Coaxial connector and board-side connector fitting structure, device module including coaxial connector, and sealing structure for fitting portion between board-side connection portion of coaxial connector and rear case

Abstract

To provide a structure capable of smoothly absorbing positional deviation between a board-side connecting portion 57 of a coaxial connector 5 and a board-side connector in an assembly of a device module such as a back camera in which a coaxial connector is incorporated.SOLUTION: A mating structure between a board-side connecting portion 57 of a coaxial connector 5 and a board-side connector arranged on a board includes: a plurality of flat contacts; and a plurality of fork contacts having a bifurcated fork portion 91b that sandwiches the contacts. The fork contacts are provided with an easily deformable portion 91k such that the fork portion 91b can be easily displaced in a direction perpendicular to the flat contacts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coaxial connector for connecting a coaxial cable and a fitting structure of a connector provided on the substrate side of a device such as a camera. In particular, it relates to a fitting structure of a connector having a mechanism for absorbing positional deviations in three directions of X, Y, and Z when the connectors are fitted. Further, the present invention relates to a device module having a coaxial connector for transmitting a signal from a device such as a camera, and in particular, to a device module having a connector with an added floating function for absorbing positional deviations caused by individual differences in each component. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a connector to which a structure for preventing capillary action of a sealing agent is added, which can contribute to facilitating the airtightness work required for a coaxial connector mounted on a camera or the like and reducing defects.

Background Art

[0002] The background art will be described by taking an in-vehicle coaxial connector as an example. In recent passenger cars, many are equipped with a rear-view camera (backup monitor camera) and a display for displaying the captured image at the driver's seat. And an image signal from the camera is transmitted to a control unit of the driver's seat display by a coaxial cable or the like. A coaxial connector is used for connecting the coaxial cable and the signal output part of the camera.

[0003] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure around the connector of a device module (or "camera module") according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a front cross-sectional view and (B) is a side cross-sectional view. In this device module 1, the configurations of the coaxial connector 5 and the substrate-side connector 9 are according to the present invention, but the basic configurations of the other parts are the same as those of general ones currently in widespread use.

[0004] The vertical direction of this figure (the insertion / extraction direction of the connector 5) is referred to as the Z direction, and the directions perpendicular to the Z direction are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction. The device module 1 is roughly composed of a rear case 3 (coaxial connector side) and a front case 7 (camera side). Inside the front case 7, a camera unit 75 including an imaging element and an imaging optical system is accommodated. On the side of the rear case 3 of the front case 7 (Zr side), a substrate 73 and a substrate-side connector 9 are arranged. The substrate-side connector 9 is fixed to the substrate 73 so as to protrude on the Zr side of the substrate 73.

[0005] The rear case 3 is a lid-shaped one that covers the substrate 73 of the front case 7. The two cases 3 and 7 are fitted and combined at their uneven fitting portions 3g and 7g. In the case of a rear camera of an automobile, the two cases 3 and 7 are joined by ultrasonic welding, an adhesive, or screwing using a packing after assembly.

[0006] Inside the rear case 3, a coaxial connector 5 is accommodated (built-in). The coaxial connector 5 has a male connector portion 51 on the Zr side and a connection portion (substrate-side connection portion 57) with the substrate-side connector 9 on the opposite Zr side (Zf side). A female connector (not shown) is connected to the male connector portion 51. A coaxial cable leading to the control unit of the driver's seat display of the automobile is connected to the female connector. The substrate-side connection portion 57 is fitted and connected to the substrate-side connector 9. The outer circumference of the female connector is internally fitted to the cylindrical portion (connector receiving cylinder 38) of the rear case 3 standing on the outer peripheral region of the male connector portion 51. The substantially triangular protrusion 3q protruding outside the connector receiving cylinder 38 is a retaining lock portion for preventing the mating coaxial connector socket from coming off.

[0007] The connection between the board-side connection part 57 of the coaxial connector 5 and the board-side connector 9 is made simultaneously with the fitting and assembly of the rear case 3 to the front case 7. At this time, a problem that can occur is the relative displacement between the position of the board-side connection part 57 of the coaxial connector within the rear case 3 and the position of the board-side connector 9 within the front case 7. In particular, on the side of the front case 7, there are many component parts, and due to the accumulation of tolerances of each component part, the probability of the above-mentioned positional displacement occurring is high. Note that the displacement can occur in three directions of the arrows X, Y, and Z shown in FIG. 1.

[0008] There are many factors related to the above-mentioned positional accuracy, and the main ones among them are as follows. (1) The dimensional accuracy of the concave-convex fitting parts 3g and 7g of both cases 3 and 7. (2) The positioning accuracy between the rear case 3 and the coaxial connector 5. (3) The positioning accuracy between the front case 7 and the board 73. (4) The positioning accuracy of the board-side connector 9 on the board 73.

[0009] The positional displacement between this rear connector 5 and the board-side connector 9 has an adverse effect on the assembly of the device module. For measures against this positional displacement, conventionally, the following measures have been taken. (a) A thin coaxial cable is directly attached to the rear case side connector, and for the board side, after connecting with a thin coaxial connector, the rear and front cases are assembled. (b) After assembling the front case and the rear case, a connector is fitted to the rear case, and then a connector having a mounting hole considering play for absorbing positional displacement in advance in the flange part is fitted to the connector inside the front case, and then the flange part and the rear case are screwed together. (c) Absorb by deformation of the contact part of the connector (Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3225606, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-162556, etc.). (d) Without providing an intentional positional displacement elimination mechanism (floating structure), suppress the positional displacement within the allowable range by ensuring the dimensional accuracy of the component parts (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-191817, etc.).

[0010] However, all of the above methods have the following problems. In (a), soldering is required on the rear case side of the thin coaxial cable, and it takes man-hours to assemble both cases. In (b), the airtightness test can only be performed after assembling the device module. In (c), if the contact force of the contact varies depending on the amount of misalignment, it will have an adverse effect on the performance of the connector. Or the amount of misalignment absorption cannot be increased. In (d), the manufacturing cost of the parts increases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a coaxial connector having one or more of the following features A to D. A. In an assembly of a device module such as a back camera incorporating a coaxial connector, the misalignment between the board-side connection portion 57 of the coaxial connector 5 and the board-side connector 9 can be absorbed without difficulty. B. In order to address the problem of A above, when the connector on the rear case side is a separate body, it is necessary to perform an airtightness test after assembling the module, but the airtightness can be evaluated for the rear case alone. C. The connection between the rear case and the board in the camera module etc. becomes easy, and the assembly man-hours can be reduced.

[0013] D. As a countermeasure against capillary phenomena when injecting a sealing agent into a coaxial connector assembly, the shape of the connector parts is devised, which can save the labor of work management when injecting the sealing agent. In addition, connection failures due to the intrusion of the sealing agent into the contact part can be reliably prevented.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] In this "Means for Solving the Problems" and the "Claims", reference numerals of each part of the attached drawings may be shown in parentheses, but this is merely for reference and is not intended to limit the scope of rights to those of the attached drawings.

[0015] The fitting structure of the first coaxial connector and the board-side connector of the present invention is a fitting structure between the board-side connection part (57) of the coaxial connector (5) and the board-side connector (9) arranged on the board (73), and a displacement absorption structure for absorbing displacements in each of the three-dimensional directions (XYZ directions) is provided in the contact structure between the contact (58) of the board-side connection part (57) and the contact (91) of the board-side connector (9), and it is characterized in that the displacement absorption structure does not rely on the deformation of the contact pressure applying part (91b) that generates the contact pressure of the contact point (91a) for conducting both contacts (58·91). In the above fitting structure, the entire contact pressure applying part (91b) can be made to absorb displacements by displacing while maintaining its form.

