Connector module

Abstract

To provide a connector module capable of suppressing leakage and entering of an electromagnetic wave in a connection part between connectors used for signal transmission of a high frequency.SOLUTION: A connector module 1A comprises: a first metal case 12 housing a first substrate 11 connected to a first connector 10; and a second metal case 22 housing a second substrate 21 connected to a second connector 20. The first metal case 12 includes: a first cylinder part 15 surrounding an outer periphery of the first connector 10; and a second cylinder part 16 of which a diameter is formed so as to be larger than that of the first cylinder part 15. The second metal case 22 includes a third cylinder part 25 of which the diameter is formed so as to be smaller than that of the second cylinder part 16 while having a diameter larger than that of the first cylinder part 15, and which is inserted into a space between an inner periphery of the second cylinder part 16 and an outer periphery of the first cylinder part 15. A difference between an inner diameter D3a of the third cylinder part 25 and an outer diameter D1b of the first cylinder part 15 is smaller than a difference between an inner diameter D2a of the second cylinder part 16 and an outer diameter D3b of the third cylinder part 25.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In connections between modules, for example, electrical-optical conversion modules or optical-electrical conversion modules used in antennas and radio-over-fiber systems, and connections between antennas and amplifiers, coaxial connectors such as SMPM connectors are used for the connections (see, for example, Patent Document 1).In connections using these coaxial connectors, electromagnetic waves leak or enter between the connector and a metal case that houses a board or the like to which the connector is connected, affecting signal quality, so generally the gap between the connector and the metal case is made as narrow as possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-176657 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, in order to transmit high-speed, large-capacity signals, the signals used for such transmission have become increasingly high-frequency, for example, signals with frequencies exceeding 28 GHz are now being used. As the signals become higher-frequency, electromagnetic waves can leak or enter through the gap between the connector and the metal case, which has been made as narrow as possible, and can affect surrounding devices or be affected by surrounding devices.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the problems inherent in the conventional techniques, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector module capable of suppressing the leakage and ingress of electromagnetic waves at a connection portion between connectors used for transmitting high-frequency signals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connector module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pair of metal cases each housing a substrate; a pair of connectors connected to the substrate and at least partially exposed from the metal cases and coupled to each other; a first cylindrical portion protruding from one of the pair of metal cases toward the other in the coupling direction of the connectors and surrounding the outer periphery of the connector exposed from one metal case; a second cylindrical portion protruding from one metal case toward the other metal case in the coupling direction of the connectors and having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion and surrounding the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion; and a third cylindrical portion that protrudes in the direction of coupling of the connectors toward the metal case, and has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion, so that when the pair of connectors are coupled to each other, the third cylindrical portion is inserted between the inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion and the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion, wherein the difference between the inner diameter of the third cylindrical portion and the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion is smaller than the difference between the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion and the outer diameter of the third cylindrical portion, and when the pair of connectors are coupled to each other, the gap between the inner periphery of the third cylindrical portion and the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion is narrower than the gap between the inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion and the outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector module that can suppress the leakage and ingress of electromagnetic waves at a connection portion between connectors used for transmitting high-frequency signals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector module according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first metal case according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a front view of a second metal case according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector module according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the connector module with the upper metal case removed. [Figure 6] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector module according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a front view of a first metal case according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a front view of a second metal case according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector module according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a front view of a first metal case according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a front view of a second metal case according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connector module according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of a first metal case according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a front view of a second metal case according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the connector module according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0010] [First embodiment] As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the connector module 1A according to this embodiment includes a pair of modules (a first module 2 and a second module 3), and the connectors (a first connector 10 and a second connector 20) of the pair of modules are connected to each other. In the connector module 1A, a plurality of connector connection parts 4, 4 are arranged in parallel for bidirectional transmission (see Fig. 5). The flow of signals in the connector module 1A is indicated by an arrow S in Fig. 5. Also, Figs. 1, 4 and 5 show only the main part (the central part) of the connector module 1A, and the parts outside the central part are not shown.

[0011] The connector module 1A according to this embodiment is a module for transmitting high-frequency signals of millimeter waves or higher, and includes a coaxial connector connection part. This embodiment is not limited to this, and may be applied not only to the coaxial connector connection part in a module used for transmitting high-frequency signals, but also to connectors for low-speed signal lines such as control signals, and connectors for connecting power sources, etc.

