Coaxial connector

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a coaxial connector capable of easily adjusting the distance between an inner conductor and an outer conductor. This coaxial connector is a coaxial connector in which a pin-shaped counterpart-side inner conductor is inserted and connected to an inner conductor, and is provided with: the inner conductor having a cylindrical base part and a plurality of elastic pieces extending from one end of the cylindrical base part; an insulator surrounding the periphery of the inner conductor; and an outer conductor surrounding the periphery of the insulator. Each of the plurality of elastic pieces has an elastic piece main body extending from one end of the cylindrical base toward one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical base and a contact portion protruding inward from the elastic piece main body, and the base end of the elastic piece main body has an elastic support portion that supports the elastic piece main body when the contact portion is displaced outward. The elastic piece body is elastically deformed so that the tip of the elastic piece body is displaced outward.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a coaxial connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a coaxial connector that has a lower contact into which a connecting pin is inserted and connected. In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the lower contact is surrounded by a lower insulator, and the outer periphery of the lower insulator is surrounded by an outer shell that is electrically conductive. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-92313 SUMMARY PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In a coaxial connector, the spacing between the lower contact and the outer shell can affect the communication performance of the coaxial connector. Therefore, it is desirable to enable adjustment of the spacing between the lower contact and the outer shell in a state in which the connecting pin is inserted into the lower contact.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide a coaxial connector that enables easy adjustment of the spacing between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0006] The coaxial connector of the present application has an inner conductor into which a pin-shaped counterpart inner conductor is inserted and connected, and includes the inner conductor having a cylindrical base portion and a plurality of elastic pieces extending from one end of the cylindrical base portion, an insulator surrounding the periphery of the inner conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the periphery of the insulator, each of the plurality of elastic pieces having an elastic piece main body extending from one end of the cylindrical base portion toward the axial one side of the cylindrical base portion and a contact portion protruding toward the inner side from the elastic piece main body, the base end of the elastic piece main body having an elastic support portion that elastically deforms in such a manner that the tip end of the elastic piece main body is displaced toward the outer side, in conjunction with displacement of the contact portion toward the outer side. EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a coaxial connector that enables easy adjustment of the spacing between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus that has a relay coaxial connector of an embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1 Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the relay coaxial connector.​ Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state before connection of the external connection coaxial connector with respect to the relay coaxial connector. Figure 5 is a partial enlarged sectional view of Figure 4 Figure 6 is a sectional view showing a state of connecting the external connection coaxial connector with the relay coaxial connector. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a modification example of the movable side inner conductor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] [Explanation of Embodiments of the Invention] First, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

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

[0011] (1) A coaxial connector provided with an inner conductor, a pin-shaped counterpart side inner conductor insertedly connected to the inner conductor, the coaxial connector being provided with: the inner conductor having a cylindrical base portion and a plurality of elastic pieces extending from one end of the cylindrical base portion; an insulator surrounding a periphery of the inner conductor; and an outer conductor surrounding a periphery of the insulator, each of the plurality of elastic pieces having an elastic piece main body extending from one end of the cylindrical base portion toward one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical base portion and a contact portion protruding toward the inner side from the elastic piece main body, a base end of the elastic piece main body having an elastic support portion that elastically deforms in a manner that a tip end of the elastic piece main body is displaced toward the outer side in conjunction with displacement of the contact portion toward the outer side.

[0012] According to the coaxial connector, when the counterpart side inner conductor is insertedly connected to the inner conductor, the counterpart side inner conductor comes into contact with the contact portion of each of the plurality of elastic pieces. Thereby, when each contact portion is displaced toward the outer side, the elastic support portion at the base end of the elastic piece main body elastically deforms, and the tip end of the elastic piece main body is displaced toward the outer side. Therefore, the tip end of the elastic piece main body can be displaced toward the outer side in accordance with the thickness of the counterpart side inner conductor and the protruding amount of the contact portion, and adjustment of the interval between the inner conductor and the outer conductor can be easily performed.

[0013] (2) In the coaxial connector of (1), it can also be that the contact portion is an elastic contact piece that is folded back toward the base end of the elastic piece main body from the tip end of the elastic piece main body via a folded-back portion.

[0014] Thereby, by folding back processing, the elastic piece main body and the contact portion can be easily formed.

[0015] (3) In the coaxial connector of (2), it can also be that the tip end of the elastic contact piece is separated with respect to the elastic piece main body.​

[0016] Thus, a signal transmission path is constituted from the elastic contact piece and the contact site of the counterpart inner conductor via the return portion and the elastic piece main body. Therefore, by performing noise design with the elastic piece main body as a premise, a desired characteristic impedance is obtained.

[0017] (4) In the coaxial connector of (3), it can also be that the elastic support portion has elasticity that holds the tip end of the elastic contact piece in a state of being separated from the elastic piece main body in a state in which the counterpart inner conductor is inserted and connected to the inner conductor.

[0018] Thus, even in a state in which the counterpart inner conductor is inserted and connected to the inner conductor, a desired characteristic impedance designed with the elastic piece main body as a premise can be obtained.

[0019] (5) In the coaxial connector of any one of (2) to (4), it can also be that, in a state in which the counterpart inner conductor is inserted and connected to the inner conductor, the elastic deformation amount of the elastic support portion is greater than the elastic deformation amount of the return portion.

