Plug and plug manufacturing method

Abstract

A plug according to the present invention is provided with: a terminal member having a connection part connected to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable; an insulating holder externally fitted to the terminal member; a conductive housing externally fitted to the holder; and a conductive grounding member disposed between the housing and the holder. The housing has a cylindrical inner surface and a protrusion protruding from a part of the cylindrical inner surface. The ground member has a pair of arcuate support portions connected to the housing, and a contact supported by the pair of support portions. A recessed portion is formed in a portion of the pair of support portions different from a portion where the contact is disposed. The ground member is fixed to the housing by embedding the protrusion with the recess.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a plug and a manufacturing method of a plug. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489, a plug (connector in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489) capable of electrically connecting with a coaxial cable is disclosed. The plug has a center conductor capable of electrically connecting with an inner conductor of the coaxial cable, a metal-made main body disposed on an outer peripheral side of the center conductor and electrically connecting with an outer conductor of the coaxial cable, and an insulating dielectric material support body disposed between the center conductor and the main body. The main body has a substantially cylindrical recess into which a counterpart socket (connector plug in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489) is inserted. Hereinafter, a direction parallel to a direction in which the socket is inserted is referred to as an axial direction.

[0003] A ground member (spring in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489) composed of a spring material of metal is disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the recess of the main body of the plug. Both ends of the ground member in a direction parallel to the axial direction are a pair of support portions (annular portions in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489), and a plurality of (six in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489) elastically deformable contacts (continuous portions in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489) are disposed at a prescribed interval along a circumferential direction of the support portions between the pair of support portions. That is, the contacts extend along the axial direction. The ground member electrically connects with the main body by making the support portions expand in diameter and abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the recess with the elastic force.

[0004] The recess of the main body of the plug has an annular opening on a side into which the ground member is inserted, and an inner diameter of the opening is smaller than an inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of other portions of the recess. That is, the opening projects toward an inner radial side compared to the inner peripheral surface of the other portions of the recess, and there is a stepped difference between the other portions of the recess and the opening. The ground member is disposed so that the other support portion abuts against the stepped difference and is caught, whereby the ground member does not fall out of the recess.

[0005] Since the recess of the main body of the plug disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489 has an annular opening, and the ground member is disposed on an inner side in the axial direction compared to the opening, a length of the recess along the axial direction is shortened by an amount of a length of the opening along the axial direction. Therefore, a length of the contacts of the ground member disposed in the recess is also shortened, whereby even if the same amount of elastic deformation is applied, a stress applied to end portions of the contacts becomes larger, and an elastic limit becomes lower compared to a case in which the length of the contacts is long, and thus there is room for improvement. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, a plug capable of lengthening a length of contacts and ensuring stable contact performance, and a manufacturing method of a plug are desired.

[0007] One embodiment of the plug of the present application is a plug electrically connected with a coaxial cable, the plug including: a terminal member having a cylindrical connecting portion electrically connected with an inner conductor of the coaxial cable; an insulating retainer coaxially fitted to the connecting portion of the terminal member; a shell electrically connected with an outer conductor of the coaxial cable and coaxially fitted to the retainer; and a ground member disposed between the shell and the retainer, the shell having a cylindrical inner surface coaxial with the axis and having the connecting portion and the retainer disposed inside, and having a protrusion protruding from a portion of the cylindrical inner surface toward the inside in the radial direction, the ground member having a pair of support portions in the shape of an arc electrically connected with the shell by abutting against the cylindrical inner surface, and a contact elastically deformable and supported by the pair of support portions, a recess being formed in at least one of the pair of support portions at a position different from the position at which the contact is disposed, the ground member being fixed to the shell by fitting the protrusion into the recess.

[0008] According to the present embodiment, the shell has a cylindrical inner surface, and has a protrusion protruding from a portion of the cylindrical inner surface toward the inside in the radial direction. In addition, the ground member has a pair of support portions in the shape of an arc electrically connected with the shell by abutting against the cylindrical inner surface, and a contact elastically deformable and supported by the pair of support portions. Further, a recess is formed in at least one of the pair of support portions at a position different from the position at which the contact is disposed. Moreover, the ground member is fixed to the shell by fitting the protrusion into the recess. Thus, compared with the case where the contacts are formed between the recesses and the contacts of the plug disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. S59-65489, the length of the contacts can be extended. As a result, the stress generated at both end portions (boundaries with the support portions) of the contacts at the time of elastic deformation becomes smaller, and the elastic limit becomes higher. In this way, a plug capable of ensuring stable contact performance for a long period of time can be realized.

[0009] In another embodiment of the plug of the present application, the protrusion is formed at an end portion of the side into which the socket serving as a fitting object is fitted, and the length of the protrusion in the direction of the axis is longer than the length of the recess in the direction of the axis.

