Connector

By designing a connector conductor with a specific structure, including a cylinder and an elastic sheet, and using the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end, it is solved that it is difficult to obtain expectations in the prior art at low cost manufacturing. The problem of conductors for connectors with contact loads has achieved low cost manufacturing and efficient contact loads.

CN119497937APending Publication Date: 2025-02-21AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380052215.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-07-25
Filing Date
2023-07-07
Publication Date
2025-02-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art is difficult to manufacture a connector conductor that can obtain a desired contact load during connection at a low cost.

Method used

A conductor for a connector is designed, which includes a cylinder portion and an elastic sheet extending from the opening edge of the cylinder portion. The cylinder portion has a first circumferential end, a cylinder forming portion, a second circumferential end portion and a tightening portion, a first circumferential end portion and a The 2 circumferential ends overlap to maintain the position of the elastic sheet.

Benefits of technology

While manufacturing the conductor for connectors at a low cost, it is possible to easily obtain a desired contact load when connected to the opposite side member.

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Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to produce a conductor for a connector at low cost and to obtain a desired contact load when connected to a mating member. The connector is provided with a connector conductor including a cylindrical portion and an elastic piece extending from an opening edge of the cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion having: a first circumferential end portion; a tube-forming part that forms a tube shape together with the first circumferential end part; a second circumferential end part which is connected to the tube forming part on the side opposite to the first circumferential end part and which overlaps the first circumferential end part; and a constricting portion that holds the first circumferential end portion and the second circumferential end portion in an overlapping state, at least a portion of the elastic piece extending from the first circumferential end portion.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a coaxial connector including a contact, a synthetic resin insulator for holding the contact, and a metal shell for accommodating the insulator. The metal shell has a fitting portion formed in a substantially cylindrical shape to fit with a male connector on the other side. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-297491 Summary of the invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] Here, it is desired to manufacture a connector conductor including a cylindrical portion at low cost as in the metal shell of the patent document, and to obtain a desired contact load when the connector conductor is connected to a mating member.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to manufacture a connector conductor at low cost and to obtain a desired contact load when connected to a mating member. Solutions to Solve Problems

[0006] The connector of the present invention is provided with a conductor for a connector, and the conductor for the connector includes a barrel and an elastic sheet extending from the opening edge of the barrel, wherein the barrel has: a first circumferential end; a barrel forming portion, which forms a barrel shape together with the first circumferential end; a second circumferential end, which is connected to the barrel forming portion from the side opposite to the first circumferential end and overlaps with the first circumferential end; and a tightening portion, which keeps the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end in an overlapping state, and at least a portion of the elastic sheet extends from the first circumferential end. Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a connector conductor can be manufactured at low cost, and a desired contact load can be easily obtained when connected to a mating member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a device including the coaxial connector according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a coaxial connector. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a coaxial connector. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an outer conductor. Figure 6 is a bottom view showing the outer conductor. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 VII-VII line cross-sectional view. 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 connector conductor, the connector conductor including a barrel and an elastic sheet extending from an opening edge of the barrel, the barrel having: a first circumferential end; a barrel-forming portion forming a barrel shape together with the first circumferential end; a second circumferential end connected to the barrel-forming portion from a side opposite to the first circumferential end and overlapping with the first circumferential end; and a tightening portion maintaining the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end in an overlapping state, at least a portion of the elastic sheet extending from the first circumferential end.

[0012] According to the connector, the barrel has: a first circumferential end; a barrel forming portion, which forms a barrel shape together with the first circumferential end; a second circumferential end, which is connected to the barrel forming portion from the side opposite to the first circumferential end and overlaps with the first circumferential end; and a tightening portion, which keeps the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end in an overlapping state. Therefore, compared with the case where the connector conductor is formed by cutting or welding of a plate, the connector conductor can be manufactured at a low cost. In addition, since the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end overlap, at least a portion of the elastic sheet extends from the first circumferential end, so at least a portion of the base end of the elastic sheet is firmly held by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. As a result, when the connector conductor is connected to the other side member, it is easy to obtain the desired contact load.

[0013] (2) In the connector of (1), more than half of the width direction of the base end portion of the elastic piece may be connected to the first circumferential end portion.

[0014] Thus, more than half of the width direction of the base end of the elastic piece is connected to the first circumferential end and supported by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. Therefore, it is easy to obtain a desired contact load.

[0015] (3) In the connector of (1) or (2), the tightening portion may be separated from the elastic piece.

[0016] Thus, the deformation of the tightening portion is unlikely to affect the elastic piece, and the contact load of the elastic piece in design can be easily ensured.

[0017] (4) In the connector of (3), a distance between the tightening portion and the elastic piece may be equal to or greater than a distance between an edge of the cylindrical portion on the opposite side to the elastic piece and the tightening portion.

