connector

Abstract

Provided is a connector capable of easily and inexpensively fixing a shield cover with respect to a rear case and capable of achieving downsizing and low height. A connector (100) includes: a rod-shaped terminal (61) capable of electrically connecting with an inner conductor of a coaxial cable; a holding member (62) of insulation that interposes the terminal and supports the terminal; a cylindrical case (63) capable of electrically connecting with an outer conductor of the coaxial cable and externally fitted to the holding member; a shield member (65) in contact with the cylindrical case; a shield cover (66) in contact with the cylindrical case; and a rear case (10) in close contact with the shield cover. The cylindrical case (63) has a cylindrical main body portion (63a) covering the holding member (62) and a ring-shaped flange portion (63b). The shield cover (66) has a connecting portion (66d) electrically connected with the flange portion (63b) and a drawn cylindrical portion (66c) connected with an outer edge (66d1) of the connecting portion (66d) and reduced in diameter from the outer edge (66d1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-067740) discloses a connector (a connector module in Patent Document 1) that is electrically connected to a camera module. This connector comprises: a conductive rod-shaped terminal (a center conductor in Patent Document 1) capable of being electrically connected to the inner conductor of a coaxial cable; an insulating retainer (an insulator retainer in Patent Document 1) that inserts and supports the terminal coaxially with its axis; a conductive cylindrical shell (a conductive shell in Patent Document 1) capable of being electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and externally embedded in the retainer coaxially with its axis; a conductive shield that contacts the cylindrical shell and blocks external electromagnetic waves; and a rear shell (a connector housing in Patent Document 1) that partially houses the shield.

[0003] The shield is positioned by being held by a third engaging recess formed on the side of the cylindrical shell and a rear shell. More precisely, the annular elastic portion formed at the outer edge of the opening of the shield through which the cylindrical shell passes is engaged with the engaging recess formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical shell, and the protrusion of the rear shell is inserted into the hole formed at the bottom of the shield, thereby positioning the shield. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Since the elastic part is vertically positioned along the axial direction, a specified length is required to allow for its elastic deformation. Furthermore, considering component variations, the engaging recess of the cylindrical housing needs to be slightly longer in the axial direction than the elastic part, allowing the shield to move slightly axially relative to the cylindrical housing. As a result, the connector's height (length along the axial direction) increases. Additionally, to completely secure the shield to the rear housing and prevent axial or circumferential movement, additional steps such as applying heat to the protrusion after inserting it into the hole of the shield and riveting are required, increasing costs. Therefore, the connector described in Patent Document 1 offers improvements in cost and height reduction.

[0005] Therefore, a connector that can easily and inexpensively secure the shielding cover relative to the back cover, and that can be miniaturized and reduced in height, is desired.

[0006] One embodiment of the connector of the present invention is a connector for electrical connection with a coaxial cable, comprising: a conductive rod-shaped terminal capable of electrical connection with an inner conductor of the coaxial cable; an insulating retainer that inserts into and supports the terminal in a manner coaxial with the axis of the terminal; a conductive cylindrical housing capable of electrical connection with an outer conductor of the coaxial cable and externally fitted to the retainer in a manner coaxial with the axis of the coaxial cable; a conductive shielding member capable of electrical connection with a mating contact member as a mating object and in contact with the cylindrical housing; a conductive shielding cover that contacts the cylindrical housing and blocks external electromagnetic waves; and a rear shell that is in close contact with the shielding cover, the cylindrical housing having a cylindrical body portion covering the retainer and an annular flange portion extending radially outward from the cylindrical body portion, the shielding cover having a connecting portion and a drawn cylindrical portion connected to the outer edge of the connecting portion and tapering from the outer edge, the connecting portion having an opening for the cylindrical body portion to pass through and being electrically connected to the flange portion.

[0007] According to this embodiment, the shielding cover has a drawn cylindrical portion connected to the outer edge of the connecting portion and tapering in diameter from the outer edge, with the rear shell tightly fitted to the shielding cover. That is, the rear shell enters the drawn cylindrical portion. Therefore, the shielding cover is fixed relative to the rear shell and will not fall off. Furthermore, if it is the connector of this embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate structure for locking the shielding cover relative to the rear shell. In this way, if it is the connector of this embodiment, the shielding cover can be easily and inexpensively fixed relative to the rear shell, and miniaturization and low height can be achieved.

