Connector

Abstract

To provide a connector that can inspect multiple board connections when multiple dielectrics are arranged in the outer conductor, and can ensure the shielding properties of the outer conductor.SOLUTION: A connector 10 includes an inner conductor 60, a dielectric 80 surrounding the inner conductor 60, and an outer conductor 40 surrounding the dielectric 80. The inner conductor 60 has board connection portions 65A and 69B exposed on the rear side of the dielectric 80. The outer conductor 40 has an upper wall portion 44, a pair of side wall portions 45 protruding downward from the left and right ends of the upper wall portion 44, and a partition portion 46 disposed between the pair of side wall portions 45. Below the upper wall portion 44 and between the pair of side wall portions 45, the partition portion 46 defines multiple storage spaces 47. The rear portion of the dielectric 80 and the board connection portions 65A and 69B are disposed in each of the multiple storage spaces 47. The rear end of the upper wall portion 44 has multiple recesses 54 disposed corresponding to each of the multiple storage spaces 47, and partition portions 55 disposed between adjacent recesses 54 in the left-right direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to connectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector including a die-cast housing (corresponding to an outer conductor), contacts (corresponding to an inner conductor), and a support (corresponding to a dielectric) that supports the contacts. The support is interposed between the housing and the contacts and separates the contacts from the housing. The contacts have board connection portions that extend downward and rearward from the support. The board connection portions come into contact with the surface of the circuit board and are connected to the circuit board by soldering. The housing has an inspection notch surface that faces diagonally downward. Patent Document 1 describes that a camera is installed above and rearward of the housing, and the quality of the soldering of the board connection portions is inspected by viewing the board connection portions along a viewing path parallel to the inspection notch surface.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a connector including a terminal as an inner conductor, a die-cast member as an outer conductor surrounding the outer periphery of the terminal, and a dielectric disposed between the terminal and the die-cast member. The terminal has a board connection portion extending downward and rearward from the dielectric. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-102174 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-18174 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case of Patent Document 1, one support is arranged in one housing. In contrast to this, for example, two supports may be arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction in one housing, and multiple contacts supported by each of the two supports may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In this case, if one viewing passage that allows the board connection portions of all the contacts to be viewed all at once is formed in the housing, the area where the viewing passage is formed (the cutout area) will be large, which may reduce the shielding properties (shielding properties) of the housing.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a connector that can inspect multiple board connection points when multiple dielectrics are arranged in the outer conductor, and that can ensure the shielding properties of the outer conductor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a connector comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, wherein the inner conductor has a board connection portion arranged exposed on the rear side of the dielectric, and the outer conductor has an upper wall portion, a pair of side wall portions protruding downward from left and right ends of the upper wall portion, and a partition portion arranged between the pair of side wall portions, wherein a plurality of storage spaces are defined below the upper wall portion and between the pair of side wall portions by the partition portion, the rear portion of the dielectric and the board connection portion are arranged in each of the plurality of storage spaces, and the rear end of the upper wall portion has a plurality of recesses arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of storage spaces and a partition portion arranged between adjacent recesses in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that can inspect multiple board connection points when multiple dielectrics are arranged in the outer conductor and can ensure the shielding properties of the outer conductor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of a housing of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the housing of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the outer conductor of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the outer conductor of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional plan view of a continuous portion between the housing and the outer conductor in the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a surface-mounted terminal of the inner conductor of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a through-hole terminal of the inner conductor of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a connector according to embodiment 1 in which one dielectric with through-hole terminals attached thereto is housed in one housing space, and another dielectric with surface-mount terminals attached thereto is housed in another housing space. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view of the dielectric of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the dielectric of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which, in the connector according to the first embodiment, a dielectric having each through-hole terminal mounted thereon and a dielectric having each surface-mount terminal mounted thereon are arranged opposite each accommodating space of the outer conductor. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an enlarged bottom view showing the connector of embodiment 1, in which each ground connection portion is arranged around the board connection portion of each through-hole terminal and each ground connection portion is arranged around the board connection portion of each surface-mount terminal. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is an enlarged plan view showing a rear portion of the connector according to the first embodiment where the outer conductor is connected to the housing. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the dielectric body with the through-hole terminals attached thereto is housed in the housing space of the outer conductor in the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the dielectric body with the surface mount terminals attached thereto is housed in the housing space of the outer conductor in the connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is an oblique view of the connector of embodiment 1, showing the state of each board connection portion of each through-hole terminal arranged in one accommodating space and the state of each board connection portion of each surface-mount terminal arranged in another accommodating space, as seen from diagonally above the connector through the recess. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the dielectrics with the through-hole terminals attached thereto are housed in the housing spaces in the connector according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the state of the board connecting portions of the through-hole terminals arranged in the housing spaces in the connector according to the second embodiment, as viewed obliquely from above the connector through the recesses. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a state in which the dielectrics with the surface mount terminals attached thereto are housed in the housing spaces in the connector according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the state of the board connection portions of the surface-mounted terminals arranged in the housing spaces in the connector according to the third embodiment, as viewed obliquely from above the connector through the recesses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: (1) A connector comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, wherein the inner conductor has a board connection portion arranged exposed on the rear side of the dielectric, and the outer conductor has an upper wall portion, a pair of side wall portions protruding downward from left and right ends of the upper wall portion, and a partition portion arranged between the pair of side wall portions, wherein a plurality of storage spaces are defined below the upper wall portion and between the pair of side wall portions by the partition portion, the rear portion of the dielectric and the board connection portion are arranged in each of the plurality of storage spaces, and the rear end of the upper wall portion has a plurality of recesses arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of storage spaces and a partition portion arranged between adjacent recesses in the left-right direction. According to the configuration of (1) above, the state of the board connection part (such as the soldering state of the board connection part to the circuit board) can be checked from a position above and behind the connector through the recess in the upper wall part. In particular, since a plurality of housing spaces for arranging the rear parts of the dielectric are formed and partition parts are arranged between adjacent recesses, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the shielding performance of the outer conductor compared to when no partition parts are arranged. As described in (1) above, the partition parts are formed on the upper wall part and are distinguished from the partition parts formed below the upper wall part in that they are at a different height position.