[0016] A specific form of the fitting structure between the coaxial connector and the board-side connector of the present invention is a fitting structure between the board-side connection portion (57) of the coaxial connector (5) and the board-side connector (9) arranged on the board (73), which includes a plurality of flat contacts (58) having front and back surfaces (58b) that are parallel planes and are arranged parallel to each other, and a pair of contacts (91a) that are slidably in contact with each of the front and back surfaces (58b) of the flat contacts (58), and a plurality of fork contacts (91) having bifurcated fork portions (91b) that sandwich the flat contacts (58). The fork contacts (91) are provided with easily deformable portions (91k, movable portions) so that the fork portions (91b) can be easily displaced in a direction perpendicular to the surface (58b) of the flat contacts (58).

[0017] In the above specific form, the misalignment in two dimensions (Y and Z directions in the embodiment) among the three-dimensional misalignments is absorbed by the sliding between the surface (58b) of the flat contact (58) and the contacts (91a) of the fork portion (91b) of the fork contact (91). The remaining one-dimensional misalignment (X direction in the embodiment) is absorbed by the displacement of the fork portion (91b) in the X direction accompanying the deformation of the easily deformable portion (91k, movable portion) of the fork contact (91).

[0018] In the above specific form, the contact pressure between the contacts (91a) and the surface (58b) of the flat contact (58) is generated by the force with which the fork portion (91b) of the fork contact (91) sandwiches the flat contact (58), and the opening and closing force of the fork portion (91b) with the root portion (91d) as the fulcrum is the contact pressure. This is because the position adjustment (X in the embodiment) is performed by the spring structure of the easily deformable portion (91k) so that the contact pressures of the flat contact (58) and the left and right contacts (91a) at the tip of the fork portion (91b) are equal, and thus the variation in the contact pressure due to the absorption of the positional misalignment is small. In this specific embodiment, the "contact pressure applying portion (91b) that generates the contact pressure of the contact point (91a) for the conduction of the contact (58) of the substrate-side connection portion (57) and the contact (91) of the substrate-side connector (9) (both contacts (58 and 91))" is a bifurcated fork portion (91b) that sandwiches the flat contact (58). By opening the bifurcated fork portion (91b) more than its free shape, the front and back surfaces (58b) of the flat contact (58) are sandwiched, and the contact pressure of the contact point (91a) for the conduction of both contacts (58 and 91) is generated between the same surface and the contact point (91a) of the fork contact (91). And when absorbing the positional deviation in the X direction, the fork portion (91b), which is the contact pressure applying portion, is displaced in the X direction along with the deformation of the easily deformable portion (91k, movable portion) while maintaining its shape. That is, the positional deviation absorbing action does not depend on the deformation of the contact pressure applying portion. The elastic constant of the deformation of the easily deformable portion (91k, movable portion) is several orders of magnitude smaller than the elastic constant of the opening and closing of the fork portion (91b), which is the contact pressure applying portion. Therefore, the degree to which the deformation resistance of the easily deformable portion affects the contact pressure of the contact points is low. That is, it is within the range where it can be said that "the X-direction positional deviation absorbing structure does not depend on the deformation of the contact pressure applying portion (91b)". Also, regarding the YZ direction, in the example of the embodiment, the frictional force between the surface (58b) of the flat contact (58) and the contact point (91a) of the fork contact (91) may act on the fork contact (91) and have a slight influence, but the degree is minor and within the range where it can be said that "the positional deviation absorbing action does not depend on the deformation of the contact pressure applying portion".

[0019] Thereby, the stress of the contact of the substrate-side connector during positional deviation absorption can be reduced, and a sufficient amount of positional deviation absorption (for example, ±0.5 mm for each of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction deviation absorption amounts) can be obtained.

[0020] Another aspect of the mating structure of the coaxial connector with a three-dimensional floating function and the board-side connector of the present invention is a mating structure between the board-side connection portion (57) of the coaxial connector (5) and the board-side connector (9) arranged on the board (73). Here, in this mating structure, the board-side connection portion (57) and the board-side connector (9) move relative to each other in the Z direction and mate. The mating structure includes a plurality of flat contacts (58) having front and back surfaces (58b) which are parallel planes along the Z direction and are arranged parallel to each other, and a pair of contact points (91a) which are slidably in contact with each of the front and back surfaces (58b) of the flat contact (58). The mating structure also includes a plurality of fork contacts (91) having bifurcated fork portions (91b) sandwiching the flat contact (58), and a deformable portion (91k) (movable portion) is formed in the fork contact (91) so that the fork portion (91b) can be easily displaced in a direction perpendicular to the surface (58b) of the flat contact (58). The fork portion (91b) and its root portion (91d) are substantially planar members along the X direction and the Z direction, and the deformable portion (91k) is formed as a bend portion (91k) which is easily bent in the X direction and is connected to the root portion (91d).

[0021] In the mating structure of the coaxial connector and the board-side connector, the plurality of flat contacts (58) include a flat contact "middle" (58I) formed at the board-side end of the center contact (55) of the coaxial connector (5), and a flat contact "outer" (58S) formed at the board-side end of the outer conductor (53) of the coaxial connector (5). It is preferable that the flat contact "middle" (58I) and the flat contact "outer" (58S) have the same thickness.

[0022] With such a configuration, since the plurality of flat contacts (58) have a plate-like structure with the same thickness, a plurality of board-side contacts (fork contacts 91) become common parts, and the component cost and the labor of assembly can be reduced.

[0023] The center contact can change its thickness during the process by means of coining or the like in order to match the thickness of the external conductor.

[0024] The fitting structure between another coaxial connector of the present invention and the board-side connector is a fitting structure between the board-side connection portion (57) of the coaxial connector (5) and the board-side connector (9) arranged on the board (73). Here, in this fitting structure, the board-side connection portion (57) and the board-side connector (9) are relatively moved in the Z direction for fitting. The fitting structure includes a plurality of flat contacts (58) having front and back surfaces (58b) which are parallel planes along the Z direction and are arranged parallel to each other, and a pair of contact points (91a) which are slidably in contact with each of the front and back surfaces (58b) of the flat contact (58). The fitting structure further includes a plurality of fork contacts (91) having bifurcated fork portions (91b) sandwiching the flat contact (58), a fork housing (95) in which an insertion groove (95f) for inserting and holding the fork portion (91b) is formed in a slit shape extending in the Z direction, and a base housing (93) having an insertion hole (93f) into which a base fixing portion (91x), which is a part different from the fork portion (91b) of the fork contact (91), is inserted. The fitting structure is characterized in that a deformable portion (91k) (movable portion) is formed on the fork contact (91) so that the fork portion (91b) can be easily displaced in a direction perpendicular to the surface (58b) of the flat contact (58), the base fixing portion (91x) connected to the deformable portion (91k) is fixed to the base housing (93), and the fork portion (91b) and the fork housing (95) have a floating structure displaceable with respect to the base housing (93).

[0025] The base fixing portion (91x) of the fork contact (91) is press-fitted (for example) and fixed to the base housing (93). However, the fork portion (91b) connected to the easily deformable portion (91k) and the fork housing (95) that houses the same are in a state of being "floating in a hollow manner", so that the fork portion (91b) and the fork housing (95) are smoothly movable (displaceable) in the X direction when combined.

[0026] The fitting structure of the coaxial connector and the board-side connector preferably further includes a shield frame (97) that surrounds the fork housing (95) with a gap S (SX, SY). When the fork portion (91b) and the fork housing (95) are displaced, the gap S (SX, SY) is clogged, and the end faces (95g·95j) of the fork housing (95) contact the inner wall surfaces (97g·97j) of the shield frame (97), thereby restricting the displacement.