[0010] According to the present embodiment, the length of the protrusion in the direction of the axis is longer than the length of the recess in the direction of the axis. Thus, in a state where the ground member abuts against the cylindrical inner surface of the shell and the recess is fitted into the protrusion, the support portions of the ground member do not protrude from the shell.

[0011] In another embodiment of the plug of the present application, a housing is further provided which is fitted outside the housing, and a ring-shaped packing is provided between the housing and the housing, the packing having a large-diameter portion which abuts against both the housing and the housing, and a small-diameter portion which abuts against only the housing and has a gap with the housing, and the socket as the fitting object is fitted in the gap in abutment with the small-diameter portion.

[0012] According to the present embodiment, the clearance between the plug and the socket is sealed by abutting the socket against the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion of the packing. Thus, it is possible to prevent dust, water droplets, and the like from intruding into the inside of the plug.

[0013] In another embodiment of the plug of the present application, the housing has a flange portion which prevents the packing from falling off.

[0014] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to maintain the state in which the packing abuts against the housing.

[0015] In another embodiment of the plug of the present application, the terminal member has a plate-shaped portion which is formed integrally with the connecting portion, a connecting portion of the inner conductor of the coaxial cable which electrically connects with the plate-shaped portion has a flat plate shape, and the plate-shaped portion and the connecting portion are electrically connected in a surface contact state.

[0016] According to the present embodiment, the contact area between the plate-shaped portion of the terminal member and the connecting portion of the coaxial cable becomes large. Thus, it is possible to increase the soldering area between the plate-shaped portion and the connecting portion when the plate-shaped portion and the connecting portion are electrically connected by soldering, and it is possible to reduce the contact resistance between the plate-shaped portion and the connecting portion.

[0017] One embodiment of the manufacturing method of the plug of the present application is a manufacturing method of the above-described plug, including: a conductor forming step of forming the inner conductor of the coaxial cable into the flat plate-shaped connecting portion by compacting; and a joining step of electrically joining the connecting portion and the plate-shaped portion by soldering in a state in which the plate surface of the connecting portion is arranged to be in the surface contact with the plate-shaped portion of the terminal member.

[0018] According to the present embodiment, in the conductor forming step, the inner conductor of the coaxial cable is processed into the flat plate-shaped connecting portion by compacting, and in the joining step, the connecting portion and the plate-shaped portion of the terminal member are brought into surface contact and soldered. Thus, since the contact area between the connecting portion of the coaxial cable and the plate-shaped portion of the terminal member becomes large, it is possible to increase the soldering area between the connecting portion and the plate-shaped portion, and it is possible to reduce the contact resistance between the connecting portion and the plate-shaped portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1A This is a top view showing the structure of the plug and socket in this embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 1B This is a front view showing the structure of the plug and socket.

[0021] FIG. 2 yes FIG. 1B The longitudinal sectional view and its enlarged partial view.

[0022] FIG. 3 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the plug and socket in the engaged state.

[0023] FIG. 4 yes FIG. 1A A partial enlarged view of the sectional view along line IV-IV of the plug.

[0024] FIG. 5 This is an exploded 3D view of the plug.

[0025] FIG. 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the plug.

[0026] FIG. 7 This is a simplified diagram illustrating compaction.

[0027] FIG. 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating tandem welding.

[0028] FIG. 9 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state of tandem welding in progress. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the plug and plug manufacturing method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are illustrative of the plug and plug manufacturing method and are not intended to limit the plug and plug manufacturing method to these embodiments only. Therefore, the plug and plug manufacturing method of the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0030] like FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B As shown, the plug 100 of this embodiment is electrically connected to a coaxial cable 85. The plug 100 is configured to be electrically connected to a socket 200, which is a mating object.

[0031] [The structure of the plug]

[0032] use FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 The structure of the plug 100 in this embodiment will be described. For example... FIG. 5 , FIG. 6As shown, the plug 100 is configured to have a first contact 10 (an example of a terminal component), a first retainer 20 (an example of a retainer), a first housing 30 (an example of a housing), a first grounding component 40 (an example of a grounding component), a first outer shell 50 (an example of an outer shell), a seal 60, a retainer cover 70, a housing cover 75, a metal clamp 80, a coaxial cable 85, and a cable sheath 90.