[0011] (2) In the connector described in (1) above, it is preferable that the partition portion is formed above the partition portion and continuous with the partition portion. According to the above configuration (2), the partition portion is integrated with the partition wall portion, and therefore the strength of the partition portion can be improved compared to when the partition portion and the partition wall portion are formed separately.

[0012] (3) In the connector described in (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that the imaginary straight line extending upward and rearward from the rear end position on the circuit board at the board connection portion and passing through the recess is inclined within a range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction. According to the configuration (3) above, the state of the board connection portion can be easily seen from a position above and behind the connector in the direction along the imaginary line. Also, since the range of the recess in the upper wall portion can be limited to an appropriate range so that the imaginary line is inclined at the above angle, the shielding properties of the outer conductor can be more reliably ensured.

[0013] (4) In the connector described in (3) above, the inner conductor may be a surface-mount terminal having the board connection portion extending downward and rearward from the dielectric. According to the above configuration (4), the state of the substrate connection portion of the surface mount terminal can be easily seen from a position above and behind the connector in a direction along the imaginary straight line.

[0014] (5) In the connector described in (3) above, the inner conductor may be a through-hole terminal having the board connection portion extending downward from the dielectric. According to the above configuration (5), the state of the board connection portion of the through-hole terminal can be easily seen from a position above and behind the connector in a direction along the imaginary straight line.

[0015] (6) In the connector described in (3) above, the inner conductor may be a surface mount terminal having a board connection portion extending downward and rearward from the dielectric, and a through-hole terminal having a board connection portion extending downward from the dielectric. According to the configuration (6) above, even when surface mount terminals and through-hole terminals are arranged together, the state of the substrate connection portions of each of the surface mount terminals and through-hole terminals can be easily seen from a position above and behind the connector in a direction along an imaginary straight line.

[0016] (7) In the connector described in (6) above, the through-hole terminal may be arranged in one of the plurality of accommodating spaces, and the surface-mount terminal may be arranged in another of the accommodating spaces, and each of the plurality of accommodating spaces may accommodate a dielectric of the same shape. According to the above configuration (7), even when through-hole terminals and surface-mount terminals are mixed, the dielectric can be shared, and the manufacturing and management costs of the dielectric can be reduced.

[0017] (8) In the connector described in any one of (1) to (7) above, it is preferable that the concave end of the recess has a vertical surface that is arranged vertically at the upper part of the upper wall portion, and an inclined surface that is arranged at the lower part of the upper wall portion and inclined downward and forward from the vertical surface. According to the above-mentioned configuration (8), the recessed end of the recess has an inclined surface in addition to a vertical surface, which improves visibility when viewing the state of the board connection portion from a position above and behind the connector. Also, by adjusting the front-to-rear position of the vertical surface on the upper wall portion, it is possible to achieve both shielding properties and visibility.

[0018] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0019] <Embodiment 1> The connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is a so-called shielded connector, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a housing 20, an outer conductor 40, an inner conductor 60, a dielectric 80, and a connecting member 30. The housing 20 is mated with a mating connector (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the inner conductor 60 is electrically connected to a conductive portion of a circuit board 100. The outer conductor 40 is placed on the circuit board 100. In the following description, the front-to-rear direction refers to the direction in which the housing 20 is mated with the mating connector. The up-down direction refers to the up-down direction in FIGS. 1 and 2. The symbols X, Y, and Z in FIGS. 1 and 2 represent the front, left, and up, respectively.

[0020] (Housing 20) The housing 20 is made of synthetic resin and includes a wall-shaped base portion 21 having a thickness in the front-rear direction and a cylindrical hood portion 22 protruding forward from the base portion 21, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. The base portion 21 has a through hole 23 penetrating in the front-rear direction. A plurality of press-fit recesses 24 are formed and open on the rear surface of the base portion 21. Each press-fit recess 24 has a rectangular shape in rear view, and is connected to the through hole 23 and arranged at intervals around the through hole 23. As shown in FIG. 7, each press-fit protrusion 51 of the outer conductor 40, which will be described later, is press-fitted into each press-fit recess 24. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a pair of left and right mounting recesses 25 are formed and open on the rear surface of the base portion 21. Each mounting recess 25 is shaped like a slit groove extending in the up-down direction at the upper end of the base portion 21 and opens to the top surface of the base portion 21. 16, mounting portions 33 (described later) of the connecting member 30 are inserted into and mounted in the mounting recesses 25. A pair of left and right positioning protrusions 27 protrude from the upper surface of the base 21. Each positioning protrusion 27 can be fitted into a notch 36 (described later) of the connecting member 30.

