connector

Abstract

To provide a stable electrical connection between the connector and electronic devices, etc. [Solution] The connector 200 comprises a shell body 201, a terminal 150, an insulator 151, a movable shell 120 that is movable along the axial direction, slides and contacts the shell body 201 and engages with the imaging device 160, a stopper 230 that is slidable in the axial direction with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the shell body 201, a spring 152, and a cover member 140. The shell body 201 has an inner cylindrical portion 102 and an outer cylindrical portion 203. The stopper 230 has a spring receiving portion 232 that receives the biasing force of the spring 152 and a sliding vertical wall 231 that is slidable with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 203. The movable shell 120 has elastic contact portions 122a-d and flange portions 123a-d that slide and contact respect to the inner cylindrical portion 102. The cover member 140 has a cover support portion 141 that supports the flange portions 123a-d.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector used for connection to an electronic device or the like, and can stably make electrical connection to an electronic device or the like.

Background Art

[0002] In a connector used for connection to an electronic device or the like, for example, in a connector used for connection to an imaging device, in order to stably transmit and receive an imaging signal (electrical signal) generated by the imaging device, it is very important to stabilize the electrical connection between the imaging device and the connector.

[0003] As such a connector used for connection to an electronic device or the like, an external connection connector 13 provided in a housing 5 of an imaging device 1 and electrically connected to the imaging device 1 is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The external connection connector 13 includes a cylindrical contact piece 22 that slides with a shield member 16 by the biasing force of a shield member 16 and a coil spring 23 as conductors. The cylindrical contact piece 22 also includes a sliding contact point 22a and an annular contact point 22b.

[0005] The sliding contact point 22a is electrically connected to the shield member 16 and locked to a retaining portion 16c for preventing removal of the shield member 16. The annular contact point 22a is in conductive contact with a substrate 10 in the imaging device 1. In this way, the imaging device 1 and the external connection connector 13 are electrically connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the sliding contact 22a of the external connection connector 13 is constantly subjected to a constant load due to the biasing force of the coil spring 23. Furthermore, since the lifecycle of the imaging device 1 is often long, the use of the external connection connector 13 in the imaging device 1 is also often long-term. As a result, there is a concern that the sliding contact 22a of the external connection connector 13 may deform due to aging. If the sliding contact 22a deforms, the electrical connection between the imaging device 1 and the external connection connector 13 via the cylindrical contact piece 22 may become unstable.

[0008] This invention was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a connector that can stably connect to electronic devices and the like electrically. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the connector according to the present invention comprises: a shell body made of a conductive material; a central contact positioned along the central axis of the shell body, the tip of which contacts the contact portion of a mating electronic device; an insulating member interposed between the shell body and the central contact and holding the central contact; a movable shell that is movable along the axial direction of the central axis, slides and contacts the shell body, and engages with the mating portion of a mating electronic device; and a shell whose one end is fixed to the shell body and whose other end contacts the movable shell and biases toward the mating portion. The device comprises a spring provided inside the main body, a cover member having a cover through-hole through which the movable shell is inserted and fixed to the shell body, the shell body having an inner cylindrical portion that houses the central contact and the insulating member, and an outer cylindrical portion provided outside the inner cylindrical portion and forming a space between itself and the inner cylindrical portion for housing the spring, the movable shell having an elastic contact portion that slides and contacts the inner cylindrical portion, and a flange portion that is biased by the spring, and the cover member having a cover support portion that supports the flange portion.

[0010] In this configuration, the connector according to the present invention electrically connects the movable shell and the shell body by the elastic contact portion of the movable shell sliding against and contacting the inner cylindrical portion of the shell body. Furthermore, the movable shell is electrically connected to the mating portion of the mating electronic device as it engages with the mating portion of the mating electronic device. Additionally, the center contact is electrically connected to the mating electronic device as it contacts the contact portion of the mating electronic device. Therefore, the connector and the mating electronic device are electrically connected via the movable shell and the center contact.

[0011] Furthermore, when the connector mates with the mating portion of the other electronic device, the movable shell slides against the shell body and moves along the axial direction of the central axis while making contact, thereby absorbing axial misalignment relative to the other electronic device. The spring then biases the flange portion, ensuring contact pressure between the movable shell and the other electronic device during mating.

[0012] Furthermore, the biasing force from the spring is received by the flange portion rather than the elastic contact portion of the movable shell. As a result, two of the functions of the movable shell, namely (1) the function of electrically connecting through sliding and contact with the shell body and (2) the function of receiving the load due to the biasing force of the spring, are divided between the elastic contact portion and the flange portion, respectively. Therefore, the elastic contact portion that slides and contacts with the shell body is not subjected to the load due to the biasing force of the spring. Consequently, even if the connector is used for a long period of time, the elastic contact portion will not deform due to the biasing force of the spring, and the function of electrically connecting through sliding and contact with the shell body of the elastic contact portion will not be impaired. Therefore, the connector according to the present invention can stably electrically connect to the other electronic device.

[0013] The connector according to the present invention comprises a shell body made of a conductive material, a central contact positioned along the central axis of the shell body with its tip portion in contact with the contact portion of a mating electronic device, an insulating member interposed between the shell body and the central contact and holding the central contact, a movable shell movable along the axial direction of the central axis, sliding and contacting the shell body and fitting with the mating portion of a mating electronic device, a stopper having a stopper through-hole through which the movable shell is inserted and which is slidable between the inner circumferential surface of the shell body and the axial direction of the central axis, a spring provided inside the shell body with one end fixed to the shell body and the other end in contact with the stopper and biasing toward the mating portion, and a cover having a cover through-hole through which the movable shell is inserted, and the shell The movable shell comprises a cover member fixed to the main body, the main body having an inner cylindrical portion that houses the central contact and the insulating member, and an outer cylindrical portion provided on the outside of the inner cylindrical portion and forming a space between itself and the inner cylindrical portion for housing the spring, the stopper having a spring receiving portion that receives the biasing force of the spring and a sliding vertical wall that is slidably erected in the axial direction of the central axis with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion, the movable shell having an elastic contact portion that slides and contacts the inner cylindrical portion and a flange portion that is biased by the spring via the stopper, the flange portion supporting the stopper so that both the movable shell and the stopper can move along the axial direction of the central axis, and the cover member is configured to have a cover support portion that supports the flange portion.