[0020] Thus, the tip end of the elastic piece main body can be displaced further outward in accordance with the thickness of the counterpart inner conductor and the protruding amount of the contact portion, and adjustment of the interval of the inner conductor and the outer conductor can be easily performed.

[0021] (6) In the coaxial connector of any one of (2) to (5), it can also be that the distance from the inner side contact site of the counterpart inner conductor to the elastic support portion in the elastic contact piece is greater than the distance from the inner side contact site to the return portion.

[0022] In this case, by displacement of the inner side contact site, a greater moment acts on the elastic support portion than on the return portion, and the elastic support portion is greatly elastically deformed. Thus, the tip end of the elastic piece main body can be displaced further outward in accordance with the thickness of the counterpart inner conductor and the protruding amount of the contact portion, and adjustment of the interval of the inner conductor and the outer conductor can be easily performed.

[0023] (7) In the coaxial connector of any one of (2) to (6), it can also be that a rib for suppressing elastic deformation of the return portion is formed in the return portion.

[0024] Thus, the return portion can be made difficult to elastically deform.

[0025] (8) In the coaxial connector of any one of (1) to (7), it can also be that the outer conductor includes an inclined portion that inclines outward along the axial direction of the cylindrical base portion between the elastic support portion and the tip end of the elastic piece main body as it approaches the tip end of the elastic piece main body.

[0026] In a state where the elastic piece body is displaced outward at the tip end, the elastic piece body is inclined outward toward the tip end. In this case, the interval between the elastic piece body and the inclined portion of the outer conductor can be suppressed from changing, and noise design becomes easy.

[0027] (9) In the coaxial connector of any one of (1) to (8), the inner side contact portion of the contact portion and the outer side contact portion of the outer conductor can be provided at the same position in the axial direction of the tubular base.

[0028] In this case, even if the coaxial connector is inclined with respect to the counterpart coaxial connector, the inner side contact portion and the outer side contact portion are easily arranged around the coaxial axis. Thus, even if the coaxial connector is inclined with respect to the counterpart coaxial connector, degradation of communication performance can be suppressed.

[0029] [Details of Embodiments of the Invention] Examples of the coaxial connector of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims.

[0030] [Embodiments] Hereinafter, the coaxial connector of the embodiments will be described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the coaxial connector is a relay coaxial connector incorporated into an apparatus will be described. Note that the coaxial connector is not necessarily incorporated into an apparatus and is a relay coaxial connector. For example, the coaxial connector can be a connector attached to the end of a cable, or a coaxial connector mounted on a substrate.

[0031] [Overall Structure of the Apparatus] An example of an apparatus 10 provided with a relay coaxial connector 40 will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the apparatus 10 provided with the relay coaxial connector 40. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of Figure 1

[0032] The apparatus 10 is, for example, a camera apparatus. The camera apparatus is, for example, an apparatus for a vehicle. The apparatus 10 can not be a camera apparatus.

[0033] The apparatus 10 is provided with a case 12 and an electric component 20. The electric component 20 is housed in the case 12. The relay coaxial connector 40 is fixed to the electric component 20.

[0034] ​The case 12 has a first case 13 and a second case 14. The first case 13 and the second case 14 are formed of resin, for example. The first case 13 and the second case 14 are combined to constitute the case 12 in the shape of a cuboid that houses the electrical component 20. In the case where the apparatus 10 is a camera apparatus, it is assumed that the first case 13 has a lens or a window for image pickup, and the second case 14 has a coaxial connector 30 for external connection.

[0035] The coaxial connector 30 for external connection is a coaxial connector for connecting the electrical component 20 and an electrical component outside. For example, the coaxial connector 30 for external connection is a coaxial connector to which a cable connected to an electrical component outside is connected. The cable connected to the coaxial connector 30 for external connection is a coaxial cable, for example.

[0036] More specifically, a holding cylinder portion 16 is provided protruding from the bottom portion 15 of the case 12. The holding cylinder portion 16 is a cylinder that protrudes outward from the central portion of the bottom portion 15. The inner side of the holding cylinder portion 16 is open in the second case 14, and the outer side of the holding cylinder portion 16 is open outside the second case 14. A holding partition portion 17 is formed in the holding cylinder portion 16 in the direction along the central axis X (axial direction X) at the intermediate portion. In the present embodiment, the holding partition portion 17 is formed in the holding cylinder portion 16 at the intermediate portion in the direction along the central axis X and close to the inner side opening. The holding partition portion 17 separates the space on the inner side opening side and the space on the outer side opening side in the holding cylinder portion 16. A holding hole 17h is formed in the holding partition portion 17, and the coaxial connector 30 for external connection is inserted and held in the holding hole 17h.

[0037] The coaxial connector 30 for external connection has an inner conductor 32 for external connection, an insulator 34 for external connection, and an outer conductor 36 for external connection.

[0038] The inner conductor 32 for external connection is formed in an elongated rod shape and is formed of an electrically conductive material such as metal. The inner conductor 32 for external connection is an example of a pin-shaped counterpart inner conductor that is inserted and connected to a movable-side inner conductor 42 described later. The insulator 34 for external connection is formed of an insulator such as resin and surrounds the periphery of the inner conductor 32 for external connection. In the present embodiment, the insulator 34 for external connection is a dielectric body. The outer conductor 36 for external connection is formed of an electrically conductive material such as metal. The outer conductor 36 for external connection is formed in a cylindrical shape that surrounds the periphery of the insulator 34 for external connection. The outer conductor 36 for external connection is an example of a counterpart outer conductor to which a movable-side outer conductor 54 is connected.

