Coaxial Connectors

Abstract

To provide a coaxial connector that can stably guarantee electrical connection even if positional deviation occurs between a plug and a receptacle.SOLUTION: A coaxial connector comprises a plug 10B and a receptacle A that are electrically connected with each other. The plug 10B includes a first contact 1, a holder 2, a first cylindrical shell 3, and a shield member 7. The receptacle A includes a second contact 5, a case 9, and a second cylindrical shell 8. The second contact 5 has a bottom part 51, a pair of erected parts 52, and an extension body 53. The pair of erected parts 52 include a contact part 52b2 formed in a wide shape allowing clamping an end 12 of the first contact 1. The extension body 53 includes a leading end part 53a fixed to the substrate 102, a hold part 53b held on the case 9, and an elastically deformable elastic part 53c. The elastic part 53c is elastically deformable in a direction orthogonal to an extension direction of the contact part 52b2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coaxial connector having a plug and a receptacle that are electrically connected to each other. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a coaxial connector that includes a receptacle that is electrically connected to a board, and a plug that is coaxially and electrically connected to the receptacle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The plug in the coaxial connector described in Patent Document 1 includes a plug-side center contact, a plug-side insulator that inserts and supports the plug-side center contact, and a conductive plug-side shell that covers the outside of the plug-side insulator. The receptacle in this coaxial connector (called a socket in the document) includes a socket-side center contact, an insulating housing base and a housing movable part that accommodate the socket-side center contact, and a conductive socket-side shell that covers the outside of the housing base. When the plug and receptacle are connected in a state where they are misaligned relative to each other, the housing movable part moves together with the socket-side center contact, and the socket-side shell comes into contact with the plug-side shell in a state where it is in partial abutment against the plug-side shell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-18948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the coaxial connector described in Patent Document 1, when the plug and receptacle are misaligned relative to each other, the socket shell comes into contact with the plug shell on one side, which makes it easy for high-frequency signals propagating through the contacts to leak, resulting in reduced signal quality. Also, when the movable part of the housing moves, the socket center contact may be twisted, and if twisted, the contact load of the plug center contact and the socket center contact decreases, making it difficult to ensure electrical connection.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a coaxial connector that can ensure stable electrical connection even if there is misalignment between the plug and receptacle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Coaxial connector according to the present invention The characteristic configuration of a coaxial connector including a plug and a receptacle electrically connected to each other, the plug including a conductive first contact formed in a rod shape, an insulating holder into which the first contact is inserted and supported, a conductive first cylindrical shell covering the outside of the holder, and a conductive shielding member in contact with the first cylindrical shell to block external electromagnetic waves; the receptacle including a conductive second contact electrically connected to a board and electrically connectable coaxially with the first contact, an insulating case accommodating the second contact, and a conductive second cylindrical shell covering the outside of the case, the second contact being The connector has a bottom facing the substrate, a pair of upright portions standing in a plate-like shape close to each other from the bottom, and an extension body extending in an inverted U-shape from the bottom toward the outside more than one of the upright portions, the pair of upright portions including contact portions configured in a wide shape capable of clamping an end of the first contact, the extension body including a tip portion fixed to the substrate, a holding portion held in the case, and an elastic portion that is elastically deformable, the elastic portion being elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the contact portions, and a portion of the elastic portion fitting into a notch formed by cutting out one of the upright portions.

[0011] In this configuration, if the contact portions formed on the pair of upright portions of the second contact are formed in a wide shape capable of clamping the end portions of the first contact, the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact can be ensured even if the plug and the receptacle are relatively misaligned in the extending direction of the contact portions. In addition, since the elastic portion in this configuration is elastically deformable in a direction parallel to the direction in which the contact portions clamp the end portions of the first contact, the elastic portion can elastically deform to ensure the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact even if the plug and the receptacle are relatively misaligned in a direction parallel to the direction in which the contact portions clamp the end portions of the first contact. Therefore, even if the plug and the receptacle are misaligned in various directions, the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact can be reliably ensured. In this way, the wide shape absorbs the misalignment in the extending direction of the contact portions, and the elastic portion absorbs the misalignment in the direction parallel to the clamping direction of the end portions of the first contact, so that the second contact is less likely to twist and the contact load can be stably ensured. The contact load is ensured by the shape of the second contact, so that the contact performance between the first cylindrical shell and the shielding member is not degraded, and high frequency signals are unlikely to leak. Furthermore, as in this configuration, a part of the elastic portion fits into a notch formed by cutting out one of the erected portions, so that the coaxial connector can be made compact. Therefore, it is possible to provide a coaxial connector that can ensure stable electrical connection even if there is misalignment between the plug and receptacle.