[0021] The hood portion 22 communicates with the through hole 23 and is open forward. A mating connector (not shown) is fitted into the interior of the hood portion 22. As shown in FIG. 3, a locking portion 26 is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the upper wall of the hood portion 22. The locking portion 26 locks the mating connector fitted into the hood portion 22.

[0022] (Outer conductor 40) The outer conductor 40 is made of die-cast metal and includes a pair of rectangular cylindrical portions 41, plate-like connecting portions 42 connecting the cylindrical portions 41 at their rear ends, and a protruding portion 43 extending radially from the connecting portion 42, as shown in FIG. 5 . Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 16 , the outer conductor 40 includes an upper wall portion 44, a pair of left and right side wall portions 45, and a partition wall portion 46. The upper wall portion 44, the pair of left and right side wall portions 45, and the partition wall portion 46 are all connected to the rear surface of the protruding portion 43 and protrude rearward from the protruding portion 43. The upper wall portion 44 is a horizontal plate-like portion and is disposed along the front-rear and left-right directions. Each side wall portion 45 is a vertical plate-like portion and protrudes downward from the left and right ends of the upper wall portion 44. The partition wall 46 has a vertical plate shape, is disposed between the side wall portions 45 in the left-right direction, and protrudes downward from the left-right center of the upper wall portion 44. In the case of the present embodiment 1, the thickness of the partition wall 46 in the left-right direction is made thicker than the thickness of each side wall portion 45 in the left-right direction.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 16, a pair of left and right accommodating spaces 47 are defined below the top wall portion 44 and between each of the side wall portions 45 and the partition wall portion 46. In other words, each accommodating space 47 is defined by the side wall portions 45 on the outside and by the partition wall portion 46 on the inside, and is open downward and rearward. In the case of the first embodiment, each accommodating space 47 is formed to have the same shape (same left and right opening width, same front and rear depth). Each accommodating space 47 of the outer conductor 40 accommodates the rear portion of the dielectric 80.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 5, a pair of left and right insertion holes 48 are formed in the connecting portion 42. Each insertion hole 48 penetrates the connecting portion 42 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 10, the interior of each cylindrical portion 41, each insertion hole 48, and each accommodating space 47 are in communication with each other in the front-rear direction, allowing the dielectric 80 to be inserted from the rear.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of insertion protrusions 49 are formed to protrude from the inner surface of each cylindrical portion 41. Each insertion protrusion 49 has a curved protrusion shape and is arranged in pairs facing each other in the left-right direction on the inner surface of each cylindrical portion 41. As shown in Fig. 10, each insertion protrusion 49 is engaged with the groove surface of each insertion groove 85 (see Fig. 13) of the dielectric 80, which will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of press-fit protrusions 51 are formed on the outer surface of the connecting portion 42. Each press-fit protrusion 51 has a rectangular columnar shape, and one is disposed on each of the top, bottom, left, and right surfaces of the outer surface of the connecting portion 42. The rear end of each press-fit protrusion 51 is connected to the protruding portion 43. As shown in Fig. 7, the front end of each press-fit protrusion 51 protrudes in the left-right direction. Each cylindrical portion 41 is inserted into each through-hole 23, and the front end of each press-fit protrusion 51 is engaged with each press-fit recess 24 (see Fig. 7), whereby the outer conductor 40 is connected to the housing 20.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 16 , a plurality of cylindrical (pin-shaped) positioning portions 52 are formed to protrude from the underside of the outer conductor 40. As shown in FIG. 2 , each positioning portion 52 is inserted into a positioning hole 110 in the circuit board 100 and fixed to the circuit board 100 by soldering. As shown in FIG. 14 , the positioning portions 52 at the left and right ends of the outer conductor 40 are respectively disposed at the front and rear ends of the underside of each side wall portion 45. A portion of each positioning portion 52 at the front end extends to the underside of the protruding portion 43. The positioning portions 52 at the left and right central portions of the outer conductor 40 are respectively disposed at the front and rear ends of the underside of the partition portion 46. If the outer conductor 40 is to be attached to the circuit board 100 in an incorrect position, i.e., upside down, the positioning portions 52 of the partition portion 46 will abut against the surface of the circuit board 100 and will not be inserted into the corresponding positioning hole 110. This prevents the outer conductor 40 from being attached to the circuit board 100 in an incorrect position.

[0028] 14, a plurality of ground connection portions 53 (surface-mounted portions) are formed to protrude from the lower surface of the outer conductor 40. Each ground connection portion 53 has a flat base shape with a flat lower surface, is placed on the surface of the circuit board 100 (see FIG. 2), and is connected by soldering to a ground conductive portion (not shown) of the circuit board 100. Each ground connection portion 53 is arranged in pair on the lower surface of the protruding portion 43 with a gap between them in the left-right direction, and is also arranged between the positioning portions 52 on the lower surfaces of the side wall portions 45.