[0033] [First contact]

[0034] like FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 As shown, the first contact 10 is made of a conductive and elastic metal such as a copper alloy, and is generally L-shaped. The first contact 10 has a connecting portion 12 and a plate-shaped portion 14. The connecting portion 12 has a generally cylindrical shape. Hereinafter, the central axis of the connecting portion 12 will be referred to as the axis X. In addition, the direction parallel to the axis X will be referred to as the "Z direction", and the direction and side where the connecting portion 12 is arranged parallel to the Z direction and relative to the plate-shaped portion 14 will be referred to as the "Z1 direction" and "Z1 side", respectively, and the opposite direction and side will be referred to as the "Z2 direction" and "Z2 side", respectively. The Z direction is a general term for the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction. Further, the direction that is parallel to the extension direction of the plate-shaped portion 14 among the directions orthogonal to the Z direction will be referred to as the "Y direction". In the Y direction, the direction and side from the connecting portion 12 toward the extension end of the plate-shaped portion 14 will be referred to as the "Y1 direction" and "Y1 side", respectively, and the opposite direction and side will be referred to as the "Y2 direction" and "Y2 side", respectively.

[0035] The connecting portion 12 has a slit 12a extending from the Z1-side end toward the Z2 direction to approximately half the length of the connecting portion 12 in the Z direction. Two slits 12a are formed in total at positions symmetrical about the axis X, passing through the axis X and forming on a plane parallel to the Y and Z directions. The portion of the connecting portion 12 with the slits 12a is tapered toward the Z1 direction. The Z1-side end of this tapered portion expands in diameter through elastic deformation when inserted into the second contact 210 of the socket 200 (described later), and becomes electrically connected to the second contact 210.

[0036] In the connecting portion 12, at the location on the Z2 side where the slit 12a is not formed, two cut-out portions 12b are formed facing the Z1 side. The cut-out portions 12b are respectively formed at a location offset by 90 degrees from the slit 12a along the circumference of the connecting portion 12.

[0037] The plate-shaped portion 14 extends from the Z2 side end of the connecting portion 12. After extending from the Z2 side end of the connecting portion 12 in the Z2 direction, the plate-shaped portion 14 bends 90 degrees and extends along the Y1 direction. The plate surface of the plate-shaped portion 14 is orthogonal to the axis X.

[0038] [First retainer]

[0039] The first retainer 20 houses the first contact 10 and is made of an insulator such as resin. The first retainer 20 is formed by injection molding. FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 As shown, the first retainer 20 has a cylindrical portion 22 and a contact mounting portion 24 disposed at the Z2-side end of the cylindrical portion 22. The inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 22 is equal to the outer diameter of the Z2-side portion (the portion where the slit 12a is not formed) of the connecting portion 12 of the first contact 10 (see reference). FIG. 2 The axis of the cylindrical portion 22 is coaxial with the axis X when the first contact 10 is accommodated. The cylindrical portion 22 has two locking grooves (not shown) on its inner circumferential surface for the cutout portion 12b of the first contact 10 to be inserted and locked. As a result, the following movements of the first contact 10 accommodated in the first retainer 20 are restricted: movement relative to the first retainer 20 in the Z1 direction, movement in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction including the Y direction, and rotation relative to the first retainer 20.

[0040] The contact mounting portion 24 is integrally formed with the cylindrical portion 22, and has a plate-shaped mounting portion 24a orthogonal to the axis X, and a wall 24b formed around the mounting portion 24a along the Z direction. However, there is no wall 24b on the Y1 side. In addition, the space in the Z2 direction relative to the contact mounting portion 24 is open to the outside. A hole is provided on the mounting portion 24a of the contact mounting portion 24 to connect with the internal space of the cylindrical portion 22, and the first contact 10 is inserted into the Z1 direction through this hole. Moreover, when the cutting portion 12b of the first contact 10 is engaged by the locking groove of the first retainer 20, the plate-shaped portion 14 of the first contact 10 abuts against the mounting portion 24a of the contact mounting portion 24.

[0041] A plate-shaped retainer cover 70 is installed on the contact mounting portion 24 of the first retainer 20. The retainer cover 70 is fixed to the contact mounting portion 24 by pressing, bonding, or other methods. By installing the retainer cover 70, the space open in the Z2 direction of the contact mounting portion 24 is closed, and the first contact 10 cannot be visually observed when viewed from the Z2 side toward the Z1 direction (hereinafter also referred to as a top view). With the retainer cover 70 installed on the contact mounting portion 24, the Z2 side surface of the retainer cover 70 is a single surface with the contact mounting portion 24 of the first retainer 20.

[0042] As described below, after electrically connecting the inner conductor 86 (connecting portion 86a) and outer conductor 88 of the coaxial cable 85 to the first contact 10 and the first housing 30 respectively, the retainer cover 70 is installed on the contact mounting portion 24. By installing the retainer cover 70, the movement of the first contact 10 in the Z2 direction is restricted. Based on the above, the first contact 10 is fixed in a manner that prevents it from moving relative to the first retainer 20 (see reference). FIG. 2 ).

