on the outer peripheral surface of the insulator 36 and any one of the end surfaces may also be formed on the outer conductor 40.

[0048] The outer conductor 40 may be formed by deep drawing a metal material, by stamping a metal plate, by die forming, or by cutting.

[0049] The outer conductor 40 is inserted into the holding hole 17h of the holding partition 17, and the middle portion of the outer conductor 40 in the longitudinal direction is held by the holding hole 17h. The outer conductor 40 may be held by the friction holding force between the outer peripheral surface of the outer conductor 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the holding hole 17h. A protrusion that hooks the inner peripheral portion of the holding hole 17h may be formed on the outer conductor 40. The outer conductor 40 may be fixed to the holding hole 17h by adhesive, screw fixing, etc.

[0050] When the outer conductor 40 is held by the holding partition 17, one end of the outer conductor 40 protrudes inwardly from the holding partition 17. In the present embodiment, an annular recess 17g is formed in a portion of the holding partition 17 on the side connected to the other conductor 50 and around the holding hole 17h. Therefore, the space S in the holding cylinder 16 on the side connected to the other conductor 50 than the holding partition 17 includes a cylindrical space S1 in the annular recess 17g and a cylindrical space S2 that is larger than the cylindrical space S1 on the side connected to the other conductor 50 than the cylindrical space S1.

[0051] The movable outer conductor 93 of the relay connector 90 is inserted and connected to the inner opening of the outer conductor 40 , and the inner end of the inner conductor 34 is inserted and connected to the movable inner conductor 91 , so that the relay connector 90 and the connector 30 are connected in the housing 12 .

[0052] In the present embodiment, the inner opening of the outer conductor 40 is located outside the bottom 15 connected to the other conductor 50. Therefore, the outer end of the relay connector 90 is inserted into the above-mentioned space S, and the connection between the relay connector 90 and the connector 30 is performed in the above-mentioned space S. As a result, a part of the length required for connecting the substrate-side connector 24, the relay connector 90, and the connector 30 can be arranged in the holding cylinder 16, and the front-to-back length of the part of the housing 12 other than the holding cylinder 16 can be shortened. As a result, the device 10 can be miniaturized as a whole.

[0053] Furthermore, the inner opening of the outer conductor 40 may be formed longer and located at the same position as the bottom portion 15 connected to the other conductor 50 or further inside the bottom portion 15 .

[0054] The other end of the outer conductor 40 protrudes outward from the holding partition 17. The outer conductor of the cable-side connector is connected to the outer end of the outer conductor 40, and the outer end of the inner conductor 34 is inserted and connected to the inner conductor of the cable-side connector.

[0055] <About the electrical connection structure between the outer conductor and the connecting conductor> The connecting counterpart conductor 50 has an opening 54 extending around the central axis of the outer conductor 40. The connector 30 includes a plurality of spring connection portions 62 arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor 40 on the outer peripheral side of the outer conductor 40. When viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the plurality of spring connection portions 62 extend from the edge of the opening 54 toward the outer conductor 40 side, and elastically press against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40. That is, when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the spring connection portion 62 is located between the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40 and the edge of the opening 54. The spring fulcrum 62a of the spring connection portion 62 is located closer to the edge of the opening 54 than the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40. The spring connection portion 62 can be elastically deformed around the spring fulcrum 62a as the center, so that the end portion of the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40 is displaced to a large extent.

[0056] In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the spring connection portion 62 is configured as a part of the intervening member 60 which is a member separate from the outer conductor 40 and the connecting counterpart conductor 50 .

[0057] More specifically, an opening 54 is formed at the bottom 52 connected to the other conductor 50. The opening 54 is formed at a position opposite to the inner opening of the outer conductor 40. The size of the opening 54 is the same as or larger than the size of the inner opening of the outer conductor 40. The center of the opening 54 is located on the central axis of the outer conductor 40.

[0058] In this embodiment, the connecting partner conductor 50 has an extended cylinder 55 extending from the edge of the opening 54 toward the outside. The length of the extended cylinder 55 is shorter than the axial length of the cylindrical space S2 located inside the retaining cylinder 16. The extended cylinder 55 is arranged in the cylindrical space S2. In this arrangement state, the top end of the extended cylinder 55 is separated from the inner part of the cylindrical space S2.