[0029] 16, a plurality of recesses 54 are formed in the rear end of the upper wall portion 44. The recesses 54 form pairs in the left-right direction at the rear end of the upper wall portion 44 and are arranged corresponding to the respective accommodating spaces 47 so as to face the respective accommodating spaces 47. As will be described later, the ends (board connecting portions 65A, 69B, described later) of the plurality of inner conductors 60 accommodated in each accommodating space 47 can be seen through the recesses 54 from a position above and behind the connector 10.

[0030] A partition 55 is formed in the left-right center of the rear end of the upper wall 44, separating the recesses 54 in a non-communicating manner in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 6 , the partition 55 is continuous with the partition wall 46 without any vertical step. A pair of left and right side end portions 56 is formed on the outer ends of both left and right sides of each recess 54, opposite the partition portion 55. Each side end portion 56 is also continuous with each side wall 45 without any vertical step. Note that each side end portion 56 is located above each side wall 45 and is distinguished from each side wall 45 by being located at a different height. As shown in FIG. 15 , the rear ends of each side end portion 56 and the partition portion 55 are located at the same position in the front-to-rear direction. In contrast, the recessed ends of each recess 54 (the rear ends facing rearward) are located forward of the rear ends of each side wall 45 and the partition portion 55.

[0031] As shown in Figure 15, the left and right end faces of the partition 55 close the left and right inner end faces of the recess 54. The corners of the front and rear ends of the left and right end faces of the partition 55 are rounded. The left and right inner end faces of each side end 56 close the left and right outer end faces of the recess 54. The corners of the front and rear ends of the left and right inner end faces of each side end 56 are rounded.

[0032] 17 and 18 , the recessed end of each recess 54 has a vertical surface 57 disposed perpendicular to the up-down direction at the upper portion (upper portion in the thickness direction) of the upper wall portion 44, and an inclined surface 58 linearly inclined downward and rearward from the vertical surface 57 at the lower portion (lower portion in the thickness direction) of the upper end portion 44. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 58 with respect to the front-to-rear direction is within a range of 30 to 60 degrees, preferably within a range of 40 to 50 degrees, and more preferably 45 degrees or approximately 45 degrees. If the inclination angle of the inclined surface 58 is within the above range, both visibility when viewing the ends (board connection portions 65A, 69B) of the inner conductor 60 and shielding properties of the outer conductor 40 can be achieved, as will be described later.

[0033] (Inner conductor 60) The inner conductor 60 is a plate material made of conductive metal and is held by the dielectric 80 (see FIGS. 10 and 13). In the first embodiment, the inner conductor 60 is composed of two types of terminals: surface mount terminals 60A and through-hole terminals 60B, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The surface mount terminals 60A and the through-hole terminals 60B are both arranged with the plate width direction facing the left-right direction.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 8, the surface mount terminal 60A has a first extending portion 61 extending longitudinally, a second extending portion 63 extending from the rear end of the first extending portion 61 at an inclined downward and rearward direction via a curved upper bent portion 62, and a third extending portion 65 extending from the lower end of the second extending portion 63 at an inclined downward and rearward direction via a curved lower bent portion 64. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the first extending portion 61 is disposed inside the dielectric 80 except for its front end. The upper bent portion 62, the second extending portion 63, the lower bent portion 64, and the third extending portion 65 are exposed on the rear surface side of the dielectric 80.

[0035] The front end of the first extending portion 61 protrudes forward from the front surface of the dielectric 80 and is configured as a mating connection portion 66 that can be connected to a mating terminal (not shown) (the mating inner conductor 60). As shown in FIG. 8, the first extending portion 61 has multiple pairs of locking protrusions 67 that protrude outward to the left and right from a position rearward from the mating connection portion 66. Each locking protrusion 67 is claw-shaped and is locked to the dielectric 80 (see FIG. 10). The rear portion of the first extending portion 61, including each locking protrusion 67, is formed wider in the left and right direction than the mating connection portion 66. The rear portion of the first extending portion 61 has a pair of stopper portions 68 that protrude outward to the left and right from a position rearward from each locking protrusion 67. Each stopper portion 68 is rectangular in plan view and is stopped by abutting against the dielectric 80 (see FIG. 10).

[0036] As shown in Fig. 8, the second extending portion 63 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the first extending portion 61 and the upper bent portion 62. The lower bent portion 64 and the third extending portion 65 have the same width dimension in the left-right direction, and are formed to be narrower in the left-right direction than other portions of the surface-mount terminal 60A. The third extending portion 65 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the lower end of the rear surface of the dielectric 80 via the lower bent portion 64, and is disposed along the surface of the circuit board 100 (see Fig. 18), and is connected by soldering to a conductive portion of the circuit board 100. In other words, the third extending portion 65 is configured as a surface-mount type substrate connecting portion 65A.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, through-hole terminal 60B has a first extension 61, an upper bent portion 62, and a second extension 63 that are identical in shape to surface-mount terminal 60A, and the shape of the portion that contacts dielectric 80 is identical to that of surface-mount terminal 60A. In addition to first extension 61, upper bent portion 62, and second extension 63, through-hole terminal 60B also has a fourth extension 69 that extends vertically downward from the lower end of second extension 63. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 19, fourth extension 69 is inserted into connection hole 120 formed in circuit board 100 and soldered to a conductive portion of circuit board 100 for connection. In other words, fourth extension 69 is configured as a through-hole-type board connection portion 69B. Furthermore, the four corners of the rectangular cross section of fourth extension 69 are formed by hammering using a press. In the following description, when the third extending portion 65 and the fourth extending portion 69 are not particularly distinguished from each other, the third extending portion 65 and the fourth extending portion 69 may be referred to as board connecting portions 65A and 69B, respectively.