[0043] [First shell]

[0044] The first housing 30, which houses the first retaining member 20, is made of a conductive metal such as iron. FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 As shown, the first housing 30 has a cylindrical receiving portion 32 that houses the first retainer 20, and a cylindrical cable retaining portion 34 extending from the side of the receiving portion 32 toward the Y1 direction. The first retainer 20 is received from the Z2 side of the first housing 30 toward the Z1 direction. The internal space of the receiving portion 32 communicates with the internal space of the cable retaining portion 34. The first housing 30 is provided to ensure shielding of the first contact 10. The first housing 30 is the part that becomes grounded when the plug 100 is used.

[0045] The contact mounting portion 24 of the first retainer 20 is disposed within the internal space of the first receiving portion 32a located on the Z2 side within the receiving portion 32. The internal space of the first receiving portion 32a has a shape that allows the contact mounting portion 24 of the first retainer 20 to enter without gaps, so as to position the received first retainer 20. Specifically, the first receiving portion 32a is a quadrangular cylindrical shape. As a result, the movement of the first retainer 20 in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction, including the Y direction, is restricted. A plurality of (three in this embodiment) circularly shaped flanges 32c are formed on the side surface of the first receiving portion 32a. The three flanges 32c are separated from each other in the Z direction.

[0046] like FIG. 2 As shown, the connecting portion 12 of the first contact 10 and the cylindrical portion 22 of the first retainer 20 are disposed within the internal space of the second receiving portion 32b disposed on the Z1 side of the receiving portion 32. The second receiving portion 32b has a cylindrical shape, and the first inner circumferential surface 32d (an example of a cylindrical inner surface) of the second receiving portion 32b is radially separated from the cylindrical portion 22 of the first retainer 20. The axis of the second receiving portion 32b is coaxial with the axis X when the first contact 10 and the first retainer 20 are received. A plurality of protrusions 32e (two in this embodiment) are formed radially inward at the Z1 side end of the first inner circumferential surface 32d of the second receiving portion 32b. FIG. 4 , FIG. 6 ).like FIG. 4 As shown, the protrusion 32e has a shape in which the amount of protrusion towards the radially inward direction increases as it moves from the Z1 end toward the Z2 direction. The two protrusions 32e are positioned at locations separated by a central angle of 120 degrees around the axis X. The length of the protrusion 32e along the Z direction is d1.

[0047] The area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the axis X of the internal space of the first receiving portion 32a is larger than the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the axis X of the internal space of the second receiving portion 32b. As a result, a stepped layer difference is created between the inner circumferential surface dividing the internal space of the first receiving portion 32a and the first inner circumferential surface 32d dividing the internal space of the second receiving portion 32b. The contact mounting portion 24 of the first holding member 20 is placed on this stepped layer difference, thereby restricting the movement of the first holding member 20 in the Z1 direction.

[0048] A plate-shaped housing cover 75 is installed at the Z2 side end of the receiving portion 32 (first receiving portion 32a). The housing cover 75 is fixed to the first receiving portion 32a by pressing, riveting, or bonding. When installed on the first receiving portion 32a, the housing cover 75 abuts against the contact mounting portion 24 of the first retainer 20 and the retainer cover 70. This restricts the movement of the first retainer 20 in the Z2 direction. Based on the above, the first retainer 20 is fixed in a manner that prevents it from moving relative to the first housing 30. Furthermore, this seals the gap between the first receiving portion 32a and the housing cover 75.

[0049] [First grounding component]

[0050] like FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 As shown, the first grounding component 40 has a pair of support portions 42 and a first grounding contact 44. The pair of support portions 42 and the first grounding contact 44 are integrally formed. The first grounding component 40 is made of a metal such as a copper alloy that has conductivity and elasticity. The pair of support portions 42 are arranged separately from each other, and multiple first grounding contacts 44 are arranged to connect to the pair of support portions 42 (three in this embodiment). The first grounding component 40 is provided to establish an electrical connection between the first housing 30 and the second housing 230 of the socket 200 described later (see reference). FIG. 3 ).

[0051] The support portion 42 has an arc shape with a central angle of 240 degrees when viewed from above. The inner diameter of the support portion 42 is the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the first inner circumferential surface 32d of the second receiving portion 32b of the first housing 30. The support portion 42 has a plurality of (two in this embodiment) recesses 42a. In the recesses 42a, the portion extending circumferentially along one support portion 42 is recessed into a U-shape toward the other support portion 42 (along the axis X). The recesses 42a are formed at a central angle of 60 degrees and 180 degrees from one end of the arc-shaped support portion 42 when viewed from above. The two recesses 42a of one support portion 42 are respectively opposite to the two recesses 42a of the other support portion 42. The recess length of the recess 42a along the Z direction is defined as d2. The recess length d2 is shorter than the length d1 of the protrusion 32e along the Z direction (see reference). FIG. 4 ).