[0059] The interposing member 60 includes an annular portion 66 and a plurality of spring connection portions 62. The interposing member 60 may be formed by deep drawing of a metal material, by stamping of a metal plate, by die forming, or by cutting. In any case, the interposing member 60 is formed as a member separate from the outer conductor 40 and the connecting counterpart conductor 50.

[0060] The annular portion 66 is formed in an annular shape along the opening 54. The annular portion 66 is arranged along the opening 54 and is electrically connected to the connection partner conductor 50 at the outer periphery of the opening 54.

[0061] In addition, the annular portion 66 is located at a position separated from the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40 to the outside. The plurality of spring connecting portions 62 are supported at each position of the annular portion 66 along the opening 54. Thus, the plurality of spring connecting portions 62 are supported on the outer peripheral side of the outer conductor 40 in a manner arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor 40. In addition, the annular portion 66 supports each spring connecting portion 62 in a cantilevered manner with the posture of facing the outer conductor 40. Thus, the spring connecting portion 62 is supported in a posture of facing the outer conductor 40 side from the spring supporting point 62a, with the portion connected to the annular portion 66 as the spring supporting point 62a.

[0062] More specifically, the annular portion 66 has an interposed cylindrical portion 67 and a projecting portion 68 .

[0063] The clamping cylinder 67 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the clamping cylinder 67 is the same as or smaller than the diameter of the above-mentioned opening 54. It is preferred that the outer diameter of the clamping cylinder 67 is the same as the diameter of the above-mentioned opening 54, so that when the clamping cylinder 67 is inserted into the opening 54, the clamping cylinder 67 is positioned in the opening 54 along a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the clamping cylinder 67. The length of the clamping cylinder 67 in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the cylindrical space S2 in the axial direction. Thus, a space for the spring connecting portion 62 to extend is provided between the top end of the clamping cylinder 67 and the inner part of the cylindrical space S2. The spring connecting portion 62 is arranged in the cylindrical space S1 from the inner side of the cylindrical space S2. The length of the clamping cylinder 67 in the axial direction is set to be the same as the length of the extension cylinder 55 in the axial direction. The intervening tube portion 67 is disposed in the extended tube portion 55 in a state in which the outer peripheral surface of the intervening tube portion 67 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the extended tube portion 55 .

[0064] The inner opening of the clamping cylinder 67 is the first opening 67a. The first opening 67a is connected to the bottom 52 of the connecting partner conductor 50 and opens toward the connecting partner conductor 50. The outer opening of the clamping cylinder 67 is the second opening 67b. The second opening 67b extends toward the inner side of the cylindrical space S2. In the present embodiment, the second opening 67b is located inside the outer opening of the extension cylinder 55. In the present embodiment, in the direction along the central axis of the outer conductor 40, the second opening 67b and the inner opening of the retaining cylinder 16 are located at the same position, but this is not necessary.

[0065] The extension portion 68 extends outward from the edge of the first opening 67a. In the present embodiment, the extension portion 68 is formed in a circular ring plate shape. The extension portion may also be formed in a polygonal plate shape. The extension portion may also extend outward from a portion of the circumferential direction of the circular edge of the first opening. In this case, a plurality of extension portions may also be formed dispersedly along the circular edge of the first opening.

[0066] The extension 68 is located on the outer peripheral side of the opening 54 in the inner surface of the bottom 52, and is electrically connected to the bottom 52. For example, the extension 68 is welded to the bottom 52, so that the extension 68 is electrically connected to the bottom 52 and fixed. The extension may also be soldered to the other conductor. The extension may also be fixed by pressing and tightening in a state of overlapping with the bottom of the other conductor. For example, a recess may be formed on one of the extension and the other conductor, and a convex portion may be formed on the other, and the convex portion may be embedded in the recess, so that the extension and the other conductor are fixed to each other in a contacting state.