[0012] Another characteristic feature is that the bottom surface of the bottom of the second contact that faces the substrate is located on the same plane as the fixing surface of the tip of the extension body that is fixed to the substrate.

[0013] In this configuration, if the bottom surface of the bottom of the second contact and the fixing surface of the tip of the extension are located on the same plane, even if the elastic portion deforms, the bottom of the second contact abuts against the board, and stress is unlikely to be applied to the tip of the extension that is fixed to the board. Therefore, a stable electrical connection can be ensured even if there is misalignment between the plug and receptacle.

[0014] Another characteristic feature is that a hemispherical protrusion is formed on the bottom surface of the bottom portion of the second contact.

[0015] In this configuration, by providing a hemispherical protrusion on the bottom surface of the bottom of the second contact, the hemispherical protrusion slides smoothly over the substrate when the elastic portion elastically deforms, thereby relieving stress that occurs due to misalignment between the plug and receptacle.

[0016] Another characteristic feature is that the shielding member has a first curved portion that is elastically deformable and curved outward, and a second curved portion that is curved inward from the first curved portion and can be electrically connected to the second cylindrical shell.

[0017] In this configuration, the shielding member of the plug that comes into contact with the second cylindrical shell of the receptacle is provided with a first curved portion that is elastically deformable and curved outward, and a second curved portion that is curved inward from the first curved portion and is electrically connectable to the second cylindrical shell. Therefore, when the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected with the plug and the receptacle being misaligned relative to each other, the first curved portion flexibly deforms and the second curved portion maintains a state in which the entire contact is in contact with the second cylindrical shell. This ensures high shielding properties, and there is no inconvenience such as a high-frequency signal propagating through the contact leaking out and degrading signal quality.

[0018] As another characteristic configuration, the shield member has a cylindrical portion that contacts the first cylindrical shell, and the first curved portion extends in a plurality of segments from the cylindrical portion.

[0019] As in this configuration, by bringing the first cylindrical shell into contact with the cylindrical portion of the shielding member and extending the first curved portion in multiple segments from the cylindrical portion, the first curved portion can deform more flexibly, making the contact resistance between the shielding member and the second cylindrical shell uniform and increasing durability.

[0020] As another characteristic configuration, the second curved portion is composed of segments that are continuous with each of the multiple first curved portions, and the diameter of an imaginary circle circumferentially connecting the innermost parts of the multiple segments is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion.

[0021] If the second curved portion is also formed of multiple segments that are continuous with the first curved portion, as in this configuration, the second curved portion can be moved following the deformation of the first curved portion, thereby ensuring more contact points between the shielding member and the second cylindrical shell. Moreover, since the diameter of an imaginary circle that circumferentially connects the innermost parts of the multiple segments is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion, it is possible to ensure an appropriate contact load while making the coaxial connector compact.

[0022] Another characteristic feature is that all the second curved portions are constantly electrically connected to the second cylindrical shell.

[0023] As in this configuration, even when the plug and receptacle are misaligned relative to one another, if all of the second curved portions are constantly electrically connected to the second cylindrical shell, the shielding properties of the coaxial connector can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a camera unit (vehicle-mounted camera). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a coaxial connector. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the coaxial connector. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a state in which the receptacle is misaligned to the left and downward with respect to the plug. [Figure 9]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the receptacle is misaligned to the right and upward with respect to the plug. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a coaxial connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a camera unit 100 (vehicle-mounted camera) mounted on a vehicle includes a plug unit 10 having a plug 10B and a camera module 110 having a receptacle A. The coaxial connector in this embodiment includes a plug 10B and a receptacle A. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] [Overview] 1, the camera unit 100 includes a camera module 110 including a receptacle A, a plug unit 10, and an insulating main body case 90 made of resin or the like that houses the camera module 110. The camera module 110 includes at least an image sensor 101, a substrate 102 on which an electronic circuit is mounted that drives and controls the image sensor 101 and processes a video signal output from the image sensor 101, and an optical system 104 including a lens 103 that focuses light onto the image sensor 101. This camera unit 100 can also be used for purposes other than mounting on a vehicle (for example, it may be mounted on a bicycle, a drone, etc.).