[0008] In another embodiment of the connector of the present invention, at least a portion of the flange of the cylindrical housing engages with the shield, thereby the shield contacting the cylindrical housing.

[0009] According to this embodiment, since at least a portion of the flange of the cylindrical shell is engaged with the shield, the shield is reliably electrically connected to the cylindrical shell compared to the case where the connection between the flange of the cylindrical shell and the shield is merely in contact.

[0010] In another embodiment of the connector of the present invention, the shield has at least one protrusion, and the rear shell is in close contact with the outer surface of the protrusion.

[0011] According to this embodiment, since the shielding cover has at least one protrusion and the rear shell is in close contact with the outer surface of the protrusion, the shielding cover can be more firmly fixed relative to the rear shell in a way that prevents it from moving.

[0012] In another embodiment of the connector of the present invention, the rear shell has an outer wall perpendicular to the axis, at least one positioning protrusion is disposed on the outer wall, the shield has an inner wall parallel to the outer wall and connected to the drawn cylindrical portion, the protrusion is disposed on the inner wall in a posture protruding toward the outer wall, and when viewed along the axis, the protrusion is disposed at a portion overlapping the protrusion.

[0013] According to this embodiment, since the protrusion is positioned at the overlapping portion, the portion thickened by the protrusion in the rear shell can be thinned using the protrusion. Therefore, the wall thickness of the portion with the protrusion can be made the same as the wall thickness of other portions. When the rear shell is formed relative to the shielding cover by insert molding, the resin flow during molding can be well balanced, thereby suppressing defects in the appearance of the rear shell caused by the collapse of the protrusion or the formation of shrinkage marks. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a camera unit including the connector of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the connector according to this embodiment. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line III-III. Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of the connector. Figure 5 This is an exploded 3D view of the connector. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 10: Outer shell (back shell) 14: Base (outer wall) 14g: raised 47: Socket (Matching object) 47b: Grounding contact (interlocking contact) 61: Signal terminal (terminal) 62: Retaining component 63: Cylindrical shell 63a: cylindrical main body 63b: Flange portion 65: Connecting components (shielding components) 66: Shielding cover 66b: 1st plate wall (inner wall) 66c: Second cylindrical wall (deep-drawn section) 66d: Second plate-like wall (connecting part) 66e: Second opening (opening) 66f: Protrusion 100: Connector L: Coaxial cable Detailed Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the connector of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are examples for illustrating the connector of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the connector to these embodiments only. Therefore, the connector of the present invention can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0016] In this embodiment, connector 100 is configured as part of a camera unit U (vehicle-mounted camera) mounted on a vehicle. The camera unit U can also be used for purposes other than vehicle-mounted applications, such as bicycles, drones, etc.

[0017] [Structure of the camera unit] like Figure 1 As shown, the camera unit U can be electrically connected to a monitoring device (not shown) or an on-board ECU (Electronic Control Unit) via a coaxial cable L.

[0018] The coaxial cable L is a communication cable for transmitting high-frequency signals. The coaxial cable L is configured such that an inner conductor (not shown) formed by a copper wire bundle and an outer conductor (not shown) formed by a mesh of copper wires covering the inner conductor are arranged coaxially separated by a dielectric (insulator). The outer conductor functions as a shield to prevent high-frequency signal leakage and the intrusion of external electromagnetic waves. The coaxial cable L outputs the high-frequency signal from the camera unit U to the monitoring equipment or the vehicle ECU. Additionally, the coaxial cable L supplies power to the camera unit U from the monitoring equipment or the vehicle ECU. A plug LC is connected to the end of the coaxial cable L, and the coaxial cable L is electrically connected to the connector 100 via the plug LC.

[0019] The camera unit U includes a camera housing H, a camera module 40 housed within the camera housing H, and a connector 100 connected to the camera module 40. The camera housing H is made of a conductive metal. There are no particular limitations on the orientation of the camera unit U, but in the following description, the direction and side from which the camera module 40 is viewed from the connector 100 will be designated as the X1 direction and X1 side, and the opposite direction and side will be designated as the X2 direction and X2 side. The X1 direction and X2 direction are collectively referred to as the X direction.