[0038] (Dielectric 80) The dielectric 80 is made of synthetic resin (insulating resin) and has an overall angular block shape. In the first embodiment, one type of dielectric 80 having the same shape is accommodated in each of the two accommodation spaces 47 of the outer conductor 40 (see FIG. 10). This one type of dielectric 80 is capable of holding both the surface mount terminals 60A and the through-hole terminals 60B.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 1, the dielectric 80 has a main body 81 that is rectangular in plan view, and a back portion 82 that is connected to the rear end of the main body 81 and extends in the up-down direction. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the main body 81 has a pair of left and right terminal holding holes 83. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, each terminal holding hole 83 penetrates the dielectric 80 in the front-to-rear direction. The main body 81 has a pair of left and right stopper receiving portions 84 that widen in the left-to-right direction at the rear end of each terminal holding hole 83. The first extending portion 61 of the inner conductor 60 is inserted into the terminal holding hole 83 from the rear of the main body 81. Each stopper portion 68 of the inner conductor 60 fits into the corresponding stopper receiving portion 84 (see Fig. 10) to stop the insertion of the inner conductor 60. Each locking projection 67 of the first extending portion 61 bites into and locks into the inner surface of the terminal holding hole 83 of the dielectric 80, preventing the inner conductor 60 from slipping out rearward from the dielectric 80.

[0040] A pair of left and right insertion grooves 85 are formed on the left and right outer side surfaces of the main body 81. Each insertion groove 85 extends in the front-rear direction on each side surface of the main body 81 and opens to the front surface of the main body 81. As shown in Fig. 10, the insertion protrusions 49 of the outer conductor 40 bite into and are locked into the groove surfaces of the insertion grooves 85 of the main body 81. This prevents the dielectric 80 from slipping out of the accommodating space 47.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 12, a recessed portion 86 is formed in the upper part of the rear surface of the back portion 82. Each terminal holding hole 83 opens at the recessed end (rear end) of the recessed portion 86. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the upper bent portion 62 of each inner conductor 60 protrudes (is exposed) rearward from each terminal holding hole 83 and is disposed in the recessed portion 86.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 12 , a pair of left and right drawer sections 87 are recessed in the lower part of the rear surface of the back portion 82. Each drawer section 87 extends in the vertical direction, with its upper end opening to the bottom surface of the drawer recess 86 and its lower end opening to the underside of the back portion 82. A plurality of retaining protrusions 88 are formed on the inner surface of each drawer section 87 on its opposing left-right side surfaces. The retaining protrusions 88 form pairs in the left-right direction on each side surface of each drawer section 87, and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the groove surface (the rear surface) of each drawer section 87 forms a sloped surface 89 that slopes backward from top to bottom. The second extending portion 63 of each inner conductor 60 is disposed inside each drawer section 87 of the back portion 82. The second extending portion 63 of each inner conductor 60 is arranged along the sloped surface 89 of each drawn-out portion 87, and is positioned in the left-right direction by the end faces on both the left and right sides contacting the holding protrusions 88 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the inclination angle of the sloped surface 89 is the same as or similar to the inclination angle of the second extending portion 63.

[0043] (connecting member 30) The connecting member 30 is a plate made of a conductive metal, and as shown in Fig. 1, has a horizontal plate portion 31 extending in the left-right direction, three housing connecting portions 32 connected to the front end of the horizontal plate portion 31, a pair of left and right mounting portions 33 protruding downward from both left and right ends of the horizontal plate portion 31, and an outer conductor connecting portion 34 protruding rearward and downward from the center of the left and right of the rear end of the horizontal plate portion 31. As shown in Fig. 16, the horizontal plate portion 31 is placed on the upper surface of the base portion 21 of the housing 20. A pair of left and right notches 36 are formed in the rear edge of the horizontal plate portion 31. As shown in Fig. 16, the positioning protrusions 27 fit into the notches 36, preventing the connecting member 30 from shifting position relative to the housing 20.

[0044] The housing connection portions 32 are connected to the front end of the horizontal plate portion 31 in a line spaced apart relationship in the left-right direction. Each housing connection portion 32 protrudes forward from the front end of the horizontal plate portion 31 and then bends back from that front end. Each housing connection portion 32 is elastically deformable in the up-down direction and contacts the wall surface of the housing (not shown) for ground connection. Each mounting portion 33 is inserted into each mounting recess 25 of the housing 20, and locking claws 35 (see FIG. 1 ) protruding outward to the left and right engage with the inner surface of each mounting recess 25 to prevent the connection member 30 from slipping out of the housing 20. The outer conductor connection portion 34 is elastically deformable in the front-rear direction and contacts the rear surface of the protruding portion 43 for electrical connection to the outer conductor 40.