[0027] The camera unit 100 is electrically connected to an image processing device (not shown) or a monitor device (not shown) by a coaxial cable 120. The coaxial cable 120 is a cable having an inner conductor and an outer conductor arranged coaxially with a dielectric (insulator) sandwiched therebetween. The inner conductor transmits signals, and the outer conductor functions as a shield that suppresses the influence of electromagnetic waves on the inner conductor. In this embodiment, the inner conductor supplies power from the image processing device or monitor device to the image sensor 101 and electronic circuits of the board 102 of the camera unit 100, and outputs video signals output from the image sensor 101 and electronic circuits of the board 102 to the image processing device or monitor device.

[0028] The imaging element 101 of the camera module 110 is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CIS (CMOS Image Sensor). The number of lenses 103 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The electronic circuit of the substrate 102 includes a clock driver that drives the imaging element 101, an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the imaging element 101 into a digital signal, and the like.

[0029] The substrate 102 is configured as a circuit board in which electronic components are mounted on one or more printed circuit boards. When multiple circuit boards are provided, a flexible substrate may be used for electrical connection between the circuit boards. A receptacle A is mounted on the substrate 102 on which the electronic circuit is formed. The plug unit 10 is electrically connected to the receptacle A and also electrically connected to the coaxial cable 120, electrically connecting the electronic circuit of the substrate 102 and the coaxial cable 120.

[0030] [Basic configuration] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the coaxial connector, Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the coaxial connector, and Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show exploded perspective views of the plug unit 10 and the receptacle A. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the shielding member 7, and Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the second contact 5. As shown in Fig. 2, the coaxial connector includes a plug 10B and a receptacle A.

[0031] The plug unit 10 includes a plug case 10A and a plug 10B inserted into the plug case 10A. The plug case 10A and a main case 90 (see FIG. 1) are fixed together by a plurality of bolts (not shown), laser welding, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the plug 10B includes a terminal module 30, an external seal member 6, and a shield member 7. The terminal module 30 includes a first contact 1, a holder 2, a first cylindrical shell 3, and an internal seal member 4. The terminal module 30 has the same function as the coaxial cable 120. The first contact 1 corresponds to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable 120, the holder 2 corresponds to the dielectric (insulator) of the coaxial cable 120, and the first cylindrical shell 3 corresponds to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 120.

[0032] The plug case 10A is a case that houses the plug 10B. As shown in Fig. 1, the plug case 10A is located behind the camera module 110 in the camera unit 100, and may be referred to as a rear case. The main body case 90 is sometimes referred to as a front case in the camera unit 100 in comparison with the rear case. The plug case 10A and the main body case 90 are connected to each other by a plurality of bolts, laser welding, or the like, and a housing space for the terminal module 30, the external seal member 6, the shield member 7, and the receptacle A is formed inside.

[0033] The shielding member 7 shields the internal space of the shielding member 7 from electromagnetic waves propagating through the external space of the shielding member 7. The shielding member 7 covers at least a part of the receptacle A of the camera module 110 to shield the electronic circuit of the board 102 from electromagnetic waves such as electromagnetic noise. The shielding member 7 is connected to the ground of the board 102. The outer conductor of the coaxial cable 120 described above is electrically connected to the first cylindrical shell 3 of the terminal module 30. In addition, as described later, the shielding member 7 and the first cylindrical shell 3 of the terminal module 30 are electrically connected. Therefore, when the shielding member 7 is electrically connected to the ground of the board 102, the first cylindrical shell 3 and the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 120 are also electrically connected to the ground of the board 102.

[0034] The plug unit 10 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6. FIG.

[0035] As described above, the plug unit 10 includes the plug case 10A and the plug 10B. The plug 10B includes the terminal module 30, an external seal member 6, and a shield member 7. The terminal module 30 includes the first contact 1, a holder 2, a first cylindrical shell 3, and an internal seal member 4.