[0027] More preferably, for a certain direction (in the embodiment, both directions in the X direction and one direction in the Y direction), the displacement limit of the fork housing (95) is defined by the shield frame (97) (excessive movement is suppressed). For the other one direction in the other direction (the Y direction in the embodiment), the displacement limit of the fork housing (95) is defined by the base housing (93) (excessive movement is suppressed). The structure that defines this displacement limit is also referred to as a "limiter" in this specification. More preferably, with respect to the other direction (Z direction), when the fork portion (91b) and the fork housing (95) are displaced in the Z direction, for the Zf direction (- side: at the time of insertion), the displacement is restricted by the bottom surface (95t) of the fork housing (95) coming into contact with the substrate (73), and for the Zr direction (+ side: at the time of removal), the displacement is restricted by the housing-side end surface convex portion (95v) of the fork housing (95) coming into contact with the recessed portion (93a) of the base housing (93) and the shield-side end surface convex portion (95w) coming into contact with the bottom surface recessed portion (97v) of the shield (97). Conceptually, for the Z direction (+ side: at the time of removal), the housing-side end surface convex portion hits the base housing, and the shield-side end surface convex portion hits the shield to restrict the movement of the housing in the + side direction and suppress an excessive load on the contact. For the Z direction (- side: at the time of insertion), the housing bottom surface convex portion hits the substrate to suppress an excessive load on the contact.

[0028] The device module of the present invention includes a rear case (3) having a coaxial connector (5) and its substrate-side connection portion (57), a device such as a camera, a wiring substrate (73) of the device, and a front case (7) having a substrate-side connector (9) disposed on the substrate (73). The substrate-side connection portion (57) is provided with a plurality of flat contacts (58) having front and back surfaces (58b) which are parallel planes arranged parallel to each other. The substrate-side connector (9) is provided with a plurality of fork contacts (91) having bifurcated fork portions (91b) sandwiching the front and back surfaces (58b) of the flat contacts (58). The fork contacts (91) are characterized in that the fork portions (91b) have deformable (movable) portions (91k) movable in a direction perpendicular to the parallel planes. Note that the words "rear" and "front" in the rear case (3) and the front case (7) do not have the meaning of limiting a specific direction.

[0029] The sealing structure of the fitting portion between the board-side connection portion (57) of the coaxial connector (5) of the present invention and the rear case (3) is such that the board-side connection portion (57) is provided with a plurality of flat contacts (58) having front and back surfaces (58b) which are parallel planes arranged parallel to each other. The plurality of flat contacts (58) include a flat contact “middle” (58I) formed at the board-side end of the center contact (55) of the coaxial connector (5), and a flat contact “outer” (58S) formed at the board-side end of the outer conductor (53) of the coaxial connector (5). Notches (53m, 53n) for preventing the sealant from creeping up are formed in the portion of the outer conductor (53) protruding from the rear case (3). The coaxial connector is inserted (such as press-fitted) into the rear case. To ensure airtightness, a sealant is injected between the rear case and the coaxial connector. At this time, notches are provided in the outer conductor as a countermeasure against capillary action during sealant injection. By providing the notches, the distance between the center contact and the outer conductor is ensured, and the creeping up of the same material due to capillary action during sealant injection is prevented. This facilitates the airtightness operation required for coaxial connectors such as camera modules, and reduces defects caused by the adhesion of the sealant to the contact connection portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, one or more of the following effects can be obtained. A. In the assembly of the device module, the misalignment between the board-side connection portion (57) of the coaxial connector (5) and the board-side connector (9) can be absorbed without difficulty. B. An airtightness test can be performed on the rear case (including the coaxial connector) alone. C. The connection between the rear case and the board in the device module etc. becomes easy, and the assembly man-hours can be reduced. D. The labor for work management during sealant injection into the coaxial connector assembly can be saved. Also, connection failures due to the intrusion of the sealant into the contact portion can be reliably prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Explanation of symbols

[0032] 1; Device module 3; Rear case, 3a; Rectangular recess, 3g; Concavo-convex fitting part, 3j; Sealant injection recess, 3p; Through hole, 3q; Protrusion (anti-loosening lock part), 3x; Positioning pin part, 3x´; Welding boss 5; Coaxial connector, 5´; Body sub-assembly 51; Male connector part 53; Outer conductor, 53b; Tube part, 53c; Tip, 53d; Inner hole, 53g; Protruding part, 53m·53n; Notch, 54; Interaxial insulator, 54b; Tapered part, 54d; Inner hole, 54g; Original thickness part 54h; Inner hole, 54p; Rectangular tube part, 54s; Inner hole part 55; Center contact, 55b; Tip shaft part, 55f; Middle shaft part, 55r; Flat plate part 57; Board-side connection part 58; Flat contact, 58I; Flat contact “middle”, 58S; Flat contact “outer” 58b; Surface 59; End insulator, 59b; End semi-circular plate part, 59f; Boss part, 7; Front case, 7g; Concavo-convex fitting part, 73; Board, 73t; Board surface, 75; Camera part 9; Board-side connector 91; Fork contact (contact), 91a; Contact point, 91b; Fork part (contact pressure applying part), 91c; Slit 91d; Root part, 91f; Constricted part, 91g; Connection part, 91k; Movable part (easily deformable part, bend part), 91h; Bending point, 91t; Standing part, 91x; Base fixing part, 91z; Lower end part 93; Base housing, 93a: Base housing recess, 93f; Insertion hole, 93i; Fork housing side end face 95; Fork housing, 95b; Side corner, 95c; Middle corner, 95f; Insertion groove, 95g; X-direction end face, 95i; Housing side end face, 95j; Shield side end face, 95k; Insertion hole, 95t; Bottom convex part, 95v; Housing side end face convex part, 95w; Shield side end face convex part 97; Shield frame, 97f; Outer wall surface, 97g; Inner wall surface, 97j; Y-direction inner wall surface, 97k; Frame-shaped part, 97p; Frame-shaped part, 97v; Bottom recess, 97t: Soldering part 10; Shield case, 10b; Side wall, 10d; Notch, 10h; Bottom plate, 10j; Opening, 10p; Positioning hole, 10r: Coaxial connector contact part 153; Outer conductor 205; Coaxial connector, 250; Seal, 252; O-ring, 253; Outer conductor, 254; Insulator, 255; Center contact, 256; Fitting part, 258S; Flat contact, 258I; Flat contact "middle"

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Hereinafter, the fitting structure of the coaxial connector 5 and the board-side connector 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the structure around the connector of a device module including the fitting structure of the coaxial connector 5 and the board-side connector 9 according to the embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a front cross-sectional view and (B) is a side cross-sectional view. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the male coaxial connector (rear connector) 5 in the camera module of FIG. 1 and the fork contact 91 which is a main part of the board-side connector 9. Note that the parts of the board-side connector 9 around the fork contact 91 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are not shown.

[0034] In the figure (the same applies to cases other than FIGS. 1 and 2), the arrows indicate the names for each direction. However, they do not strictly define the present invention. That is, the insertion / extraction direction of the coaxial connector 5 is referred to as the Z direction, and the directions perpendicular to the Z direction are referred to as the X direction and the Y direction. In particular, regarding the Z direction, the Zf side is the direction in which the coaxial connector 5 is inserted into the board-side connector 9, and the Zr side is the opposite direction (extraction direction) to the Zf side. Note that the X direction and the Y direction are perpendicular to each other. However, in the essence of the present invention, the angles between the directions may not be strictly perpendicular in some cases.

[0035] Regarding FIG. 1, although the overall configuration was described in the background art section, an overview will also be described here. That is, a front case 7 is shown below FIG. 1, and a rear case 3 is shown above the figure. Inside the front case 7, a camera unit 75 (including an imaging optical system, an image sensor, etc.), a board 73 on its Zr side, and a board-side connector 9 are arranged. The board-side connector 9 is fixed to the board 73 so as to protrude on the Zr side of the board 73.

[0036] Inside the rear case 3, a coaxial connector 5 is housed (built-in). The coaxial connector 5 has a male connector portion 51 on the Zr side, a board-side connection portion 57 (connection portion with the board-side connector 9) on the opposite side of the Zr side (Zf side), etc. A female connector of a coaxial cable (not shown) is connected to the tip of the male connector portion 51. In the case of a rear camera, the cable reaches a control unit of a driver's seat display of an automobile (not shown).