[0020] [Structure of the camera module] like Figure 1As shown, the camera module 40 includes: an optical system 41 comprising at least one lens into which light from a subject is incident; an imaging element 42, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), that outputs an electrical signal based on the light focused by the optical system 41; and a substrate 43 on which an electronic circuit is mounted for driving and controlling the imaging element 42 and processing the electrical signal output from the imaging element 42. A socket 47 (an example of a mating object) is mounted on the substrate 43 for outputting a high-frequency signal processed by the electronic circuit. The socket 47 is included in the camera module 40.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the socket 47 includes a first contact 47a, a ground contact 47b (an example of a mating contact), and an insulating portion 47c. The first contact 47a transmits high-frequency signals. The ground contact 47b is electrically connected to a grounding wiring formed on the substrate 43. The grounding wiring is a wiring for grounding potential. The insulating portion 47c electrically insulates the first contact 47a from the ground contact 47b.

[0022] [Connector Structure] Next, use Figures 2 to 5 The structure of the connector 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The connector 100 is configured to include a housing 10 (an example of a rear housing), a signal terminal 61 (an example of a terminal), a retainer 62, a cylindrical housing 63, a bushing 64, a connecting member 65 (an example of a shielding member), a shielding cover 66, and a sealing part 70.

[0023] The outer casing 10 is made of an insulator such as resin and has a bottomed, square-tube-shaped base 14 (an example of an outer wall) and a cylindrical fitting portion 16 extending from the bottom of the base 14 in the X2 direction. The base 14 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the X direction (hereinafter also referred to as a top view). Hereinafter, the axis passing through the intersection of the diagonals of the rectangle of the base 14 in the top view and parallel to the X direction will be called the central axis Y. In addition, the end of the base 14 in the X1 direction will be called the first opening 14b, and the space connected to the first opening 14b and divided by the base 14 will be called the internal space 14a (see reference). Figure 3 On the X2 side surface of the base 14 of the housing 10, a pair of generally cylindrical protrusions 14g protruding in the X2 direction are formed near the two corners located on the diagonal of the rectangle. The pair of protrusions 14g are provided for positioning the connector 100.

[0024] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, within the internal space 14a of the base 14 of the outer casing 10, four parallel inner wall surfaces connected to the first opening 14b and extending in the X2 direction are referred to as first side surfaces 14c. An inner wall surface connected to the X2-side ends of the four first side surfaces 14c and perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as a first bottom surface 14d. Furthermore, an inner wall surface connected to the first bottom surface 14d, formed at the center of the first bottom surface 14d, and extending in the X2 direction, which is circularly recessed when viewed from above, is referred to as a second side surface 14e. Additionally, an inner wall surface connected to the X2-side ends of the second side surface 14e and perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as a second bottom surface 14f. The boundary portion between the second side surface 14e and the second bottom surface 14f bulges outward relative to the inner radial direction of the second side surface 14e. In other words, the second side surface 14e is formed with a reduced diameter relative to the outer edge diameter of the second bottom surface 14f.

[0025] The fitting portion 16 extends from the center of the second bottom surface 14f in the X2 direction. The internal space 14a of the base 14 is connected to the internal space 16a of the fitting portion 16. On the inner peripheral surface 16c of the fitting portion 16, a first step 16b is formed at approximately the middle in the X direction, facing radially inward. The inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 16c on the X1 side of the first step 16b is reduced by the first step 16b. In addition, a corner portion 15 of surface C is formed at the boundary between the inner peripheral surface 16c of the fitting portion 16 and the second bottom surface 14f.

[0026] The signal terminal 61 has a rod-shaped form made of a conductive metal or the like. The axis of the signal terminal 61 is arranged coaxially with the central axis Y of the housing 10 along the X direction. The X1-direction end of the signal terminal 61 is a first contact end 61a capable of electrical connection with the first contact 47a of the socket 47 of the camera module 40 (see reference). Figure 3 The end in the X2 direction is the second contact 61b, which can be electrically connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable L via the plug LC.

[0027] The retainer 62 is made of resin on the outer peripheral surface of the signal terminal 61 located approximately at the center in the X direction, and is formed by insert molding, thus being integrated with the signal terminal 61. That is, the signal terminal 61 is inserted into the retainer 62 and supported. The retainer 62 has a cylindrical shape through which the signal terminal 61 passes. A stop portion 62a, with a relatively large outer diameter compared to other parts of the retainer 62, is integrally formed near the end of the retainer 62 in the X1 direction.