[0052] The first grounding contact 44 is formed at a central angle of 0 degrees, 120 degrees, and 240 degrees from one end of the circumferentially arc-shaped support portion 42 when viewed from above. That is, the first grounding contact 44 is formed at both ends and the center of the support portion 42 along the circumferential direction, and at locations different from those where the recess 42a is formed. FIG. 2 As shown, the first grounding contact 44 has an arc shape that curves radially inward, forming a first contact portion 44a whose width (circumferential length) at the center along the Z direction is greater than that at both ends. The first contact portion 44a is the most prominent part that curves radially inward.

[0053] A second contact portion 42b protruding radially outward is formed at the location (six locations in this embodiment) where each of the pair of support portions 42 is connected to the first grounding contact 44. Thus, the first grounding member 40 has a vertically symmetrical shape.

[0054] The first grounding member 40, in its reduced-diameter state, is received from the Z1 side of the receiving portion 32 of the first housing 30 into the second receiving portion 32b. After being received, the support portion 42 expands radially outward using elastic force, thereby pressing the six second contact portions 42b against the first inner circumferential surface 32d (see reference). FIG. 2 Thus, the first grounding component 40 is electrically connected to the first housing 30. At this time, as... FIG. 4 As shown, the two recesses 42a of the support portion 42 on the Z1 side are respectively embedded in the two protrusions 32e of the first inner peripheral surface 32d, and the support portion 42 on the Z2 side is close to the stepped layer difference between the first receiving portion 32a and the second receiving portion 32b. Therefore, the movement of the first grounding member 40 relative to the first inner peripheral surface 32d in the Z direction and its rotation relative to the first housing 30 are restricted. Furthermore, as described above, the length d1 of the protrusion 32e along the Z direction is longer than the recess length d2 of the recess 42a along the Z direction. Therefore, when the first grounding member 40 is received within the second receiving portion 32b of the first housing 30, the support portion 42 on the Z1 side of the first grounding member 40 is located at the Z1 side end of the second receiving portion 32b of the first housing 30, but does not protrude from the second receiving portion 32b.

[0055] like FIG. 5 , FIG. 6As shown, since the two recesses 42a of one support portion 42 are respectively opposite to the two recesses 42a of the other support portion 42, the distance between the opposite recesses 42a is shorter than the distance between the opposite support portions 42 excluding the recesses 42a. Furthermore, as described above, the first grounding contact 44 is mounted at a location on the pair of support portions 42 that is different from the location where the recesses 42a are formed. Further, the support portion 42 on the Z1 side is disposed at the Z1 side end of the second receiving portion 32b. Therefore, compared to the case where the first grounding contact 44 is formed between the recesses 42a and the contact of the plug disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application No. 59-65489, the contact length of the first grounding contact 44 can be extended. Consequently, the stress generated at both ends (the boundary with the support portion 42) of the first grounding contact 44 during elastic deformation is reduced, and the elastic limit is increased. Therefore, a plug 100 that can ensure stable contact performance over a long period can be realized.

[0056] [Fixing the coaxial cable]

[0057] Next, as part of the manufacturing method of the plug 100, the connection method of the coaxial cable 85 to the first contact 10 will be described. For example... FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 As shown, the coaxial cable 85 has an inner conductor 86 with a circular cross-section as its centerline, an insulating dielectric 87 disposed around the inner conductor 86, an outer conductor 88 disposed around the dielectric 87, and an insulating protective coating 89 disposed around the outer conductor 88. In the coaxial cable 85, the inner conductor 86 is electrically connected to the first contact 10, and the outer conductor 88 is electrically connected to the first housing 30 (see reference). FIG. 2 The coaxial cable 85 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis X (Y1 direction). That is, the plug 100 has an L-shape in which the insertion direction (Z direction) of the first contact 10 toward the socket 200 is orthogonal to the extension direction (Y direction) of the coaxial cable 85.

[0058] In this embodiment, the internal conductor 86 of the coaxial cable 85 is a stranded wire, which... FIG. 7 The compaction process shown forms a flat plate (conductor forming process). Hereinafter, the flat plate portion formed by compaction in the internal conductor 86 will be referred to as the connecting portion 86a. Since compaction is a well-known construction method, detailed description is omitted, but the method involves sandwiching the circular cross-section internal conductor 86 between the first electrode 91 and the second electrode 92, applying pressure while energizing, thereby forming the internal conductor 86 into a flat plate while it melts.