[0018] As a result, the deformation of the tightening portion is less likely to affect the elastic piece, and the contact load of the elastic piece in the design can be more easily ensured.

[0019] (5) The connector in any one of (1) to (4) may be such that the elastic sheet has a contact portion for contacting a conductor on the other side, the contact portion faces to either side in the radial direction of the cylinder portion, and the second circumferential end portion overlaps with the first circumferential end portion on the side opposite to the direction of the contact portion.

[0020] In this case, when the contact point contacts the conductor on the other side, a force in the opposite direction to the direction in which the contact point is facing acts on the elastic piece. The second circumferential end portion can receive this force. Therefore, when the elastic piece contacts the conductor on the other side, the base end portion of the elastic piece is unlikely to be displaced, and the desired contact load is easily obtained.

[0021] (6) The connector of (5) may be such that the contact portion faces outward in the radial direction of the tube portion, the first circumferential end portion and the tube forming portion are connected in a manner to form a tube shape of the same diameter, and the second circumferential end portion overlaps with the inner side of the first circumferential end portion and protrudes toward the inner circumference side than the tube forming portion.

[0022] Thus, when the connector conductor is connected to the other conductor by insertion, the elastic sheet can be effectively supported. Since the first circumferential end portion and the barrel forming portion are connected in a manner of forming a barrel shape of the same diameter, when other elastic sheets are extended from the barrel forming portion, it is easy to maintain the same elastic properties of the elastic sheet and other elastic sheets. In addition, by making the second circumferential end portion protrude toward the inner circumference side than the barrel forming portion, it is easy to position the second circumferential end portion in the barrel portion.

[0023] (7) The connector of any one of (1) to (6) may be such that the elastic sheet includes a base end portion extending from the base end of the elastic sheet along the axial direction of the barrel portion, and an inclined portion extending from the top end of the base end portion in a manner inclined relative to the axial direction, and the edge of the elastic sheet extension side in the second circumferential end portion is located between the base end of the elastic sheet and the boundary between the base end portion and the inclined portion.

[0024] Thus, the base end portion of the elastic piece can be effectively supported by the second circumferential end portion.

[0025] (8) Any one of the connectors of (1) to (7) may be such that the connector conductor further includes at least one additional elastic piece extending from the opening edge of the barrel, and the elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the barrel.

[0026] This allows the connector conductor to be electrically connected to the counterpart conductor in a satisfactory manner.

[0027] (9) The connector of (8) may be configured such that the elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

[0028] Thus, the contact loads of the elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece with respect to the counterpart conductor can be made as equal as possible, and the connector conductor can be electrically connected to the counterpart conductor in a good manner.

[0029] (10) Any one of the connectors described in (1) to (9) may further include an inner conductor and an insulator that accommodates the inner conductor, wherein the insulator is accommodated in the cylindrical portion.

[0030] In this case, in a connector including an inner conductor, an insulator accommodating the inner conductor, and a connector conductor as an outer conductor accommodating the insulator, the connector conductor and a conductor on the other side can be electrically connected well.

[0031] (11) The connector of (10) may be configured such that the insulator has a recess on the outer peripheral side, and the second circumferential end portion is fitted into the recess.

[0032] Thus, the connector conductor can be positioned relative to the insulator using the second circumferential end portion.

[0033] [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 scope of the same concept as the claims and the like.

[0034] [Implementation Method 1] The connector of the embodiment is described below. In this embodiment, the connector is described as an example of a coaxial connector. In addition, a coaxial connector refers to a connector in which an outer conductor and an inner conductor therein are coaxially located. The connector does not necessarily have to be a coaxial connector, and for example, a plurality of inner conductors may be located inside an outer conductor.

[0035] <About the overall structure of the equipment> An example of the device 10 including the coaxial connector 60 will be described. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a device 10 including a coaxial connector 60 . Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The device 10 includes a housing 12 and an electric component 20. The electric component 20 is accommodated in the housing 12. The coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the electric component 20.

[0038] 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 coaxial connector 30 for external connection.

[0039] The external connection coaxial connector 30 is a coaxial connector for connecting the electrical component 20 to an external electrical component. For example, the external connection coaxial connector 30 is a coaxial connector to which a cable connected to an external electrical component is connected. The cable connected to the external connection coaxial connector 30 is, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0040] More specifically, a retaining cylinder 16 is protrudingly provided at the bottom 15 of the shell 12. 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 of the retaining cylinder 16 along the direction of the center axis X (axial direction). In the present embodiment, a retaining partition 17 is formed in the middle portion of the retaining cylinder 16 along the direction of the center axis X 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 a coaxial connector 30 for external connection is inserted and retained in the retaining hole 17h.

[0041] In the present embodiment, a locking protrusion 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 protrusion 18a is not necessarily formed.

[0042] The external connection coaxial connector 30 includes an external connection inner conductor 32 , an external connection insulator 34 , and an external connection outer conductor 36 .