[0037] The fitting connection between the board-side connection portion 57 and the board-side connector 9 is made simultaneously with the fitting assembly of the rear case 3 to the front case 7.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a male coaxial connector portion 51 on the left side (Zr side), three sets of flat contacts 58 formed on the right side (Zf side) thereof, and three sets of fork contacts 91 of the board-side connector 9 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that come into contact with them.

[0039] The male connector portion 51 has a pipe-shaped (hollow cylindrical) outer conductor 53 extending in the Z direction and a center contact 55 extending in the Z direction at its central portion (details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5). The board-side connection portion 57 formed on the Zf side of the male connector portion 51 has three flat contacts 58 extending in the YZ direction arranged in parallel in the X direction. Of the three flat contacts 58, the two outer ones 58S are integrally formed at the rear end of the outer conductor 53. Of the three flat contacts 58, the inner one 58I is integrally formed at the rear end of the center contact 55 (details will be described later).

[0040] The fork contact 91, which is a main component of the board-side connector 9 (details of the assembly structure will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7), has a fork portion 91b that sandwiches the flat contact 58 of the above-described male connector 51 from both sides in the X direction. The fork portion 91b is a bifurcated portion extending in the Z direction with the tip on the Zr side open. The space between the two bifurcations is a U-shaped slit 91c. The flat contact 58 of the male connector 51 is sandwiched in its thickness direction between the slits 91c.

[0041] Inside the tip of this slit 91c, a pair of contacts 91a that press against the surface 58b of the flat contact 58 are formed to protrude oppositely. Here, when the fork portion 91b is in a free state, the dimension (interval) between the pair of contacts 91a of the slit 91c is smaller than the thickness of the flat contact 58. When the male connector 51 is inserted into the board-side connector 9 (when incorporated into the front case 7 of the rear case 3, see FIG. 1), the flat contact 58 is pushed in while spreading the two bifurcations of the fork portion 91b between the pair of contacts 91a. As a result, the contacts 91a of the fork portion 91b are pressed against the surface 58b of the flat contact 58, and the two are electrically conductive. The surface of the contact 91a is slightly convex and rounded.

[0042] Of the fork portion 91b Zf sideIt forms the base portion 91d where the two branches merge into one. These fork portions 91b and the base portion 91d are planar portions along the X direction and the Z direction. The constricted portion 91f on the Zf side of the base portion 91d is constricted in the X direction and is easily twisted around the Z axis. Considering the press-fitting load reception to the fork housing (95) and the configuration of the bent shape of the easily deformable portion (91k), it has such a shape.

[0043] The Zf side of the constricted portion 91f forms the connection portion 91g to the bent portion 91k. The bent portion 91k extending downward in the Y direction in FIG. 2 is connected to the connection portion 91g. Since the width of the bent portion (movable portion) 91k is narrow and the meat-stealing long hole 91m is cut, it is easily elastically deformed in the X direction. Due to the bending of this bent portion 91k, the fork portion 91b is easily displaced in the X direction.

[0044] The lower part in the Y direction of the bent portion 91k forms the standing portion 91t on the substrate 73 (see FIG. 1). The lower end portion 91z of the standing portion 91t is soldered to the wiring (not shown) on the upper surface of the substrate 73. The base fixing portion 91x on the Zr side of the standing portion 91t is inserted into the base housing 93 described later (FIGS. 6 and 7) and fixed to the substrate.

[0045] The outline of the position deviation absorption mechanism (floating structure) at the connection portion between the coaxial connector and the substrate-side connector in this embodiment will be described (more specifically, it will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9). The feature of this position deviation absorption mechanism is that the position deviation in each three-dimensional direction is divided into two directions and the remaining one direction, and is shared by different mechanisms.

[0046] That is, the deviation in the YZ direction is absorbed by the deviation of the contact position of the fork portion contact 91a with respect to the ZY plane of the plane 58b of the flat contact 58 (vertical and horizontal sliding). Regarding the X direction, it is absorbed by the fork portion 91b swinging in the X direction due to the deformation of the bent portion 91k of the fork contact 91. More specifically, it will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0047] In the above-described position deviation absorption mechanism of the present embodiment, the contact pressure of the electrical contacts is not significantly affected by the amount of position deviation. That is, since the contact pressure of the contacts is substantially determined by the force with which the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 sandwiches the flat contact 58, it is substantially constant regardless of the amount of position deviation. A more detailed explanation of the mechanism and operation of deviation absorption will be given as appropriate below. Since the variation of this contact pressure is small, sufficient position deviation absorption amount (for example, allowable deviation amount in each of the X, Y, and Z directions = ±0.5 mm) can be obtained by the deformation of the bending point 91h and the easily deformable portion 91k of the contact 91 of the substrate-side connector 9 during position deviation absorption.

[0048] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rear case 3 and the built-in coaxial connector 5 of the device module of FIG. 1. The rear case 3 is shown on the rightmost side (Zr side) of the figure. Also visible are the rectangular recess 3a on the Zf side of the case 3, the through-hole 3p of the coaxial connector, and the uneven fitting portion 3g (the fitting portion with the front case 7) on the outer periphery thereof.

[0049] To the left of the rear case 3, the shield case 10 is shown. The shield case 10 is a thin square dish-shaped one made of sheet metal. The shield case 10 has a bottom plate 10h extending in the XY plane and side walls 10b erected around it. The shield case 10 enters the rectangular recess 3a of the rear case 3. This shield case 10 shields the fitting connection portion between the substrate-side connection portion 57 (flat contact 58) of the coaxial connector 5 and the substrate-side connector 9 from external noise. An opening 10j through which the coaxial connector 5 passes is formed in the central portion of the bottom plate 10h of the shield case.

[0050] In the left half of FIG. 3, a coaxial connector 5 incorporated in the rear case 3 is shown. The coaxial connector 5 is assembled from an outer conductor 53, an interaxial insulator 54, a center contact 55, and an end insulator 59. Among these, the assembly of the outer conductor 53, the interaxial insulator 54, and the center contact 55 (excluding the end insulator 59) is called a body sub-assembly 5'. Note that for the assembly of each part in FIG. 3, first, the body sub-assembly 5' is assembled, press-fitted into the through-hole 3p of the rear case 3, then the shield case 10 is incorporated into the rear case 3 and positioned Pin part Heat-seal 3x Spot welding boss 3x’ Torque , and finally, the end insulator 59 is incorporated (see FIG. 12). Details of each part will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, except for the general shape of the interaxial insulator 54 described below.

[0051] The interaxial insulator 54 is a hole-opened cylindrical member that electrically insulates between the outer conductor 53 and the center contact 55. Its outer shape is a cylindrical part (a tapered part 54b and a base-thick part 54g) and a rectangular cylindrical part 54p from the Zr side to the Zf side (see FIG. 4(A)). The inner hole part 54s of the rectangular cylindrical part 54p has a rectangular cross-section, into which the central axis part 55f of the center contact 55 is press-fitted.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a view showing the coaxial connector 5 in FIG. 3, where (A) is a cross-sectional perspective view and (B) is a perspective view of the outer shape of the Zf-side part. The outer outer conductor 53 has a thin-walled hollow tube part 53b. The tube part 53b extends from the tip 53c on the Zr side to the Zf side and occupies about two-thirds to three-quarters of the length of the coaxial connector 5. The Zf-side end of the tube part 53b is a flat plate part 53r that has not been cylindrically processed. Further on the Zf side of the flat plate part 53r is a flat contact "outer" 58S. These flat plate part 53r and flat contact 58S can be produced by forming the flat plate using a progressive die of a press machine (an example).

[0053] The protruding portion 53g above the central part in the Z direction of FIG. 4 is a positioning site including the angle with the rear case 3. Notches 53m and 53n for preventing the sealant from creeping are formed at the lower part on the Zf side of the tube portion 53b of the external conductor 53 in the figure and on the side portion, with reference to FIG. 13 which will be described later.