[0012] One module (first module 2) has a first metal case 12 that houses a first substrate 11, and a first connector 10 that is connected to the first substrate 11, at least a portion of which is exposed from the first metal case 12, and is coupled to a second connector 20 described below. The coupling direction of the connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) is indicated by an arrow C in FIG. 1.

[0013] The first board 11 is configured to have a base material 11a and board wiring 11b arranged on the mounting surface of the base material 11a. The board wiring 11b is arranged on the mounting surface of the base material 11a by, for example, printing, and the first connector 10 is mounted on this board wiring 11b by soldering or the like. Such a first board 11 may be fixed to a base 14 of a first lower metal case 12a (described later) by using screws 13 or the like (see FIG. 5), or may be sandwiched and held (clamped) between the first lower metal case 12a and the first upper metal case 12b.

[0014] In this embodiment, the first metal case 12 is divided into a first lower metal case 12a and a first upper metal case 12b (vertically in Figs. 1 and 2). The first lower metal case 12a and the first upper metal case 12b may be connected to each other using screws or the like (not shown). In this embodiment, the first lower metal case 12a is formed with a base 14, and the first substrate 11 is placed on the base 14 and fixed thereto using screws 13 or the like (see Fig. 5).

[0015] The first connector 10 is, for example, a coaxial connector such as an SMPM connector or an SMP connector. The type of the coaxial connector is not particularly limited. This first connector 10 is connected to a board wiring 11b arranged on a mounting surface of a base material 11a of a first board 11. A coupling portion (fitting portion) of the first connector 10 is exposed from the first metal case 12 and is coupled to a coupling portion (fitting portion) of the second connector 20 via a joint 30. The coupling portion of the first connector 10 may be directly coupled to the coupling portion of the second connector 20 without the joint 30.

[0016] The other module (second module 3) has a second metal case 22 that houses a second board 21, and a second connector 20 that is connected to the second board 21, at least a portion of which is exposed from the second metal case 22, and is coupled to the first connector 10.

[0017] The second substrate 21 is configured to have a base material 21a and substrate wiring 21b arranged on the mounting surface of the base material 21a. The substrate wiring 21b is arranged on the mounting surface of the base material 21a by, for example, printing, and the second connector 20 is mounted on the substrate wiring 21b by soldering or the like. The second substrate 21 may be fixed to a base 24 of a second lower metal case 22a (described later) by using screws 23 or the like (see FIG. 5), or may be sandwiched and held (clamped) between the second lower metal case 22a and the second upper metal case 22b.

[0018] In this embodiment, the second metal case 22 is divided into a second lower metal case 22a and a second upper metal case 22b vertically (in the vertical direction in Figs. 1 and 3). The second lower metal case 22a and the second upper metal case 22b may be connected to each other using screws or the like (not shown). In this embodiment, the second lower metal case 22a is formed with a base 24, and the second substrate 21 is placed on the base 24 and fixed thereto using screws 23 or the like (see Fig. 5). If necessary, the second metal case 22 may be directly connected to the first metal case 12.

[0019] The second connector 20 is a coaxial connector such as an SMPM connector or an SMP connector, similar to the first connector 10. The type of the coaxial connector is not particularly limited. The second connector 20 is connected to a board wiring 21b arranged on the mounting surface of a base material 21a of a second board 21. A coupling portion (fitting portion) of the second connector 20 is exposed from the second metal case 22 and is coupled to the coupling portion (fitting portion) of the second connector 20 via a joint 30. The coupling portion of the second connector 20 may be directly coupled to the coupling portion of the first connector 10 without the joint 30.

[0020] In the first metal case 12 of one module (first module 2), a first tubular portion 15 and a second tubular portion 16 are arranged, which are made of a metal material and have different diameters (outer diameters) with the first connector 10 at the center. The first tubular portion 15 protrudes from the first metal case 12 toward the second metal case 22 in the connector coupling direction C (left-right direction in FIG. 1) and surrounds the outer periphery of the first connector 10 exposed from the first metal case 12. That is, the inner diameter D1a of the first tubular portion 15 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the first connector 10, and the outer diameter D1b of the first tubular portion 15 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter D2a of the second tubular portion 16.

