L-shaped communication connector

Abstract

The invention provides an L-type communication connector which can reduce discontinuous points of a current path of a return current flowing through an outer conductor even when the L-type communication connector is composed of a single shell component. An L-type communication connector (10) is provided with: a conductive first cylindrical member (210) that is fitted to a mating connector and extends along a first central axis; a conductive second cylindrical member (230) that extends along a second central axis that extends in a direction that intersects the first central axis; a connection part (240) that connects the first cylindrical member (210) and the second cylindrical member (230); and a pressing part (250) which is connected to the second cylindrical member (230) and is pressed and connected to one communication conductor of the communication cable (400), and wherein a contact part (238) which establishes electrical conduction between the second cylindrical member (230) and the first cylindrical member (210) is formed at a portion where the second cylindrical member (230) and the first cylindrical member (210) overlap when the connection part (240) is bent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an L-shaped communication connector, and particularly relates to an L-shaped communication connector for connecting a coaxial cable or a differential transmission cable in a direction crossing a center axis of the cable. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an L-shaped communication connector provided with an outer conductor configured by bending two cylindrical members connected by a connection portion into an L shape at the connection portion is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a shield terminal having a connection member configured by bending an extension portion connected to a cylindrical portion at an outer corner portion into an L shape with respect to the cylindrical portion, and forming a current path by covering a gap between a side surface of the cylindrical portion and a side surface of the extension portion of the connection member with a mounting member separate from the connection member.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-077157 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] Here, it is desirable that return current flowing in the outer conductor preferably flows uniformly around the entire circumference of the cylindrical outer conductor. However, as described above, in the L-shaped communication connector provided with the cylindrical outer conductor bent into an L shape, since the cylindrical members having different orientations of the center axis are formed in a continuous manner, a gap is generated at the side surface portion.

[0009] In such a case, current flows concentratedly at a portion where the members are connected or in contact with each other, and, in contrast, a region where current does not flow is generated at a portion around the gap between the members. In a region where current flows concentratedly and the current density is high, voltage drop is generated, and noise resistance characteristics are likely to be reduced. That is, noise is likely to be generated at the portion, or noise applied to the outer conductor is likely to intrude into the inside at the portion. In the invention described in Patent Literature 1, in order to eliminate the discontinuous point of the current path, a separate member having conductivity is installed in a manner of covering the gap between the members to secure the current path, but the number of members increases.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an L-shaped communication connector capable of reducing discontinuous points of a current path of return current flowing in an outer conductor even in a case where the outer conductor is configured by a single housing member.

[0011] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0012] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present application is an L-shaped communication connector including:

[0013] a first tubular member of an electrically conductive material that is fitted to a counterpart connector and extends along a first central axis;

[0014] a second tubular member of an electrically conductive material that extends along a second central axis extending in a direction intersecting the first central axis;

[0015] a connection portion that connects the first tubular member and the second tubular member; and

[0016] a press contact portion that is connected to the second tubular member and is in press contact with a communication conductor of a communication cable,

[0017] a contact portion that is formed in a portion of the second tubular member that coincides with the first tubular member in a case where the connection portion is bent, and establishes electrical conduction with the first tubular member.

[0018] In addition, in one embodiment of the present application, the contact portion is an end portion of both side surfaces of the second tubular member that overlaps both side surfaces of the first tubular member, and the interval between the end portions of both side surfaces of the second tubular member is narrower than the width of both side surfaces of the first tubular member, whereby the end portions of both side surfaces of the second tubular member are crimped to both side surfaces of the first tubular member in a case where the connection portion is bent.

[0019] In addition, in one embodiment of the present application, an introduction portion is formed in the contact portion, and the introduction portion extends from the end portions of both side surfaces of the second tubular member in a direction away from both side surfaces of the first tubular member.

[0020] In addition, in one embodiment of the present application, the communication cable is a coaxial cable, and the press contact portion is in press contact with an outer conductor of the coaxial cable.

[0021] Effects of Invention

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present application, an L-shaped communication connector can be provided, in which even if a single housing member is used, the discontinuity of the current path of the return current flowing in the outer conductor can be reduced.

[0023] Further, according to one embodiment of the present application, by forming the contact portion that can be easily formed in the second tubular member, the electrical conduction between the first tubular member and the second tubular member can be established.