[0036] 2 and 4, the first contact 1 is a rod-shaped conductor that transmits signals. In this embodiment, the first contact 1 is composed only of a linear portion 1a, and the extension direction of the first contact 1 will be referred to as a first direction L in the following description. In addition, a direction perpendicular to the first direction L will be referred to as a radial direction, a direction toward the first contact 1 in the radial direction will be referred to as a radial inner direction R1, and a direction away from the first contact 1 will be referred to as a radial outer direction R2.

[0037] The holder 2 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 23 through which the first contact 1 penetrates at the center of a cylindrical insulator, and supports the first contact 1 by inserting it therein. The holder 2 is formed of an insulating (non-conductive) material such as resin to insulate the first contact 1 from the outside. The length of the holder 2 in the first direction L is shorter than that of the first contact 1. Therefore, the holder 2 covers the center portion 14 of the first contact 1 in the first direction L to support the first contact 1. In other words, both ends of the first contact 1 are not covered by the holder 2 and are exposed to become the first terminal portion 11 and the second terminal portion 12. The first terminal portion 11 is disposed on the side of the coaxial cable 120, and the second terminal portion 12 is disposed on the side of the receptacle A. Although an exploded perspective view is shown in FIG. 4 for convenience, the first contact 1 is insert-molded into the holder 2. A first annular protrusion 14a and a second annular protrusion 14b protruding radially outward R2 are formed at both ends of the central portion 14 covered by the holder 2. By forming the annular protrusions 14a, 14b at both ends of the central portion 14 of the first contact 1 in this manner and integrating the central portion 14 with the holder 2 by insert molding, it is possible to reliably prevent the first contact 1 from falling off the holder 2. In this manner, the linear portion 1a of the first contact 1 is composed of the first terminal portion 11, the second terminal portion 12, and the central portion 14.

[0038] The holder 2 is a cylindrical member having a first body portion 21 on the side of the first terminal portion 11, a second body portion 22 on the side of the second terminal portion 12, the second body portion 22 having a larger diameter than the first body portion 21, and an annular step portion 24 formed by reducing the diameter of an end portion of the second body portion 22. As shown in Fig. 2, after the holder 2 is inserted into the first cylindrical shell 3, a locking protrusion 34a formed by crushing a part of the first cylindrical shell 3 radially inward R1 comes into contact with a lower end surface of the second body portion 22 adjacent to the annular step portion 24, thereby preventing the holder 2 from falling off from the first cylindrical shell 3.

[0039] The first cylindrical shell 3 is a cylindrical conductive member covering the radial outside R2 of the holder 2, and has a cylindrical end 34 exposed from the plug case 10A. A plurality of locking projections 34a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical end 34, and these locking projections 34a abut against the lower end surface of the second main body portion 22 of the holder 2. The first cylindrical shell 3 has an annular extension portion 33 that extends from the inner peripheral surface to the radial inside R1 in a circular shape in a part on the side of the first terminal portion 11. The first cylindrical shell 3 also has a retraction step portion 31 that retracts (expands in diameter) from the inner peripheral surface to the radial outside R2 in a circular shape in a part on the side of the second terminal portion 12. The upper end surface of the second main body portion 22 of the holder 2 abuts against this retraction step portion 31, and the plurality of locking projections 34a abut against the lower end surface of the second main body portion 22, thereby fixing the holder 2 to the first cylindrical shell 3. The retractable step 31 in this embodiment is formed by cutting the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical shell 3. The first cylindrical shell 3 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) locking ribs 32 formed by compressing a part of the first cylindrical shell 3 radially outward R2 after the first cylindrical shell 3 is inserted into the plug case 10A. The locking ribs 32 engage with the annular protrusion 10Aa of the plug case 10A, thereby preventing the first cylindrical shell 3 from falling off from the plug case 10A. Furthermore, the cylindrical end 34 of the first cylindrical shell 3 has an annular recess 34b recessed in an annular shape from the outer peripheral surface to the radially inward R1, and an annular portion 35c is formed protruding radially outward R2 adjacent to the annular recess 34b on the side of the external seal member 6.