[0045] (Function of connector 10) When assembling the connector 10, as shown in Fig. 13, each dielectric 80 fitted with each inner conductor 60 is inserted from the rear into each accommodating space 47 of the outer conductor 40. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the dielectric 80 is accommodated inside the outer conductor 40, spanning the accommodating space 47, the insertion hole 48, and the interior of the tubular portion 41. In the case of the first embodiment, each through-hole terminal 60B is fitted to one of the dielectrics 80 (the dielectric 80 on the right side in Fig. 13), and each surface-mount terminal 60A is fitted to the other dielectric 80 (the dielectric 80 on the left side in Fig. 13). Note that the through-hole terminals 60B and the surface-mount terminals 60A may be fitted to each dielectric 80 after the dielectrics 80 are accommodated in the outer conductor 40.

[0046] After or before accommodating each dielectric 80 in the outer conductor 40, the outer conductor 40 is connected to the housing 20. As shown in Fig. 15, when the outer conductor 40 is connected to the housing 20, the protruding portion 43 of the connecting portion 42 faces and contacts the rear surface of the base portion 21 of the housing 20, and the rear openings of each mounting recess 25 are closed by the protruding portion 43. Then, as shown in Fig. 16, the connecting member 30 is attached so as to straddle the housing 20 and the outer conductor 40. This completes the assembly of the connector 10.

[0047] 2, the connector 10 is attached to the circuit board 100. The positioning portions 52 of the outer conductor 40 are inserted into the positioning holes 110 and fixed to the circuit board 100 by soldering. The fourth extension portion 69 (board connection portion 69B) of each through-hole terminal 60B is inserted into the connection hole 120 and connected to a conductive portion of the circuit board 100 by soldering. The third extension portion 65 (board connection portion 65A) of each surface mount terminal 60A is placed on the surface of the circuit board 100 and connected to a conductive portion of the circuit board 100 by soldering. Furthermore, the ground connection portions 53 of the outer conductor 40 are placed on the surface of the circuit board 100 and connected to a ground conductive portion of the circuit board 100 by soldering. These soldering operations can be performed collectively by reflow soldering.

[0048] 14, the distance between the third extension portion 65 of each surface mount terminal 60A and the ground connection portions 53 located around the third extension portion 65 (in front and on the left and right outer sides) is the same as or similar to the distance between the fourth extension portion 69 of each through-hole terminal 60B and the ground connection portions 53 located around the fourth extension portion 69. Furthermore, the distance between the board connection portions 65A, 69B and the ground connection portions 53 located in front of them is the same as or similar to the distance between the board connection portions 65A, 69B and the ground connection portions 53 located on the left and right outer sides. This allows a consistent and stable shielded environment to be formed between the surface mount terminals 60A and the through-hole terminals 60B and around the board connection portions 65A, 69B.

[0049] 17 and 19, the soldering state S1 (see FIG. 19) of the fourth extension portion 69 of each through-hole terminal 60B to the conductive portion of the circuit board 100 can be seen through the interior of the recess 54 from a position above and behind the connector 10. In the case of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, an imaginary line VL1 extending upward and rearward from the rear end of the fourth extension portion 69 of each through-hole terminal 60B (the rear end on the circuit board 100) through an arbitrary point inside the recess 54 is inclined within a range of 45 to 75 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction, preferably within a range of 50 to 70 degrees, and more preferably within a range of 55 to 65 degrees. Therefore, by viewing the rear end of the fourth extension portion 69 of each through-hole terminal 60B along the imaginary line VL1 from a position above and behind the connector 10, it is possible to confirm whether the portion including the rear end of the fourth extension portion 69 is properly soldered to the conductive portion of the circuit board 100.

[0050] 18 and 19, the soldering state S2 (see FIG. 19) of the third extension portion 65 of each surface mount terminal 60A to the conductive portion of the circuit board 100 can be seen through the interior of the recess 54 from a position above and behind the connector 10 (the worker's viewpoint or the camera position). In the first embodiment, an imaginary line VL2 extending upward and rearward from the rear end of the third extension portion 65 of each surface mount terminal 60A through an arbitrary point inside the recess 54 is inclined within a range of 50 to 80 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction, preferably within a range of 55 to 75 degrees, and more preferably within a range of 60 to 70 degrees. Therefore, by viewing the rear end of the third extension portion 65 of each surface mount terminal 60A along the imaginary line VL2 from a position above and behind the connector 10, it is possible to confirm whether the portion including the rear end of the third extension portion 65 is properly soldered to the conductive portion of the circuit board 100.

[0051] 19 , the soldering condition S1 of the board connection portion 69B of each through-hole terminal 60B arranged in one of the accommodation spaces 47 can be confirmed along a line of sight corresponding to the imaginary straight line VL1 passing through the recess 54 corresponding to that one accommodation space 47. Similarly, the soldering condition S2 of the board connection portion 65A of each surface mount terminal 60A arranged in another of the accommodation spaces 47 can be confirmed along a line of sight corresponding to the imaginary straight line VL2 passing through the recess 54 corresponding to that other accommodation space 47. Because the inclination angles of the imaginary straight lines VL1 and VL2 with respect to the front-rear direction are smaller than the inclination angle of the inclined surface 58 with respect to the front-rear direction, the field of view of the imaginary straight lines VL1 and VL2 passing through the recess 54 is not obstructed by the inclined surface 58, and visibility is excellent when viewing the states of the board connection portions 65A and 69B.