[0024] Further, according to one embodiment of the present application, when the connection portion is bent in a manner that the two side surfaces of the second tubular member coincide with the two side surfaces of the first tubular member, it is possible to prevent the end portions of the two side surfaces of the second tubular member from interfering with the two side surfaces of the first tubular member and being damaged.

[0025] Further, according to one embodiment of the present application, it is possible to connect the L-shaped communication connector to a coaxial cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 (A) of FIG. 1 is an appearance perspective view of an L-shaped communication connector in one embodiment, Figure 1 (B) of FIG. 1 is an appearance perspective view of the L-shaped communication connector of (A) of FIG. 1 as viewed from another direction. Figure 1 (A) of FIG. 1 as viewed from another direction.

[0027] Figure 2 (A) of FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing main portions of the L-shaped communication connector in one embodiment, with the L-shaped communication connector being exploded, Figure 2 (B) of FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the L-shaped communication connector of (A) of FIG. 2 as viewed from another direction. Figure 1 (A) of FIG. 2 as viewed from another direction.

[0028] Figure 3 (A) of FIG. 3 is an appearance perspective view showing that an inner housing and a coaxial cable are attached to a housing of the L-shaped communication connector in one embodiment, in an extended state before the housing is bent, Figure 3 (B) of FIG. 3 is an appearance perspective view of the housing in the extended state of (A) of FIG. 3 as viewed from another direction. Figure 3 (A) of FIG. 3 as viewed from another direction.

[0029] Figure 4 is an appearance perspective view of the housing in the extended state of the L-shaped communication connector shown in (A) of FIG. 3, (B) of FIG. 3. Figure 3

[0030] Figure 5 (A) of FIG. 4 is a front view of the housing in the extended state of (A) of FIG. 3, Figure 4 (B) of FIG. 4 is a sectional view along the VB-VB line of (A) of FIG. 4. Figure 5 Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the VI portion of (B) of FIG. 4.

[0031] Figure 6 Figure 5

[0032] Figure 7 (A) of FIG. 5 is an appearance perspective view showing a case where the housing of (A) of FIG. 3 is bent, Figure 3 (B) of FIG. 5 is an appearance perspective view of the bent state of the housing of (A) of FIG. 5 as viewed from another direction. Figure 7 (A) of FIG. 5 as viewed from another direction. Figure 7 ​​​​​

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) shows a perspective view of the L-shaped communication connector housing in a bent state.

[0034] Figure 9 (A) is Figure 8 A side view of the shell in a bent state. Figure 9 (B) is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of line IXB-IXB in (A). Figure 9 (C) is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the IXC-IXC line in (A).

[0035] Figure 10 (A) is Figure 9 Enlarged sectional view of part XA of (B), Figure 10 (B) is Figure 9 Enlarged sectional view of (C).

[0036] Label Explanation

[0037] 10: L-type communication connector;

[0038] 100: Outer shell;

[0039] 110: Upper shell;

[0040] 112: Upper plate part;

[0041] 114: Side panel section;

[0042] 116: The opening is engaged;

[0043] 120: Lower shell;

[0044] 122: Cylindrical shell section;

[0045] 124: Groove-shaped shell section;

[0046] 126: Shell containment section;

[0047] 128: Port;

[0048] 130: Claw;

[0049] 200: Shell;

[0050] 210: First cylindrical component;

[0051] 212: front plate;

[0052] 214: Back panel;

[0053] 216: Side panel;

[0054] 218: Spring contact;

[0055] 220: Bridging section;

[0056] 222: Locking protrusion;

[0057] 230: Second cylindrical component;

[0058] 232: Back panel;

[0059] 234: Side panel;

[0060] 236: Opening;

[0061] 238: Contact Department;

[0062] 240: Connecting part;

[0063] 242: Gap;

[0064] 244: Introduction Section;

[0065] 250: Clamping part;

[0066] 252: Eaves-like part;

[0067] 254: Controlling plate;

[0068] 256: Containment Space;

[0069] 300: Inner shell;

[0070] 310: Second shell;

[0071] 400: Coaxial cable;

[0072] 402: Metal ferrule. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The L-shaped communication connector 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below illustrate the L-shaped communication connector of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention should also be equally applicable to other L-shaped communication connectors as described in the claims.

[0074] like Figure 1 (A) Figure 1 (B) Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 As shown in (B), the L-type communication connector 10 includes an outer housing 100, a housing 200 as an outer conductor, and an inner housing 300, to which a coaxial cable 400 as a communication cable is connected.