[0028] The cylindrical housing 63 is made of a conductive metal and is configured to be electrically connected to the external conductor of the coaxial cable L. The cylindrical housing 63 is externally fitted into the retainer 62. In other words, the retainer 62 is inserted into (embedded into) the cylindrical housing 63 and held in place. The cylindrical housing 63 is arranged coaxially with the central axis Y within the outer casing 10 and within the range from the internal space 14a of the base 14 to the internal space 16a of the fitting portion 16.

[0029] The cylindrical shell 63 is configured to include a generally cylindrical main body 63a and a ring-shaped flange 63b disposed radially outward relative to the main body 63a. The flange 63b extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the main body 63a in a direction perpendicular to the X direction, and has a second step 63b3 facing the X1 direction at approximately the middle of the radial direction. Hereinafter, the portion of the flange 63b that is radially inward relative to the second step 63b3 will be referred to as the inner flange 63b1, and the portion that is radially outward relative to the second step 63b3 will be referred to as the outer flange 63b2. The inner flange 63b1 and the outer flange 63b2 are parallel ring-shaped plates, with the inner flange 63b1 located in the X2 direction relative to the outer flange 63b2. A cut is formed on the inner edge of the X1 side surface of the outer flange 63b2 throughout the circumferential direction. Hereinafter, the remaining portion after the incision is formed will be referred to as the incision portion 63h.

[0030] The cylindrical main body 63a has a small-diameter portion 63e that can be connected to the plug LC, a large-diameter portion 63f disposed on the X1 side relative to the small-diameter portion 63e and having an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 63e, and a retaining member retaining portion 63g disposed on the X1 side relative to the large-diameter portion 63f and having an outer diameter larger than that of the large-diameter portion 63f. The length of the small-diameter portion 63e along the X direction is longer than the length of the large-diameter portion 63f along the X direction, and the length of the large-diameter portion 63f along the X direction is longer than the length of the retaining member retaining portion 63g along the X direction. The boundary position of the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 63e and the large-diameter portion 63f in the X direction is the same as the position of the first step 16b of the fitting portion 16 of the housing 10 (see reference). Figure 3 The flange portion 63b extends from the end of the large diameter portion 63f on the X1 side, and a corner portion 63i with a C-surface is formed at the boundary between the surface of the flange portion 63b (inner flange 63b1) on the X2 side and the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 63f.

[0031] Near the boundary between the retaining part 63g and the large-diameter part 63f, the inner diameter of the retaining part 63g is larger than the inner diameter of the large-diameter part 63f, forming a third step 63j. The stop part 62a of the retaining member 62 is inserted into the space defined by the retaining part 63g until it contacts the third step 63j, thereby determining the position of the retaining member 62 relative to the cylindrical housing 63 in the X direction. The position of the third step 63j in the X direction is the same as the position of the X1 side surface of the inner flange 63b1 of the flange part 63b (see reference). Figure 3 It should be noted that the retaining part 63g of the retaining member is inclined in a manner that gradually narrows in diameter from its boundary with the large-diameter part 63f toward the X1 direction (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0032] A plate-shaped support portion 63c is formed radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 63e1 of the small-diameter portion 63e of the cylindrical main body portion 63a. The plate-shaped support portion 63c has a hole in the center through which a signal terminal 61 can pass. On the X1 side of the support portion 63c, a bushing 64 is disposed in contact with the X1 side surface of the support portion 63c and the inner circumferential surface of the hole.

[0033] The bushing 64 is made of an elastic material such as rubber and has a generally annular plate shape with a hole formed at its center along the X direction for the signal terminal 61 to pass through. A retainer 62 is disposed on the X1 side of the bushing 64. The outer diameter of the retainer 62 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the bushing 64. On the X2 side of the support portion 63c of the cylindrical housing 63, the second contact end 61b of the signal terminal 61 is exposed through the hole in the support portion 63c (the hole in the bushing 64). By configuring the bushing 64, it is possible to prevent moisture from seeping into the interior of the connector 100 from the side of the second contact end 61b of the signal terminal 61.

[0034] The connecting member 65 is made of a flexible, conductive metal and is configured to include an annular portion 65a, a first connecting portion 65b, and a second connecting portion 65c, formed by shaping the metal plate into a ring. Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the first connecting portion 65b is formed to extend radially outward from the end of the annular portion 65a on the X2 side in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Y, and is provided in a plurality of equal intervals (eight in this embodiment) along the circumference of the annular portion 65a. The second connecting portion 65c is formed to extend along the X direction from the end of the annular portion 65a on the X1 side, and is provided in a plurality of equal intervals (eight in this embodiment) along the circumference of the annular portion 65a. In top view, the plurality of first connecting portions 65b are respectively arranged at positions overlapping with the plurality of second connecting portions 65c.