[0052] As described above, the connector 10 of the first embodiment includes an inner conductor 60, a dielectric 80 surrounding the inner conductor 60, and an outer conductor 40 surrounding the dielectric 80. The inner conductor 60 has board connection portions 65A and 69B exposed on the rear surface of the dielectric 80. The outer conductor 40 has an upper wall portion 44, a pair of side wall portions 45 protruding downward from left and right ends of the upper wall portion 44, and a partition portion 46 disposed between the pair of side wall portions 45. Below the upper wall portion 44 and between the pair of side wall portions 45, a plurality of accommodating spaces 47 are defined by the partition portion 46. The rear portion of the dielectric 80 and the board connection portions 65A and 69B are disposed in each of the plurality of accommodating spaces 47. The rear end of the upper wall portion 44 has a plurality of recesses 54 disposed corresponding to each of the plurality of accommodating spaces 47, and a partition portion 55 disposed between adjacent recesses 54 in the left-right direction.

[0053] According to the above configuration, the states of the board connecting portions 65A, 69B (such as the soldering states S1, S2 of the board connecting portions 65A, 69B to the circuit board 100) can be confirmed through the recesses 54 in the upper wall portion 44 from a position above and behind the connector 10. In particular, since a plurality of housing spaces 47 are formed to accommodate the rear portions of the dielectric 80 and the partition portions 55 are disposed between adjacent recesses 54, a decrease in the shielding performance of the outer conductor 40 can be suppressed compared to when the partition portions 55 are not disposed. Moreover, since the partition portions 55 are formed integrally and continuously with the bulkhead portion 46, the strength of the partition portions 55 can be improved compared to when the partition portions 55 are formed independently.

[0054] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, imaginary lines VL1 and VL2 that extend upward and rearward from the rear end positions of the board connection portions 65A and 69B on the circuit board 100 and pass through the recesses 54 are inclined within a range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction. This allows the states of the board connection portions 65A and 69B to be easily viewed from a position above and rearward of the connector 10 in a direction along the imaginary lines VL1 and VL2. Furthermore, since the formation area of ​​the recesses 54 in the upper wall portion 44 can be limited to an appropriate range so that the imaginary lines VL1 and VL2 are inclined at the above-mentioned angles, the shielding properties of the outer conductor 40 can be more reliably ensured.

[0055] In particular, since the inner conductor 60 is composed of a through-hole terminal 60B having a board connection portion 69B extending downward from the dielectric 80 and a surface-mount terminal 60A having a board connection portion 65A extending downward and rearward from the dielectric 80, the state of each of the board connection portions 65A, 69B of the surface-mount terminal 60A and the through-hole terminal 60B can be easily seen from a position above and rearward of the connector 10 in the direction along the imaginary straight lines VL1, VL2.

[0056] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, of the respective accommodation spaces 47, the through-hole terminals 60B are arranged in one accommodation space 47, and the surface-mount terminals 60A are arranged in the other accommodation spaces 47. Moreover, since the respective dielectrics 80 have the same shape, even when the through-hole terminals 60B and the surface-mount terminals 60A are mixed, the dielectric 80 can be shared, and the manufacturing costs and management costs of the dielectric 80 can be reduced.

[0057] Furthermore, the recessed end of recess 54 has a vertical surface 57 that is disposed vertically at the top of upper wall portion 44, and an inclined surface 58 that is disposed at the bottom of upper wall portion 44 and inclined downward and forward from vertical surface 57. Because the recessed end of recess 54 has inclined surface 58 in addition to vertical surface 57, it is possible to improve visibility when viewing the state of board connection portions 65A, 69B from a position above and behind connector 10. Then, by adjusting the front-to-rear position of vertical surface 57 on upper wall portion 44, it is possible to achieve both shielding properties and visibility.

[0058] <Embodiment 2> 20 and 21, in a connector 10 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, an inner conductor 60 is configured solely from a through-hole terminal 60B. The structures of the through-hole terminal 60B, dielectric 80, outer conductor 40, housing 20, and connecting member 30 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0059] Two through-hole terminals 60B are mounted in pairs on two dielectrics 80, respectively. As described in the first embodiment, the dielectrics 80 have the same shape. When the through-hole terminals 60B are mounted in the dielectrics 80, the fourth extensions 69 (board connection portions 69B) of the through-hole terminals 60B protrude downward from the lower ends of the sloped surfaces 89 of the dielectrics 80. The dielectrics 80 with the through-hole terminals 60B mounted thereon are inserted into and accommodated in the accommodating spaces 47 of the outer conductor 40. When the connector 10 is attached to the circuit board 100, the fourth extensions 69 of the through-hole terminals 60B are inserted into the connection holes 120 of the circuit board 100 and soldered to the conductive portions of the circuit board 100. As shown in Figure 21, the soldering state S1 of the fourth extension portion 69 of each through-hole terminal 60B on the surface of the circuit board 100 can be seen from a position above and behind the connector 10 along the imaginary straight line VL1 through the inside of the recess 54 facing each storage space 47.