[0067] In this case, the interposed tube portion 67 protrudes through the opening 54 toward the other main surface of the bottom portion 52 connected to the other conductor 50. As described above, since the extended tube portion 55 protrudes from the opening 54, the interposed tube portion 67 passes through the extended tube portion 55.

[0068] In the above example, the extension portion 68 is fixed to the inner surface of the bottom portion 52 , but may be fixed to the outer surface of the bottom portion 52 .

[0069] In the above example, the extension 68 is directly fixed to the bottom 52 to be electrically connected to the connecting partner conductor 50. The extension 68 is not necessarily directly fixed to the bottom 52. For example, the extension may be held between the bottom of the connecting partner conductor and the bottom of the second housing, and may be in contact with the connecting partner conductor to be electrically connected to the connecting partner conductor.

[0070] The plurality of spring connection parts 62 are supported on the edge of the second opening 67b in the clamping tube part 67 and extend toward the inside thereof. When viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the plurality of spring connection parts 62 are evenly dispersed along the edge of the opening 54 (the second opening 67b). In the present embodiment, the eight spring connection parts 62 are evenly dispersed along the edge of the opening 54 (the second opening 67b) at intervals of 45 degrees with the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 as the center. In addition, the so-called uniformity includes uniformity within the range of manufacturing error (for example, different intervals within the range of ±5 degrees around the central axis X of the outer conductor 40). The plurality of spring connection parts do not necessarily have to be evenly dispersed along the edge of the opening 54 (the second opening 67b).

[0071] In this embodiment, the base ends (spring fulcrums 62a) of adjacent spring connection parts 62 are separated from each other in the direction along the edge of the second opening 67b. Thus, interference between adjacent spring connection parts 62 can be more reliably suppressed. In addition, it is not necessary for the base ends (spring fulcrums) of adjacent spring connection parts to be separated from each other.

[0072] Each spring connection portion 62 is elongated in shape as a whole, and extends from the second opening 67b toward the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. That is, when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the spring connection portion 62 is along the radial direction of a circle centered on the central axis X of the outer conductor 40. The end portion on the outer periphery side of the spring connection portion 62 is a spring fulcrum 62a connected to the second opening 67b of the intervening member 60. The end portion on the inner periphery side of the spring connection portion 62 is pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40.

[0073] More specifically, the spring connection portion 62 is formed in a shape in which the width of the top end is narrower than the width of the base end. In the present embodiment, the spring connection portion 62 includes a spring body 63 and a contact top end portion 64. The spring body 63 is formed in a shape in which the width gradually narrows toward the top end side, so that the width of the top end of the spring connection portion 62 is formed narrower than the width of the base end of the spring connection portion 62.

[0074] The spring body 63 extends from the spring fulcrum 62a connected to the second opening 67b in a direction intersecting the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, and in a direction intersecting obliquely. Here, the spring body 63 is a plate-shaped portion that is inclined outward from the spring fulcrum 62a toward the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. The spring body 63 is elastically deformed about the spring fulcrum 62a, so that a force that presses the top end of the spring connection portion 62 against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 can be generated.

[0075] The spring body 63 is formed in a shape in which the width gradually narrows toward the top end. The spring body 63 is an example of a gradually decreasing width portion in which the width gradually narrows toward the top end. In the present embodiment, the spring body 63 is formed in an isosceles trapezoid having the side on the spring fulcrum 62a side as a long lower base and the side on the top end side as a short upper base. The length of the spring body 63 is set to be larger than the length obtained by subtracting the radius of the outer conductor 40 from the radius of the second opening 67b, and the spring body 63 can reach the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 from the second opening 67b in a posture inclined relative to the central axis X of the outer conductor 40.

[0076] Since the spring body 63 is formed into a shape whose width gradually narrows toward the top end side, interference between adjacent spring connecting parts 62 can be suppressed, and the gap between adjacent spring connecting parts 62 can be reduced. That is, it is assumed that the spring body is formed into a shape of equal width. In this case, in order to avoid interference between the top ends of the spring body, it is considered to make the spring body thinner as a whole. In this case, the interval between the base ends of adjacent spring bodies becomes larger. On the contrary, if you want to reduce the gap between adjacent spring bodies, it is considered to make the spring body thicker as a whole. In this case, the top ends of adjacent spring bodies interfere with each other. Therefore, in a spring body of equal width, it may be difficult to take into account both avoiding interference between the top ends and reducing the gap between the spring bodies. In contrast, if the spring body 63 is formed into a shape whose width gradually narrows toward the top end side, it is easy to take into account both avoiding interference between the top ends and reducing the gap between the spring bodies 63.