[0040] The internal seal member 4 seals the terminal module 30 so that liquids and the like do not infiltrate therein. The internal seal member 4 is an annular member (elastic member) having elasticity. The internal seal member 4 is installed on the terminal module 30 with one surface in the first direction L engaged by the annular extension portion 33 and the other surface engaged by the end surface in the first direction L of the holder 2.

[0041] In this manner, in the terminal module 30, one side of the internal seal member 4 is abutted against the annular extension 33, the holder 2 supporting the first contact 1 is abutted against the other side of the internal seal member 4, and the holder 2 is sandwiched between the retracted step 31 of the first cylindrical shell 3 and the locking projection 34a. In other words, in the terminal module 30, the internal seal member 4 and the holder 2 are arranged at a specified position in the direction along the first direction L while being sandwiched between the annular extension 33 and the locking projection 34a of the first cylindrical shell 3. The terminal module 30 thus formed is inserted into the cylindrical space of the plug case 10A, and then the locking rib 32 formed by crushing a part of the first cylindrical shell 3 radially outward R2 engages with the annular protrusion 10Aa of the plug case 10A, thereby attaching the terminal module 30 to the plug case 10A.

[0042] The plug case 10A is a case that houses the terminal module 30 and the external seal member 6, and supports the terminal module 30 (first cylindrical shell 3) by inserting it therein. Since the outer surface of the terminal module 30 is the conductive first cylindrical shell 3, in order to insulate the first cylindrical shell 3 from the outside of the plug unit 10, the plug case 10A is made of an insulating (non-conductive) material such as a metal material or resin that can dissipate heat inside the camera module 110.

[0043] The plug case 10A has a cylindrical tubular portion 10A1 and a block portion 10A2 protruding from the cylindrical portion 10A1 to the radially outer side R2 in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 10A1 is provided with an annular protrusion 10Aa protruding to the radially inner side R1. As described above, the annular protrusion 10Aa engages with the locking rib 32 of the first cylindrical shell 3.

[0044] A seal recess 10Ab is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the block portion 10A2, and the external seal member 6 is attached to the seal recess 10Ab. The external seal member 6 is sandwiched between the seal recess 10Ab, which is the bottom of the plug case 10A, and the annular portion 35c of the first cylindrical shell 3 in the first direction L. Like the internal seal member 4, the external seal member 6 is also an annular member having elasticity (elastic member).

[0045] The above-mentioned internal seal member 4 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical shell 3 and the outer peripheral surface of the first contact 1, and the external seal member 6 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the plug case 10A and the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical shell 3, suppressing the intrusion of liquid into the cylindrical space of the plug case 10A. When the plug unit 10 is used as a camera unit 100 as an in-vehicle camera as in this embodiment, sealing using the internal seal member 4 and the external seal member 6 is effective. The camera unit 100 as an in-vehicle camera is often used, for example, for driving assistance and recording of driving conditions. In this case, the camera unit 100 is often installed on the exterior of the vehicle, such as a bumper or door. The exterior of the vehicle is easily exposed to rain, snow, water droplets from puddles on the road, etc. Therefore, it is preferable to provide waterproofing to the plug unit 10 by performing the above-mentioned sealing.

[0046] 2 to 4 and 6, the shield member 7 has a cylindrical portion 71 that contacts the first cylindrical shell 3, a first curved portion 72 that is elastically deformable and curved radially outward R2 from the cylindrical portion 71, and a second curved portion 73 that is curved radially inward R1 from the first curved portion 72. The shield member 7 shields the internal space of the shield member 7 from electromagnetic waves present in the external space of the shield member 7, such as electromagnetic waves such as signals transmitted by the first contacts 1 and electromagnetic noise that affects the electronic circuits of the substrate 102 of the camera module 110. For this reason, the shield member 7 is also formed of a conductive material such as a metal.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the cylindrical portion 71 has a cylindrical main body 71a that abuts against the annular recess 34b of the cylindrical end portion 34 of the first cylindrical shell 3, and a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) bent pieces 71b bent from one end of the cylindrical main body 71a to the radially outer side R2. The cylindrical main body 71a is formed with a plurality of (eight in this embodiment) extruded protrusions 71a1 extruded by press working to the radially inner side R1 so as to contact the outer circumferential surface of the annular recess 34b of the cylindrical end portion 34. These extruded protrusions 71a1 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to correspond to the plurality of bent pieces 71b. As shown in FIG. 3, the ends of the plurality of bent pieces 71b are in contact with the inner end surface of the opening side of the block portion 10A2 of the metal plug case 10A. When the plug case 10A is made of resin, the plurality of bent pieces 71b are shortened and the ends of the bent pieces 71b are brought into contact with the exposed surface 35c1 of the annular portion 35c of the first cylindrical shell 3.