[0054] An interaxial insulator 54 is fitted inside the inner hole 53d of the external conductor 53. The coaxial interaxial insulator 54 is a hollow body extending in the Z direction. Its Zr side is a relatively thin and tapered tip portion 54b, and its Zf side is a relatively thick original thickness portion 54g. The inner part of a female coaxial connector (not shown) is fitted into the inner hole 54d of the tapered tip portion 54b. A center contact 55 is fitted into the inner hole 54h of the original thickness portion 54g. In this specification and the drawings, the portion of the coaxial connector 5 corresponding to the tapered tip portion 54b of the interaxial insulator 54 is referred to as the male connector portion 51.

[0055] The center contact 55 penetrates through the center of the male connector 51 in the Z direction. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the center contact 55 of the coaxial connector in FIG. 3. The tip shaft portion 55b on the Zr side of the center contact 55 is a thin round shaft and is fitted and conductively connected to the center contact of a female coaxial connector (not shown). The Zf side of the center contact 55 is a middle shaft portion 55f with a slightly thicker rectangular cross-section, and the original thickness portion 54g of the interaxial insulator 54 is externally fitted on its outer periphery.

[0056] The Zf side end of the center contact 55 is a flat plate portion 55r where the middle shaft portion 55f is flattened. The Zf side of the flat plate portion 55r is a flat plate contact 58I. In an example of the forming method of these flat plate portions, coining or the like is adopted to change the plate thickness.

[0057] The flat contact "middle" 58I at the axial end of the central contact 55 and the flat contacts "outer" 58S and 58S' at the axial ends of the external conductors 53 have a three-parallel-plate structure parallel to each other. Thus, misalignment can be absorbed between each fork contact 91 of the substrate-side connector 9. Also, the three fork contacts 91 each have the same shape (such as thickness) and the same mounting pitch. Thus, the three sets of fork contacts 91 that fit and contact the flat contact 58 can each have the same shape, aiming for component commonalization and cost reduction.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the end insulator 59 consists of an end semi-circular plate portion 59b and a boss portion 59f that stands on the Zr side and extends to the Zr side. The end semi-circular plate portion 59b closes the portion where the flat contact 58 does not exist at the Zf-side end of the external conductor 53, as shown in FIG. 4(B). The boss portion 59f is inserted into the inner hole at the Zf-side end of the external conductor 53. This end insulator 59 insulates the fork contact 91 of the substrate-side connector and the shield case 10 in the fitting with the substrate-side connector 9. Also, by filling the air layer below the flat contacts 58I, S, and S' in FIG. 4, it also has the effect of impedance matching.

[0059] Next, the detailed structure of the substrate-side connector 9 will be described. FIG. 6 is a partially broken perspective view of the substrate-side connector 9 in the device module 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the same substrate-side connector 9. This substrate-side connector 9 has the fork contact 91 described in FIG. 2 as the main component. And, not shown in FIG. 2, it consists of a base housing 93 for fixing the fork contact 91 to the substrate 73, a fork housing 95 that houses the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91, and a shield frame 97 that covers the outer periphery of the base housing 93.

[0060] On the substrate side contact (fork contact 91), three are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction. As described above, since the flat contacts 58 formed at the Zr side ends of the center contact 55 and the external conductor 53 on the rear case 3 side have a plate-like structure that is parallel, equally spaced, and of the same thickness, the three fork contacts 91 each serve as a common component.

[0061] The base housing 93 is a molded product made of an electrically insulating resin and has a square block shape. Inside the base housing 93, insertion holes 93f into which the base fixing portions 91x of the fork portions 91b are inserted are formed so as to extend in the Z direction. These insertion holes 93f are formed in a total of three places in the X direction and at the same positions (height and depth) in the ZY direction. Therefore, the three fork contacts 91 inserted and fixed into the respective insertion holes 93f are also arranged in the X direction, at the same positions (height and depth) in the ZY direction, and in the same posture.

[0062] The lower surface of the base housing 93 in the Y direction, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, is placed on the substrate 73 (see FIG. 1) via the lower plate 97f of the shield frame 97. Eventually, the fork contact 91 is arranged so as to stand on the substrate 73 with the base housing 93 and the shield frame 97 in between. Note that the relationship between the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 and the fork housing 95 is shown enlarged in FIG. 10, so please refer to FIG. 10 for details in the following description.

[0063] The fork housing 95 has four angular portions (two side corners 95b on both sides in the X direction and two middle corners 95c in the central portion). Between two adjacent corners 95b·95c or 95c·95c, insertion long holes 95k into which the fork portions 91b are inserted and held are formed in a slit shape extending in the Z direction. And between two adjacent corners, a groove 95f is cut right in the middle in the X direction of the insertion long hole 95k. The flat contact 58 on the male connector 51 side enters this groove 95f during connector connection.

[0064] The shield frame 97 is a pressed product of a thin metal plate and is generally in the shape of a rectangular band. Inside the shield frame 97, components other than the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 are accommodated, and external noise is shielded from these components. Further, the shield frame 97 also acts as a limiter for regulating the displacement of the fork housing 95 and the fork portion 91b (to be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0065] Among the components forming the board-side connector 9, the lower end portion 91z of the fork contact 91 and the soldering portion 97t of the shield frame 97 are soldered and fixed to the board 73 (P.C.B). On the other hand, the fork housing 95 is not fixed to the board 73, and has a structure that can move (be displaceable, floating) within the shield frame 97 by an amount corresponding to the gap S (SX, SY, see FIGS. 10 and 11) via the movable portion 91k of the fork contact 91 described above.

[0066] In the movable structure of the connection structure of the connector of the present embodiment, a combination of a plurality (three sets) of flat contacts 58 and fork contacts 91 is used at the same positions in the YZ direction in parallel in the X direction. As a result, the fitting posture of each contact can be displaced in each direction in a state where the inclination around the Z axis is suppressed.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining the displacement absorption action in the Y direction and the Z direction at the contact points between the flat contact 58 and the fork contact 91. The three figures (Y+), (Y0), and (Y-) arranged side by side on the upper left and right are diagrams showing the displacement absorption action in the Y direction. The three figures (Z+), (Z0), and (Z-) arranged side by side on the lower left and right are diagrams showing the displacement absorption action in the Z direction.

[0068] In each figure, three flat contacts 58S, 58I, 58S' arranged in the X direction and fork contacts 91S, 91I, 91S' sandwiching one of each flat contact 58 are shown. Note that the illustration of the fork housing 95 is omitted.

[0069] The (Y0) at the upper left, right, and center of the figure represents a state where there is no deviation of the contact point (when the mounting state is at the central value of the design). On the surface 58b of the flat contact 58S in the front right of the figure, a thick center line extending in the Z direction of the figure indicates the Y-direction position of the contact point with no Y-direction deviation. The (Y+) at the upper left of the figure represents a state where the Y-direction deviation of the contact point is at the maximum allowable value Y+. Among the two center lines, the thick center line indicates the position of zero deviation, and the thin center line indicates the position of deviation Y+. The (Y-) at the upper right of the figure represents a state where the Y-direction deviation of the contact point is at the maximum allowable value Y-. Among the two center lines, the thick center line indicates the position of zero deviation, and the thin center line indicates the position of deviation Y-.

[0070] The three figures arranged side by side on the lower left and right, (Z+), (Z0), and (Z-), are diagrams representing the deviation absorption effect in the Z direction (the fitting direction of the flat contact 58 and the fork contact 91). The (Z0) at the lower left, right, and center of the figure represents a state where there is no deviation of the contact point (when the mounting state is at the central value of the design). On the surface 58b of the flat contact 58S´ in the front right of the figure, a thick center line extending in the Z direction of the figure indicates the Z-direction position of the contact point with no Z-direction deviation.