[0043] The external connection inner conductor 32 is formed into a long and thin rod shape and is formed of a conductive material such as metal. The external connection insulator 34 is formed of an insulator such as resin and surrounds the external connection inner conductor 32. In the present embodiment, the external connection insulator 34 is a dielectric. The external connection outer conductor 36 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. The external connection outer conductor 36 is formed into a cylindrical shape surrounding the external connection insulator 34.

[0044] 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, 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. Hereinafter, 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.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the coaxial connector 60 is located on the surface of the circuit substrate 21 on the side opposite to the imaging element 22. The coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the circuit substrate 21 and protrudes from the circuit substrate 21 toward the external connection coaxial connector 30. The coaxial connector 60 is a substrate-side coaxial connector. The coaxial connector 60 includes, for example, an inner conductor 62, an insulator 70, and an outer conductor 80. The movable-side inner conductor 42 described later is connected to the inner conductor 62. The insulator 70 surrounds the inner conductor 62. The outer conductor 80 surrounds the insulator 70. That is, the inner conductor 62, the insulator 70, and the outer conductor 80 are arranged in this order in a concentric circle from the center toward the outer periphery.

[0046] The coaxial connector 60 and the coaxial connector 30 for external connection are connected via the relay connector 40. The relay connector 40 includes, for example, a movable inner conductor 42, a movable insulator 44, and a movable outer conductor 46. The movable insulator 44 surrounds the movable inner conductor 42. A dielectric can be regarded as a kind of insulator, and the movable insulator 44 can also be a dielectric. The movable outer conductor 46 surrounds the movable insulator 44. The movable inner conductor 42 is an example of an inner conductor on the other side connected to the inner conductor 62, the movable outer conductor 46 is an example of an outer conductor on the other side connected to the outer conductor 80, and the relay connector 40 is an example of a coaxial connector on the other side connected to the coaxial connector 60.

[0047] The relay connector 40 is connected to the coaxial connector 60 in a state where the movable-side inner conductor 42 is inserted and connected to the inner conductor 62, and the outer conductor 80 is inserted and connected to the movable-side outer conductor 46. In this state, the relay connector 40 further protrudes from the coaxial connector 60 toward the external connection coaxial connector 30. The external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted and connected to the movable-side inner conductor 42, and the movable-side outer conductor 46 is inserted and connected to the external connection outer conductor 36, so that the relay connector 40 is connected to the external connection coaxial connector 30. Thus, the relay connector 40 performs relay connection between the coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector 30.

[0048] Thus, when a cable from the outside is connected to the external connection coaxial connector 30 , an external electric component that is a connection destination of the cable and the electric component 20 in the housing 12 are electrically connected.

[0049] In the connection state between the relay connector 40 and the coaxial connector 60, the movable inner conductor 42 is inserted and connected to the inner conductor 62 in a state inclined relative to the inner conductor 62. In addition, the outer conductor 80 is inserted and connected to the movable outer conductor 46 in a state inclined relative to the movable outer conductor 46. That is, the relay connector 40 can be connected to the coaxial connector 60 in a state inclined relative to the coaxial connector 60 (see Figure 2 Thus, during the assembly operation or in the completed state of the device 10, even if the coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector 30 deviate from the coaxially opposed positions (refer to Figure 2 However, by tilting the relay connector 40 relative to the coaxial connector 60, this misalignment can also be absorbed.

[0050] <About coaxial connectors> The coaxial connector 60 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the coaxial connector 60 . Figure 4 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the coaxial connector 60 .

[0051] As described above, the coaxial connector 60 includes, for example, the inner conductor 62 , the insulator 70 , and the outer conductor 80 .

[0052] The inner conductor 62 is a long and thin conductive member (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the present embodiment, the inner conductor 62 is formed by punching a metal plate. More specifically, the inner conductor 62 includes a base end tube portion 64 and a plurality of elastic pieces 66.

[0053] The base end barrel 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape, more specifically, a cylindrical shape. The base end barrel 64 is housed in the base end side of the insulator 70. In the coaxial connector 60, the top end is the end on the side connected to the movable side inner conductor 42, and the base end is the end on the side opposite to the top end, and in this case, the end on the side facing the circuit substrate 21.

[0054] The extension piece 64a extends from the proximal end side edge of the proximal end tube portion 64 toward the inside of the proximal end tube portion 64. The extension piece 64a is soldered to the circuit of the circuit board 21, for example.

[0055] The base end tube portion 64 may include a positioning protrusion 64P that partially protrudes toward the outer circumference in the circumferential direction. The positioning protrusion 64P is fitted into the recess in the insulator 70 , so that the inner conductor 62 can be positioned relative to the insulator 70 .