[0048] The connection portion 71b1 of the cylindrical main body 71a and the bent pieces 71b and the other end of the cylindrical main body 71a are in close contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical end portion 34, and the ends of the bent pieces 71b are in contact with the inner end surface of the opening side of the plug case 10A, so that the shielding member 7 is engaged with the first cylindrical shell 3 (see also FIG. 2). At this time, the extrusion protrusions 71a1 are in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the annular recess 34b of the cylindrical end portion 34, so that the shielding member 7 is prevented from falling off. In this way, the bent pieces 71b are in contact with the plug case 10A, and the cylindrical main body 71a including the extrusion protrusions 71a1 is in contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical end portion 34, so that the plug case 10A, the first cylindrical shell 3, and the shielding member 7 are electrically connected in a mutually engaged state.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, the first curved portion 72 extends from the other end of the cylindrical main body 71a in a plurality of segments (eight in this embodiment) so as to be curved radially outward R2, and the second curved portion 73 is composed of a plurality of segments (eight in this embodiment) continuous with the first curved portion 72. The first curved portion 72 has a first inclined portion 72a extending from the cylindrical portion 71 to the radially outward R2, a second inclined portion 72b extending from the first inclined portion 72a to the radially inward R1, and a convex curved portion 72c that is a boundary between the first inclined portion 72a and the second inclined portion 72b. The second curved portion 73 has a second inclined portion 72b, a third inclined portion 73a extending from the second inclined portion 72b to the radially outward R2, and a concave curved portion 73b that is a boundary between the second inclined portion 72b and the third inclined portion 73a. The diameter of an imaginary circle connecting the multiple concave curved portions 73b (the innermost portions of the multiple segments) in the circumferential direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical main body 71a (cylindrical portion 71).

[0050] With this configuration, concave curved areas 73b of second curved portions 73 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of second cylindrical shell 8 of receptacle A, which will be described later, and shielding member 7 and second cylindrical shell 8 are electrically connected (see also FIG. 3). At this time, since first curved portions 72 are configured to be elastically deformable so that multiple segments of shielding member 7 can be spread apart, all second curved portions 73 are electrically connected to second cylindrical shell 8 at all times.

[0051] 2 and 5, receptacle A includes second contacts 5 that are electrically connected to substrate 102 and are electrically connectable coaxially (in first direction L) with first contacts 1, an insulating case 9 that houses second contacts 5, and a conductive second cylindrical shell 8 that covers the outside of case 9. Note that receptacle A may include substrate 102.

[0052] The second contact 5 has a bottom 51 facing the substrate 102, a pair of upright portions 52 arranged in a plate-like shape close to each other from the bottom 51, and an extension body 53 extending in an inverted U-shape from the bottom 51 toward the outside beyond one of the upright portions 52.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom 51 has a double structure of a long rectangular plate-shaped main body 51a and a pair of bent portions 51b formed by bending both ends of the plate-shaped main body 51a inward. A pair of standing portions 52 are formed by bending a pair of sides of the plate-shaped main body 51a, and each standing portion 52 is formed with a U-shaped notch 52a, so that each standing portion 52 stands from both ends of the pair of sides. An extension 53 is bent in the same direction as the standing portion 52 at the end of one of the bent portions 51b. The bottom surfaces 51b1 of the pair of bent portions 51b face the substrate 102, and each of the pair of bottom surfaces 51b1 has a hemispherical protrusion 51b2 formed thereon. The hemispherical protrusion 51b2 may have any shape as long as the outer surface is arc-shaped.