[0035] The metal plate of the annular portion 65a is parallel to the X direction and is arranged opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the retainer portion 63g of the cylindrical main body portion 63a, either in contact with or slightly separated from it. A plurality of first connecting portions 65b are each bent approximately 90 degrees radially outward from the X2 side end of the annular portion 65a.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting portion 65b is configured to contact the X1 side of the inner flange 63b1 of the flange portion 63b. The outer diameter of the first connecting portion 65b is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the X1 side of the inner flange 63b1. Furthermore, the innermost part of the cut portion 63h opposite to the first connecting portion 65b is pressed radially inward and crushed, thereby forming the riveting portion 63k. By riveting the first connecting portion 65b with the riveting portion 63k, the connecting member 65 is fixed relative to the cylindrical housing 63, preventing the connecting member 65 from falling off the cylindrical housing 63. In addition, at this time, the first connecting portion 65b is clamped and in contact with the inner flange 63b1 and the riveting portion 63k, so the connecting member 65 is electrically connected to the cylindrical housing 63, which can block external electromagnetic waves.

[0037] Each of the second connecting portions 65c is a plate-shaped component, extending in the X direction from the X1-direction end of the annular portion 65a as its base end. Specifically, the second connecting portion 65c is bent in an undulating manner along the X direction, then bent in a radially outward manner from the annular portion 65a, then bent in a radially inward manner, and finally bent again in a radially outward manner. The second connecting portion 65c can be electrically connected to the grounding contact 47b of the socket 47 of the camera module 40 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0038] The shielding cover 66 is made of metals such as stainless steel. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the shielding cover 66 is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the base 14 of the outer casing 10, which divides the internal space 14a. Specifically, it is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the outer casing 10 from the first side surface 14c to the second bottom surface 14f. Hereinafter, the rectangular cylindrical portion of the shielding cover 66 that is parallel to the X direction and in close contact with the first side surface 14c of the base 14 will be referred to as the first cylindrical wall 66a, the flat plate portion that is perpendicular to the X direction and in close contact with the first bottom surface 14d will be referred to as the first plate wall 66b (an example of an inner wall), the cylindrical portion that is parallel to the X direction and in close contact with the second side surface 14e will be referred to as the second cylindrical wall 66c (an example of a drawn cylindrical portion), and the flat plate portion that is perpendicular to the X direction and in close contact with the second bottom surface 14f will be referred to as the second plate wall 66d (an example of a connecting portion).

[0039] A second opening 66e (an example of an opening) is formed in the center of the second plate-like wall 66d of the shielding cover 66 for the cylindrical main body 63a of the cylindrical shell 63 to pass through. Additionally, a pair of generally frustum-shaped protrusions 66f, projecting toward the outer shell 10, are formed near the two corners of the diagonal of the first plate-like wall 66b, which is rectangular in plan view. The outer surfaces of each of the pair of protrusions 66f are also in close contact with the outer shell 10.

[0040] The shield 66 is in close contact with the inner wall surface of the outer shell 10. In other words, the outer surface of the outer shell 10 is in close contact with the outer surface of the shield 66. The outer diameter of the boundary portion between the second cylindrical wall 66c and the second plate wall 66d of the shield 66, i.e., the outer edge 66d1 of the second plate wall 66d, is larger than the outer diameter of the second cylindrical wall 66c on the X1 side of the boundary portion. Since the second side surface 14e and the second bottom surface 14f of the outer shell 10 are in close contact with the outer surfaces of the second cylindrical wall 66c and the second plate wall 66d of the shield 66, the inner diameter of the second side surface 14e is smaller than the diameter of the outer edge of the second bottom surface 14f.

[0041] The X1 side surface of the second plate-shaped wall 66d of the shielding cover 66 contacts the X2 side surface of the outer flange 63b2 of the cylindrical shell 63. Thus, the shielding cover 66 is electrically connected to the cylindrical shell 63, thereby blocking external electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, at least a portion of the X1 side surface of the second plate-shaped wall 66d and the X2 side surface of the outer flange 63b2 are joined by methods such as laser welding, thus providing a more reliable electrical connection between the shielding cover 66 and the cylindrical shell 63 compared to a simple contact between the second plate-shaped wall 66d and the outer flange 63b2. For the most reliable electrical connection between the shielding cover 66 and the cylindrical shell 63, it is preferable that the second plate-shaped wall 66d is joined to the outer flange 63b2 over its entire circumference.