[0021] On the other hand, the second cylindrical portion 16 protrudes from the first metal case 12 toward the second metal case 22 in the connector coupling direction C (left-right direction in FIG. 1) and surrounds the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 15 protruding from the first metal case 12. That is, the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical portion 16 is formed larger than the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first tube portion 15 and the second tube portion 16 are formed in a cylindrical shape. This is not limiting, and the first tube portion 15 and the second tube portion 16 may be formed in a rectangular tube shape, such as a square tube shape. In addition, in this embodiment, the first tube portion 15 is formed by dividing it into a first lower tube portion 15a and a first upper tube portion 15b vertically (vertical direction in Figs. 1 and 2). For example, the first lower tube portion 15a is formed integrally with the first lower metal case 12a, and the first upper tube portion 15b is formed integrally with the first upper metal case 12b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second tube portion 16 is formed by dividing it into a second lower tube portion 16a and a second upper tube portion 16b vertically (vertical direction in Figs. 1 and 2). For example, the second lower cylindrical portion 16a is formed integrally with the first lower metal case 12a, and the second upper cylindrical portion 16b is formed integrally with the first upper metal case 12b.

[0023] In the second metal case 22 of the other module (second module 3), a third cylindrical portion 25 made of a metal material is disposed around the second connector 20. The third cylindrical portion 25 protrudes from the second metal case 22 toward the first metal case 12 in the coupling direction C of the connectors (left-right direction in FIG. 1) and surrounds the outer periphery of the second connector 20 exposed from the second metal case 22. That is, the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the second connector 20.

[0024] In this embodiment, the third tubular portion 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the first tubular portion 15 and the second tubular portion 16. However, the third tubular portion 25 may be formed in a rectangular tubular shape, such as a square tubular shape, similar to the first tubular portion 15 and the second tubular portion 16. In this embodiment, the third tubular portion 25 is formed by dividing the third lower tubular portion 25a and the third upper tubular portion 25b into upper and lower portions (in the vertical direction in Figs. 1 and 3). For example, the third lower tubular portion 25a is formed integrally with the second lower metal case 22a, and the third upper tubular portion 25b is formed integrally with the second upper metal case 22b.

[0025] Further, the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15, and the outer diameter D3b of the third cylindrical portion 25 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical portion 16. Therefore, when the pair of connectors (the first connector 10 and the second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the third cylindrical portion 25 is inserted between the inner circumference of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 15 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, when the pair of connectors (the first connector 10 and the second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the first cylindrical portion 15, the third cylindrical portion 25, and the second cylindrical portion 16 are arranged alternately vertically (vertically in FIG. 1).

[0026] In this embodiment, the difference (first inner / outer diameter difference) between the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 is smaller than the difference (second inner / outer diameter difference) between the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer diameter D3b of the third cylindrical portion 25. Therefore, in a state where a pair of connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the gap between the inner circumference of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 15 is narrower than the gap between the inner circumference of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer circumference of the third cylindrical portion 25. Therefore, the first cylindrical portion 15 and the third cylindrical portion 25 function as guide portions when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together, and the gap between the second cylindrical portion 16 and the third cylindrical portion 25 functions as a path (passage) for electromagnetic waves to leak out to the outside of the connector module 1A.