[0014] In this configuration, the connector according to the present invention electrically connects the movable shell and the shell body by the elastic contact portion of the movable shell sliding against and contacting the inner cylindrical portion of the shell body. Furthermore, the movable shell is electrically connected to the mating portion of the mating electronic device as it engages with the mating portion of the mating electronic device. Additionally, the center contact is electrically connected to the mating electronic device as it contacts the contact portion of the mating electronic device. Therefore, the connector and the mating electronic device are electrically connected via the movable shell and the center contact.

[0015] Furthermore, when the connector mates with the mating portion of the other electronic device, the movable shell slides against the shell body and moves along the axial direction of the central axis while making contact, thereby absorbing axial misalignment relative to the other electronic device. The spring then biases the flange portion, ensuring contact pressure between the movable shell and the other electronic device during mating.

[0016] Furthermore, the biasing force from the spring is received by the spring receiving portion of the stopper, rather than by the elastic contact portion of the movable shell. Therefore, even if the connector is used for a long period of time, the elastic contact portion will not deform due to the biasing force of the spring, and the function of electrical connection due to sliding and contact between the elastic contact portion and the shell body will not be impaired. Accordingly, the connector according to the present invention can stably electrically connect to the other electronic device.

[0017] Furthermore, when using the connector, if the spring is misaligned horizontally with respect to the axial direction of the central axis, the contact pressure on the movable shell via the stopper provided by the spring decreases, resulting in insufficient electrical connection between the movable shell and the mating electronic device, and consequently, an unstable electrical connection between the connector and the mating electronic device.

[0018] However, in the connector according to the present invention, a sliding vertical wall is erected on the stopper, which suppresses the spring from shifting horizontally with respect to the axial direction of the central axis, thus enabling a more stable electrical connection with the other electronic device.

[0019] Furthermore, by forming a stopper through-hole in the stopper, the elastic contact portion of the movable shell can slide and contact the inner cylinder portion at a position higher than the stopper. Therefore, sufficient height can be secured for the space that accommodates the spring formed between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion, thereby ensuring contact pressure on the movable shell via the stopper by the spring. Consequently, the electrical connection between the movable shell and the mating electronic device becomes sufficient, and the electrical connection between the connector and the mating electronic device can be stabilized.

[0020] In the connector having the above-described configuration, the elastic contact portion may be configured to be inserted into the stopper through-hole and contact the inner cylindrical portion.

[0021] With this configuration, in the connector according to the present invention, the elastic contact portion of the movable shell is inserted into the stopper through-hole, and by the elastic contact portion contacting the inner cylindrical portion, the space in which the spring is accommodated in the axial direction of the central axis and the region of the space in which the elastic contact portion moves are overlapped, so that the height for accommodating the spring can be sufficiently ensured, and by extending the length of the elastic contact portion, stable elasticity can be obtained, and the shell body and the movable shell can be stably electrically connected.

[0022] In the connector having the above-described configuration, the outer cylindrical portion has a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion having different outer diameters from each other, and the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion having a larger outer diameter than the small-diameter portion may be configured to be arranged such that the sliding vertical wall can slide.

[0023] With this configuration, the connector according to the present invention has a large-diameter portion in the shell body and is configured to slide with the sliding vertical wall. By providing the large-diameter portion in the shell body in this way, the radial width of the sliding vertical wall can be sufficiently taken, and the lateral displacement of the spring, that is, the displacement in the horizontal direction with respect to the axial direction of the central axis, can be reliably suppressed.

[0024] In the connector having the above-described configuration, the cover member may have a stepped portion recessed by a predetermined height around the cover through-hole, and the cover support portion may be formed in the stepped portion.

[0025] With this configuration, the connector according to the present invention can sufficiently secure the height of the space for accommodating the spring formed between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer cylindrical portion by providing a stepped portion recessed by a predetermined height in the cover member. Therefore, the contact pressure on the movable shell via the stopper by the spring can be ensured. Accordingly, the electrical connection between the movable shell and the mating electronic device becomes sufficient, and the electrical connection between the connector and the mating electronic device can be stabilized.

[0026] In the connector having the above-described configuration, the shell body may be configured to have a protruding piece portion protruding to the bottom surface side of the stepped portion below the shell flange formed at the lower end of the outer cylindrical portion.

[0027] With this configuration, the connector according to the present invention can prevent the end portion of the flange portion of the movable shell from contacting the stepped portion of the cover member, and can move the cover member and the stopper to the bottom surface side where the cover support portion of the stepped portion is formed.

[0028] In the connector having the above-described configuration, the cover member may be configured to have one or a plurality of cutout portions.

[0029] With this configuration, the connector according to the present invention can easily fix the shell body to an external electronic device using a fixing member by utilizing the space created by the cutout portion when fixing the shell body to the external electronic device.

Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector that can stably make an electrical connection with an electronic device or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where Fig. 1(a) is a view seen from above and Fig. 1(b) is a view seen from below. [Figure 2]This is an exploded perspective view from above of a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention at cross-section AA in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of a connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention to an imaging device. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention applied to an imaging device. [Figure 7] This cross-sectional view shows the connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention applied to an imaging device, and shows the connector pushed downwards from the state shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a perspective view showing a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 8(b) being a view from above and Figure 8(b) being a view from below. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a stopper used in a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention, taken at cross-section AA in Figure 8. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention applied to an imaging device, with the connector pushed downwards. [Figure 12] Figure 12(a) is a perspective view showing a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with Figure 12(b) being a view from above and Figure 12(b) being a view from below. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing a cover member used in a connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention, taken at cross-section AA in Figure 12. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention applied to an imaging device, with the connector pushed downwards. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] (First Embodiment) The connector 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. First, the configuration of the connector 100 will be explained.