[0039] The electrical component 20 is, for example, a mounting substrate on which an electronic component is mounted. In the case where the apparatus 10 is a camera apparatus, the electrical component 20 is assumed to be a circuit substrate 21 and an image pickup element 22 mounted to the circuit substrate 21. The image pickup element 22 opposes a lens or a window for image pickup of the first housing 13, and rotates the lens or the window to perform image pickup of an outside view. Hereinafter, the side of the first housing 13 toward which the image pickup element 22 faces is referred to as a front side, and the side of the second housing 14 opposite thereto is referred to as a rear side.

[0040] A substrate-side coaxial connector 60 is fixedly mounted to the circuit substrate 21. The substrate-side coaxial connector 60 is located on a side of the circuit substrate 21 opposite the image pickup element 22. The substrate-side coaxial connector 60 protrudes from the circuit substrate 21 toward the above-mentioned external connection coaxial connector 30. The substrate-side coaxial connector 60 includes, for example, a substrate-side inner conductor 62, a substrate-side insulator 70, and a substrate-side outer conductor 80. The substrate-side inner conductor 62 and the substrate-side outer conductor 80 are connected to a circuit of the circuit substrate 21, for example, by soldering or the like. The substrate-side inner conductor 62 is connected to a movable-side inner conductor 42 described later. The substrate-side insulator 70 surrounds a periphery of the substrate-side inner conductor 62. The substrate-side outer conductor 80 surrounds a periphery of the substrate-side insulator 70. That is, the substrate-side inner conductor 62, the substrate-side insulator 70, and the substrate-side outer conductor 80 are arranged in a concentric circular shape in this order from the center toward the periphery.

[0041] The substrate-side coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector 30 are connected via a relay coaxial connector 40. The relay coaxial connector 40 includes, for example, a movable-side inner conductor 42, a movable-side insulator 50, and a movable-side outer conductor 54. The movable-side insulator 50 surrounds a periphery of the movable-side inner conductor 42. The movable-side insulator 50 can also be a dielectric body, which is one type of insulator. The movable-side outer conductor 54 surrounds a periphery of the movable-side insulator 50.

[0042] The movable-side inner conductor 42 is an example of an inner conductor having a cylindrical base portion 43 and a plurality of elastic pieces 44. The movable-side insulator 50 is an example of an insulator that surrounds a periphery of the movable-side inner conductor 42, which is an inner conductor. The movable-side outer conductor 54 is an example of an outer conductor that surrounds a periphery of the movable-side insulator 50, which is an insulator.

[0043] In a state where the movable-side inner conductor 42 is insertedly connected to the board-side inner conductor 62 and the board-side outer conductor 80 is externally connected to the movable-side outer conductor 54, the relay coaxial connector 40 is connected to the board-side coaxial connector 60. In this state, the relay coaxial connector 40 further protrudes from the board-side coaxial connector 60 toward the external connection coaxial connector 30. By the external connection inner conductor 32 being insertedly connected to the movable-side inner conductor 42 and the movable-side outer conductor 54 being insertedly connected to the external connection outer conductor 36, the relay coaxial connector 40 is connected to the external connection coaxial connector 30. Thus, the relay coaxial connector 40 relays the connection between the board-side coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector 30.

[0044] Thus, by a cable from the outside being connected to the external connection coaxial connector 30, the electrical component in the outside, which is a connection partner of the cable, and the electrical component 20 in the case 12 are electrically connected.

[0045] At the time of assembly work of the apparatus 10 or in a completed state, the board-side coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector 30 can be deviated from the positions opposed on the same axis. In this case, the movable-side inner conductor 42 can be connected in an inclined state with respect to the board-side inner conductor 62 and the external connection inner conductor 32. Also, the movable-side outer conductor 54 can be insertedly connected in an inclined state with respect to the board-side outer conductor 80 and the external connection outer conductor 36. That is, the relay coaxial connector 40 can be connected in an inclined state with respect to the board-side coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector. Thus, at the time of assembly work of the apparatus 10 or in a completed state, even if the board-side coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector 30 are deviated from the positions opposed on the same axis, by the relay coaxial connector 40 being inclined with respect to the board-side coaxial connector 60 and the external connection coaxial connector, the misalignment is absorbed.

[0046] <About the Relay Coaxial Connector> The relay coaxial connector 40 will be described more specifically. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the relay coaxial connector 40. Figure 4 is an explanatory view showing a state before the external connection coaxial connector 30 is connected to the relay coaxial connector 40. Figure 5 is Figure 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the external connection coaxial connector 30 is connected to the relay coaxial connector 40.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 to 6 , the relay coaxial connector 40 is provided with the movable-side inner conductor 42, the movable-side insulator 50, and the movable-side outer conductor 54.

[0048] The movable-side inner conductor 42 is an elongated conductive member. In the present embodiment, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is formed by press working a metal plate. More specifically, the movable-side inner conductor 42 has a cylindrical base portion 43, a plurality of elastic pieces 44, and an opposite-side connecting portion 48.