[0077] In addition, the spring property of the spring main body can be adjusted by the width of the spring main body. The spring property of the spring connection portion 62 can be adjusted by the spring main body 63 having a tapered width portion whose width gradually narrows toward the tip side.

[0078] In addition, even if the spring connection portion has a narrow decreasing width portion whose width gradually narrows toward the top end side, the entire spring body need not be the decreasing width portion. A portion of the spring body may be the decreasing width portion. For example, the portion on the base end side of the spring body may be of uniform width, and the portion on the top end side may be the decreasing width portion.

[0079] The contact tip portion 64 is connected to the tip of the spring body 63. That is, the contact tip portion 64 is a portion formed by bending a portion extending toward the tip side of the spring body 63. The spring body 63 and the contact tip portion 64 are connected in a V-shaped manner. The spring body 63 and the contact tip portion 64 are connected in a bent manner, and the outer portion of the bent portion is pressed against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40.

[0080] The contact tip portion 64 extends from the tip of the spring body 63 in a direction that is inclined relative to the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 and away from the central axis X. That is, the contact tip portion 64 is inclined in a direction away from the central axis X as it moves outward along the central axis X. Therefore, when the outer conductor 40 is inserted into the tip side of the plurality of spring connection portions 62, the inward surface of the contact tip portion 64 is pressed against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40, and the spring connection portion 62 is easily pushed toward the outer peripheral side. As a result, the outer conductor 40 can be easily inserted between the plurality of spring connection portions 62 arranged in a ring shape.

[0081] In this embodiment, the contact tip portion 64 is formed in a uniform width shape, unlike the spring body 63. In addition, the tip side corner of the contact tip portion 64 is formed in a rounded shape. The contact tip portion 64 does not necessarily need to be formed in this shape.

[0082] The plurality of spring connection parts 62 are formed in the same shape. That is, the plurality of spring connection parts 62 are formed in a rotationally symmetrical shape with the central axis X as the axis of symmetry. Therefore, in a state where the outer conductor 40 is inserted into the center of the plurality of spring connection parts 62, the plurality of spring connection parts 62 are deformed into the same shape. Thus, the plurality of spring connection parts 62 are pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 at the same position in the direction along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40. The same position here includes the same position within the manufacturing error range (for example, within 5 mm in the direction along the central axis X). If the plurality of spring connection parts 62 are pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 at the same position in the direction along the central axis X, it is difficult to generate a gap between adjacent spring connection parts 62 due to the difference in position along the central axis X. Thus, the gap between adjacent spring connection parts 62 can be minimized.

[0083] <Effects, etc.> According to the connector 30 configured as above, the plurality of spring connection portions 62 arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor 40 on the outer peripheral side of the outer conductor 40 extend from the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) toward the outer conductor 40 and elastically press against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40 when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40. Therefore, even if the relative position of the connecting partner conductor 50 and the outer conductor 40 changes due to manufacturing errors, thermal expansion and contraction of the second housing 14, etc., the spring connection portion 62 is stably pressed against the spring connection portion 62. As a result, the outer conductor 40 and the connecting partner conductor 50 are more reliably electrically connected. In addition, the plurality of spring connection portions 62 extend from the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) toward the outer conductor side when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, so that the gap between the spring connection portions 62 can be easily reduced. Assume a configuration in which the spring connection portion extends from the outer conductor 40 toward the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) and presses against the extended cylindrical portion of the connecting partner conductor. In this case, it is assumed that the top end of the spring connection part is thicker than the base end. Therefore, the gap between the spring connection parts becomes larger on the side close to the extended barrel part on the outer peripheral side. In this embodiment, for example, the barrel part that extends the clamping barrel part 67 can be divided along the circumferential direction, and the divided parts are bent inward to form each spring connection part 62. Therefore, the gap between adjacent spring connection parts 62 can be minimized. As a result, the gap can be minimized at the part where the outer conductor 40 and the other conductor 50 are connected, and the electromagnetic shielding performance can be improved.