[0054] The pair of standing portions 52 are symmetrically arranged on the plate-like main body 51a and stand upright in a plate shape close to each other. Each standing portion 52 includes a pair of arms 52b extending from both ends of the side of the plate-like main body 51a and a bent portion 52c bent outward from a connection end 52b1 of the pair of arms 52b. Contact portions 52b2 with which the first contact 1 can come into contact are formed on the inner surface of the pair of connection ends 52b1, and these contact portions 52b2 are configured with a wide shape capable of clamping the second terminal portion 12 (end portion) of the first contact 1. The width of the contact portions 52b2 is set so that electrical connection with the first contact 1 can be ensured within the allowable range of relative positional deviation between the plug 10B and the receptacle A.

[0055] A U-shaped notch 52a is formed between a pair of arm portions 52b in each standing portion 52. A part of the extension body 53 fits into the notch 52a of one standing portion 52. The extension body 53 may be provided so as to fit into the notch 52a of the other standing portion 52, or a pair of extension bodies 53 may be provided so as to fit into the notches 52a of both standing portions 52.

[0056] The extension body 53 includes a tip portion 53a fixed to the substrate 102, a holding portion 53b held by the case 9, and an elastic portion 53c that is elastically deformable.

[0057] The tip portion 53a is formed by bending outward from the holding portion 53b, and includes a fixing surface 53a1 that is fixed to the signal electrode 102a of the substrate 102 by soldering or the like (see also FIG. 5). The holding portion 53b includes a straight portion 53b1 that is bent from the elastic portion 53c toward the substrate 102, and a widened portion 53b2 that widens the width of the straight portion 53b1 on the tip portion 53a side. The widened portion 53b2 is press-fitted into the case 9, so that the extension body 53 is held by the case 9 (see also FIG. 3). The protruding ends of a pair of hemispherical projections 51b2 formed on a pair of bottom surfaces 51b1 of the bottom portion 51 of the second contact 5 are located on the same plane as the fixing surface 53a1 of the tip portion 53a that is fixed to the substrate 102 (see also FIG. 2).

[0058] The elastic portion 53c is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the contact portion 52b2. The elastic portion 53c includes an extending portion 53c1 extending from one of the bent portions 51b along the erecting direction of the erecting portion 52, and a folded portion 53c2 folded back from the extending portion 53c1, and the folded portion 53c2 is connected to the straight portion 53b1. The extending portion 53c1 is inclined, and the folded portion 53c2 is R-shaped, so that the extending body 53 is configured in an inverted U-shape. The extending portion 53c1 enters the notch 52a of one of the erecting portions 52.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the case 9 includes a cylindrical portion 91 and an annular flange 92 that protrudes outward in an annular shape from the end of the cylindrical portion 91. A pair of holding walls 91a that protrude inward in an L-shape are formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 91 that faces the extension body 53. The extension body 53 is held in the case 9 by the widening portion 53b2 of the holding portion 53b being press-fitted into the holding wall 91a. When the holding portion 53b is fitted into the holding wall 91a, the tip portion 53a and the holding portion 53b are fixed in position, and the elastic portion 53c is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the contact portion 52b2. The annular flange 92 prevents the second cylindrical shell 8 from moving by contacting the upper end of the second cylindrical shell 8 (see FIG. 2).

[0060] The second cylindrical shell 8 includes a cylindrical main body 81 and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) bent pieces 82 bent outward from the lower end of the cylindrical main body 81. The cylindrical main body 81 covers the cylindrical portion 91 of the case 9, and the upper end of the cylindrical main body 81 abuts against the annular flange 92. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 81 contacts the second curved portion 73 of the shielding member 7, thereby electrically connecting the shielding member 7 and the second cylindrical shell 8 (see also FIG. 2). The plurality of bent pieces 82 are each fixed to the ground electrode 102b of the substrate 102 by soldering or the like. With these configurations, the shielding member 7 is electrically connected to the ground of the substrate 102 via the second cylindrical shell 8, and the first cylindrical shell 3 and the outer conductor of the coaxial cable 120 are also electrically connected to the ground of the substrate 102 (see also FIGS. 1 and 2). As a result, the internal space of the second cylindrical shell 8 is shielded from electromagnetic waves such as electromagnetic noise that affect signals transmitted by the first contact 1 and the second contact 5 and the electronic circuits of the substrate 102 of the camera module 110.