[0027] A gap may be formed between the tip of the first tube portion 15 and the facing surface 27 of the other metal case (second metal case 22) facing the tip of the first tube portion 15. The tip of the first tube portion 15 may be abutted against the facing surface 27 of the second metal case 22. If the sum of the protruding amount of the first connector 10 from the first metal case 12, the protruding amount of the second connector 20 from the second metal case 22, and the length of the joint 30 is X (see FIG. 4), the length La of the first tube portion 15 is equal to or less than the above sum X. From the viewpoint of suppressing the leakage and intrusion of electromagnetic waves, it is preferable that the length La of the first tube portion 15 is equal to the above sum X. The gap between the tip of the first tube portion 15 and the facing surface 27 of the second metal case 22 is, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0028] A gap may be formed between the tip of the second tube portion 16 and the opposing surface 27 of the other metal case (second metal case 22) that faces the tip of the second tube portion 16. The tip of the second tube portion 16 may be abutted against the opposing surface 27 of the second metal case 22. That is, the length Lb of the second tube portion 16 is equal to or less than the above sum X. From the viewpoint of suppressing the leakage and intrusion of electromagnetic waves, it is preferable that the length Lb of the second tube portion 16 is equal to the above sum X. The gap between the tip of the second tube portion 16 and the opposing surface 27 of the second metal case 22 is, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0029] Furthermore, a gap may be formed between the tip of the third tube portion 25 and the facing surface 17 of one of the metal cases (first metal case 12) that faces the tip of the third tube portion 25. Also, the tip of the third tube portion 25 may be abutted against the facing surface 17 of the first metal case 12. That is, the length Lc of the third tube portion 25 is equal to or less than the above sum X. From the viewpoint of suppressing the leakage and intrusion of electromagnetic waves, it is preferable that the length Lc of the third tube portion 25 is equal to the above sum X. The gap between the tip of the third tube portion 25 and the facing surface 17 of the first metal case 12 is, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0030] The electromagnetic waves emitted from the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 21 in the first module 2 and the second module 3 propagate through the gaps between the multiple cylindrical parts, and finally leak out from the gaps between the tips of the cylindrical parts and the opposing surfaces of the metal case. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical part 15, the third cylindrical part 25, and the second cylindrical part 16 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, so that the path (path) through which the electromagnetic waves leak out to the outside of the connector module 1A can be lengthened (distant). Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the amount of electromagnetic waves leaking from the connector module 1A.

[0031] For example, the pitch P (see FIG. 5) between the multiple connector connection portions 4, 4 is 80 mm. Also, the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 is 9 mm, the inner diameter D1a of the first cylindrical portion 15 is 7 mm, the outer diameter D2b of the second cylindrical portion 16 is 15.6 mm, the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical portion 16 is 13.6 mm, the outer diameter D3b of the third cylindrical portion 25 is 11.6 mm, and the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 is 9.6 mm.

[0032] In this case, sufficient isolation can be ensured between the multiple connector connection parts 4, 4 (see FIG. 5) compared to when there are no cylindrical parts (first cylindrical part 15, second cylindrical part 16, and third cylindrical part 25). Therefore, compared to when there are no cylindrical parts (first cylindrical part 15, second cylindrical part 16, and third cylindrical part 25), the crosstalk between the multiple connector connection parts 4, 4 can be improved to about -65 dB to -75 dB.

[0033] Thus, the connector module 1A according to this embodiment includes a pair of metal cases (first metal case 12, second metal case 22) that respectively house substrates (first substrate 11, second substrate 21). The connector module 1A includes a pair of connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) that are connected to the first substrate 11, second substrate 21, at least a portion of which is exposed from the metal cases (first metal case 12, second metal case 22) and coupled to each other. The first cylindrical portion 15 protrudes from one of the pair of metal cases (first metal case 12) toward the other (second metal case 22) in the coupling direction C of the connectors, and surrounds the outer periphery of the connector (first connector 10) exposed from one metal case (first connector 10). The second cylindrical portion 16 protrudes from one metal case (first metal case 12) toward the other metal case (second metal case 22) in the coupling direction C of the connector, and has an inner diameter D2a larger than the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 to surround the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 15. The third cylindrical portion 25 protrudes from the other metal case (second metal case 22) toward one metal case (first metal case 12) in the coupling direction C of the connector. The third cylindrical portion 25 is formed such that the inner diameter D3a is larger than the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 and the outer diameter D3b is smaller than the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical portion 16. The third cylindrical portion 25 is inserted between the inner circumference of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 15 when the pair of connectors are coupled to each other. The difference between the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 is smaller than the difference between the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer diameter D3b of the third cylindrical portion 25. When the pair of connectors are connected to each other, the gap between the inner circumference of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 15 is narrower than the gap between the inner circumference of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer circumference of the third cylindrical portion 25.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 15, the third cylindrical portion 25, and the second cylindrical portion 16 are arranged alternately up and down, thereby making it possible to lengthen (further) the path (pathway) through which the electromagnetic waves leak out of the connector module 1A. This makes it possible to effectively reduce the amount of electromagnetic waves leaking out of the connector module 1A from the connection between the connectors (the first connector 10, the second connector 20).

[0035] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a connector module 1A that can suppress the leakage and ingress of electromagnetic waves at the connection portion between connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) used for high-frequency signal transmission.