[0071] The (Z+) at the lower left of the figure represents a state where the Z-direction deviation of the contact point is at the maximum allowable value Z+ (the shallowest fitting state). Among the two center lines, the thick center line indicates the position of zero deviation, and the thin center line indicates the position of deviation Z+. The (Z-) at the lower right of the figure represents a state where the Z-direction deviation of the contact point is at the maximum allowable value Z- (the deepest fitting state). Among the two center lines, the thick center line indicates the position of zero deviation, and the thin center line indicates the position of deviation Z-.

[0072] In any state where there is a deviation of the contact point in FIG. 8, at a considerably inner portion of the surface 58b of the flat contact 58, the contact point 91a of the fork contact 91 is in contact with the surface 58b of the flat contact 58. That is, even with the maximum allowable deviation, the electrical connection between the flat contact 58 and the fork contact 91 is firmly ensured. And, since the deviation is absorbed by the slide of the contact position of the contact point 91a of the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 on the surface 58b of the flat contact 58, in the Z direction, it is not a structure that absorbs the positional deviation by the displacement amount of the contact portion like the contact structure of Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-162556), so the contact force is stable.

[0073] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the absorption of deviation in the X direction will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the action of absorbing deviation in the X direction at the contact point between the flat contact 58 and the fork contact 91. The three figures arranged horizontally on the upper part of the figure are top views of the substrate-side connector 9. The three figures arranged horizontally at the upper and lower centers of the figure are front views of the substrate-side connector 9. The three figures arranged horizontally at the lower part of the figure are bottom views of the substrate-side connector 9.

[0074] In the figure, the fork contact 91, the fork housing 95 that houses it, the base housing 93, etc. are shown. The lower end portion 91z of the fork contact 91 is fixed to the substrate 73 (see FIG. 1). Note that since the relationship between the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 and the fork housing 95 is shown enlarged in FIG. 10, in the following description, refer to FIG. 10 for details.

[0075] (X0) at the center left and right of the figure is a state where there is no deviation in the X direction (when the mounting state is the central value of the design). The center in the X direction of the central fork portion 91b coincides with the center line (thick dashed line) when the displacement of the fork portion 91b is 0 (zero). The thick dashed line is also the center line in the X direction of the substrate-side connector 9.

[0076] The left figure (X+) shows the maximum allowable state of the deviation of the contact point. The thick center line among the two center lines indicates the position of zero deviation, and the thin center line indicates the position of deviation X+. The right figure (X-) shows the maximum allowable state of the deviation of the contact point. The thick center line among the two center lines indicates the position of zero deviation, and the thin center line indicates the position of deviation X-. As will be described in detail below, the fitting part (fork housing 95) of the substrate-side contact moves in the X direction as a whole to absorb the positional deviation.

[0077] The main part for absorbing the deviation in the X direction is the bend part 91k of the fork contact 91 made of thin sheet metal (see also Fig. 6). Due to its deformation, the fork part 91b swings in the X direction to absorb the deviation in the X direction. Specifically, as clearly shown in the bottom view of Fig. 9, the bend angle of the bend part 91k of the fork contact 91 in the X direction can be easily changed (with a light force). It should be noted that the deformation of this fork contact 91 is carried out in the elastic deformation range, but when re-fitting is not a prerequisite, it can be used up to the plastic deformation range.

[0078] For the fork contact 91, the lower end 91z at the lower end in the front view in the middle of Fig. 9 is fixed to the substrate 73 (printed wiring part) by solder. Also, for the fork contact 91, its base fixing part 91x is inserted and fixed into the base housing 93. The bend part 91k is connected to the tip (the lower part in the figure) of this base fixing part 91x. The base of the fork contact 91 is fixed to the substrate 73 by these lower end 91z and base fixing part 91x.

[0079] In the bottom view at the lower part of Fig. 9, the fork part 91b is connected to the tip of the bend part 91k via a bending point 91h (not shown in the figure, see Fig. 2), a connecting part 91g (same as above), and a constriction part 91f (same as above). As described in Fig. 2, the fork part 91b is a member that sandwiches the bifurcated flat contact 58 (the illustration of the slit 91c (dashed line) is omitted in Fig. 9). The fork part 91b is sandwiched in the insertion long hole 95k of the fork housing 95 (see Figs. 6 and 7).

[0080] In the left diagram of the bottom view of Fig. 9, the bent portion 91k of the fork contact 91 is bent significantly downward to the left. At this time, the lower fork portion 91b in the diagram is closer to the left side in the X direction and is in the state of X + maximum displacement. That is, in this state, the center line (thin dashed line) of the central fork portion 91b in the X direction is shifted X + to the left side of the diagram with respect to the center line (thick dashed line) when the displacement of the fork portion 91b is 0 (zero).

[0081] In the central diagram of the same bottom view, the bent portion 91k is bent slightly downward to the left. The state of this central diagram is the state where the X displacement of the fork portion 91b is 0 (zero) (there is one center line shown). On the other hand, in the right diagram of the same bottom view, the bent portion 91k hangs vertically downward almost straight. The state of this right diagram is the state of X - maximum displacement of the fork portion 91b (a thin dashed line (center line of the fork portion 91b) is drawn to the right of the thick dashed line).

[0082] In the state of X - maximum displacement of the fork portion 91b, the overall shape of the fork contact 91 is substantially L-shaped. In the state of other X + maximum displacement, it bends to the left at the lower part of the base fixing portion 91x, and the angle of the L-shaped corner is an acute angle.

[0083] In the upper top view of Fig. 9, the bifurcated shape of the fork portion 91b is shown. Also shown is the insertion long hole 95k of the fork housing 95 that accommodates the fork portion 91b. The meaning of the three diagrams arranged side by side on the left and right and the meaning of the dashed line are the same as in the case of the bottom view.

[0084] In the middle front view of Fig. 9, the displacement state of the fork housing 95 is clearly shown. Also shown is the positional relationship between the fork housing 95 and the base housing 93. The meaning of the three diagrams arranged side by side on the left and right and the meaning of the dashed line are the same as in the case of the bottom view.

[0085] As clearly shown in these figures, in the board-side connector 9 of the present embodiment, the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 and the fork housing 95 are displaced in the X direction (floating structure) while being combined to absorb misalignment in the X direction.

[0086] Next, while referring to FIG. 10, a mechanism (limiter) for determining the displacement limit of the misalignment absorption mechanism (floating structure) of the board-side connector 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a top view of the board-side connector 9 and shows the same misaligned state (X-direction misalignment = 0, Y-direction misalignment = 0) as the central view in the left-right direction of the top view of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows a bifurcated fork portion 91b. Also shown are the insertion long holes 95k of the fork housing 95 that sandwich the portion 91b from both sides in the Y direction.

[0087] The outermost shield frame 97 of the board-side connector 9 surrounds the fork contact 91 (only the fork portion 91b is visible in the figure), the base of the fork housing 95, and the base housing 93 (see FIG. 6). Here, the base housing 93 and the shield frame 97 are fixed to the board 73 (see FIGS. 1 and 11). On the other hand, the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 and the fork housing 95 are displaced relative to the board 73, the base housing 93, and the shield frame 97 by the amount of deformation of the bend portion 91k of the fork contact 91 (floating structure).

[0088] The shield frame 97 has frame-shaped portions 97k and 97p that surround the left, right, and upper sides of FIG. 10 around the base of the fork portion 91b and the fork housing 95 (see FIG. 6). And the X-direction end face 95g of the fork housing 95 faces the inner surface 97g of the frame-shaped portion 97k on both sides in the X direction with a gap SX therebetween.

[0089] When the fork portion 91b and the fork housing 95 are largely displaced (shifted) in the right direction of the X-axis in the figure and the opposing surfaces 95g and 97g of these come into contact, further displacement of the fork portion 91b and the fork housing 95 is restricted (refer to the right figure (X-) in the upper row of FIG. 9). The restricting action of the displacement on the opposite side in the X direction of the fork housing 95 etc. is the same as above (refer to the left figure (X+) in the upper row of FIG. 9).