[0059] Moreover, then, as FIG. 8 , FIG. 9As shown, the connecting portion 86a and the dielectric 87 are inserted into the inner space of the cable holding portion 34 of the first housing 30, and the plate surface of the connecting portion 86a is brought into surface contact with the plate surface of the plate-shaped portion 14 of the first contact 10. At this time, without the retainer cover 70 and the housing cover 75 installed, the plate-shaped portion 14 of the first contact 10 and the connecting portion 86a are exposed in a visually identifiable manner when viewed from above. In this state, the third electrode 93 and the fourth electrode 94 are pressed onto the connecting portion 86a of the inner conductor 86 from the Z2 side of the first housing 30, causing current to flow to the boundary between the connecting portion 86a and the plate-shaped portion 14, melting it, and fusing the connecting portion 86a and the plate-shaped portion 14 (series welding). Thus, the connecting portion 86a and the plate-shaped portion 14 are electrically connected (joining process). Thus, when the plate-shaped portion 14 of the first contact 10 comes into contact with the connecting portion 86a of the coaxial cable 85, the contact area increases, thereby increasing the welding area between the plate-shaped portion 14 and the connecting portion 86a and reducing the contact resistance between them. Afterwards, the retaining cover 70 and the housing cover 75 are installed.

[0060] The outer conductor 88 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cable holding portion 34 of the first housing 30. At this time, a cylindrical metal clamp 80 is pre-inserted into the coaxial cable 85. By crimping the metal clamp 80 in a state of overlapping with the outer conductor 88 and the cable holding portion 34, the outer conductor 88 is electrically connected to the cable holding portion 34.

[0061] [First Outer Shell]

[0062] like FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 As shown, the first housing 50 is made of insulating resin and is formed by insert molding while the first contact 10, the first retainer 20, the first housing 30, the first grounding member 40, the retainer cover 70, the housing cover 75, the coaxial cable 85, and the metal clamp 80 are assembled as a single unit. The first housing 50 has a first portion 52 that is embedded in the first housing 30, a second portion 54 that is embedded in the metal clamp 80, and a third portion 56 disposed on the Y2 side of the first portion 52.

[0063] Part 52 is in close contact with the first receiving portion 32a of the first housing 30. Therefore, as FIG. 2 As shown, the first portion 52 enters between the three flanges 32c that are separately formed on the side of the first receiving portion 32a, and comes into close contact with the first housing 30, thereby fixing the first housing 30 in a manner that prevents it from moving relative to the first outer casing 50. The portion of the first portion 52 opposite to the second receiving portion 32b of the first housing 30 has a cylindrical shape that is externally fitted into the second receiving portion 32b, and is separate from the second receiving portion 32b.

[0064] likeFIG. 5 , FIG. 6 As shown, a pair of U-shaped positioning protrusions 52a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of part 1 52 in directions perpendicular to the Z and Y directions. The positioning protrusions 52a are positioned when the plug 100 is engaged with the socket 200. The width (length parallel to the Y direction) of the positioning protrusions 52a is the same as or larger than the outer diameter of the cable sheath 90 when it is mounted on the metal clamp 80 (described later).

[0065] The second part 54 is formed within the range of the protective coating 89 from the metal hoop 80 to the coaxial cable 85. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) annular protrusions 54a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second part 54.

[0066] Part 3, 56, is a bottomed, quadrangular cylindrical shape that positions the plug 100 when it is engaged with the socket 200. On the Y2 side wall of Part 3, 56, a beam 56a is formed along the Z direction by creating slits on both sides. A claw 56b is formed at the center of the beam 56a. Part 3, 56, is positioned 180 degrees rotated from the coaxial cable 85 relative to the axis X.

[0067] [Sealing element]

[0068] like FIG. 2 As shown, the seal 60 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the second receiving portion 32b of the receiving portion 32 of the first housing 30 and the second inner peripheral surface 52b of the first portion 52 of the first outer casing 50. The seal 60 is made of an elastic component such as rubber and has an annular shape with a uniform thickness (radial length).

[0069] On the outer peripheral surface of the second receiving portion 32b of the first housing 30, these portions are arranged in the order of major diameter surface 32f, tapered surface 32g, minor diameter surface 32h, and convex edge portion 32i from the Z2 side toward the Z1 direction. The convex edge portion 32i protrudes radially outward relative to the minor diameter surface 32h and has an annular shape. The second inner peripheral surface 52b of the first portion 52 of the first housing 50 has the same inner diameter throughout. Therefore, relative to the fixed radial gap between the major diameter surface 32f and the second inner peripheral surface 52b, the radial gap between the tapered surface 32g and the second inner peripheral surface 52b continuously expands, and in the expanded state, the radial gap between the minor diameter surface 32h and the second inner peripheral surface 52b is fixed, while the radial gap between the outer peripheral surface of the convex edge portion 32i and the second inner peripheral surface 52b is narrower than that between the minor diameter surface 32h.