[0036] [Second embodiment] Next, a connector module 1B according to a second embodiment will be described. Components that are substantially the same as those in the above-mentioned connector module are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. Also, in Fig. 6, only the main part (center part) of the connector module 1B is shown, and the part outside the center part is not shown.

[0037] In the connector module 1B, a noise removal sheet (cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31) made of a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic noise (electromagnetic wave absorbing material) and having flexibility or elasticity is disposed between the outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16. This cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion 25 or on the inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16. In this case, the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 may be, for example, a ring-shaped electromagnetic wave absorbing material.

[0038] Since it is sufficient to absorb the leaking electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic noise), the electromagnetic wave absorbing material may be in the form of a sheet, ink (liquid), or sponge in addition to the ring-like material described above. The electromagnetic wave absorbing material can be selected taking into consideration the required electromagnetic noise absorption effect, durability against repeated insertion and removal of the cylindrical portion, cost, etc.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 is disposed on the outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion 25, and the difference between the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 is smaller than the difference between the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer diameter D5b of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31. Therefore, in a state where the pair of connectors (the first connector 10, the second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the gap between the inner periphery of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 15 is narrower than the gap between the inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the outer periphery of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31.

[0040] Therefore, the first tube portion 15 and the third tube portion 25 function as guide portions when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together, and the gap between the second tube portion 16 and the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 functions as a path (passage) for the electromagnetic waves to leak out of the connector module 1B. In addition, by disposing the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 in the path (passage) for the electromagnetic waves to leak out of the connector module 1B, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently. Furthermore, since the gap between the inner circumference of the second tube portion 16 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 is wider than the gap between the inner circumference of the third tube portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first tube portion 15, damage to the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 due to contact is suppressed when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together.

[0041] For example, the pitch P (see FIG. 5) between the multiple connector connection parts 4, 4 is 80 mm. Also, the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical part 15 is 9 mm, the inner diameter D1a of the first cylindrical part 15 is 7 mm, the outer diameter D2b of the second cylindrical part 16 is 15.6 mm, the inner diameter D2a of the second cylindrical part 16 is 13.6 mm, the outer diameter D3b of the third cylindrical part 25 is 11.6 mm, and the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical part 25 is 9.6 mm. Furthermore, the thickness of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 is 0.5 mm, and the outer diameter D5b of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 is 12.6 mm.

[0042] In this case, sufficient isolation can be ensured between the multiple connector connection parts 4, 4 (see FIG. 5) compared to when there are no cylindrical parts (first cylindrical part 15, second cylindrical part 16, and third cylindrical part 25). Therefore, compared to when there are no cylindrical parts (first cylindrical part 15, second cylindrical part 16, and third cylindrical part 25), the crosstalk between the multiple connector connection parts 4, 4 can be improved from -65 dB to about -80 dB.

[0043] In the connector module 1B, between the outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16, a cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 may be disposed.

[0044] By disposing the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 in the path (passage) of the electromagnetic waves before they leak out of the connector module 1B, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently.

[0045] In the connector module 1B, the tubular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 is disposed on the outer periphery of the third tubular portion 25, and the difference between the inner diameter D3a of the third tubular portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first tubular portion 15 may be smaller than the difference between the inner diameter D2a of the second tubular portion 16 and the outer diameter D5b of the tubular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31. In a state in which the pair of connectors (the first connector 10, the second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the gap between the inner periphery of the third tubular portion 25 and the outer periphery of the first tubular portion 15 may be narrower than the gap between the inner periphery of the second tubular portion 16 and the outer periphery of the tubular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first tubular portion 15 and the third tubular portion 25 function as guide portions when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together. The gap between the second tubular portion 16 and the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 becomes a path (passage) through which the electromagnetic waves leak out to the outside of the connector module 1B. In addition, by disposing the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 in the path (passage) through which the electromagnetic waves leak out to the outside of the connector module 1B, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently. Furthermore, since the gap between the inner circumference of the second tubular portion 16 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 is wider than the gap between the inner circumference of the third tubular portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first tubular portion 15, damage to the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 due to contact is suppressed when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together.

[0047] [Third embodiment] Next, a connector module 1C according to a third embodiment will be described. Components that are substantially the same as those in the above-mentioned connector module are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, in Fig. 9, only the main part (center part) of the connector module 1C is shown, and the part outside the center part is not shown.