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the connector 100 according to this embodiment. Figures 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views of the connector 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 100 at cross-section AA in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the XY plane direction is referred to as the horizontal direction, and the Z axis direction is referred to as the axial direction, and the same applies in Figures 2 and onward. The positive side of the Z axis direction is sometimes referred to as upward, and the negative side as downward.

[0034] (connector) As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the connector 100 comprises a shell body 101, a terminal 150, an insulator 151, a movable shell 120, a spring 152, and a cover member 140. The connector 100 is attached to an imaging device 160, which is an electronic device, as will be described later, and is connected to an external cable connector 163, thereby electrically connecting the imaging device 160 and the external cable connector 163 via the connector 100. Examples of electronic devices to which the connector 100 is attached include imaging devices, industrial robots, medical devices, smartphones, tablets, etc., but are not limited to these, and other electronic devices may also be used. The connector 100 is a so-called floating connector that uses a spring to move the movable part in order to absorb axial misalignment with the mating mat, and can be mated without problems at any position.

[0035] (Shell body) The shell body 101 is made of a conductive material and has a cylindrical portion. Zinc die-cast is used as the material for the shell body 101, but other metals such as brass may also be used. The shell body 101 has an inner cylindrical portion 102, an outer cylindrical portion 103, a first shell flange 106, and a second shell flange 107. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shell body 101 has two flange portions on the outside and has a double cylindrical structure on the inside and outside. The shell body 101 constitutes the shell body according to the present invention.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the inner cylindrical portion 102 has an internal housing space S1, which houses the terminal 150 and the insulator 151. The inner cylindrical portion 102 has an upper portion 102a that is connected to the external cable connector 163, and a lower portion 102b that is provided inside the outer cylindrical portion 103 and slides with the movable shell 120, which will be described later. Thus, the inner cylindrical portion 102 slides with the movable shell 120 because the lower portion 102b is provided. The inner cylindrical portion 102 is inserted through the movable shell body 121 of the movable shell 120.

[0037] The outer cylindrical portion 103 is provided on the outside of the lower portion 102b of the inner cylindrical portion 102, and forms a housing space S2 between it and the lower portion 102b, which is a space for housing a spring.

[0038] The first shell flange 106 is provided at the lower end of the outer cylindrical portion 103 and is a disc-shaped member with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 103. The first shell flange 106 has crimping portions 109a, 109b, 109c and shell flange holes 110a, 110b, 110c. In this embodiment, three crimping portions and three shell flange holes are provided, but the number is not necessarily limited to these. The first shell flange 106 is the part to which the cover member 140 is fixed.

[0039] The crimping portions 109a, 109b, and 109c are members that crimp and fix the cover member 140, which is provided on the lower side of the first shell flange 106. More specifically, the cover member 140 is crimped and fixed by passing the crimping portions 109a, 109b, and 109c through the fixing holes 144a, 144c, and 144e of the cover member 140 and crimping them. The shell flange holes 110a, 110b, and 110c are holes used when fixing the first shell flange 106 to electronic equipment or the like using crimping or fastening members such as bolts.

[0040] The second shell flange 107 is provided at the upper end of the outer cylindrical portion 103 and is a disc-shaped member whose diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the upper part 102a of the inner cylindrical portion 102.

[0041] (Movable shell) The movable shell 120 is movable along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the central axis of the shell body 101, slides against and contacts the shell body 101, and engages with the fitting portion 161a of the imaging device 160, which will be described later. The movable shell 120 constitutes the movable shell according to the present invention.

[0042] The movable shell 120 has a cylindrical movable shell body 121 and elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d and flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, 123d. Zinc die-cast is used as the material for the movable shell 120, but other metals such as brass may also be used. In this embodiment, four elastic contact portions and four flange portions are provided, but the number is not necessarily limited to these.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the movable shell body 121 is the cylindrical portion of the movable shell 120. The outer diameter of the movable shell body 121 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner cylindrical portion 102, allowing the inner cylindrical portion 102 to pass through the inside of the movable shell body 121. Also, the outer diameter of the movable shell body 121 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cover through hole 142, allowing the movable shell body 121 to pass through the inside of the cover through hole 142. The movable shell body 121 can be fitted into the fitting portion 161a of the socket 161 provided on the imaging device 160, which will be described later. In this way, the movable shell body 121 is fitted into the fitting portion 161a of the imaging device 160, and the movable shell 120 and the imaging device 160 are electrically connected.

[0044] The elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d slide and contact the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion 102b of the inner cylinder portion 102. In this way, the movable shell 120 and the shell body 101 are electrically connected by the sliding and contact of the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d with the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion 102b of the shell body 101. The flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are biased downward by the spring 152 and supported by the cover support portion of the cover member. The movable shell 120 can ensure contact pressure with the imaging device 160 when fitted with the imaging device 160 because the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are biased by the spring 152.

[0045] In this implementation, the movable shell 120 receives the biasing force from the spring 152 not at the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d, but at the flange parts 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d. As a result, the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are not subjected to the load from the biasing force of the spring 152, and the function of electrical connection through sliding and contact between the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d and the shell body 101 is not impaired. In other words, the movable shell 120 effectively distributes the functions of (1) electrical connection through sliding and contact with the shell body 101 and (2) receiving the load from the biasing force of the spring 152 between the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d and the flange parts 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d, respectively.

[0046] Furthermore, when the connector 100 is fitted with the socket 161 of the imaging device 160, the movable shell 120 slides and moves along the Z-axis direction while in contact with the shell body 101, thereby absorbing the Z-axis positional displacement relative to the imaging device 160.