[0042] At this time, the second step 63b3 between the inner flange 63b1 and the outer flange 63b2 is gapped relative to the second opening 66e of the shield 66, and the inner flange 63b1 is gapped relative to the second bottom surface 14f of the outer casing 10. Furthermore, the large-diameter portion 63f and the corner portion 63i of the cylindrical shell 63 are gapped relative to the inner circumferential surface 16c and the corner portion 15 of the outer casing 10, which are located on the X1 side closer to the first step 16b, and are also gapped relative to each other with a gap larger than that at the flange portion 63b. These three gaps are connected. A UV-curable adhesive, such as a silicone-based or acrylic-based adhesive, is injected into this connected gap, and the gap is sealed by UV curing. Hereinafter, this sealed portion will be referred to as the sealing portion 70.

[0043] In the connector 100 of this embodiment, the outer surfaces of the first cylindrical wall 66a, the first plate-like wall 66b, the second cylindrical wall 66c, the second plate-like wall 66d, and the pair of protrusions 66f of the outer shell 10 are in close contact with each other. The second cylindrical wall 66c of the shielding cover 66 is formed with a reduced diameter relative to the outer edge 66d1 of the second plate-like wall 66d. Therefore, the shielding cover 66 can be fixed relative to the outer shell 10 in a manner that prevents it from moving in the X1 direction or in the rotational direction relative to the central axis Y, and the connector 100 can be miniaturized.

[0044] Furthermore, in the connector 100, the first connecting portion 65b of the connecting member 65 is formed to extend radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Y parallel to the X direction, and is electrically connected to the cylindrical housing 63 by contacting the riveting portion 63k. Therefore, compared to the structure of the connector disclosed in Patent Document 1, which is electrically connected to the cylindrical housing in a direction parallel to the central axis Y, the height of the connector 100 can be reduced. In this way, the shielding cover 66 can be reliably fixed relative to the housing 10, and a miniaturized and low-height connector 100 can be realized.

[0045] [Connector manufacturing method] Next, the manufacturing method of connector 100 will be described. After the signal terminal 61 of connector 100 is formed by cutting or the like, a retainer 62 is integrally formed by insert molding. The cylindrical housing 63 is formed by cutting. At this time, the retainer holding portion 63g of the cylindrical housing 63 is formed in a manner parallel to the X direction. The bushing 64 is formed by molding.

[0046] Next, a ring-shaped bushing 64 is installed so that it contacts the support portion 63c from the X1 side of the cylindrical housing 63. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the bushing 64 elastically deforms and comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 63e1 of the small diameter portion 63e. Then, a signal terminal 61 integrated with the retainer 62 is installed from the X1 side of the cylindrical housing 63. At this time, the retainer holding portion 63g of the cylindrical housing 63 is parallel to the X direction and is not as... Figure 3 The inclination is shown. Therefore, the retainer 62 can be smoothly inserted into the cylindrical housing 63 without deformation. The retainer 62 is inserted until it contacts the third step 63j at the boundary between the stop 62a and the retainer holding portion 63g and the large diameter portion 63f. In this state, the second contact end 61b of the signal terminal 61 penetrates the bushing 64. As a result, the inner circumferential surface of the bushing 64 elastically deforms and comes into close contact with the signal terminal 61, but the X1 side surface of the bushing 64 does not contact the retainer 62. However, it is also possible to configure the retainer 62 to contact the X1 side surface of the bushing 64 or for the retainer 62 to press the bushing 64 in the X2 direction.

[0047] Subsequently, the retaining part 63g is plastically deformed by riveting in such a way that its diameter gradually decreases as it moves toward the X1 direction, thereby clamping the stop part 62a by the third step 63j and the retaining part 63g. As a result, the signal terminal 61 (retaining part 62) is held and fixed relative to the cylindrical housing 63, and the signal terminal 61 will not fall off relative to the cylindrical housing 63 in the X1 direction.