[0090] Next, the displacement restricting mechanism in the Y direction will be described. Originally, the displacement of the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 in the Y direction is caused by, for example, the difference in the Y-direction length of the bend portion 91k accompanying the bending change of the bending point 91h and the bend portion 91k (refer to the bottom view of FIG. 9), and is smaller compared to the displacement in the X direction. Note that the displacement between the flat contact 58 and the fork contact 91 based on the positional error of the components is basically released by the sliding (slipping) of the contact point 91a of the latter on the surface 58b of the former.

[0091] The specific structure of the limiter in the Y direction will be described. Inside the inner surface 97j in the Y direction of the frame-shaped portion 97p surrounding the upper part of FIG. 10 of the fork portion 91b and the fork housing 95, the shield-side end surface 95j of the fork housing 95 faces through a gap SY. Even if the fork portion 91b and the fork housing 95 are largely displaced in the upward direction of the Y-axis in the figure, when the opposing surfaces 97j and 95j of these come into contact, further displacement of the fork portion 91b and the fork housing 95 is restricted.

[0092] The restricting action of the displacement on the opposite side in the Y direction of the fork housing 95 etc. is restricted where the base housing-side end surface 95i of the fork housing 95 and the fork housing-side end surface 93i of the base housing 93 in the figure come into contact.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a displacement limiting mechanism (limiter) for absorbing displacement in the Z direction of the fitting structure between the coaxial connector 5 and the board-side connector 9 in FIG. 2, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a side cross-sectional view. In the figure, four angular side corners 95b and middle corners 95c of the fork housing 95 and the fitting grooves 95f therebetween are visible. In each fitting groove 95f, a pair of contact points 91a of the fork portion 91b of the fork contact 91 are seen facing both sides of the groove. The flat contact 58 on the coaxial connector 5 side is inserted into this fitting groove 95f so as to be sandwiched between the pair of contact points 91a.

[0094] As described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 8 (lower part), displacement between the flat contact 58 and the fork portion contact point 91a is absorbed by sliding (slipping). However, due to the presence of the frictional force between the two, when the connectors are fitted or the fitting is released, the fork contact 91 and the fork housing 95 move in the Z direction. At this time, the displacement limiting mechanism (limiter) restricts the Z-direction movement of the fork housing 95.

[0095] As a limiter on the Zr side (Z+ side, when the connector is removed), the fork housing 95 is formed with a housing-side end face convex portion 95v and a shield-side end face convex portion 95w so as to protrude (see also FIG. 7). On the other hand, the base housing 93 has a base housing recess 93a, and the shield case 97 has a bottom recess 97v formed in a notch shape. When the fork housing 95 moves in the Zr direction (+ side) during connector removal, the housing-side end face convex portion 95v and the shield-side end face convex portion 95W rise upward in FIG. 11 and hit the edges of the base housing recess 93a and the bottom recess 97v of the shield case 97 respectively, preventing further upward movement of the fork housing 95.

[0096] Regarding the Zf side (Z- side, when the connector is inserted), the bottom convex portion 95t of the fork housing 95 (see also FIG. 7) hits the upper surface 73t of the board 73, restricting the movement of the fork housing 95 in the - side (the direction in which the connector fitting becomes deeper).

[0097] By means of the displacement limiting mechanism (limiter) in the Z direction of these connector fitting structures, the load caused by excessive deformation to the fork contact 91 can be suppressed.

[0098] Next, while mainly referring to FIG. 12, the assembly procedure of the rear case 3 and the built-in coaxial connector 5 of the present embodiment (FIG. 1) will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer conductor 53, the interaxial insulator 54, and the center contact 55 are assembled to form a body sub-assembly 5'.

[0099] This body sub-assembly 5' is press-fitted into the through-hole 3p of the rear case 3 from the Zr side. The state after press-fitting is shown in FIG. 12(A). Next, a sealing agent SE is injected into the sealing agent injection recess 3j (upper part of the through-hole 3p) (details will be described later while referring to FIG. 13). The state after injecting the sealing agent is shown in FIG. 12(B). The sealing agent SE is for ensuring airtightness and watertightness in the state where the rear case 3 is incorporated into the camera module.

[0100] Next, as shown in FIG. 12(C), the shield case 10 is fitted into the rectangular recess 3a of the rear case 3. At this time, the positioning pin portion 3x (which is also a welding boss) of the rear case 3 is aligned with the positioning hole 10p of the shield case 10. Next, as shown in FIG. 12(D), the positioning pin portion 3x is crushed by thermal caulking to form a welding boss 3x', and the shield case 10 is fixed to the rear case 3. Also, the end insulator 59 is press-fitted into the substrate-side connection portion 57 to block the side portion of the same portion 57 and the notch 53m of the outer conductor 53 (refer to FIG. 4(A)).

[0101] Next, while referring to FIG. 13, an embodiment of the present invention regarding sealant injection will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a sealant SE is injected between the rear case 3 and the substrate-side connection portion 57 of the rear connector 5. (A) is a perspective view of the entire rear case 3 as viewed obliquely from the Zf side. (B) is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged injection state of the sealant SE in the connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. (C) is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged injection state of the sealant SE in the connector of the comparative example.

[0102] In FIG. 13(A), the rectangular recess 3a on the Zf side of the rear case 3 can be seen large. At the center of the recess 3a, the substrate-side connection portion 57 of the Zf-side end of the rear connector 5 is shown. The substrate-side connection portion 57 has two flat contacts 58S and 58s' on both sides in the X direction and a central flat contact 58I, which are three flat contacts (see FIGS. 2 and 4(B)).

[0103] Subsequently, while referring to FIG. 13(C), problems in the sealant injection portion of the connector of the comparative example will be described. In FIG. 13(C), the external conductor 153 of the rear connector, the center contact 55, the inter-axis insulator 54, etc. are shown. The end of the external conductor 153 is the flat contact 58S. Around the root portion of the flat contact 58S, a sealant injection recess 3j is formed so as to dig into the central portion of the rectangular recess 3a on the Zf side of the rear case 3 toward the Zr side.

[0104] After the body sub-assembly 5' of the coaxial connector (see FIG. 3) is incorporated (press-fitted) into the rear case 3 (see FIG. 12(A)), the sealant SE is injected into this sealant injection recess 3j. The sealant SE is injected around the inter-axis insulator 54 and the center contact 55 at the Zf-side end in the injection recess 3j, inside and outside the external conductor 53, etc. Note that the posture of each component during sealant injection is the posture of FIG. 13(A) where the Zf side is the upper side in the direction of the earth's gravity. Note that the four pins 3x around the injection recess 3j are the above-described positioning pin portions (welding bosses).

[0105] When injecting this sealing agent SE, the sealing agent SE' penetrates (creeps up) by capillary action between the inner surface of the pipe-shaped external conductor 153 and the outer surface of the center contact 55. If this sealing agent penetration is severe, the sealing agent SE may adhere to the contact conduction surface of the flat contact 58, which may lead to connection failures of the connector. To prevent this or to detect it during inspection, the labor for work management during sealing agent injection increases.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 13(B), a notch 53m is provided at the end of the pipe-shaped external conductor 53 (see also FIG. 4). Due to this notch 53m, the gap between the inner surface of the external conductor 53 and the outer surface of the center contact 55 is opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the penetration (creeping up) of the sealing agent SE' into the gap by capillary action.

[0107] In this way, by providing a notch in the external conductor to prevent capillary action during sealing agent injection, the distance between the center contact and the external conductor can be ensured, and the creeping up of the sealing agent due to capillary action during sealing agent injection can be prevented. As a result, the labor for work management during sealing agent injection can be saved. In addition, connection failures due to the penetration of the sealing agent into the contact portion can be reliably prevented.

[0108] Note that the shield case 10 has a coaxial connector contact portion 10r in the shape of a spring, contacts the external conductor substrate side fitting portion notch 53m, and shields the notch portion.