[0070] The annular seal 60 is composed of a large-diameter portion 62, a tapered portion 64, and a small-diameter portion 66. The large-diameter portion 62 has a radial thickness equal to the radial gap between the large-diameter surface 32f of the second receiving portion 32b of the first housing 30 and the second inner circumferential surface 52b of the first portion 52 of the first outer casing 50, without any gap. The inner circumferential surfaces of the tapered portion 64 and the small-diameter portion 66 abut against the tapered surface 32g and the small-diameter surface 32h of the second receiving portion 32b, respectively. The tapered portion 64 and the small-diameter portion 66 are separated from the second inner circumferential surface 52b of the first portion 52 of the first outer casing 50. The Z1-side end of the small-diameter portion 66 is located in the Z2 direction compared to the protruding edge 32i of the second receiving portion 32b, and the radially outward protrusion of the protruding edge 32i is smaller than the thickness of the small-diameter portion 66. The protruding edge 32i prevents the seal 60 from falling out of the first housing 30.

[0071] [Cable sheath]

[0072] Cable sheath 90 is what is called heat shrink tubing, such as FIG. 2 As shown, the protective coating 89 covers the area from the second portion 54 of the first housing 50 to the coaxial cable 85. The cable sheath 90 is in close contact with the irregularities in the second portion 54, including the protrusion 54a, thereby preventing the cable sheath 90 from moving or falling off. By covering the metal clamp 80 and the coaxial cable 85 with the cable sheath 90, dust, water droplets, etc., can be prevented from penetrating the first contact 10 and the first housing 30 from the surface of the coaxial cable 85.

[0073] [The structure of a socket]

[0074] like FIG. 2 As shown, the socket 200 is configured to have a second contact 210, a second retainer 220, a second housing 230, a second grounding member 240, and a second outer casing 250. The socket 200 is the mating object of the plug 100.

[0075] The second contact 210 has a rod shape made of a conductive metal or the like and is arranged along the axis X. The second contact 210 is electrically connected to the connection portion 12 of the first contact 10 of the plug 100 through the engagement of the plug 100 and the socket 200.

[0076] The second retainer 220 is made of resin on the outer peripheral surface of the middle section of the axis X of the second contact 210, formed by insert molding, and is integral with the second contact 210. The second retainer 220 has a cylindrical shape at the center through which the second contact 210 passes.

[0077] The second housing 230 is made of a conductive metal. The second housing 230 covers the outer side of the second retainer 220 and is cylindrical. The second housing 230 is electrically connected to the first housing 30 via contact with the first grounding member 40 of the plug 100 when the plug 100 engages with the socket 200. The second housing 230 is provided to ensure shielding of the second contact 210. The second housing 230 is the part that becomes grounded when the socket 200 is used.

[0078] The second grounding component 240 is made of a flexible, conductive metal and is electrically connected to the second housing 230. Multiple second grounding components 240 are arranged in a ring (eight in this embodiment). The second grounding component 240 is also provided to ensure shielding of the second contact 210.

[0079] The second housing 250 is made of insulating resin and houses the second contact 210, the second retainer 220, the second housing 230, and the second grounding member 240. The second housing 250 has a ring-shaped outer peripheral wall 252 (see reference) that, when the plug 100 is engaged with the socket 200, accommodates the first housing 50 of the plug 100 in a planar view. FIG. 1A , FIG. 1B The outer peripheral wall 252 has a positioning protrusion 52a for the first housing 50 of the plug 100 and an insertion recess 252a for the coaxial cable 85 to be inserted. That is, the outer peripheral wall 252 has three insertion recesses 252a, and the central angle of adjacent insertion recesses 252a relative to the axis X is 90 degrees. Furthermore, as... FIG. 2 As shown, the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 252 has an engagement hole 252b for the third part 56 of the first housing 50 to enter and for the claw 56b to engage. Further, a cylindrical sealing wall 254 is formed on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral wall 252 in a manner separate from the outer peripheral wall 252.

[0080] [The mating of the plug and socket]

[0081] When the plug 100 is engaged with the socket 200, as FIG. 3 As shown, the first housing 50 of the plug 100 is housed inside the outer peripheral wall 252 of the second housing 250 of the socket 200. At this time, the sealing wall 254 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 66 of the sealing member 60, sealing the gap between the plug 100 and the socket 200. This prevents dust, water droplets, etc., from entering the contact area between the first contact 10 of the plug 100 and the second contact 210 of the socket 200, as well as the contact area between the first housing 30 and the first grounding member 40 of the plug 100 and the second housing 230 of the socket 200.

[0082] Furthermore, at this time, by engaging the claws 56b of the first housing 50 of the plug 100 with the engagement hole 252b of the outer peripheral wall 252 of the socket 200, the engagement of the plug 100 and the socket 200 will not disengage even if vibration or impact is applied to the plug 100 and the socket 200 from the outside.