[0048] The shield 66 is formed by drawing using a stamping press. In the shield 66, the diameter of the second cylindrical wall 66c is reduced relative to the outer edge 66d1 of the second plate-shaped wall 66d. Specifically, the second plate-shaped wall 66d is formed by drawing the second cylindrical wall 66c using a stamping press, and then stamping the X2 side of the second cylindrical wall 66c while holding the second cylindrical wall 66c. Thus, the second cylindrical wall 66c of the shield 66 is formed in an undercut shape relative to the second plate-shaped wall 66d.

[0049] Next, the outer shell 10 is formed relative to the outer surface of the shield 66 by insert molding. As a result, the resin adheres tightly to the outer surfaces of the first cylindrical wall 66a, the first plate-like wall 66b, the second cylindrical wall 66c, the second plate-like wall 66d, and the pair of protrusions 66f of the shield 66. In particular, since the resin of the outer shell 10 adheres tightly to the entire outer peripheral surface of the undercut second cylindrical wall 66c, the shield 66 will not detach from the outer shell 10 and move in the X1 direction. Furthermore, since the resin of the outer shell 10 also adheres tightly to the entire outer surface of the pair of protrusions 66f, the shield 66 will not move relative to the outer shell 10 in the rotational direction relative to the central axis Y.

[0050] Thus, in the connector 100 of this embodiment, the housing 10 is formed using a simple and inexpensive method of forming the housing 10 relative to the shield 66 by insert molding. As a result, the shield 66 can be fixed relative to the housing 10 in a manner that prevents it from moving in the X1 direction or in the rotational direction relative to the central axis Y. Furthermore, since the connector 100 does not require a separate structure for locking the shield 66 relative to the housing 10, the connector 100 can be miniaturized.

[0051] Furthermore, during the insert molding of the outer casing 10, the shielding cover 66 is positioned in the insert molding mold such that, when viewed from above after molding, a pair of protrusions 14g of the outer casing 10 are respectively formed at locations overlapping with a pair of protrusions 66f of the shielding cover 66. Since the protrusions 14g are approximately cylindrical and the protrusions 66f are approximately frustum-shaped, by arranging them in a manner where the protrusions 14g and protrusions 66f overlap when viewed from above, the protrusions 66f can be used to thin out the portion of the outer casing 10 that is thickened due to the formation of the protrusions 14g. Therefore, the wall thickness of the portion of the outer casing 10 where the protrusions 14g are formed can be made to be the same as the wall thickness of other portions, which can ensure good resin flow balance during insert molding, thereby suppressing appearance defects of the outer casing 10 caused by the collapse or shrinkage of the protrusions 14g.

[0052] Next, the cylindrical housing 63, which is assembled with the signal terminal 61 and the retainer 62, is inserted from the X1 side into the fitting portion 16 of the outer shell 10, which is inserted into the shielding cover 66. The cylindrical housing 63 is inserted until the X2 side surface of the outer flange 63b2 contacts the X1 side surface of the second plate-shaped wall 66d of the shielding cover 66. At this time, in the assembly jig or manufacturing apparatus, the position of the cylindrical housing 63 relative to the outer shell 10 is determined so that the central axis Y of the outer shell 10 is aligned with the axis of the signal terminal 61, and the cylindrical housing 63 is inserted.

[0053] Next, for example, laser welding is used to join at least a portion of the X2-side surface of the outer flange 63b2 and the X1-side surface of the second plate-like wall 66d. This reliably electrically connects the shield 66 to the cylindrical housing 63. It should be noted that laser welding can also be performed over the entire circumference of the contact surface between the outer flange 63b2 and the second plate-like wall 66d.

[0054] The connecting member 65 is formed using a stamping machine. Then, the connecting member 65 is inserted into the shield 66 from the X1 side, so that the X2 side surface of the first connecting portion 65b contacts the X1 side surface of the inner flange 63b1 of the cylindrical housing 63. In this state, the innermost portion of the cutout 63h of the cylindrical housing 63, opposite to the first connecting portion 65b, is pressed radially inward and crushed to form the riveting portion 63k (see reference). Figure 3 Thus, the connecting member 65 is fixed relative to the cylindrical housing 63, preventing the connecting member 65 from falling off the cylindrical housing 63. In addition, at this time, the connecting member 65 is electrically connected to the cylindrical housing 63 through the contact between the riveting part 63k and the first connecting part 65b.