[0048] In the connector module 1C, a noise removal sheet (annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32) is disposed between the tip of the second cylindrical portion 16 and an opposing surface 27 of the other metal case (second metal case 22) that faces the tip of the second cylindrical portion 16. The annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 is formed from a material that can absorb electromagnetic noise (electromagnetic wave absorbing material) and has flexibility or elasticity. The annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 may be formed integrally with the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31, or may be formed separately from the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 31 and joined thereto. In this case, the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 may be, for example, a ring-shaped electromagnetic wave absorbing material.

[0049] By disposing the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 between the tip of the second tubular portion 16 and the opposing surface 27 of the second metal case 22, which is the path (conduit) of the electromagnetic waves until they leak out of the connector module 1C, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently. In addition, it is possible to make it difficult for a gap to occur between the tip of the second tubular portion 16 and the opposing surface 27 of the second metal case 22, so that the electromagnetic waves can be absorbed more efficiently and the leakage of the electromagnetic waves through the gap can be effectively suppressed.

[0050] In the connector module 1C, an annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 may be disposed between the tip of the second cylindrical portion 16 and an opposing surface 27 of the other metal case (second metal case 22) that faces the tip of the second cylindrical portion 16. In this case, in order to improve the shielding performance of electromagnetic noise, it is preferable that the tip of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 provided on the opposing surface 27 of the second metal case 22 that faces the tip of the second cylindrical portion 16 are in contact with each other while utilizing the elasticity of the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32.

[0051] By disposing an annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 between the tip of the second tubular portion 16 and the opposing surface 27 of the second metal case 22, which is the path (conduit) along which the electromagnetic waves leak out to the outside of the connector module 1C, the electromagnetic waves can be absorbed more efficiently.

[0052] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a connector module 1D according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Components that are substantially the same as those in the above-mentioned connector module are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, in Fig. 12, only the main part (center part) of the connector module 1D is shown, and the part outside the center part is not shown.

[0053] In the connector module 1D, a fourth cylindrical portion 26 is disposed, which protrudes from the other metal case (second metal case 22) toward one metal case (first metal case 12) in the coupling direction C of the connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20). The inner diameter D4a of this fourth cylindrical portion 26 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter D2b of the second cylindrical portion 16, and surrounds the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16 when the pair of connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) are coupled to each other. Therefore, when the pair of connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the first cylindrical portion 15, the third cylindrical portion 25, the second cylindrical portion 16, and the fourth cylindrical portion 26 are arranged alternately vertically (vertical direction in FIG. 12).

[0054] The difference (first inner / outer diameter difference) between the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 is smaller than the difference (third inner / outer diameter difference) between the inner diameter D4a of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the outer diameter D2b of the second cylindrical portion 16. Therefore, in a state in which the pair of connectors (the first connector 10, the second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the gap between the inner circumference of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 15 is narrower than the gap between the inner circumference of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the outer circumference of the second cylindrical portion 16.

[0055] In the connector module 1D, a flexible or elastic noise removal sheet (cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33) made of a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic noise (electromagnetic wave absorbing material) is disposed between the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the inner periphery of the fourth cylindrical portion 26. This cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16 or on the inner periphery of the fourth cylindrical portion 26. In this case, the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 may be, for example, a ring-shaped electromagnetic wave absorbing material.

[0056] In this embodiment, the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 is disposed on the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16, and the difference between the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 is smaller than the difference between the inner diameter D4a of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the outer diameter D6b of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33. Therefore, in a state where the pair of connectors (the first connector 10, the second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the gap between the inner periphery of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion 15 is narrower than the gap between the inner periphery of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the outer periphery of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33.

[0057] Therefore, the first tube portion 15 and the third tube portion 25 function as guide portions when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together, and the gap between the second tube portion 16 and the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 functions as a path (passage) for the electromagnetic waves to leak out of the connector module 1D. In addition, by disposing the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 in the path (passage) for the electromagnetic waves to leak out of the connector module 1D, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently. Furthermore, since the gap between the inner circumference of the fourth tube portion 26 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 is wider than the gap between the inner circumference of the third tube portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first tube portion 15, damage to the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 due to contact is suppressed when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together.