[0047] (Cover component) The cover member 140 has a cover through-hole 142 through which the movable shell 120 is inserted, and is fixed to the first shell flange 106 of the shell body 101. The cover member 140 has a cover support portion 141, a cover through-hole 142, and fixing holes 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, 144e, and 144f. For example, SUS is used as the material of the cover member 140, but other metals may also be used. The cover member 140 constitutes the cover member according to the present invention.

[0048] The cover support portion 141 supports the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d from below. Since the cover support portion 141 is located around the cover through hole 142 and supports the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d, the area of ​​the cover support portion 141 changes according to the size of the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d.

[0049] The cover through-hole 142 is a through-hole formed in the center of the cover member 140, through which the movable shell body 121 of the movable shell 120 is inserted. The cover through-hole 142 is a circular through-hole, but it may be of other shapes to match the shape of the movable shell 120.

[0050] The fixing holes 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, 144e, and 144f are six holes formed at approximately equal intervals outside the cover through hole 142. In this embodiment, six fixing holes are formed, but the number is not necessarily limited to this. The fixing holes 144a, 144c, and 144e are holes used when crimping and fixing the cover member 140 to the shell body 101 using the crimping portions 109a, 109b, and 109c of the shell body 101. The fixing holes 144b, 144d, and 144f are holes used when fixing the cover member 140 and the first shell flange 106 to the imaging device 160 by crimping or using fastening members such as bolts, after aligning them with the shell flange holes 110a, 110b, and 110c.

[0051] (Terminal) As shown in Figure 4, the terminal 150 is positioned along the central axis of the shell body 101, and its tip portion 150a contacts the contact portion 161b of the imaging device 160. The terminal 150 is held by the insulator 151, and in doing so, it engages with an engaging portion of the insulator 151 (not shown). A copper alloy is used as the material for the terminal 150, but other metals may also be used. The terminal 150 constitutes the central contact according to the present invention.

[0052] The tip portion 150a of terminal 150 contacts the contact portion 161b of socket 161 provided on imaging device 160. The rear end portion 150b of terminal 150 contacts the external cable connector 163. In this way, the tip portion 150a of terminal 150 contacts the contact portion 161b of socket 161, thus electrically connecting terminal 150 and imaging device 160. Also, the rear end portion 150b of terminal 150 contacts the external cable connector 163, thus electrically connecting terminal 150 and cable connector 163.

[0053] (Insulator) The insulator 151 is interposed between the shell body 101 and the terminal 150, and holds the terminal 150. The insulator 151 is made of an insulating material such as a resin like polyamide, but is not necessarily limited to this. The insulator 151 is housed in the housing space S1 inside the inner cylindrical portion 102 of the shell body 101. The insulator 151 constitutes an insulating member according to the present invention.

[0054] (Spring) The spring 152 is provided inside the shell body 101, with one end 152a fixed to the shell body 101 and the other end 152b contacting the movable shell 120 and biasing the socket 161 towards the fitting portion 161a. The one end 152a is held in place by a projection on the shell body 101 (not shown). For example, SUS is used as the material of the spring 152, but other metals such as copper alloys may also be used. The spring 152 constitutes the spring according to the present invention.

[0055] The spring 152 is housed inside the accommodation space S2 formed between the outer cylindrical portion 103 and the inner cylindrical portion 102. The spring 152 biases the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d of the movable shell 120 toward the fitting portion 161a. The biasing force of the spring 152 ensures contact pressure of the movable shell 120 against the socket 161, resulting in a sufficient electrical connection between the movable shell 120 and the imaging device 160.

[0056] (Examples of application to imaging devices) An example of applying the connector 100 described above to the imaging device 160 will now be explained.

[0057] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing connector 100, imaging device 160, and cable connector 163. The imaging device 160 comprises a socket 161 and a circuit board 162. The socket 161 has a mating portion 161a that mates with the movable shell body 121 and a contact portion 161b that contacts the terminal 150. The socket 161 is mounted on the circuit board 162. The imaging device 160 constitutes the counterpart electronic device according to the present invention.

[0058] The cable connector 163 mates with the upper part 102a of the shell body 101 and contacts the rear end portion 150b of the terminal 150. This electrically connects the terminal 150 and the cable connector 163, and electrical signals from the imaging device 160 are transmitted to the cable connector 163 via the connector 100.

[0059] Figure 6 shows the state in which the movable shell body 121 of the movable shell 120 of the connector 100 is fitted into the mating portion 161a of the socket 161, and the terminal 150 is in contact with the contact portion 161b. In this state, the cover support portion 141 of the cover member 140 is in contact with and supports the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d. There is almost no contact pressure between the movable shell 120 and the socket 161.

[0060] Figure 7 shows the state in which the entire connector 100 has been pushed downwards from the state in Figure 6. In this state, the tip portion 150a of the terminal 150 is pushed into the contact portion 161b, resulting in stronger contact. Also, the spring 152 is compressed, increasing the biasing force on the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d, ensuring sufficient contact pressure between the movable shell 120 and the socket 161. The movable shell 120, which is not fixed to the shell body 101, remains in the position shown in Figure 6, and the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are separated from the cover support portion 141.