[0055] Finally, using a distributor or similar device, a UV-curable adhesive, such as a silicone-based or acrylic-based adhesive, is injected into the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the second opening 66e of the shielding cover 66 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner flange 63b1, as well as into the gaps between the second bottom surface 14f, corner 15, and inner peripheral surface 16c of the housing 10 and the inner flange 63b1, corner 63i, and large diameter portion 63f of the shielding cover 66. This adhesive is then cured by UV irradiation to form a sealing portion 70. By forming the sealing portion 70 in these gaps, moisture is prevented from seeping into these gaps from the mating portion 16 of the housing 10 and the cylindrical housing 63. Thus, the assembly of the connector 100 is completed. It should be noted that... Figure 4 , Figure 5 The diagram shows the cured seal 70.

[0056] Thus, in the connector 100 of this embodiment, by using a simple and inexpensive method of forming the outer shell 10 on the shield 66 having an undercut shape and a pair of protrusions 66f using insert molding, the shield 66 can be tightly attached to the outer shell 10, and the shield 66 can be fixed relative to the outer shell 10 in a manner that prevents it from moving in the X1 direction or in the rotational direction relative to the central axis Y. Furthermore, with the connector 100 of this embodiment, there is no need to provide a structure for locking the shield 66 relative to the outer shell 10, thus enabling the connector 100 to be miniaturized. Additionally, in the connector 100, the first connecting portion 65b of the connecting member 65 is formed to extend radially outward in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Y parallel to the X direction, and is electrically connected to the cylindrical shell 63 by contacting the riveting portion 63k, thus reducing the height of the connector 100.

[0057] [Other Implementation Methods] (1) In the above embodiment, the protrusions 66f of the shield 66 are two (a pair), but there may be one or more.

[0058] (2) In the above embodiment, the shielding cover 66 is arranged in the insert molding mold such that, when viewed from above after the insert of the outer shell 10 is formed, a pair of protrusions 14g of the outer shell 10 are respectively formed at locations that overlap with a pair of protrusions 66f of the shielding cover 66, but it is not limited to this. If the appearance defects of the outer shell 10 due to the collapse or shrinkage of the protrusions 14g do not occur during the insert molding of the outer shell 10, the protrusions 14g may be formed so that they do not overlap with the protrusions 66f when viewed from above. Alternatively, if the shielding cover 66 can be fixed relative to the outer shell 10 in a manner that does not move in the rotational direction relative to the central axis Y by other methods, the protrusions 66f may not be provided.

[0059] (3) In the above embodiment, the base 14 of the outer shell 10 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, but is not limited thereto. The base 14 may also have a circular shape when viewed from above, that is, the base 14 may also have a bottomed cylindrical shape.

[0060] (4) In the above embodiment, the base 14 of the outer shell 10 has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The first side 14c of the base 14 may not be present, and the base 14 may also be plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular plate-shaped, circular plate-shaped). When the base 14 is plate-shaped, the first cylindrical wall 66a of the shield 66 may not be present. Industrial applicability

[0061] This invention can be used in connectors.

Claims

1. A connector for electrical connection with a coaxial cable, characterized in that, have: A conductive rod-shaped terminal that can be electrically connected to the internal conductor of the coaxial cable; An insulating retainer is inserted into and supports the terminal in a manner coaxial with the axis of the terminal. A conductive cylindrical housing that is electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and is externally fitted to the retainer in a manner coaxial with the axis; A conductive shielding component that is electrically connected to a fitting contact that is a fitting object, and contacts the cylindrical shell; A conductive shielding cover that contacts the cylindrical shell and blocks external electromagnetic waves; and The rear shell is in close contact with the shielding cover. The cylindrical housing has a cylindrical body portion that covers the retainer and an annular flange portion that extends radially outward from the cylindrical body portion. The shield has a connecting portion and a drawn cylindrical portion connected to the outer edge of the connecting portion and tapering from the outer edge. The connecting portion has an opening for the cylindrical body portion to pass through and is electrically connected to the flange portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the flange of the cylindrical housing engages with the shield, thereby bringing the shield into contact with the cylindrical housing.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The shield has at least one protrusion. The rear shell is in close contact with the outer surface of the protrusion.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rear shell has an outer wall that is perpendicular to the axis. At least one positioning protrusion is provided on the outer wall. The shielding cover has an inner wall that is parallel to the outer wall and connected to the drawn cylindrical portion. The protrusion is positioned on the inner wall in a posture that projects toward the outer wall. When viewed along the axis, the protrusion is positioned at a location that overlaps with the protrusion portion.

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