[0049] The cylindrical base portion 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape, more specifically, a circular cylindrical shape. One end of the cylindrical base portion 43 faces the outside connecting inner conductor 32 side, and the other end of the cylindrical base portion 43 faces the substrate-side inner conductor 62 side.

[0050] A locking protrusion 43a can be provided protruding from the cylindrical base portion 43. The locking protrusion 43a partially protrudes from the outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical base portion 43. The locking protrusion 43a is formed in a shape in which the protruding dimension gradually increases from one end of the cylindrical base portion 43 toward the other end. In a state in which the cylindrical base portion 43 is inserted into the movable-side insulator 50, the locking protrusion 43a is hooked to the inner peripheral portion of the movable-side insulator 50, and the movable-side inner conductor 42 is held in a state of being prevented from being removed from the movable-side insulator 50.

[0051] The cylindrical base portion 43 can have a positioning recessed portion 43g that is partially recessed in the circumferential direction. This positioning recessed portion 43g is a recessed portion that is open at one end side of the cylindrical base portion 43, the inner peripheral side, and the outer peripheral side.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the positioning recessed portion 43g is located between the plurality of elastic pieces 44 in the circumferential direction of one end of the cylindrical base portion 43. A positioning protrusion formed in the inner peripheral portion of the movable-side insulator 50 can be fitted into this positioning recessed portion 43g. Thus, rotation of the movable-side inner conductor 42 with respect to the movable-side insulator 50 is prevented. In addition, movement of the movable-side inner conductor 42 toward the tip end side with respect to the movable-side insulator 50 is restricted.

[0053] The plurality of elastic pieces 44 extend from one end of the cylindrical base portion 43. Preferably, the plurality of elastic pieces 44 are located at equal intervals around the central axis X of the cylindrical base portion 43. In the present embodiment, two elastic pieces 44 are opposed around the central axis X of the cylindrical base portion 43.

[0054] The outside connecting inner conductor 32 is inserted from the tip end side of the two elastic pieces 44 toward between the two elastic pieces 44. By the outside connecting inner conductor 32 becoming a state of being sandwiched by the two elastic pieces 44, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is connected to the outside connecting inner conductor 32.

[0055] The opposite-side connecting portion 48 is connected to the tubular base portion 43 on the side opposite to the plurality of elastic pieces 44. The opposite-side connecting portion 48 is a portion to which the board-side inner conductor 62 is connected. In the present embodiment, the opposite-side connecting portion 48 is a cylindrical portion, more specifically, a cylindrical portion thicker than the tubular base portion 43. The board-side inner conductor 62 is inserted into and connected to the opposite-side connecting portion 48, for example.

[0056] The movable-side insulator 50 is formed of resin or the like. The movable-side insulator 50 can be regarded as a dielectric body, and the dielectric body can be regarded as an insulator. The movable-side insulator 50 is a molded resin member, for example.

[0057] The movable-side insulator 50 is formed in a tubular shape that can accommodate at least a portion of the movable-side inner conductor 42. In the present embodiment, the movable-side insulator 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical space S is formed inside thereof. The tubular base portion 43 and the plurality of elastic pieces 44 of the movable-side inner conductor 42 are accommodated in the cylindrical space S.

[0058] The inner diameter L1 of the cylindrical space S is larger than the diameter L2 of an imaginary circle centered on the axis X and passing through the outer surfaces of the plurality of elastic pieces 44 (see FIG. 4). Figure 6 Therefore, the plurality of elastic pieces 44 can be elastically deformed in the inward and outward directions in the cylindrical space S, and in particular, can be elastically deformed in a manner to expand more than the initial state.

[0059] The movable-side insulator 50 has a head portion 51 at the end portion on the side of the external-connection coaxial connector 30. A hole 51h that communicates with the cylindrical space S from the outside is formed in the head portion 51. The hole 51h is formed to be thinner than the cylindrical space S and to be able to insert the external-connection inner conductor 32. That is, the cylindrical space S is reduced by the head portion 51. The hole 51h is opposed to the tips of the plurality of elastic pieces 44 and seals the periphery of the tips of the plurality of elastic pieces 44. The position of the external-connection inner conductor 32 is restricted by the hole 51h, and thus the external-connection inner conductor 32 is easily disposed between the plurality of elastic pieces 44.

[0060] The movable-side insulator 50 is set to a length that can accommodate the tubular base portion 43 and the plurality of elastic pieces 44. The opposite-side connecting portion 48 protrudes to the outside of the movable-side insulator 50.

[0061] The movable-side outer conductor 54 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the movable-side insulator 50. The movable-side outer conductor 54 is formed of a conductive material such as metal and surrounds the periphery of the movable-side insulator 50. The movable-side outer conductor 54 is formed by press working a metal plate or the like, for example.

[0062] The movable-side outer conductor 54 has an outer tubular base portion 55 and an outer elastic piece 56. In the present embodiment, the movable-side outer conductor 54 further has an outer opposite-side connecting portion 58.

[0063] The outer cylindrical base 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which the movable side insulator 50 is disposed inside. A locking protrusion 55a can be provided protruding from the outer cylindrical base 55. The locking protrusion 55a protrudes partially from the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylindrical base 55. The locking protrusion 55a is formed in a shape in which the protruding size gradually decreases from one end of the outer cylindrical base 55 toward the other end. In a state in which the movable side insulator 50 is inserted into the outer cylindrical base 55, the locking protrusion 55a is hooked to the outer peripheral portion of the movable side insulator 50, and the movable side insulator 50 is held in a non-removal state in the outer cylindrical base 55.