[0061] As described above, the connector 100 according to this embodiment comprises a shell body 101 made of a conductive material, a terminal 150 arranged along the central axis of the shell body 101 with its tip portion 150a in contact with the contact portion 161b of the imaging device 160, an insulator 151 interposed between the shell body 101 and the terminal 150 to hold the terminal 150, a movable shell 120 that is movable along the axial direction of the central axis, slides and contacts the shell body 101, and engages with the fitting portion 161a of the imaging device 160, a spring 152 provided inside the shell body 101 with one end 152a fixed to the shell body 101 and the other end 152b in contact with the movable shell 120 and biasing toward the fitting portion 161a, and a cover member 140 fixed to the shell body 101 with a cover through hole 142 through which the movable shell 120 is inserted. Furthermore, the shell body 101 has an inner cylindrical portion 102 that houses the terminal 150 and the insulator 151 in a housing space S1, and an outer cylindrical portion 103 provided on the outside of the inner cylindrical portion 102 and forming a housing space S2 between itself and the inner cylindrical portion 102 for housing the spring 152. The movable shell 120 has elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d that slide and contact the inner cylindrical portion 102, and flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d that are biased by the spring 152. The cover member 140 has a cover support portion 141 that supports the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d.

[0062] In this configuration, the connector 100 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to the shell body 101 by the sliding contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120 sliding against and contacting the inner cylindrical portion 102 of the shell body 101. Furthermore, the movable shell 120 engages with the fitting portion 161a of the imaging device 160, thus electrically connecting the movable shell 120 to the imaging device 160. Additionally, the terminal 150 contacts the contact portion 161b of the imaging device 160, thus electrically connecting the terminal 150 to the imaging device 160. Therefore, the connector 100 and the imaging device 160 are electrically connected via the movable shell 120 and the terminal 150.

[0063] Furthermore, when the connector 100 engages with the mating portion 161a of the imaging device 160, the movable shell 120 slides against the shell body 101 and moves along the axial direction of the central axis while in contact, thereby absorbing axial misalignment with respect to the imaging device 160. The spring 152 then biases the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d, ensuring contact pressure between the movable shell 120 and the imaging device 160 when the connector 100 engages with the imaging device 160.

[0064] Furthermore, the biasing force from the spring 152 is not received by the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120, but rather by the flange parts 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d. As a result, two of the functions of the movable shell 120, namely (1) the function of electrically connecting through sliding and contact with the shell body 101, and (2) the function of receiving the load due to the biasing force of the spring 152, are divided between the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d and the flange parts 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d, respectively. This prevents the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d, which slide and contact with the shell body 101, from being subjected to the biasing force of the spring 152. Therefore, even if the connector 100 is used for a long period of time, the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d will not deform due to the biasing force of the spring 152, and the function of electrical connection due to sliding and contact between the elastic contact parts 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d and the shell body 101 will not be impaired. Accordingly, the connector 100 according to this embodiment can be stably electrically connected to the imaging device 160.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) Since the main configuration of the connector 200 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, in the following description, components that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be indicated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Differences from the first embodiment, in particular the stopper 230 and the outer cylindrical portion 203 of the shell body 201, will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11.

[0066] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the connector 200 according to this embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the stopper 230 used in the connector 200 according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 200 at cross section AA in Figure 8.

[0067] (Stopper) The connector 200 according to this embodiment includes a stopper 230. The stopper 230 has a stopper through-hole 233 through which the movable shell 120 passes, and is slidable in the Z-axis direction, which is the axial direction of the central axis, relative to the inner circumferential surface of the shell body 201. The stopper 230 has a sliding vertical wall 231, a spring receiving portion 232, and a stopper through-hole 233. The stopper 230 is made of a resin such as polyamide, which is an insulating material, but is not necessarily limited to this. The stopper 230 constitutes the stopper according to the present invention.

[0068] The sliding vertical wall 231 is slidably positioned on the inner circumferential surface 205a of the large diameter portion 205 of the outer cylindrical portion 203, and is erected on the outer edge of the shell body 201 in the Z-axis direction, which is the axial direction of the central axis. By erecting the sliding vertical wall 231, the displacement of the spring 152 in the horizontal direction relative to the Z-axis direction is suppressed, thereby enabling a more stable electrical connection with the imaging device 160.

[0069] The spring receiving portion 232 is the part that receives the biasing force of the spring 152 and is formed around the stopper through hole 233 with a step at a lower position on the inside of the sliding vertical wall 231. The spring receiving portion 232 is biased toward the fitting portion 161a by the other end 152b of the spring 152. The stopper 230, including the spring receiving portion 232, is supported from below by flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d. Therefore, the spring 152 biases the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d via the spring receiving portion 232. The stopper 230, receiving the biasing force of the spring 152, is movable together with the movable shell 120 along the Z-axis direction, which is the central axis of the shell body 201.

[0070] In this way, the biasing force from the spring 152 is received by the spring receiving portion 232 and not by the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d. Therefore, the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are not deformed due to the biasing force of the spring 152, and the function of electrical connection between the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d and the shell body 201 through sliding and contact is not impaired.

[0071] The stopper through-hole 233 is a through-hole through which the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120 are inserted. That is, the inner diameter of the stopper through-hole 233 is larger than the outer diameter of the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120. The stopper through-hole 233 is a circular through-hole, but it may have other shapes to match the shape of the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120.

[0072] In this way, the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120 are inserted through the stopper through hole 233, and the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d come into contact with the inner cylindrical portion 202. By overlapping the area S2 in which the spring 152 is housed in the Z-axis direction with the area S2 in which the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d move, sufficient height for housing the spring 152 can be secured, and stable elasticity can be obtained by extending the length of the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d.

[0073] By forming a stopper through hole 233 in the stopper 230, the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120 can slide and contact the inner cylinder portion 202 at a position higher than the stopper 230. Therefore, sufficient height can be secured for the housing space S2 that accommodates the spring 152 formed between the inner cylinder portion 202 and the outer cylinder portion 203, thereby ensuring contact pressure on the movable shell 120 by the spring 152 via the stopper 230.

[0074] (Shell body) The outer cylindrical portion 203 of the shell body 201 has a small-diameter portion 204 and a large-diameter portion 205, which have different outer diameters. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 205 is larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 204. The inner circumferential surface 205a of the large-diameter portion 205 is the surface on which the sliding vertical wall 231 can slide. The shell body 201 constitutes the shell body according to the present invention.