[0083] By engaging the plug 100 with the socket 200, the inner conductor 86 of the coaxial cable 85 of the plug 100 is electrically connected to the second contact 210 of the socket 200 via the first contact 10. Additionally, the outer conductor 88 is electrically connected to the second grounding component 240 via the first housing 30, the first grounding component 40, and the second housing 230. The second contact 210 and the second grounding component 240 of the socket 200 are electrically connected to a connector (not shown). Because both the second receiving portion 32b of the first housing 30 of the plug 100 and the second housing 230 of the socket 200 are cylindrical, the shielding is not compromised at the contact point between the first housing 30 and the second housing 230, even if the first grounding component 40 is arc-shaped rather than cylindrical when viewed from above.

[0084] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0085] (1) In the above embodiment, after the inner conductor 86 of the coaxial cable 85 is formed into a flat connecting portion 86a by compaction, it is fused to the plate-shaped portion 14 of the first contact 10, but it is not limited to this. Alternatively, the inner conductor 86 may not be compacted, but it may be fused to the plate-shaped portion 14 while maintaining a circular cross-section. In addition, the inner conductor 86 of the coaxial cable 85 may be a single-core wire instead of a stranded wire.

[0086] (2) In the above embodiment, the electrical connection between the outer conductor 88 of the coaxial cable 85 and the cable holding portion 34 of the first housing 30 is achieved by crimping the metal clamp 80, but it is not limited to this. The electrical connection between the outer conductor 88 and the cable holding portion 34 can also be established, for example, by using a conductive adhesive instead of the metal clamp 80, and the method is not limited.

[0087] (3) In the above embodiment, the cable sheath 90 is made of heat shrink tubing, but it is not limited to this. The cable sheath 90 can also be formed, for example, by embedding molding. In addition, the cable sheath 90 may not be necessary as long as dust, water droplets or the like do not penetrate the first contact 10 and the first housing 30 from the surface of the coaxial cable 85.

[0088] (4) In the above embodiment, the coaxial cable 85 is disposed at a position 180 degrees rotated relative to the axis X from the portion of the first housing 50 where the third part 56 is disposed, but this is not a limitation. It is also possible to configure it by replacing either of the two positioning protrusions 52a of the first housing 50 in the above embodiment with the coaxial cable 85. With this configuration, a plug 100 can be obtained where the coaxial cable 85 is disposed at a position 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from the axis X from the portion of the first housing 50 where the third part 56 is disposed. In this case, only the shape of the first housing 50 needs to be changed in the plug 100; other components can be used directly. Since the socket 200 has three insertion recesses 252a, it can be used directly without any changes.

Claims

1. A plug electrically connected to a coaxial cable, wherein, The plug comprises: a conductive terminal component having a cylindrical connecting portion electrically connected to an internal conductor of the coaxial cable; an insulating retainer externally fitted to the terminal component in a manner coaxial with the axis of the connecting portion; a conductive housing electrically connected to an external conductor of the coaxial cable and externally fitted to the retainer in a manner coaxial with the axis; and a conductive grounding component disposed between the housing and the retainer. The housing has a cylindrical inner surface coaxial with the axis and on the inner side of which the connecting portion and the retaining member are disposed, and has a protrusion extending radially inward from a portion of the cylindrical inner surface. The grounding component has a pair of arc-shaped support portions that are electrically connected to the housing by abutting against the cylindrical inner surface, and an elastically deformable contact supported by the pair of support portions. A recess is formed at a location different from the location where the contact is disposed in at least one of the pair of support portions. The grounding component is fixed to the housing by embedding the protrusion into the recess.

2. The plug according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion is formed at the end of the side into which the socket, as a mating object, is inserted. The length of the protrusion along the axis is longer than the length of the recess along the axis.

3. The plug according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also has: An outer shell embedded in the housing; and An annular seal disposed between the housing and the outer shell. The seal has a large-diameter portion that abuts against both the housing and the outer shell, and a small-diameter portion that abuts only against the housing and has a gap between it and the outer shell. The socket, acting as a fitting object, is inserted into the gap in a manner that abuts against the small diameter portion.

4. The plug according to claim 3, wherein, The housing has a raised edge to prevent the seal from falling off.

5. The plug according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The terminal component has a plate-shaped portion integrally formed with the connecting portion. The connection portion of the inner conductor of the coaxial cable that is electrically connected to the plate-shaped portion has a plate shape. The plate-shaped portion and the connecting portion are electrically connected in a surface-to-surface contact state.

6. A method for manufacturing a plug, wherein the plug is the plug according to claim 5, wherein, The manufacturing method includes: The conductor forming process involves compacting the internal conductor of the coaxial cable to form a flat, plate-shaped connecting portion; and In the joining process, with the plate surface of the connecting portion configured to make surface contact with the plate-shaped portion of the terminal component, the connecting portion is electrically joined to the plate-shaped portion by welding.

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