[0056] A locking protrusion 64b is protrudingly provided on the base end barrel portion 64. The locking protrusion 64b partially protrudes from the outer peripheral portion of the base end barrel portion 64. The locking protrusion 64b is formed in a shape in which the protruding size gradually increases from the top end toward the base end of the base end barrel portion 64. When the base end barrel portion 64 is inserted into the insulator 70, the locking protrusion 64b is hooked on the inner peripheral portion of the insulator 70, and the inner conductor 62 is held in a state of preventing it from being separated from the insulator 70.

[0057] The plurality of elastic pieces 66 protrude further toward the distal end from the distal end opening of the proximal end cylinder 64. Preferably, the plurality of elastic pieces 66 are disposed at equal intervals around the central axis X of the cylinder 72. In the present embodiment, two elastic pieces 66 are disposed opposite to each other around the central axis X of the proximal end cylinder 64.

[0058] The movable inner conductor 42 of the relay connector 40 is inserted from the distal ends of the two elastic pieces 66 toward between the two elastic pieces 66. The movable inner conductor 42 is sandwiched between the two elastic pieces 66, so that the movable inner conductor 42 is connected to the inner conductor 62.

[0059] The insulator 70 is formed of a resin or the like. A dielectric can be regarded as a type of insulator, and the insulator 70 may also be a dielectric. The insulator 70 is, for example, a molded resin component.

[0060] The insulator 70 includes a cylindrical portion 72 and a distal end guide portion 76 .

[0061] The barrel portion 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the inner conductor 62. In the present embodiment, the barrel portion 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical space is formed inside the barrel portion 72. The inner conductor is accommodated in the cylindrical space.

[0062] The outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 72 is formed into a circular surface shape centered on the central axis X. The outer conductor 80 is arranged on the outer circumferential side of the cylinder 72. A recess 72g for positioning is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential portion of the cylinder 72. The recess 72g has a pair of side surfaces 72g1 facing each other in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 72 and a surface 72g2 facing the base end side of the cylinder 72 (see Figure 4 ). The second circumferential end portion 88 described later is embedded in the recess 72g. In this state, the second circumferential end portion 88 is restricted in position by a pair of side surfaces 72g1 and a surface 72g2. Thus, the outer conductor 80 embedded in the insulator 70 is restricted from rotating around the central axis X and moving toward the tip side relative to the insulator 70.

[0063] A plurality of (four in this case) elongated protrusions 72a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 72. Each protrusion 72a extends parallel to the central axis X. The plurality of protrusions 72a are preferably located on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 72 at equal intervals around the central axis X. The protrusions 72a are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 82 at positions dispersed in the circumferential direction.

[0064] The distal guide portion 76 is located on the distal end side of the cylindrical portion 72. The distal guide portion 76 has an insertion hole 77, and the movable-side inner conductor 42 can be inserted into the insertion hole 77. The central axis X of the cylindrical portion 72 and the central axis X of the insertion hole 77 coincide with each other.

[0065] The inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 77 is formed in a tapered shape with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 72. The tip end portion of the movable-side inner conductor 42 is guided toward between the plurality of elastic pieces 66 by the tapered inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 77.

[0066] In addition, the outer peripheral portion of the distal guide portion 76 protrudes toward the outer peripheral side of the tube portion 72. An outer peripheral side guide surface 78 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the distal guide portion 76, and the diameter gradually increases toward the base end side. The outer peripheral side guide surface 78 can play a role in guiding the cylindrical portion of the movable side outer conductor 46 to the outside of the outer conductor 80.

[0067] The annular back surface of the distal guide portion 76 that faces the proximal end side extends perpendicularly to the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 72. The elastic piece 90 described later can be elastically deformed in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 72 on the proximal side of the annular back surface.

[0068] The outer conductor 80 is formed of a conductive material such as metal, and surrounds the insulator 70. The outer conductor 80 is formed by, for example, pressing a metal plate.

[0069] The outer conductor 80 includes a cylindrical portion 82 and an elastic piece 90. In the present embodiment, the outer conductor 80 further includes an additional elastic piece 96.

[0070] The cylinder 82 is formed into a cylindrical shape in which the cylinder 72 can be arranged. The elastic piece 90 and the additional elastic piece 96 extend from the distal end opening edge of the cylinder 82. The elastic piece 90 and the additional elastic piece 96 are arranged between the distal end guide 76 and the cylinder 82 to surround the cylinder 72.

[0071] The movable outer conductor 46 of the relay connector 40 is guided toward the outer periphery of the elastic piece 90 and the additional elastic piece 96 by the outer periphery guide surface 78 of the distal end guide portion 76. As a result, the elastic piece 90 and the additional elastic piece 96 contact the movable outer conductor 46 from the inner periphery, and the outer conductor 80 and the movable outer conductor 46 are connected.

[0072] <About the outer conductor> The outer conductor 80 as an example of a connector conductor will be described in more detail. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the outer conductor 80 . Figure 6 1 is a bottom view showing the outer conductor 80 . Figure 7 yes Figure 6 VII-VII line cross-sectional view.