[0075] A third shell flange 208 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 203 at the boundary between the small diameter portion 204 and the large diameter portion 205. A stepped surface 210 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 203 at the boundary between the small diameter portion 204 and the large diameter portion 205. The stepped surface 210 is located above the sliding vertical wall 231, and when an unexpectedly large load compressing the spring 152 is applied, the upward movement of the stopper 230 can be locked at the position of the stepped surface 210. By providing the large diameter portion 205 in the shell body 201 in this way, the radial width of the sliding vertical wall 231 can be sufficiently provided, and lateral displacement of the spring 152, i.e., displacement in the direction horizontal to the Z-axis direction, can be reliably suppressed.

[0076] (Examples of application to imaging devices) An example of applying the connector 200 described above to the imaging device 160 will now be explained.

[0077] Figure 11 shows the state in which the entire connector 100 is pushed downwards from a state in which the movable shell body 121 of the movable shell 120 of the connector 200 is fitted into the mating portion 161a of the socket 161 and the terminal 150 is in contact with the contact portion 161b. In this state, the tip portion 150a of the terminal 150 is pushed into the contact portion 161b and makes stronger contact. Also, the spring 152 is compressed and the biasing force on the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d increases, and sufficient contact pressure of the movable shell 120 against the socket 161 can be ensured. Since the movable shell 120 is not fixed to the shell body 201, it does not move in accordance with the shell body 201, so the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are separated from the cover support portion 141.

[0078] As described above, the connector 200 according to this embodiment comprises a shell body 201 made of a conductive material, a terminal 150 arranged along the central axis of the shell body 201 with its tip portion 150a in contact with the contact portion 161b of the imaging device 160, an insulator 151 interposed between the shell body 201 and the terminal 150 to hold the terminal 150, and a movable shell that is movable along the axial direction of the central axis, slides and contacts the shell body 201, and engages with the fitting portion 161a of the imaging device 160. The shell body 120 comprises a stopper 230 having a stopper through-hole 233 through which the movable shell 120 is inserted and which is slidable in the axial direction of the central axis between the inner circumferential surface of the shell body 201 and the central axis; a spring 152 provided inside the shell body 201, with one end 152a fixed to the shell body 201 and the other end 152b contacting the stopper 230 and biasing toward the fitting portion 161a; and a cover member 140 having a cover through-hole 142 through which the movable shell 120 is inserted and which is fixed to the shell body 201. Furthermore, the shell body 201 has an inner cylindrical portion 202 that houses the terminal 150 and the insulator 151, and an outer cylindrical portion 203 provided on the outside of the inner cylindrical portion 202 and forming a housing space S2 between it and the inner cylindrical portion 202 for housing the spring 152. The stopper 230 has a spring receiving portion 232 that receives the biasing force of the spring 152 and a sliding vertical wall 231 that is slidably erected in the axial direction of the central axis on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 203. The movable shell 120 slides against the inner cylindrical portion 202 and contacts the bullet. The movable shell 120 and the stopper 230 are both movable along the axial direction of the central axis, with the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d being biased via the stopper 230 by springs 152 and the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d supporting the stopper 230, and the cover member 140 has a cover support portion 141 that supports the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d.

[0079] With this configuration, the connector 200 according to this embodiment provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the connector 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, the connector 200 is designed so that the biasing force from the spring 152 is received by the spring receiving portion 232 of the stopper 230, rather than by the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120. Therefore, even if the connector 200 is used for a long period of time, the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d will not deform due to the biasing force of the spring 152, and the function of electrical connection due to sliding and contact between the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d and the shell body 201 will not be impaired. Accordingly, the connector 200 according to this embodiment can be stably electrically connected to the imaging device 160.

[0081] Furthermore, when using the connector 200, if the spring 152 is misaligned horizontally with respect to the axial direction of the central axis, the contact pressure of the spring 152 on the movable shell 120 via the stopper 230 decreases, resulting in insufficient electrical connection between the movable shell 120 and the imaging device 160, and consequently, an unstable electrical connection between the connector 200 and the imaging device 160.

[0082] However, since the connector 200 has a sliding vertical wall 231 erected on the stopper 230, the displacement of the spring 152 in the horizontal direction relative to the axial direction of the central axis is suppressed, and thus it can be electrically connected to the imaging device 160 more stably.

[0083] Furthermore, by forming a stopper through-hole 233 in the stopper 230 and inserting the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell through the stopper through-hole 233, the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120 can slide and contact the inner cylinder portion 202 at a position higher than the stopper 230. Therefore, sufficient height can be secured for the housing space S2 that accommodates the spring 152 formed between the inner cylinder portion 202 and the outer cylinder portion 203, thereby ensuring contact pressure from the spring 152 to the movable shell 120 via the stopper 230. Consequently, the electrical connection between the movable shell and the imaging device 160 becomes sufficient, and the electrical connection between the connector 200 and the imaging device 160 can be stabilized.

[0084] In the connector 200, the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d are configured to be inserted through the stopper through-hole 233 and to be in contact with the inner cylindrical portion 202.

[0085] In this configuration, the connector 200 has elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d of the movable shell 120 inserted through the stopper through hole 233, and the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d come into contact with the inner cylindrical portion 202. This overlaps the area S2 in which the spring 152 is housed in the Z-axis direction with the area S2 in which the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d move, thereby ensuring sufficient height to house the spring 152. Furthermore, by extending the length of the elastic contact portions 122a, 122b, 122c, and 122d, stable elasticity is obtained, enabling a stable electrical connection between the shell body 201 and the movable shell 120.

[0086] Furthermore, in the connector 200, the outer cylindrical portion 203 has a small diameter portion 204 and a large diameter portion 205, which have different outer diameters. The inner circumferential surface 205a of the large diameter portion 205, which has a larger outer diameter than the small diameter portion 204, and the sliding vertical wall 231 are configured to be slidably arranged.