[0084] In addition, a gap for preventing the spring connecting parts 62 from interfering with each other or a gap due to processing constraints may be formed between adjacent spring connecting parts 62. The gap between adjacent spring connecting parts 62 is preferably set to a size that can effectively shield the frequency band that is the main target of shielding. In addition, adjacent spring connecting parts may also partially overlap each other.

[0085] In addition, since the spring connection portion 62 is formed in the interposing member 60 which is a member separate from the outer conductor 40 and the connecting partner conductor 50, it is not limited by the manufacturing constraints of the outer conductor 40 and the connecting partner conductor 50, and the spring connection portion 62 having the desired spring property can be easily formed. For example, in order to eliminate the gap to improve the electromagnetic shielding performance and achieve low cost, when the connecting partner conductor 50 is manufactured by drawing, it is difficult to control the thickness of the connecting partner conductor 50. Therefore, it is considered difficult to form a spring connection portion having the desired spring property in the connecting partner conductor 50. If it is an interposing member 60 which is a member separate from the connecting partner conductor 50, it is not bound by those constraints, and the spring connection portion 62 having the desired spring property can be easily formed with an arbitrary thickness.

[0086] In addition, the extension portion 68 extending outward from the edge of the first opening 67a of the clamping tube portion 67 contacts any main surface of the connecting counterpart conductor 50 at the outer periphery of the opening 54, and the plurality of spring connection portions 62 are supported by the edge of the second opening 67b and extend toward the inner side thereof. Therefore, the plurality of spring connection portions 62 can be brought into contact with the outer conductor 40 at different positions along the axial direction of the outer conductor 40 relative to the opening 54 connected to the counterpart conductor 50. Thus, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the outer conductor 40 relative to the opening 54 can be improved. For example, the inner opening of the outer conductor 40 can be located inside the retaining tube portion 16 outside the inner space of the second housing 14. Thus, the connecting portion between the outer conductor 40 and the relay connector 90 is arranged inside the retaining tube portion 16, and the front-to-rear length of the housing 12 can be reduced, and the housing 12 can be miniaturized as a whole.

[0087] Furthermore, the extension portion 68 is fixed to the inner surface of the other conductor 50 on the outer peripheral side of the opening 54 , and the interposition tube portion 67 protrudes toward the outer surface of the other conductor 50 through the opening 54 , so that the interposition member 60 can be firmly fixed to the other conductor 50 .

[0088] In addition, the width of the contact tip portion 64 located at the top of the multiple spring connecting portions 62 is narrower than the width of the spring fulcrum 62a located at the base end, thereby suppressing interference between the top ends of the multiple spring connecting portions 62 and more reliably pressing the contact tip portion 64 against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40.

[0089] Furthermore, when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 , the plurality of spring connection portions 62 are arranged along the radial direction of a circle centered on the central axis X. Therefore, a force that presses the spring connection portions 62 toward the central axis X against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 is likely to act.

[0090] Furthermore, when the plurality of spring connection portions 62 are evenly dispersed along the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67 b ) when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 , the spring connection portions 62 are pressed against the outer conductor 40 in a well-balanced manner.

[0091] In addition, the plurality of spring connection parts 62 are pressed against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor 40 at the same position in the direction along the central axis X. Therefore, it is difficult to generate gaps between the spring connection parts 62 due to differences in height of the spring connection parts 62 in the direction along the central axis X, and the gaps between the spring connection parts 62 can be further reduced.

[0092] In addition, the plurality of spring connection portions 62 each include a contact tip portion 64 extending from the tip of the spring body 63 in a direction inclined relative to and away from the center axis X of the outer conductor 40 , thereby making it easy to insert the outer conductor 40 into the portion surrounded by the plurality of spring connection portions 62 .