[0064] The outer cylindrical base 55 can also have a positioning protrusion 55p (see FIG. 6) that protrudes partially inward in the circumferential direction. By the positioning protrusion 55p being fitted into a positioning recess formed in the outer periphery of the movable side insulator 50, rotation of the outer cylindrical base 55 relative to the movable side insulator 50 can be stopped. By the positioning protrusion 55p being fitted into the positioning recess, movement of the outer cylindrical base 55 relative to the movable side insulator 50 toward the other end side can be restricted. By the outer cylindrical base 55 being fitted into the movable side insulator 50, the outer cylindrical base 55 is disposed coaxially with the cylindrical base 43. Figure 3 ) relative to the movable side insulator 50. By the positioning protrusion 55p being fitted into the positioning recess, movement of the outer cylindrical base 55 relative to the movable side insulator 50 toward the other end side can be restricted. By the outer cylindrical base 55 being fitted into the movable side insulator 50, the outer cylindrical base 55 is disposed coaxially with the cylindrical base 43.

[0065] A plurality of outer elastic pieces 56 extend from the one end side opening edge of the outer cylindrical base 55. The plurality of outer elastic pieces 56 are arranged in a manner that surrounds the periphery of the one end portion of the movable side insulator 50.

[0066] More specifically, the outer elastic piece 56 has an inclined portion 56a, a bulging portion 56b, and a tip end guide portion 56c. The inclined portion 56a, the bulging portion 56b, and the tip end guide portion 56c are connected in this order from the one end side opening of the outer cylindrical base 55 toward one side of the central axis X of the outer cylindrical base 55.

[0067] The inclined portion 56a inclines toward the outer peripheral side as it goes from the one end side opening of the outer cylindrical base 55 toward the tip end of the outer elastic piece 56. The inclined portion 56a is mainly elastically deformable in the inner-outer direction of the outer cylindrical base 55 with the portion connected to the outer cylindrical base 55 as a fulcrum. The inclined portion 56a is a portion that inclines outward as it goes toward the tip end of the elastic piece main body 45 between the elastic support portion 47 and the tip end of the elastic piece main body 45 (here, the folded-back portion 56m) described later.

[0068] The bulging portion 56b is formed in a curved surface that protrudes outward from the tip end of the inclined portion 56a and toward one side of the central axis X. The portion that protrudes most outward in the bulging portion 56b is an outer side contact site 56p (see FIG. 6) that contacts the outer conductor 36 in the radial direction of the cylindrical base 43 and toward the outside. Figure 6 ​

[0069] The tip guide portion 56c is inclined from the tip of the bulging portion 56b toward the inner circumferential side of the side of the center axis X.

[0070] When the movable-side outer conductor 54 is inserted into the outer-connection outer conductor 36, the outer-side elastic pieces 56 are guided toward the inner circumferential side of the outer-connection outer conductor 36 by the tip guide portion 56c contacting the opening rim of the outer-connection outer conductor 36. In the state where the movable-side outer conductor 54 is inserted into the outer-connection outer conductor 36, the inclined portion 56a is elastically deformed toward the inner circumferential side. The outer-side contact portions 56p are elastically pressed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer-connection outer conductor 36 by the elastic force of the inclined portion 56a attempting to return to the original shape. Thus, the plurality of outer-side elastic pieces 56 contact the outer-connection outer conductor 36 from the inner circumferential side, and the movable-side outer conductor 54 is connected to the outer-connection outer conductor 36. The outer-side opposite connection portion 58 is inserted and connected to the substrate-side outer conductor 80.

[0071] <About the Movable-Side Inner Conductor> The movable-side inner conductor 42 will be described in more detail.

[0072] The plurality of elastic pieces 44 of the movable-side inner conductor 42 each have an elastic piece main body 45 and an elastic contact piece 46.

[0073] The base end of the elastic piece main body 45 is connected to one end of the cylindrical base portion 43. The elastic piece main body 45 extends from the one end of the cylindrical base portion 43 toward the side of the center axis X of the cylindrical base portion 43. In the present embodiment, the middle portion of the extension direction of the elastic piece main body 45 is inclined toward the side of the center axis X of the cylindrical base portion 43 as it goes toward the tip side. In addition, the portion of the elastic piece main body 45 near the tip extends in parallel with the center axis X. Thus, in the initial state, the portion of the elastic piece main body 45 on the tip side of the middle portion is located on the inner circumferential side of the extension line of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical base portion 43.

[0074] The elastic contact piece 46 is an example of a contact portion that protrudes from the elastic piece main body 45 toward the inner side. In the present embodiment, the elastic contact piece 46 is an elastic contact piece that is folded back from the tip of the elastic piece main body 45 toward the base end of the elastic piece main body 45 via a fold-back portion 46m.

[0075] More specifically, the elastic contact piece 46 includes a base-end-side inclined portion 46a, a curved portion 46b, and a tip-side inclined portion 46c. The base-end-side inclined portion 46a, the curved portion 46b, and the tip-side inclined portion 46c are connected in this order from the base end side toward the tip side of the elastic contact piece 46.