[0058] In this embodiment, a noise removal sheet (annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34) shown by a dashed line in Fig. 12 and Fig. 14 may be disposed between the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the opposing surface 17 of one of the metal cases (first metal case 12) that faces the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26. The annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 is formed from a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic noise (electromagnetic wave absorbing material) and has flexibility or elasticity. The annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 may be formed integrally with the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33, or may be formed separately from the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 and joined thereto. In this case, the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 may be, for example, a ring-shaped electromagnetic wave absorbing material.

[0059] By disposing the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 between the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26, which is the path (conduit) through which the electromagnetic waves leak out of the connector module 1D, and the opposing surface 17 of the first metal case 12, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently. In addition, it is possible to make it difficult for a gap to occur between the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the opposing surface 17 of the first metal case 12, so that the electromagnetic waves can be absorbed more efficiently and the leakage of the electromagnetic waves through the gap can be effectively suppressed.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first metal case 12 is further divided vertically (in the vertical direction in Figs. 12 and 13) into a first lower metal case 12c and a first upper metal case 12d. For example, the second lower cylindrical portion 16a of the second cylindrical portion 16 is integrally formed with the first lower metal case 12c, and the second upper cylindrical portion 16b of the second cylindrical portion 16 is integrally formed with the first upper metal case 12d.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second metal case 22 is further divided vertically (in the vertical direction in Figs. 12 and 14) into a second lower metal case 22c and a second upper metal case 22d. In this embodiment, the fourth cylindrical portion 26 is divided vertically (in the vertical direction in Figs. 12 and 14) into a fourth lower cylindrical portion 26a and a fourth upper cylindrical portion 26b. For example, the fourth lower cylindrical portion 26a is formed integrally with the second lower metal case 22c, and the fourth upper cylindrical portion 26b is formed integrally with the second upper metal case 22d.

[0062] The connector module 1D may further include a fourth cylindrical portion 26 that protrudes from the other metal case (second metal case 22) toward one metal case (first metal case 12) in a coupling direction C of the connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20). The fourth cylindrical portion 26 may be formed so that its inner diameter D4a is larger than the outer diameter D2b of the second cylindrical portion 16, and may surround the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16 when the pair of connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) are coupled to each other. The difference between the inner diameter D3a of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first cylindrical portion 15 may be smaller than the difference between the inner diameter D4a of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the outer diameter D2b of the second cylindrical portion 16. When a pair of connectors (first connector 10, second connector 20) are connected to each other, the gap between the inner circumference of the third cylindrical portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion 15 may be narrower than the gap between the inner circumference of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the outer circumference of the second cylindrical portion 16.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 15, the third cylindrical portion 25, the second cylindrical portion 16, and the fourth cylindrical portion 26 are arranged alternately up and down, thereby making it possible to make the path (pathway) of the electromagnetic waves until they leak out of the connector module 1D longer (farther). Therefore, it is possible to more effectively reduce the amount of electromagnetic waves leaking out of the connector module 1D from the connection portion between the connectors (the first connector 10, the second connector 20).

[0064] In the connector module 1D, a cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 may be disposed between the outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion 16 and the inner periphery of the fourth cylindrical portion .

[0065] By disposing the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 in the path (conduit) of the electromagnetic waves before they leak out of the connector module 1D, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently.

[0066] In the connector module 1D, the tubular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 is disposed on the outer periphery of the second tubular portion 16, and the difference between the inner diameter D3a of the third tubular portion 25 and the outer diameter D1b of the first tubular portion 15 may be smaller than the difference between the inner diameter D4a of the fourth tubular portion 26 and the outer diameter D6b of the tubular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33. In a state in which the pair of connectors (the first connector 10, the second connector 20) are coupled to each other, the gap between the inner periphery of the third tubular portion 25 and the outer periphery of the first tubular portion 15 may be narrower than the gap between the inner periphery of the fourth tubular portion 26 and the outer periphery of the tubular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33.

[0067] In this embodiment, the first tube portion 15 and the third tube portion 25 function as guide portions when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together. The gap between the fourth tube portion 26 and the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 becomes a path (passage) through which the electromagnetic waves leak out to the outside of the connector module 1D. In addition, by disposing the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 in the path (passage) through which the electromagnetic waves leak out to the outside of the connector module 1D, it becomes possible to absorb the electromagnetic waves more efficiently. Furthermore, since the gap between the inner circumference of the fourth tube portion 26 and the outer circumference of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 is wider than the gap between the inner circumference of the third tube portion 25 and the outer circumference of the first tube portion 15, damage to the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 due to contact is suppressed when the first connector 10 and the second connector 20 are fitted together.