[0075] like Figure 1 (A) Figure 1(B) Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 As shown in (B), the outer housing 100 is formed of an insulating material and includes an upper housing 110 and a lower housing 120. The upper housing 110 has: an upper plate portion 112 that covers the inner housing 300 and the bent housing 200 above; and side plate portions 114 that extend downward from both sides of the upper plate portion 112 in the width direction. Engaging openings 116 are formed in the side plate portions 114 for engaging with the claws 130 of the lower housing 120, which will be described later.

[0076] The lower housing 120 is L-shaped when viewed from the side, and includes a cylindrical housing portion 122 that houses the first cylindrical member 210 of the housing 200 (described later) and a grooved housing portion 124 that houses the second cylindrical member 230 of the housing. The cylindrical housing portion 122 covers the side, front, and rear sides of the first cylindrical member 210, and is open at the top and bottom. Although not shown, the opening formed at the bottom serves as a mating opening relative to the other connector.

[0077] The grooved housing portion 124 extends in the front-rear direction and is open at the top. A housing receiving portion 126 is formed inside, and a port 128 is formed at the front end of the grooved housing portion 124. The second cylindrical member 230 of the housing 200 (described later) is placed in the housing receiving portion 126, and a coaxial cable 400 connected to the second cylindrical member 230 extends forward through the port 128.

[0078] Laterally protruding claws 130 are formed on both sides of the groove-shaped housing portion 124. During assembly, the claws 130 engage with the engaging opening 116 of the upper housing portion 110, thereby accommodating and holding the second cylindrical component 230 of the housing 200 in the space surrounded by the outer housing receiving portion 126 and the upper plate portion 112.

[0079] Furthermore, in the detailed description of the invention, "front-to-back direction" refers to the extending direction of the coaxial cable 400 connected to the L-shaped communication connector 10 of this embodiment, "front" refers to the direction in which the coaxial cable 400 extends from the L-shaped communication connector 10, and "rear" refers to the opposite direction. Additionally, "vertical direction" refers to the extending direction of the first cylindrical member 210 of the shell 200, which is in a curved state orthogonal to the front-to-back direction. Moreover, "above" refers to the side of the first cylindrical member 210 closest to the coaxial cable 400, and "below" refers to the opposite side, the side connected to the other connector. Furthermore, "width direction" or "lateral direction" refers to a direction orthogonal to both the front-to-back and vertical directions.

[0080] Shell 200 is formed by pressure processing through punching a conductive metal plate. For example... Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 (B)Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (B) Figure 4 , Figure 5 (A) Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) and Figure 8 As shown, the shell 200 includes a first cylindrical member 210 and a second cylindrical member 230. The first cylindrical member 210 and the second cylindrical member 230 are connected by a connecting portion 240. With the connecting portion 240 bent, the first cylindrical member 210 extends along a first imaginary central axis (not shown) extending in the vertical direction. The second cylindrical member 230 extends continuously from the first cylindrical member 210 via the connecting portion 240 along a second imaginary central axis (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction intersecting the first imaginary central axis. Furthermore, a clamping portion 250 is continuously formed on the front side of the second cylindrical member 230.

[0081] The first cylindrical component 210, which engages with the other connector, includes a front plate 212, a rear plate 214, and two side plates 216. It is a hollow, square-tube component with a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape when viewed from above or below. On the front plate 212, the rear plate 214, and the two side plates 216, a portion of the sheet metal is cut away near the lower end to form spring contacts 218 that establish electrical contact with the other connector.

[0082] A bridging portion 220 is formed on the front plate 212 of the first cylindrical member 210, extending forward in a curved manner from its upper end. When the second cylindrical member 230 is bent at the connecting portion 240 relative to the first cylindrical member 210, the bridging portion 220 extends forward to a position corresponding to the clamping portion 250 and contacts the metal collar 402 mounted on the coaxial cable 400.

[0083] The rear plate 214 and the two side plates 216 extend to a position above the upper end of the front plate 212. A connecting portion 240 is formed at the upper end of the rear plate 214 and connects to the second cylindrical member 230. Locking protrusions 222 are formed on the two side plates 216, respectively, protruding outward in the width direction.