[0087] In this configuration, the connector 200 has a shell body 201 with a large-diameter portion 205 that slides against the sliding vertical wall 231. By providing the shell body 201 with a large-diameter portion 205 in this way, the radial width of the sliding vertical wall 231 can be sufficiently provided, and lateral displacement of the spring 152, that is, displacement in a direction horizontal to the axial direction of the central axis, can be reliably suppressed.

[0088] (Third embodiment) Since the main configuration of the connector 300 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment described above, in the following description, components that are the same as those of the second embodiment will be indicated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Differences from the second embodiment, in particular the cover member 340 and the outer cylindrical portion 303 of the shell body 301, will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15.

[0089] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the connector 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the cover member 340 used in the connector 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector 300 at cross section AA in Figure 12.

[0090] (Cover component) The cover member 340 according to this embodiment has a cover through-hole 342 through which the movable shell 120 is inserted, and is fixed to the first shell flange 106 of the shell body 301. The cover member 340 has a stepped portion 341, a cover through-hole 342, a cover fixing surface 343, fixing holes 344a, 344b, 344c, and notches 345a, 345b, 345c. Unlike the cover member 140 according to the first embodiment, the cover member 340 has a stepped portion 341 recessed to a predetermined height around the cover through-hole 342, and also has three notched portions 345a, 345b, 345c. The cover member 340 constitutes the cover member according to the present invention.

[0091] The stepped portion 341 is a region recessed downward by a predetermined height relative to the cover fixing surface 343 around the cover through hole 342. A cover support portion 341a is formed in the stepped portion 341. In this embodiment, the stepped portion 341 and the cover support portion 341a are the same region, but the cover support portion 341a may be a part of the stepped portion 341. The cover support portion 341a supports the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d from below. Since the cover support portion 341a is the region that supports the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d, the region of the cover support portion 341a also changes according to the size of the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d.

[0092] By providing a stepped portion 341 in the cover member 340, sufficient height can be secured for the space S2 that houses the spring 152 formed between the inner cylindrical portion 302 and the outer cylindrical portion 303, thereby ensuring contact pressure from the spring 152 to the movable shell 120 via the stopper 230.

[0093] Furthermore, by providing a stepped portion 341 on the cover member 340, the distance from the fulcrum to the force received from the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d is shortened. This increases the rigidity of the cover support portion 341a that receives the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d due to the lever principle, preventing the cover member 340 from deforming due to the biasing force of the spring 152 and preventing the movable shell 120 from falling off the shell body 301.

[0094] The cover through-hole 342 is a through-hole formed in the center of the cover member 340, through which the movable shell body 121 of the movable shell 120 is inserted. The cover through-hole 342 is a circular through-hole, but it may be of other shapes to match the shape of the movable shell 120.

[0095] The cover fixing surface 343 is the surface that is fixed to the first shell flange 106 of the shell body 301 when the cover member 340 is fixed to the shell body 301. The cover fixing surface 343 is formed around the downwardly recessed step portion 341 and above the step portion 341.

[0096] The fixing holes 344a, 344b, and 344c are three holes formed at approximately equal intervals outside the cover through hole 342. In this embodiment, three fixing holes are formed, but the number is not necessarily limited to this. The fixing holes 344a, 344b, and 344c are holes used when the cover member 340 is crimped and fixed to the shell body 301 by the crimping portions 109a, 109b, and 109c of the shell body 301.

[0097] The notches 345a, 345b, and 345c are three portions cut out at approximately equal intervals along the outer circumference of the cover member 340. Each of the notches 345a, 345b, and 345c is cut out in a roughly semicircular shape. In this embodiment, three notches 345a, 345b, and 345c are formed, but the number is not necessarily limited to this. Also, the shape of the notches 345a, 345b, and 345c may be other shapes such as a triangular shape.

[0098] As shown in Figure 12(b), by forming notches 345a, 345b, and 345c in the cover member 340, when fixing the shell body 301 to the imaging device 160, the space created by the notches 345a, 345b, and 345c can be used to easily fix the shell body 301 to the imaging device 160 using a fixing member (not shown).

[0099] (Shell body) The outer cylindrical portion 303 of the shell body 301 has an annular protruding piece 303a that protrudes toward the bottom surface where the cover support portion 341a of the stepped portion 341 is formed below the first shell flange 106 formed at the lower end. The outer circumference of the protruding piece 303a is spaced a predetermined distance from the stepped side surface 341b of the stepped portion 341 of the cover member 340, and its lower end is in contact with the bottom surface of the stepped portion 341. However, the outer circumference of the protruding piece 303a may be in contact with the stepped side surface 341b of the stepped portion 341 of the cover member 340. By providing a protruding piece 303a on the outer cylindrical portion 303, it is possible to prevent the ends of the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d of the movable shell 120 from coming into contact with the stepped side surface 341b of the stepped portion 341 of the cover member 340, and to move the cover member 340 and the stopper 230 to the bottom side where the cover support portion 341a of the stepped portion 341 is formed. The shell body 301 constitutes the shell body according to the present invention.

[0100] (Examples of application to imaging devices) An example of applying the connector 300 described above to the imaging device 160 will now be explained.

[0101] Figure 15 shows the state in which the entire connector 300 is pushed downwards from a state in which the movable shell body 121 of the movable shell 120 of the connector 300 is fitted into the mating portion 161a of the socket 161 and the terminal 150 is in contact with the contact portion 161b. In this state, the tip portion 150a of the terminal 150 is pushed into the contact portion 161b and makes stronger contact. Also, the spring 152 is compressed and the biasing force on the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d increases, and sufficient contact pressure of the movable shell 120 against the socket 161 can be ensured. Since the movable shell 120 is not fixed to the shell body 301, it does not move in accordance with the shell body 301, and the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d are separated from the cover support portion 341a.