[0068] In the connector module 1D, an annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 may be disposed between the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and an opposing surface 17 of one of the metal cases (first metal case 12) that faces the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26. In this case, in order to improve the shielding performance of electromagnetic noise, it is preferable that the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 and the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 provided on the opposing surface 17 of the first metal case 12 that faces the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion 26 are in contact with each other while utilizing the elasticity of the annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34.

[0069] By disposing an annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 between the tip of the fourth tubular portion 26, which is the path (conduit) along which the electromagnetic waves leak out to the outside of the connector module 1D, and the opposing surface 17 of the first metal case 12, the electromagnetic waves can be absorbed more efficiently.

[0070] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Connector Module 10 First Connector 11 First board 12 First metal case 15 First cylinder part 16 Second cylinder part 17 Opposing Surface 20 Second Connector 21 Second board 22 Second metal case 25 Third cylinder part 26 4th cylinder part 27 Opposite Surface 31 Cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 32 Annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material 33 Cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material 34 Annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material D1b Outer diameter of the first cylindrical part D2a Inner diameter of the second cylindrical section D2b Outer diameter of second cylindrical part D3a Inner diameter of the third cylinder D3b Outside diameter of the third cylindrical section D4a Inner diameter of the fourth cylinder D5b Outer diameter of cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material D6b Outer diameter of cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material C Connector connection direction

Claims

1. A pair of metal cases each housing a substrate; a pair of connectors connected to the board, at least a portion of which is exposed from the metal case and coupled to each other; a first cylindrical portion that protrudes from one of the pair of metal cases toward the other in a coupling direction of the connector and surrounds an outer periphery of the connector exposed from the one of the metal cases; a second cylindrical portion that protrudes from the one metal case toward the other metal case in a coupling direction of the connector, has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion, and surrounds an outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion; a third cylindrical portion that protrudes from the other metal case toward the one metal case in a coupling direction of the connectors, has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion and an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion, and is inserted between an inner circumference of the second cylindrical portion and an outer circumference of the first cylindrical portion when the pair of connectors are coupled to each other; a difference between an inner diameter of the third cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion is smaller than a difference between an inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the third cylindrical portion, When the pair of connectors are coupled to each other, a gap between an inner periphery of the third cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion is narrower than a gap between an inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion. Connector module.

2. The connector module according to claim 1 , wherein a cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material is disposed between an outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion and an inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion.

3. The cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material is disposed on an outer periphery of the third cylindrical portion, a difference between an inner diameter of the third cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion is smaller than a difference between an inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material, When the pair of connectors are coupled to each other, a gap between an inner periphery of the third cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion is narrower than a gap between an inner periphery of the second cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material. The connector module of claim 2 .

4. A connector module described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material is arranged between the tip portion of the second tubular portion and an opposing surface of the other metal case that faces the tip portion of the second tubular portion.

5. a fourth tubular portion that protrudes from the other metal case toward the one metal case in a coupling direction of the connectors, has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the second tubular portion, and surrounds an outer periphery of the second tubular portion when the pair of connectors are coupled to each other; a difference between an inner diameter of the third cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion is smaller than a difference between an inner diameter of the fourth cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion, When the pair of connectors are coupled to each other, a gap between an inner periphery of the third cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion is narrower than a gap between an inner periphery of the fourth cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion. The connector module of claim 1 .

6. The connector module according to claim 5 , wherein a cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material is disposed between an outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion and an inner periphery of the fourth cylindrical portion.

7. The cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material is disposed on an outer periphery of the second cylindrical portion, a difference between an inner diameter of the third cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion is smaller than a difference between an inner diameter of the fourth cylindrical portion and an outer diameter of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material, When the pair of connectors are coupled to each other, a gap between an inner periphery of the third cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the first cylindrical portion is narrower than a gap between an inner periphery of the fourth cylindrical portion and an outer periphery of the cylindrical electromagnetic wave absorbing material. The connector module of claim 6.

8. A connector module described in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein an annular electromagnetic wave absorbing material is arranged between the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion and an opposing surface of the one of the metal cases that faces the tip of the fourth cylindrical portion.

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