[0076] The base end side inclined portion 46a is inclined in a manner that it faces the center axis X side from the top end of the elastic piece main body 45 toward the base end side of the elastic piece main body 45. The top end side inclined portion 46c is connected to the top end of the base end side inclined portion 46a via the curved portion 46b. The curved portion 46b is a portion that is curved in a manner that it protrudes toward the center axis X side. The top end side inclined portion 46c is inclined in a manner that it faces away from the center axis X from the curved portion 46b toward the base end side of the elastic piece main body 45.

[0077] When the elastic contact piece 46 is viewed as a whole, the curved portion 46b is located at a position closest to the center axis X. Therefore, when the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted between the plurality of elastic pieces 44, the elastic contact piece 46 contacts the external connection inner conductor 32 with the apex of the curved portion 46b as an inner side contact point 46p (refer to FIG. 6). Figure 6 ).

[0078] In a state in which the external connection inner conductor 32 is not connected, it is preferable that the top end of the elastic contact piece 46 be separated from the elastic piece main body 45.

[0079] The base end of the elastic piece main body 45 has an elastic support portion 47 that elastically deforms in a manner that the top end of the elastic piece main body 45 is displaced to the outside, in conjunction with displacement of the elastic contact piece 46 to the outside periphery side. The elastic support portion 47 is a portion where the elastic piece main body 45 is connected to the cylindrical base portion 43.

[0080] The elastic support portion 47 only needs to elastically deform in a manner that the top end of the elastic piece main body 45 is displaced to the outside, in a state in which the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted between the plurality of elastic pieces 44.

[0081] Furthermore, the fact that the elastic support portion 47 elastically deforms in a state in which the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted between the plurality of elastic pieces 44 does not mean that the elastic contact piece 46 does not elastically deform at all with respect to the elastic piece main body 45.

[0082] However, in a state in which the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted between the plurality of elastic pieces 44, the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 is preferably greater than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the return portion 46m. For example, the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 can be grasped as an amount of change in the angle of the elastic piece main body 45 after the insertion of the external connection inner conductor 32 with respect to the initial angle of the elastic piece main body 45 (refer to FIG. 6). Figure 6 ). In addition, the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the return portion 46m can be grasped as an amount of change in the angle of the base end side inclined portion 46a after the insertion of the external connection inner conductor 32 with respect to the initial angle of the base end side inclined portion 46a (refer to FIG. 6). Figure 6 ).

[0083] And, if the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 is larger than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the folded-back portion 46m, the inner side contact site 46p is displaced in a direction away from the center axis X due to the insertion of the external connection inner conductor 32, and thus the tip end and the intermediate portion of the elastic sheet main body 45 are easily displaced in a direction away from the center axis X.

[0084] By inserting the external connection inner conductor 32 into the movable side inner conductor 42, the tip end side portion of the elastic sheet main body 45 is displaced to the outside. At this time, the displacement amount of the elastic sheet main body 45 can be adjusted by the protruding amount of the elastic contact sheet 46 with respect to the elastic sheet main body 45. Therefore, by adjusting the protruding amount of the elastic contact sheet 46, the position of the elastic sheet main body 45 in the connected state can be adjusted. By adjusting the position of the elastic sheet main body 45, the interval between the elastic sheet main body 45 and the movable side outer conductor 54 in the connected state can be adjusted. In the connected state, the elastic contact sheet 46 can be pressed against the external connection inner conductor 32 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic support portion 47.

[0085] For example, in the connected state, it can be configured so that the elastic sheet main body 45 is inclined to the tip end side (refer to FIG. 6B). Figure 6 As described above, it is assumed that the outer side elastic sheet 56 is inclined to the outside so as to be in elastic contact with the external connection outer conductor 36. In this case, in the connected state, the elastic sheet main body 45 and the inclined portion 56a can be brought to a state close to parallel. Thus, it is easy to keep the distance between the elastic sheet main body 45 and the inclined portion 56a as constant as possible in the direction along the center axis X. If the distance between the elastic sheet main body 45 and the inclined portion 56a is kept as constant as possible, it is easy to keep the communication performance depending on the interval between the movable side inner conductor 42 and the movable side outer conductor 54 to a desired performance.

[0086] In order to make the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 larger than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the folded-back portion 46m, for example, the distance D1 from the above-mentioned inner side contact site 46p in the elastic contact sheet 46 to the elastic support portion 47 can be made larger than the distance D2 from the inner side contact site 46p to the folded-back portion 46m (refer to FIG. 6B). Figure 5 If the elastic support portion 47 is farther from the inner side contact site 46p which is displaced at the time of insertion of the external connection inner conductor 32 than the folded-back portion 46m, a larger moment is applied to the elastic support portion 47 than to the folded-back portion 46m. Therefore, it is easy to make the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 larger than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the folded-back portion 46m.

[0087] The structure for making the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 larger than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the folded-back portion 46m is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, as Figure 7As shown, a reinforcing rib 46mb for suppressing elastic deformation can also be formed in the folded-back portion 46m. Alternatively, the folded-back portion 46m can be made thicker or coarser than the elastic support portion 47.