[0084] Next, the second cylindrical member 230 will be described, but in the following description, the state in which the second cylindrical member 230 extends relative to the first cylindrical member 210 at the connecting portion 240 will be described. Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (B) Figure 4 , Figure 5 The positional relationships under the state shown in (A) will be explained.

[0085] The second cylindrical member 230, with the connecting portion 240 extended into a planar shape, is formed as a front-opening groove-shaped member. The second cylindrical member 230 includes a rear plate 232 and two side plates 234. The rear plate 232 is formed to be continuous with the rear plate 214 of the first cylindrical member 210 via the connecting portion 240. On the other hand, the two side plates 234 are separated from the two side plates 216 of the first cylindrical member 210 by gaps 242. According to this structure, by bending the connecting portion 240 so that the second cylindrical member 230 is approximately at a right angle relative to the first cylindrical member 210, the shell 200 can be made to have an L-shaped structure when viewed from the side.

[0086] Openings 236 are provided on the two side plates 234 of the second cylindrical component 230. When the connecting part 240 is bent and the two side plates 234 of the second cylindrical component 230 overlap with the outer sides of the two side plates 216 of the first cylindrical component 210, the openings 236 engage with the locking protrusions 222.

[0087] On the two side plates 234 of the second cylindrical component 230, a contact portion 238 is formed at the lower end of the connecting portion 240 when it is in the extended state (see reference). Figure 3 (B) Figure 4 , Figure 5 (A) Figure 5 (B)

[0088] When the connecting portion 240 is bent and the side plate 234 of the second cylindrical member 230 overlaps with the outer side of the side plate 216 of the first cylindrical member 210 in the width direction, the contact portion 238 contacts the side plate 216 of the first cylindrical member 210. This establishes mutual electrical conductivity between the first cylindrical member 210 and the second cylindrical member 230.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, the gap between the contact portions 238 formed on the two side plates 234 of the second cylindrical member 230, i.e., the width W1 in the width direction, is narrower than the width W2 in the width direction between the outer surfaces of the two side plates 216 of the first cylindrical member 210. Therefore, when the connecting portion 240 is bent, the contact portions 238 press against the side plates 216 of the first cylindrical member 210, i.e., they contact each other while maintaining a predetermined contact pressure.

[0090] And, as Figure 4 , Figure 5 (A) Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) Figure 8As shown, an inlet portion 244 is formed in the contact portion 238. The inlet portion 244 extends from the lower end of the side plate 234 of the second cylindrical member 230 downward (from the rear end of the side plate 234 backward when the connecting portion 240 is bent) in a direction away from the side plate 216 of the first cylindrical member 210 outward.

[0091] The clamping portion 250 includes an eave-shaped portion 252 continuously formed from the second cylindrical member 230 and two gripping tabs 254 extending forward from both sides in its width direction. The space surrounded by the eave-shaped portion 252 and the two gripping tabs 254 forms a receiving space 256 for inserting the coaxial cable 400. The two gripping tabs 254 are clamped around a metal collar 402, which is mounted around the communication conductor, i.e., the outer conductor, on one side of the coaxial cable 400.

[0092] like Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 As shown in (B), the inner housing 300 includes: a first housing (not shown) which is housed inside the first cylindrical member 210 of the housing 200; and a second housing 310 which is disposed at the bridging portion 220 and housed inside the second cylindrical member 230.

[0093] The first housing houses the contacts of the center conductor that are connected to the contacts on the center conductor of the other connector. The second housing 310 houses the contacts that are connected to the center conductor of the coaxial cable 400. Furthermore, the contacts in the first housing and the contacts in the second housing 310 are connected and conductive within the inner housing 300.

[0094] Next, the assembly of the L-type communication connector 10 described above will be explained. For example... Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown in (A), with the second cylindrical member 230 extended relative to the first cylindrical member 210 at the connecting portion 240, the first housing of the inner housing 300 is inserted into the first cylindrical member 210 of the housing 200. Then, the second housing 310 is placed on the bridging portion 220 of the housing 200.