[0060] <Embodiment 3> 22 and 23, in a connector 10 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, an inner conductor 60 is configured only by a surface-mounted terminal 60A. The configurations of the surface-mounted terminal 60A, the dielectric 80, the outer conductor 40, the housing 20, and the connecting member 30 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0061] Each pair of surface-mount terminals 60A is attached to one of two dielectrics 80. As described in the first embodiment, the dielectrics 80 have the same shape. When the surface-mount terminals 60A are attached to the corresponding dielectrics 80, the third extension 65 (substrate connection portion 65A) of each surface-mount terminal 60A protrudes downward and rearward from the lower end of the sloped surface 89 of the corresponding dielectric 80. The dielectrics 80 with the surface-mount terminals 60A attached thereto are inserted into and accommodated in the corresponding accommodation spaces 47 of the outer conductor 40. When the connector 10 is attached to the circuit board 100, the third extension 65 of each surface-mount terminal 60A is disposed along the surface of the circuit board 100 and is connected to the conductive portion of the circuit board 100 by soldering. As shown in Figure 23, the soldering state S2 of the third extension portion 65 of each surface-mounted terminal 60A on the surface of the circuit board 100 can be seen from a position above and behind the connector 10 along the imaginary straight line VL2 through the inside of the recess 54 facing each storage space 47.

[0062] [Another embodiment of the present disclosure] The above-described embodiments 1 to 3 disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the above-described embodiments 1-3, one partition wall is formed between a pair of left and right side walls. In contrast, in other embodiments, a plurality of (two or more) partition walls may be formed between a pair of left and right side walls. When a plurality of partition walls are formed in the outer conductor, three or more accommodating spaces are formed between a pair of left and right side walls. In the above-described embodiments 1 to 3, the partition portion is formed above the partition wall portion so as to be continuous with the partition wall portion without any step. In contrast, in other embodiments, the partition portion may be formed above the partition wall portion so as to be continuous with the partition wall portion with a step, or may be formed discontinuously with the partition wall portion. In the above-described embodiments 1-3, the recessed end of the recess is composed of a vertical surface and an inclined surface. In contrast, in other embodiments, the recessed end of the recess may be composed of only a vertical surface. Alternatively, the recessed end of the recess may be composed of only an inclined surface. In the above-described embodiments 1-3, the soldered state of the board connection portion to the circuit board was visible through the recess. In contrast to this, according to other embodiments, the installation state of the board connection portion to the circuit board may simply be visible through the recess. In the above-described embodiments 1-3, either through-hole terminals or surface-mount terminals are attached to the dielectric, whereas in other embodiments, both through-hole terminals and surface-mount terminals may be attached to the dielectric. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10...Connector 20…Housing 21...Base 22...Hood section 23...Through hole 24...Press-fit recess 25...Mounting recess 26...Rock section 27...Positioning protrusion 30...Connecting member 31…Horizontal plate part 32... Housing connection part 33...Attachment part 34...Outer conductor connection part 35...Latching claw 36...Notch 40...Outer conductor 41...Cylinder part 42...Connection part 43...Protruding part 44...Top wall part 45...Side wall 46...Bulkhead part 47...Containment space 48...Through hole 49...insertion protrusion 51...Press-fit convex part 52... Positioning part 53...Ground connection 54...recess 55...Partition 56…Side end 57…Vertical plane 58…Slope surface 60...Inner conductor 60A...Surface mount terminal 60B...Through-hole terminal 61...First extension part 62...Upper bend 63…Second extension part 64…Lower bending part 65...Third extension part 65A, 69B...Board connection part 66...Mating connection part 67…Latching protrusion 68...Stopper part 69...Fourth extension part 80...Dielectric 81...Main body 82...back 83...Terminal holding hole 84...Stopper receiving part 85...Insertion groove 86...Drawer recess 87...Drawer part 88…Holding protrusion 89...Slope surface 100...Circuit board 110...Positioning hole 120...Connection hole S1, S2...soldered state VL1, VL2...imaginary lines

Claims

1. A connector comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, the inner conductor has a board connection portion that is exposed on the rear surface side of the dielectric, the outer conductor has an upper wall portion, a pair of side wall portions protruding downward from left and right ends of the upper wall portion, and a partition portion disposed between the pair of side wall portions, A plurality of storage spaces are defined by the partition wall below the upper wall and between the pair of side wall portions, the rear portion of the dielectric body and the substrate connection portion are disposed in each of the plurality of accommodating spaces; A connector, wherein the rear end of the upper wall portion has a plurality of recesses arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of storage spaces, and a partition portion arranged between adjacent recesses in the left-right direction.

2. The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the partition portion is formed above the partition portion and continuous with the partition portion.

3. 2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein an imaginary straight line extending upward and rearward from a rear end position on the circuit board of the board connection portion and passing through the recess is inclined within a range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction.

4. 4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the inner conductor is a surface-mount terminal having the board connection portion protruding downward and rearward from the dielectric.

5. 4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the inner conductor is a through-hole terminal having the board connection portion protruding downward from the dielectric.

6. 4. The connector of claim 3, wherein the inner conductor is a surface mount terminal having a board connection portion extending downward and rearward from the dielectric, and a through-hole terminal having a board connection portion extending downward from the dielectric.

7. The through-hole terminals are arranged in one of the plurality of accommodating spaces, and the surface mount terminals are arranged in the other accommodating spaces, The connector according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of accommodating spaces accommodate the dielectric bodies having the same shape.

8. 8. A connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the concave end of the recess has a vertical surface that is arranged vertically at the upper part of the upper wall portion and an inclined surface that is arranged downward and forward from the vertical surface at the lower part of the upper wall portion.

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