[0088] Furthermore, the elastic support portion 47 may also have the elasticity to keep the top end of the elastic contact piece 46 separated from the elastic piece body 45 when the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted and connected to the movable side inner conductor 42. By setting the width or thickness of the base end of the elastic support portion 47 according to the displacement of the inner contact portion 46p caused by the insertion of the external connection inner conductor 32, the elasticity of the elastic support portion 47 can be adjusted.

[0089] Preferably, in the axial direction X of the cylindrical base 43, the inner contact portion 46p of the elastic sheet 44 and the outer contact portion 56P of the outer elastic sheet 56 are positioned at the same location (see reference). Figure 6 (Line M). Here, the inner contact portion 46p and the outer contact portion 56P are positioned at the same location in the axial X direction, including the case where, in the axial X direction, portions 46p and 56p are located on the outer diameter of the cylindrical base 43. Within ±5% of the distance range.

[0090] If the inner contact portion 46p and the outer contact portion 56P are significantly offset in the axial direction X, then when the relay coaxial connector 40 is significantly tilted relative to the external connection coaxial connector 30, the inner contact portion 46p and the outer contact portion 56P may become significantly eccentric in the direction away from each other.

[0091] When the inner contact portion 46p and the outer contact portion 56P are positioned at the same location in the X-axis, even if the relay coaxial connector 40 is significantly tilted relative to the external connection coaxial connector 30, the inner contact portion 46p and the outer contact portion 56P are unlikely to become significantly misaligned. Therefore, the movable inner conductor 42 and the movable outer conductor 54 are easily maintained in a coaxial position, and the desired communication performance is easily maintained.

[0092] <Effects, etc.> When the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted and connected to the movable side inner conductor 42, the external connection inner conductor 32 comes into contact with the elastic contact pieces 46 of the plurality of elastic pieces 44. Thus, when the inner side contact portions 46p of the elastic pieces 44 are displaced to the outside, the elastic support portions 47 at the base ends of the elastic piece bodies 45 are elastically deformed, and the tip ends of the elastic piece bodies 45 are displaced to the outside. Therefore, the tip ends of the elastic piece bodies 45 can be displaced to the outside in accordance with the thickness of the external connection inner conductor 32 and the projection amount of the elastic contact pieces 46, and the interval adjustment of the movable side inner conductor 42 and the movable side outer conductor 54 can be easily performed.

[0093] For example, due to constraints on the cost, size, or shape of the device 10, constraints on the size of the movable side outer conductor 54 or the movable side insulator 50, or constraints on the dielectric constant of the movable side insulator 50 can be imposed. In this case, the outer diameter of the movable side inner conductor 42 can be adjusted in accordance with the outer diameter of the external connection inner conductor 32. By adjusting the outer diameter of the movable side inner conductor 42, the interval of the movable side inner conductor 42 and the movable side outer conductor 54 can be adjusted, and the characteristic impedance in the vicinity of the contact can be adjusted.

[0094] In addition, since the elastic contact pieces 46 are folded back from the tip ends of the elastic piece bodies 45 via the fold-back portions 46m, the elastic contact pieces 46 that project to the inside from the elastic piece bodies 45 as contact portions can be easily formed.

[0095] In addition, the tip ends of the elastic contact pieces 46 are separated from the elastic piece bodies 45. It is preferable that the tip ends of the elastic piece bodies 45 remain in a state of being separated from the elastic piece bodies 45 even in the inserted state of the external connection inner conductor 32.

[0096] If the tip ends of the elastic contact pieces 46 are in contact with the elastic piece bodies 45, it is possible to form a signal transmission path from the inner side contact portions 46p of the elastic contact pieces 46 to the elastic piece bodies 45 via the tip ends of the elastic contact pieces 46. In this case, it is possible that the desired characteristic impedance assuming the overall shape of the elastic piece bodies 45 is not obtained.

[0097] When the tip ends of the elastic contact pieces 46 are separated from the elastic piece bodies 45, a signal transmission path from the inner side contact portions 46p of the elastic contact pieces 46 to the elastic piece bodies 45 is formed via the fold-back portions 46m and the elastic piece bodies 45 in the state in which the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted into the movable side inner conductor 42. Thus, the desired characteristic impedance that is designed on the premise of the overall shape of the elastic piece bodies 45 is obtained.

[0098] Further, in a state where the external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted, the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 is larger than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the folded-back portion 46m. Therefore, the elastic piece main body 45 can be displaced more outward depending on the thickness of the external connection inner conductor 32 and the protruding amount of the elastic contact piece 46, and the interval adjustment of the movable-side inner conductor 42 and the movable-side outer conductor 54 can be easily performed.

[0099] In order to make the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 larger than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the folded-back portion 46m, for example, the distance D1 between the inner contact site 46p and the elastic support portion 47 can be set to be larger than the distance D2 between the inner contact site 46p and the folded-back portion 46m. Thus, due to the displacement of the inner contact site 46p, a larger moment acts on the elastic support portion 47 than on the folded-back portion 46m, and the elastic support portion 47 is elastically deformed more. Therefore, the tip of the elastic piece main body can be displaced more outward depending on the thickness of the counterpart inner conductor and the protruding amount of the contact portion, and the interval adjustment of the inner conductor and the outer conductor can be easily performed.

[0100] The structure for making the elastic deformation amount θ1 of the elastic support portion 47 larger than the elastic deformation amount θ2 of the folded-back portion 46m can also be set by the shapes of the elastic support portion 47 and the folded-back portion 46m. For example, a rib 46mb for suppressing elastic deformation can be formed in the folded-back portion 46m.