[0073] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the outer conductor 80 includes a cylindrical portion 82 and an elastic piece 90 extending from an opening edge on the distal end side of the cylindrical portion 82 .

[0074] The barrel 82 is a portion externally fitted to the insulator 70. The barrel 82 is held at a certain position relative to the insulator 70, and plays a role in supporting the outer conductor 80 at a certain position relative to the insulator 70. In addition, for example, if the base end side opening of the barrel 82 is soldered to a circuit of the circuit substrate 21, such as a ground circuit, it can play a role in grounding the movable side outer conductor 46 to the ground circuit.

[0075] The tube portion 82 includes a first circumferential end portion 84 , a tube forming portion 86 , and a second circumferential end portion 88 .

[0076] The tube forming portion 86 forms a partial tube shape. The first circumferential end portion 84 is connected to one end side of the circumference of the tube forming portion 86. The tube forming portion 86 forms a tube shape together with the first circumferential end portion 84. More specifically, the first circumferential end portion 84 and the tube forming portion 86 form a tube shape for one circumference.

[0077] The second circumferential end portion 88 is connected to the cylinder forming portion 86 on the opposite side to the first circumferential end portion 84. The second circumferential end portion 88 overlaps with the first circumferential end portion 84. That is, the first circumferential end portion 84, the cylinder forming portion 86, and the second circumferential end portion 88 are formed into a cylindrical shape that exceeds one circle, and the two ends of the cylinder portion 82 overlap according to the excess of one circle. One side of the overlapping portion is the first circumferential end portion 84, and the other side is the second circumferential end portion 88.

[0078] The second circumferential end portion 88 may overlap the first circumferential end portion 84 on the inner circumferential side or on the outer circumferential side. The second circumferential end portion 88 preferably overlaps the first circumferential end portion 84 on the side opposite to the contact portion 93a. In this embodiment, as described later, the contact portion 93a faces the outer circumferential side. Therefore, the second circumferential end portion 88 overlaps the inner circumferential side of the first circumferential end portion 84.

[0079] Contrary to the above, when the elastic piece contacts the other conductor from the outer circumference, that is, when the contact portion faces the inner circumference, the second circumferential end portion preferably overlaps the first circumferential end portion on the outer circumference side.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the first circumferential end 84 and the tube forming portion 86 are connected in a manner to form a tube shape of the same diameter. That is, the first circumferential end 84 and the tube forming portion 86 are formed into a shape with the same radius of curvature. The second circumferential end 88 overlaps with the inner side of the first circumferential end 84, and protrudes toward the inner peripheral side than the tube forming portion 86. More specifically, a step portion 87 is formed between the tube forming portion 86 and the second circumferential end 88. The height difference of the step portion 87 is, for example, set to the thickness degree of the tube 82. The second circumferential end 88 protrudes toward the inner side than the tube forming portion 86 via the step portion 87. The second circumferential end 88 protrudes toward the thickness amount of the tube 82 inwardly relative to the first circumferential end 84 and the tube forming portion 86.

[0081] When the cylindrical portion 72 of the insulator 70 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 82, the second circumferential end portion 88 is fitted into the positioning recess 72g of the cylindrical portion 72. In this state, the second circumferential end portion 88 is in contact with a pair of side surfaces 72g1 of the recess 72g, thereby preventing the outer conductor 80 from rotating relative to the insulator 70. The second circumferential end portion 88 is in contact with the surface 72g2 of the recess 72g, thereby preventing the cylindrical portion 72 of the insulator 70 from being over-inserted into the cylindrical portion 82 of the outer conductor 80.

[0082] The cylinder 82 further includes a tightening portion 83. The tightening portion 83 is a portion that keeps the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 in an overlapping state. The tightening portion 83 keeps the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 in an overlapping state by plastic deformation of at least one of the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88.

[0083] In the present embodiment, a convex portion 83a is formed by plastic deformation at one of the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88, and a concave portion 83b is formed by plastic deformation at the other. The convex portion 83a and the concave portion 83b are fitted together, so that the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 are kept in an overlapping state.

[0084] More specifically, for example, the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 that overlap are pressed between a press die having a convex portion and a press die having a concave portion. As a result, a portion of the first circumferential end portion 84 and a portion of the second circumferential end portion 88 are pressed against each other from the convex portion of the press die toward the concave portion of the press die. The first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 are simultaneously pressed to form a convex portion 83a and a concave portion 83b that fit together.

[0085] Such a joining structure may be, for example, a structure called a spot rivet or a structure called a zipper.

[0086] The elastic piece 90 extends from the opening edge of the cylinder 82 and is connected to the movable outer conductor 46 as the other terminal. At least a part of the elastic piece 90 extends from the first circumferential end 84 of the opening edge of the cylinder 82.