[0095] Next, the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 400 is folded back around the cable sheath, and a metal collar 402 is installed around it. The center conductor is then inserted into the second housing 310 and connected to the contact. At this point, the metal collar 402 is positioned on the bridging portion 220 and is in a state where it can contact the bridging portion 220 (see reference). Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (B)

[0096] Next, as Figure 7 (A) Figure 7As shown in (B), the second cylindrical member 230 is bent approximately 90° relative to the first cylindrical member 210 at the connecting portion 240. The inlet portion 244 of the second cylindrical member 230 then contacts the upper ends of the two side plates 216 of the first cylindrical member 210, pushing the contact portion 238 of the second cylindrical member 230 outward in the width direction. While maintaining contact with the surface of the side plate 216 of the first cylindrical member 210, the contact portion 238 rotates and slides outward from the side plate 216 of the first cylindrical member 210. Then, the opening 236 of the second cylindrical member 230 engages with the locking protrusion 222 of the first cylindrical member 210. At this point, the two side plates 234 of the second cylindrical member 230 overlap with the outer sides of the two side plates 216 of the first cylindrical member 210.

[0097] At this time, the second housing 310 of the inner housing 300 is housed within the space formed by the rear plate 232 and the two side plates 234 of the second cylindrical member 230 of the housing 200. Furthermore, the eaves 252 of the clamping portion 250 and the gripping piece 254 are positioned to house and surround the metal collar 402 mounted on the coaxial cable 400. Next, the gripping piece 254 of the clamping portion 250 is pressed tightly against the periphery of the metal collar 402.

[0098] Thus, an electrical conduction path is established from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 400 to the eaves 252, the rear plate 232 of the second cylindrical member 230, the connecting portion 240, and the rear plate 232 of the first cylindrical member 210. Additionally, an electrical conduction path is established from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 400 to the gripping piece 254, the side plate 234 of the second cylindrical member 230, the contact portion 238, and the side plate 216 of the first cylindrical member 210. Furthermore, an electrical conduction path is established from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 400 to the bridging portion 220 and the front plate 212 of the first cylindrical member 210.

[0099] Finally, as Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 As shown in (B), the inner housing 300, on which the coaxial cable 400 is assembled, and the bent housing 200 are assembled into the outer housing 100. Specifically, the first cylindrical member 210 of the housing 200 is inserted into the cylindrical housing portion 122 of the lower housing 120, and the second cylindrical member 230 and the clamping part 250 are placed in the housing receiving portion 126 of the grooved housing portion 124. Then, the upper housing 110 is installed on the lower housing 120 such that the upper plate portion 112 of the upper housing 110 covers the second cylindrical member 230 and the clamping part 250, so that the engaging opening 116 of the upper housing 110 is engaged with the claw 130 of the lower housing 120. The coaxial cable 400 extends forward through the port 128.

[0100] The L-shaped communication connector 10 of the embodiment has been described above. The L-shaped communication connector 10 described above is a female connector, but the shape of the first cylindrical member 210 and the inner housing 300 can be appropriately modified to make it a male connector. Furthermore, in the above description, the L-shaped communication connector 10 was described as a coaxial cable connector for connecting a coaxial cable 400, but it can also be applied to connectors for connecting differential transmission cables. In this case, the second cylindrical member 230 is connected via the clamping part 250 to the communication conductor on one side of the differential transmission cable, or, in the case where the differential transmission cable has an outer conductor.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above description, the second cylindrical member 230 of the shell 200 is bent at approximately 90° relative to the first cylindrical member 210 at the connecting portion 240. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example and may be bent at other angles.

Claims

1. An L-shaped communication connector, comprising: A first cylindrical component with conductivity, which engages with the other connector, extends along a first central axis; A conductive second cylindrical component extends along a second central axis, which extends in a direction intersecting the first central axis; A connecting portion, which connects the first cylindrical component and the second cylindrical component; and The clamping part is connected to the second cylindrical component and is clamped to the communication conductor on one side of the communication cable. In the case of a bent connection, the portion of the second cylindrical member that overlaps with the first cylindrical member forms a contact portion that establishes mutual electrical conductivity.

2. The L-shaped communication connector according to claim 1, wherein, The contact portion is the end portion of the two sides of the second cylindrical component that overlaps with the two sides of the first cylindrical component, and the spacing between the end portions of the two sides of the second cylindrical component is narrower than the width of the two sides of the first cylindrical component. This configuration results in the following arrangement: when the connecting portion is bent, the ends of the two sides of the second cylindrical member are pressed against the two sides of the first cylindrical member.

3. The L-shaped communication connector according to claim 2, wherein, An inlet portion is formed in the contact portion, which extends from the ends of both sides of the second cylindrical member toward the sides of the first cylindrical member.

4. The L-type communication connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The communication cable is a coaxial cable, and the clamping part is clamped to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable.

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