[0101] Further, the movable-side outer conductor 54 includes an inclined portion 56a that is inclined outward along the axial direction X of the cylindrical base portion 43 between the elastic support portion 47 and the tip of the elastic piece main body 45 as it goes toward the tip of the elastic piece main body 45. As described above, in a state where the tip of the elastic piece main body 45 is displaced outward due to the insertion of the external connection inner conductor 32, the elastic piece main body 45 is inclined outward as it goes toward the tip. In this case, in the direction along the axial direction X, the interval between the elastic piece main body 45 and the movable-side outer conductor 54 can be suppressed from changing, and thus the noise design becomes easy.

[0102] Further, the inner contact site 46p and the outer elastic piece 56 are set at the same position in the axial direction X of the cylindrical base portion 43. Therefore, even in a case where the relay coaxial connector 40 is inclined with respect to the external connection coaxial connector 30, the inner contact site 46p and the outer elastic piece 56 are easily arranged around the same axis. Thus, even in a case where the relay coaxial connector 40 is inclined, the degradation of the communication performance can be suppressed.

[0103] Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the contact portion is the elastic contact piece 46 folded back from the tip end of the contact piece main body is described. The contact portion is not necessarily the elastic contact piece folded back. The contact portion can also be a portion formed by partially protruding the middle portion of the elastic contact piece inward by press working or the like. The contact portion can also be a solid protrusion formed by cutting or welding or the like.

[0104] Further, each structure described in each of the above embodiments and each modification example can be appropriately combined as long as they are not contradictory to each other. Explanation of Reference Signs

[0105] 10 device 12 housing 13 first housing 14 second housing 15 bottom 16 holding cylinder portion 17 holding partition portion 17h holding hole 20 electrical component 21 circuit substrate 22 image pickup element 30 external connection coaxial connector 32 external connection inner conductor (opposite side inner conductor) 34 external connection insulator 36 external connection outer conductor (opposite side outer conductor) 40 relay coaxial connector (coaxial connector) 42 movable side inner conductor (inner conductor) 43 cylindrical base 43a locking protrusion 43g positioning recess 44 elastic piece 45 elastic piece main body 46 elastic contact piece (contact portion) 46a base end side inclined portion 46b bent portion 46c tip end side inclined portion 46m folded back portion 46mb rib 46p inner side contact site 47 elastic support portion 48 opposite side connection portion 50 movable side insulator (insulator) 51 head portion 51h hole 54 movable side outer conductor (outer conductor) 55 outer cylindrical base 55a locking protrusion 55p positioning protrusion 56 outer elastic piece 56p outer contact point 56a inclined portion 56b bulging portion 56c top end guide portion 56p outer contact point 58 outer opposite connecting portion 60 substrate side coaxial connector 62 substrate side inner conductor 70 substrate side insulator 80 substrate side outer conductor D1, D2 distance L1 inner diameter M line S cylindrical space X axial direction (central axis) Θ1, Θ2 elastic deformation amount outer diameter

Claims

1. A coaxial connector, comprising: an inner conductor into which a counterpart inner conductor in a pin shape is insertedly connected, the inner conductor having a cylindrical base and a plurality of elastic pieces extending from one end of the cylindrical base; an insulator surrounding a periphery of the inner conductor; and an outer conductor surrounding a periphery of the insulator, wherein the plurality of elastic pieces each have an elastic piece main body extending from one end of the cylindrical base to one side of the cylindrical base in an axial direction, and a contact portion protruding from the elastic piece main body toward an inner side, a base end of the elastic piece main body has an elastic support portion that is elastically deformed in such a manner that a top end of the elastic piece main body is displaced to the outer side, in conjunction with displacement of the contact portion to the outer side.

2. The coaxial connector according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is an elastic contact piece that is folded back from the top end of the elastic piece main body toward the base end of the elastic piece main body via a folded-back portion.

3. The coaxial connector according to claim 2, wherein the top end of the elastic contact piece is separated with respect to the elastic piece main body.

4. The coaxial connector according to claim 3, wherein the elastic support portion has elasticity that maintains the top end of the elastic contact piece in a state of being separated with respect to the elastic piece main body in a state in which the counterpart inner conductor is insertedly connected to the inner conductor.

5. The coaxial connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein in a state in which the counterpart inner conductor is insertedly connected to the inner conductor, an elastic deformation amount of the elastic support portion is greater than an elastic deformation amount of the folded-back portion, and a distance from an inner side contact site of the counterpart inner conductor to the elastic support portion in the elastic contact piece is greater than a distance from the inner side contact site to the folded-back portion.

7. The coaxial connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the folded-back portion is formed with a rib for suppressing elastic deformation of the folded-back portion.

8. The coaxial connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer conductor includes an inclined portion that is inclined to the outer side as it goes toward the top end of the elastic piece main body, between the elastic support portion and the top end of the elastic piece main body in the axial direction of the cylindrical base.

9. The coaxial connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the axial direction of the cylindrical base, an inner side contact site of the counterpart inner conductor in the contact portion and an outer side contact site of the counterpart outer conductor in the outer conductor are set to the same position. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 6. The coaxial connector of any of claims 2-4, wherein, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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