[0087] That is, the first circumferential end portion 84 and the tube forming portion 86 form a tube shape for one circumference, and at least a portion of the elastic piece 90 extends from the first circumferential end portion 84 .

[0088] It is sufficient that at least a portion of the base end portion of the elastic piece 90 is connected to the first circumferential end portion 84. In order to more firmly support the elastic piece 90, preferably more than half of the base end portion of the elastic piece 90 in the width direction is connected to the first circumferential end portion 84, and more preferably more than 3 / 4 of the base end portion of the elastic piece 90 in the width direction is connected to the first circumferential end portion 84. In the present embodiment, the entire base end portion of the elastic piece 90 in the width direction is connected to the first circumferential end portion 84.

[0089] The elastic piece 90 has a base end portion 91, an inclined portion 92, a bulged portion 93, and a distal guide portion 94. The base end portion 91, the inclined portion 92, the bulged portion 93, and the distal guide portion 94 are connected in sequence from the cylinder 82 toward one side of the central axis X of the cylinder 82.

[0090] The base end portion 91 is a plate-shaped portion directly connected to the first circumferential end portion 84 and is a portion separated from the adjacent additional elastic piece 96. The inclined portion 92 is a plate-shaped portion directly connected to the base end portion 91 and further extended from the base end portion 91.

[0091] The base end portion 91 extends from the base end of the elastic piece 90 connected to the first circumferential end portion 84 along the central axis X of the barrel portion 82. The inclined portion 92 extends from the top end of the base end portion 91 in a manner inclined relative to the central axis X (in this case, inclined toward the outer peripheral side). Therefore, the elastic piece 90 has a curved portion 91V between the base end portion 91 and the inclined portion 92. The elastic piece 90 can be elastically deformed mainly in the inner and outer directions of the barrel portion 82 from the curved portion 91V at the top end side portion.

[0092] The bulge 93 forms a curved surface bulging outward from the tip of the inclined portion 92 and faces one side of the central axis X. The most outer peripheral portion of the bulge 93 is a contact portion 93 a that faces outward in the radial direction of the cylinder 82 and contacts the movable outer conductor 46 .

[0093] The distal end guide portion 76 is inclined toward the inner peripheral side from the distal end of the bulging portion 93 toward the central axis X.

[0094] When the outer conductor 80 is inserted into the movable outer conductor 46, the tip guide portion 76 contacts the opening edge of the movable outer conductor 46, thereby guiding the elastic piece 90 to the inner peripheral side of the movable outer conductor 46. When the outer conductor 80 is inserted into the movable outer conductor 46, the inclined portion 92 is elastically deformed mainly toward the inner peripheral side. The contact portion 93a is elastically pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the movable outer conductor 46 by the elastic force of the inclined portion 92 to return to its original shape.

[0095] An example of setting a preferred positional relationship between the second circumferential end portion 88 and the tightening portion 83 with respect to the elastic piece 90 will be described.

[0096] The tightening portion 83 is preferably located at a position separated from the elastic sheet 90. When the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 are deformed, the deformation may also affect the vicinity of the tightening portion 83. If the elastic sheet 90 and the portion supporting the elastic sheet 90 are deformed in an undesirable manner, the elastic deformation action of the elastic sheet 90 in the state where the outer conductor 80 is inserted into the movable-side outer conductor 46 may be affected. If the tightening portion 83 is separated from the elastic sheet 90, the influence of the deformation of the tightening portion 83 is unlikely to affect the elastic sheet 90 and the portion supporting the elastic sheet 90. As a result, the elastic sheet 90 is pressed against the movable-side outer conductor 46 with a preferred elastic force in design.

[0097] For example, the distance L1 between the tightening portion 83 and the base end of the elastic piece 90 may be greater than the distance L2 between the edge of the cylinder 82 on the side opposite to the elastic piece 90 and the tightening portion 83. In addition, for example, the distance between the bent portion 91V between the base end portion 91 and the inclined portion 92 of the elastic piece 90 and the tightening portion 83 is set to L3, and the distance between the bent portion 91V and the contact portion 93a is set to L4, and L3 may be greater than 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 2 of L4.

[0098] In addition, the edge 88a of the second circumferential end portion 88 on the extending side of the elastic piece 90 is preferably located between the base end of the elastic piece 90 (i.e., the boundary between the elastic piece 90 and the second circumferential end portion 88) and the curved portion 91V which is the boundary between the base end portion 91 and the inclined portion 92.

[0099] If the edge 88a of the second circumferential end portion 88 on the side where the elastic piece 90 extends is too far from the elastic piece 90, the elastic piece 90 cannot be effectively supported from the inner circumference. If the edge 88a is aligned with the base end of the elastic piece 90 or exceeds the base end, the second circumferential end portion 88 can effectively support the elastic piece 90 from the inner circumference.