[0109] FIG. 14 is a graph of an example of the performance (VSWR) of the fitting connection structure between the coaxial connector 5 and the substrate side connector 9 of the embodiment. The horizontal axis is the frequency of the signal applied to the joint structure. The vertical axis is the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). The solid line of the graph shows the characteristics when the misalignment of the contacts is 0 (zero) in all three-dimensional directions. The broken line of the graph shows the characteristics when the misalignment of the contacts is 0.5 mm (the maximum specification value) in all three-dimensional directions. As can be understood from this graph, even when misalignment occurs (is displaced) in each direction, the deterioration of the characteristics is within the allowable range.

[0110] Next, other embodiments (modifications) of the present invention will be described. 《Modification 1; No notch in the external conductor 53.》 When airtightness is not required and no sealant is injected, there is no need to take measures against the sealant creeping up, so the notch in the external conductor 53 may not be provided. That is, in FIG. 4, there are no notches 53m and 53n, and it is in a state of being the cylindrical surface of the pipe-shaped external conductor 53.

[0111] 《Modification 2; Use an O-ring or a seal ring instead of the sealant SE.》 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a second modification of the seal structure of the coaxial connector. (A) is a perspective view of the assembled state, and (B) is an exploded perspective view. The coaxial connector 205 of this modification uses an O-ring 252 or a seal 250 for airtight sealing and does not inject a sealant. And a die-cast product or a machined product is used for the external conductor 253, and the flat contact 258S is formed in the fitting portion 256 by press working. The fitting portion 256 may be press-fitted into the inner hole 253a of the external conductor 253. Note that the reference numeral 255 is a center contact in which the flat contact 258I is formed at the Zf-side end.

[0112] 《Modification 3》 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the coaxial connector has a FAKRA shape, but other coaxial connector shapes, such as a square cross-section or a cable-integrated type, may be used.

Claims

1. A fitting structure between a board-side connection portion (57) of a coaxial connector (5) and a board-side connector (9) arranged on a board (73), A plurality of flat contacts (58) arranged parallel to each other and having front and back surfaces (58b) which are parallel planes; a pair of contacts (91a) are formed on the flat contact (58) so as to be in slidable contact with each of the front and rear surfaces (58b) of the flat contact (58), and a plurality of fork contacts (91) each having a bifurcated fork portion (91b) that sandwiches the flat contact (58); A fitting structure for a coaxial connector with a three-dimensional floating function and a board-side connector, characterized in that the fork contact (91) is provided with an easily deformable portion (91k, movable portion) so that the fork portion (91b) can be easily displaced in a direction perpendicular to a surface (58b) of the flat contact (58).

2. 2. The mating structure of a coaxial connector and a board-side connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a contact pressure between the contact point (91a) and the surface (58b) of the flat contact (58) is generated by a force of the fork portion (91b) of the fork contact (91) pinching the flat contact (58), and the position of the fork portion (91b) is adjusted by a spring structure of the easily deformable portion (91k), so that there is little fluctuation in the contact pressure due to absorption of positional misalignment.

3. A fitting structure between a board-side connection portion (57) of a coaxial connector (5) and a board-side connector (9) arranged on a board (73), Here, the fitting structure is such that the board-side connection portion (57) and the board-side connector (9) move relatively in the Z direction to be fitted together, The fitting structure includes: a plurality of flat contacts (58) arranged parallel to each other and having front and back surfaces (58b) that are parallel planes along the Z direction; a plurality of fork contacts (91) each having a pair of contacts (91a) slidably contacting the front and rear surfaces (58b) of the flat contact (58) and each having a bifurcated fork portion (91b) that sandwiches the flat contact (58); a deformable portion (91k) (movable portion) is formed in the fork contact (91) so that the fork portion (91b) can be easily displaced in a direction perpendicular to a surface (58b) of the flat contact (58), the fork portion (91b) and its base portion (91d) are planar members extending substantially along the X direction and the Z direction, The easily deformable portion (91k) is formed as a bend portion (91k) connected to the root portion (91d) and easily bends in the X-direction.

4. The plurality of flat contacts (58) A flat contact "middle" (58I) formed at the end of the center contact (55) of the coaxial connector (5) on the substrate side; A flat contact "outer" (58S) formed at the end of the outer conductor (53) of the coaxial connector (5) on the substrate side; Including, 4. The fitting structure of a coaxial connector and a board-side connector according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the "center" flat contact (58I) and the "outer" flat contact (58S) have the same thickness.

5. A fitting structure between a board-side connection portion (57) of a coaxial connector (5) and a board-side connector (9) arranged on a board (73), Here, the fitting structure is such that the board-side connection portion (57) and the board-side connector (9) move relatively in the Z direction to be fitted together, The fitting structure includes: a plurality of flat contacts (58) arranged parallel to each other and having front and back surfaces (58b) that are parallel planes along the Z direction; a plurality of fork contacts (91) each having a pair of contacts (91a) slidably contacting the front and rear surfaces (58b) of the flat contact (58) and each having a bifurcated fork portion (91b) that sandwiches the flat contact (58); a fork housing (95) in which an insertion groove (95f) into which the fork portion (91b) is inserted and held is formed in the shape of a slit extending in the Z direction; a base housing (93) having an insertion hole (93f) into which a base fixing portion (91x), which is a part different from the fork portion (91b) of the fork contact (91), is inserted; In addition to providing an easily deformable portion (91k) (movable portion) is formed in the fork contact (91) so that the fork portion (91b) can be easily displaced in a direction perpendicular to a surface (58b) of the flat contact (58), the base fixing portion (91x) connected to the easily deformable portion (91k) is fixed to the base housing (93), A fitting structure for a coaxial connector and a board-side connector, wherein the fork portion (91b) and the fork housing (95) have a floating structure that is displaceable with respect to the base housing (93).

6. Further, a shield frame (97) is provided to surround the fork housing (95) across a gap S (SX, SY), 6. The fitting structure of a coaxial connector and a board-side connector as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, when the fork portion (91b) and the fork housing (95) are displaced, the gap S (SX, SY) is closed and the end faces (95g, 95j) of the fork housing (95) abut against inner wall surfaces (97g, 97j) of the shield frame (97), thereby restricting displacement.

7. When the fork portion (91b) and the fork housing (95) are displaced in the Z direction, In the Zr direction (positive side: when removing), the surface of the fork housing (95) comes into contact with the surfaces of the base housing (93) and the shield (97), restricting the movement of the fork housing (95) in the positive direction. The mating structure of a coaxial connector and a board-side connector as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, in the Zf direction (- side: when inserted), the bottom surface of the fork housing (95) contacts the board (73), limiting the movement of the fork housing (95) to the - side.

8. A rear case (3) having a coaxial connector (5) and its board-side connection portion (57); A front case (7) having a device such as a camera, a wiring board (73) of the device, and a board-side connector (9) arranged on the board (73); A device module comprising: the board-side connection portion (57) is provided with a plurality of flat contacts (58) arranged parallel to each other and having front and back surfaces (58b) which are parallel planes; the board-side connector (9) is provided with a plurality of fork contacts (91) each having a bifurcated fork portion (91b) that sandwiches the front and back surfaces (58b) of the flat contact (58), The device module is characterized in that the fork contact (91) has an easily deformable (movable) portion (91k) that allows the fork portion (91b) to move in a direction perpendicular to the parallel plane.

9. A sealing structure for a mating portion between a board-side connecting portion (57) of a coaxial connector (5) and a rear case (3), The board-side connection portion (57) includes a plurality of flat contacts (58) arranged parallel to each other and having front and back surfaces (58b) that are parallel planes; The plurality of flat contacts (58) A flat contact "middle" (58I) formed at the end of the center contact (55) of the coaxial connector (5) on the substrate side; A flat contact "outer" (58S) formed at the end of the outer conductor (53) of the coaxial connector (5) on the substrate side; Including, A sealing structure characterized in that notches (53m, 53n) for preventing a sealant from creeping up are formed in a portion of the outer conductor (53) protruding from the rear case (3).

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