[0102] As described above, in this embodiment, the connector 300 has a cover member 340 which has a stepped portion 341 recessed to a predetermined height around the cover through hole 342, and the cover support portion 341a is formed on the stepped portion 341.

[0103] With this configuration, the connector 300 according to this embodiment has a stepped portion 341 recessed to a predetermined height in the cover member 340, which ensures sufficient height for the housing space S2 that accommodates the spring 152 formed between the inner cylindrical portion 302 and the outer cylindrical portion 303. This ensures that the contact pressure of the spring 152 against the movable shell 120 via the stopper 230 is secured. Therefore, the electrical connection between the movable shell 120 and the imaging device 160 is sufficient, and the electrical connection between the connector 300 and the imaging device 160 can be stabilized.

[0104] In the connector 300, the shell body 301 is configured to have a protruding piece 303a that protrudes from the bottom side, below the first shell flange 106 formed at the lower end of the outer cylindrical portion 303, and a cover support portion 341a of the stepped portion 341 is formed therebelow it.

[0105] This configuration prevents the ends of the flange portions 123a, 123b, 123c, and 123d of the movable shell 120 from coming into contact with the stepped portion 341 of the cover member 340, and also allows the cover member 340 and the stopper 230 to move to the bottom side of the stepped portion 341 where the cover support portion 341a is formed.

[0106] In the connector 300, the cover member 340 is configured to have three notched portions 345a, 345b, and 345c.

[0107] With this configuration, when fixing the shell body 301 to the imaging device 160, the connector 300 can easily fix the shell body 301 to the imaging device 160 using a fixing member, utilizing the space created by the notches 345a, 345b, and 345c.

[0108] As described above, the connector according to the present invention has the effect of being able to stably electrically connect to electronic devices and the like, and is useful for connectors in general. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 100, 200, 300 connectors 101, 201, 301 Shell body 102, 202, 302 Inner cylinder part 102a Upper part 102b Lower part 103, 203, 303 Outer cylinder part 106 First shell flange 107 Second shell flange 109a, 109b, 109c Crimping section 110a, 110b, 110c Shell flange holes 120 movable shells 121 Movable shell body 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d Elastic contact area 123a, 123b, 123c, 123d Flange section 140, 340 Cover components 141, 341a Cover support section 142, 342 cover through holes 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, 144e, 144f Fixing holes 150 Terminals (Central Contacts) 150a Tip part 150b rear end part 151 Insulator (insulating material) 152 Spring 152a One end 152b Other end 160 Imaging device (electronic equipment) 161 Sockets 161a Fitting part 161b Contact part 162 circuit boards 163 Cable Connectors 204 Small diameter section 205 Large diameter section 205a Inner surface of large diameter section 208 Third Shell Flange 210 Step surface 230 Stopper 231 Sliding vertical wall 232 Spring receiving section 233 Stopper through hole 303a Projecting piece 341 Stepped section 341b Stepped side 343 Cover fixing surface 344a, 344b, 344c fixing hole 345a, 345b, 345c cutout S1, S2 containment space

Claims

1. A shell body made of conductive material, The central contact is positioned along the central axis of the shell body, and its tip contacts the contact portion of the opposing electronic device, An insulating member interposed between the shell body and the central contact, which holds the central contact, A movable shell that is movable along the axial direction of the central axis, slides and contacts the shell body, and engages with the mating portion of the mating electronic device, A spring provided inside the shell body, with one end fixed to the shell body and the other end in contact with the movable shell and biasing toward the fitting portion, The movable shell is inserted through a cover through hole formed in the cover, and the cover member is fixed to the shell body, The shell body comprises an inner cylindrical portion that houses the central contact and the insulating member, and an outer cylindrical portion provided outside the inner cylindrical portion, forming a space between itself and the inner cylindrical portion for housing the spring. The movable shell has an elastic contact portion that slides and contacts the inner cylindrical portion, and a flange portion that is biased by the spring, The connector is characterized in that the cover member has a cover support portion that supports the flange portion.

2. A shell body made of conductive material, The central contact is positioned along the central axis of the shell body, and its tip contacts the contact portion of the opposing electronic device, An insulating member interposed between the shell body and the central contact, which holds the central contact, A movable shell that is movable along the axial direction of the central axis, slides and contacts the shell body, and engages with the mating portion of the mating electronic device, A stopper is provided, which has a stopper through-hole through which the movable shell is inserted, and which is slidable in the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface of the shell body and the central axis. A spring provided inside the shell body, with one end fixed to the shell body and the other end in contact with the stopper and biasing toward the fitting portion, The movable shell is inserted through a cover through hole formed in the cover, and the cover member is fixed to the shell body, The shell body comprises an inner cylindrical portion that houses the central contact and the insulating member, and an outer cylindrical portion provided outside the inner cylindrical portion, forming a space between itself and the inner cylindrical portion for housing the spring. The stopper has a spring receiving portion that receives the biasing force of the spring and a sliding wall that is slidably mounted in the axial direction of the central axis and is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion. The movable shell has an elastic contact portion that slides and contacts the inner cylindrical portion, and a flange portion that is biased by the spring via the stopper, and the flange portion supports the stopper so that both the movable shell and the stopper can move along the axial direction of the central axis. The connector is characterized in that the cover member has a cover support portion that supports the flange portion.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic contact portion is inserted through the stopper through hole and in contact with the inner cylindrical portion.

4. The outer cylindrical portion has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, which have different outer diameters. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter portion, which has an outer diameter larger than the small-diameter portion, and the sliding vertical wall are slidably arranged.

5. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the cover member has a stepped portion recessed to a predetermined height around the cover through hole, and the cover support portion is formed in the stepped portion.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that the shell body has a protruding piece that protrudes below the shell flange formed at the lower end of the outer cylindrical portion and toward the bottom surface of the stepped portion.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover member has one or more notched portions.

Images