[0100] If the edge 88a of the second circumferential end portion 88 on the side where the elastic piece 90 extends is too long, a useless area is generated. If the edge 88a is at or before the bend 91V, the second circumferential end portion 88 can be arranged in an effective area for supporting the elastic piece 90.

[0101] As described above, the outer conductor 80 further includes at least one additional elastic piece 96 extending from the opening edge of the barrel 82. In the present embodiment, the outer conductor 80 includes a plurality of additional elastic pieces 96, specifically, seven additional elastic pieces 96. That is, the outer conductor 80 includes a plurality of elastic pieces 90, 96, more specifically, eight elastic pieces 90, 96.

[0102] The additional elastic piece 96 is formed in the same shape as the elastic piece 90 except for a portion supported by the cylindrical portion 82 .

[0103] The plurality of elastic pieces 90, 96 are supported so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 82. In addition, the equal intervals include the sameness within the error range (for example, the sameness within the range of ±5 degrees around the central axis X). When viewed along the central axis X of the cylinder 82, the plurality of elastic pieces 90, 96 are arranged radially with the central axis X of the cylinder 82 as the center.

[0104] When the outer conductor 80 is inserted into the movable outer conductor 46, the plurality of elastic pieces 90, 96 are in contact with the inner circumference of the movable outer conductor 46 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction thereof. Since the plurality of elastic pieces 90, 96 are of the same shape and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cylinder 82, the plurality of elastic pieces 90, 96 are pressed against the movable outer conductor 46 under the same conditions. In addition, assuming that the plurality of elastic pieces are supported by a cylindrical member having a slit, the cylindrical member can be elastically deformed inwardly and outwardly near the slit, so the force supporting the elastic piece becomes weak, and there is a possibility that the elastic force pressing the elastic piece against the other side conductor becomes weak. In the present embodiment, since the first circumferential end portion 84 is supported by the second circumferential end portion 88, it is easy to support the base end of the elastic piece 90 at a certain position, and therefore, the elastic piece 90 is easy to maintain a state of being pressed against the movable outer conductor 46 with a desired contact load in the design.

[0105] <Effects, etc.> According to the coaxial connector 60 constructed as described above, the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 of the barrel 82 are held in an overlapping state by the tightening portion 83. Therefore, the outer conductor 80 can be easily formed by stamping a metal plate. Thus, compared with the case where the outer conductor 80 is formed by cutting or welding a plate, the outer conductor 80 can be manufactured at a low cost. In addition, since the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 overlap, at least a portion of the elastic sheet 90 extends from the first circumferential end 84, so at least a portion of the base end 91 of the elastic sheet 90 is firmly held by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88. Thus, when the outer conductor 80 is connected to the movable side outer conductor 46 as the counterpart member, it is easy to obtain a desired contact load.

[0106] In addition, when more than half of the width direction of the base end portion 91 of the elastic piece 90 is connected to the first circumferential end portion 84, the elastic piece 90 can be firmly supported by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88, and the desired contact load can be easily obtained.

[0107] In addition, when the clamping portion 83 is separated from the elastic piece 90, the deformation of the clamping portion 83 is unlikely to affect the elastic piece 90 and its supporting portion. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the contact load of the elastic piece 90 in the design.

[0108] In particular, by setting the distance L1 between the clamping portion 83 and the elastic piece 90 to be greater than the distance L2 between the edge of the cylinder 82 on the side opposite to the elastic piece 90 and the clamping portion 83, deformation of the clamping portion 83 is less likely to affect the elastic piece 90. This makes it easier to ensure the contact load of the elastic piece in the design.

[0109] In addition, the second circumferential end portion 88 overlaps the first circumferential end portion 84 on the side opposite to the direction of the contact portion 93a. When the contact portion 93a contacts the movable-side outer conductor 46, a force in the direction opposite to the direction of the contact portion 93a acts on the elastic piece 90. The force can be effectively received by the second circumferential end portion 88. Therefore, when the elastic piece 90 contacts the movable-side outer conductor 46, the base end portion of the elastic piece 90 is unlikely to be displaced, and a desired contact load is easily obtained.

[0110] In addition, since the first circumferential end portion 84 and the cylinder forming portion 86 are connected to form a cylinder shape with the same diameter, when the other additional elastic piece 96 is extended from the cylinder forming portion 86, it is easy to maintain the same elastic properties of the elastic piece 90 and the other additional elastic piece 96. In addition, by making the second circumferential end portion 88 protrude to the inner circumference side than the cylinder forming portion 86, it is easy to position the second circumferential end portion in the cylinder portion.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the second circumferential end portion 88 is fitted into the recess 72 g of the insulator 70 , so that the outer conductor 80 is positioned relative to one side in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction of the insulator 70 by the second circumferential end portion 88 .