[0093] [Modifications] In the present embodiment, the spring connection portion 62 is described as an example of a component that is separate from the connecting partner conductor 50. However, the spring connection portion may also be a portion formed integrally with the connecting partner conductor. In this case, the spring connection portion may also be formed to face inward from the opening of the connecting partner conductor.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the connector 30 is assumed to be connected to a coaxial cable and the connector has one inner conductor. For example, when the connector is connected to a cable having two core wires, the connector may have a plurality of inner conductors.

[0095] The connector 30 described above may also be applied to the connection of electrical components and cables that are not based on the device 10 .

[0096] In the above embodiment, the interposing tube portion 67 of the interposing member 60 may be omitted, and the plurality of spring connecting portions 62 may extend toward the outer conductor 40 with the edge of the opening of the extending portion 68 as the base end. In addition, the outer conductor 40 may extend along the central axis X toward the same position as the opening 54 connected to the other conductor 50 or further inside the opening 54.

[0097] In addition, the number of the spring connection parts 62 is arbitrary. For example, two or more spring connection parts 62 may be provided around the central axis X. In addition, the distribution of the plurality of spring connection parts 62 around the central axis X is arbitrary.

[0098] In addition, the respective configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 10 Equipment 12 Shell 131st Shell 14 Second Shell 15 Bottom 15p Fixing protrusion 16 Holding cylinder 17. Keep the partition 17g annular concave 17h holding hole 18a Stopping protrusion 20Electrical components 21 Circuit board 22 Camera Components 24 PCB side connector 25 Inner conductor on substrate side 26 substrate side insulator 27 Substrate side outer conductor 30 Connectors 32 terminal module 34 Inner conductor 36 Insulator 36h through hole 40 Outer conductor 50 Connect the other conductor 52 bottom 52h hole 54 Open 55 Extended barrel 60 Clamping components 62 Spring connection 62a Spring fulcrum 63 Spring body (decreasing width part) 64 contact top 66 ring part 67 clamping tube 67a Opening 1 67b 2nd opening 68 extension 90 relay connector 91 Movable inner conductor 92 Movable side insulator 93 Movable side outer conductor S-Space S1, S2 cylindrical space X center axis

Claims

1. A connector having: The terminal module includes an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor surrounding the insulator; A conductor connected to a counterpart conductor has an opening extending around a central axis of the outer conductor; and A plurality of spring connection parts are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the outer conductor along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor, The plurality of spring connection portions are arranged along the circumference of the outer conductor, When viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor, the plurality of spring connection parts extend from the edge of the opening toward the outer conductor and elastically press against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: A clamping member is provided, the clamping member includes an annular portion along the opening and the plurality of spring connecting portions, and is a member separate from the outer conductor and the connecting partner conductor, The annular portion is electrically connected to the connecting partner conductor at the outer periphery of the opening. The plurality of spring connection portions are supported by the annular portion such that portions connected to the annular portion serve as spring fulcrums.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein: The annular portion includes a clamping tube portion and an extension portion, the clamping tube portion includes a first opening and a second opening, and the extension portion extends outward from an edge of the first opening. The extension portion contacts any one of the main surfaces of the connecting partner conductor at the outer periphery of the opening. The plurality of spring connection portions are supported by an edge of the second opening and extend toward the inside thereof.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The extension portion is fixed to one main surface of the connecting partner conductor at the outer periphery of the opening, The interposition cylinder protrudes toward the other main surface side of the connection partner conductor through the opening.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Each of the plurality of spring connection parts has a shape in which the width of the distal end is narrower than the width of the proximal end.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The plurality of spring connection portions each have a tapered width portion whose width gradually narrows toward a tip end side.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: When viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor, the plurality of spring connection portions are along a radial direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the outer conductor.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of spring connection portions are evenly dispersed along the edge of the opening when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor.

9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The plurality of spring connection portions are pressed against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor at the same position in a direction along the central axis of the outer conductor.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The plurality of spring connection parts respectively include a spring body extending in a direction inclined relative to the central axis of the outer conductor, and a contact tip connected to the tip of the spring body. The contact tip portion extends from a tip of the spring body in a direction inclined with respect to a central axis of the outer conductor and away from the central axis.

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