[0112] In addition, the edge 88a of the second circumferential end portion 88 on the extension side of the elastic piece 90 is located between the base end of the elastic piece 90 and the curved portion 91V at the boundary between the base end portion 91 and the inclined portion 92, so that the second circumferential end portion 88 will not be excessively extended and the base end portion of the elastic piece 90 can be effectively supported.

[0113] In addition, the outer conductor 80 further includes at least one additional elastic piece 96 extending from the opening edge of the barrel 82, and the elastic piece 90 and the at least one additional elastic piece 96 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the barrel 82. Therefore, the outer conductor 80 can be electrically connected well with the movable-side outer conductor 46. The elastic piece 90 located at the seam of the barrel 82 is also electrically connected well with the movable-side outer conductor 46.

[0114] Furthermore, since the elastic pieces 90 and at least one additional elastic piece 96 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylinder 82, the contact loads of the plurality of elastic pieces 90 and 96 can be made as uniform as possible. Thus, the outer conductor 80 can be electrically connected to the movable outer conductor 46 in a good manner.

[0115] In addition, the coaxial connector 60 is further configured to include an inner conductor 62 and an insulator 70 , and can electrically connect the outer conductor 80 accommodating the insulator 70 to the movable-side outer conductor 46 in a satisfactory manner.

[0116] [Modifications] In the above embodiment, the structure of the barrel 82 of the outer conductor 80 can also be applied to the barrels of other connector conductors. For example, the base end barrel 64 of the inner conductor 62 in the above embodiment can also be applied to a structure in which the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end of the barrel 82 overlap and are joined by a tightening portion.

[0117] In addition, the respective configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiment and the respective modifications can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. Description of Reference Numerals

[0118] 10. Equipment 12 Housing 131st Shell 14 Second Shell 15 Bottom 16 Holding cylinder 17 Keep the divider 17h Keep hole 18a Locking protrusion 20 Electrical components 21 Circuit board 22 Camera Components 30 Coaxial connector for external connection 32 Inner conductor for external connection 34 Edge body for external connection 36 External conductor for external connection 40 Relay connector 42 Movable inner conductor 44 Movable side insulator 46 Movable side outer conductor (conductor on the other side) 60 coaxial connector (connector) 62 Inner conductor 64 Base end tube 64P positioning convex part 64a Extension piece 64b: locking protrusion 66 elastic sheet 70 Insulator 72 barrel 72a Protrusion 72g Recess 72g1 side 72g2 noodles 76 Top guide 77 Insertion hole 78 Outer peripheral side guide surface 80 outer conductor (connector conductor) 82 barrel 83 tightening part 83a convex part 83b recess 84 1st circumferential end 86 tube forming part 87 Steps 88 2nd circumferential end 88a Edge 90 elastic sheet 91 base end 91V Bend 92 inclined part 93 bulge 93a Contact part 94 Top guide 96 Additional elastic sheet X Center Axis

Claims

1. A connector, comprising a connector conductor, the connector conductor comprising a barrel and an elastic sheet extending from an opening edge of the barrel, The barrel has: The first circumferential end; a tube-forming portion, forming a tube shape together with the first circumferential end portion; a second circumferential end portion connected to the tube forming portion from a side opposite to the first circumferential end portion and overlapping with the first circumferential end portion; and The tightening portion keeps the first circumferential end portion and the second circumferential end portion in an overlapping state, At least a portion of the elastic piece extends from the first circumferential end portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: More than half of the width direction of the base end portion of the elastic piece is connected to the first circumferential end portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The tightening portion is separated from the elastic sheet.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein: The distance between the tightening portion and the elastic piece is greater than or equal to the distance between the edge of the cylindrical portion on the side opposite to the elastic piece and the tightening portion.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The elastic piece has a contact portion that contacts the conductor on the other side. The contact portion faces either side in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, The second circumferential end portion overlaps the first circumferential end portion on a side opposite to a direction of the contact portion.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein: The contact portion faces outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, The first circumferential end portion and the tube forming portion are connected to form a tube shape having the same diameter. The second circumferential end portion overlaps the inner side of the first circumferential end portion and protrudes toward the inner circumference side of the tube forming portion.

7. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The elastic piece includes a base end portion extending from a base end of the elastic piece along an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and an inclined portion extending from a top end of the base end portion in a manner inclined with respect to the axial direction. An edge of the second circumferential end portion on the side where the elastic piece extends is located between a base end of the elastic piece and a boundary between the base end portion and the inclined portion.

8. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The connector conductor further includes at least one additional elastic piece extending from the opening edge of the barrel, The elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece are arranged side by side at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein: The elastic pieces and the at least one additional elastic piece are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

10. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: further comprising an inner conductor and an insulator accommodating the inner conductor, The insulator is accommodated in the cylindrical portion.

11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein: The insulator has a recess on the outer peripheral side, The second circumferential end portion is embedded in the recess.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Coaxial connector and tool for extraction

    JP2003297491A