[0061] The plug unit 10 in which the above-mentioned terminal module 30 and shield member 7 are accommodated and fixed in the plug case 10A, and the receptacle A electrically connected to the plug unit 10 may be a coaxial connector. The plug unit 10 and the receptacle A may further include the board 102 and the main body case 90 and be referred to as a coaxial connector. However, when the main body case 90 is included, the camera module 110 may be accommodated in the main body case 90. In this case, the coaxial connector is almost synonymous with the camera unit 100. Therefore, any of the assembly of the terminal module 30 and the receptacle A accommodated in the plug case 10A, the intermediate assembly including the main body case 90, and the camera unit 100 accommodating the camera module 110 can be made to correspond to a coaxial connector.

[0062] [Assembly Instructions] As shown in FIG. 4, the external seal member 6, the terminal module 30, and the shield member 7 are assembled in this order from the opening side of the block portion 10A2 of the plug case 10A to prepare the plug unit 10. In this assembly, after the terminal module 30 is inserted into the plug case 10A, a plurality of locking ribs 32 formed by crushing a part of the first cylindrical shell 3 radially outward R2 engage with the annular protrusion 10Aa of the plug case 10A, and the external seal member 6 abuts against and is locked to the annular portion 35c of the first cylindrical shell 3 (see also FIG. 2). At this time, the plurality of extrusion protrusions 71a1 come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the annular recess 34b of the cylindrical end portion 34, thereby preventing the shield member 7 from falling off the first cylindrical shell 3. In this way, the plug unit 10 can be assembled very easily.

[0063] 5, after the second cylindrical shell 8 is attached to the case 9, the widened portions 53b2 of the holding portions 53b of the second contacts 5 are press-fitted into the holding walls 91a of the case 9 to accommodate the second contacts 5 in the case 9. Then, the tip portions 53a of the second contacts 5 are fixed to the board 102, and the multiple bent pieces 82 of the second cylindrical shell 8 are fixed to the board 102. In this manner, the receptacle A can be assembled extremely easily.

[0064] Figures 8 and 9 show a form in which receptacle A and plug unit 10 are electrically connected. Figure 8 shows a state in which receptacle A is connected to plug unit 10 with a positional deviation of 0.5 mm downward and to the left. Figure 9 shows a state in which receptacle A is connected to plug unit 10 with a positional deviation of 0.5 mm upward and to the right.

[0065] In the state of FIG. 8, the second terminal portion 12 of the first contact 1 exerts a force on the second contact 5 to move the pair of standing portions 52 to the right. At this time, the pair of standing portions 52 tilt to the right while the elastic portion 53c elastically deforms in a direction away from the holding portion 53b. Even if the elastic portion 53c deforms, the hemispherical protrusion 51b2 of the bottom portion 51 of the second contact 5 smoothly slides on the substrate 102, and the tip portion 53a of the extension body 53 fixed to the substrate 102 is not easily subjected to stress to be peeled off from the substrate 102. In addition, the first curved portion 72 of the shielding member 7 flexibly deforms and the second curved portion 73 is in a state of being entirely in contact with the second cylindrical shell 8, so that high shielding is ensured without deterioration of signal quality due to leakage of high-frequency signals propagating through the contacts 1 and 5. On the other hand, during downward movement, the hemispherical protrusions 51b2 of the bottom 51 of the second contact 5 come into contact with the substrate 102, preventing the second contact 5 from escaping downward, and the second terminal portion 12 of the first contact 1 can be securely clamped by the contact portions 52b2 formed on the pair of upright portions 52 of the second contact 5. Furthermore, although not shown, during movement in the extension direction of the contact portions 52b2, the second terminal portion 12 of the first contact 1 can be securely clamped by the wide contact portions 52b2.

[0066] In the state of FIG. 9, the second terminal portion 12 of the first contact 1 exerts a force on the second contact 5 to move the pair of standing portions 52 to the left. At this time, the pair of standing portions 52 tilt to the left while the elastic portion 53c elastically deforms in a direction approaching the holding portion 53b. The elastic portion 53c flexibly deforms in a direction in which the bottom portion 51 of the second contact 5 moves away from the substrate 102, and is unlikely to be subjected to a stress that would peel the bottom portion 51 of the second contact 5 from the tip portion 53a of the extension body 53 fixed to the substrate 102. In addition, the first curved portion 72 of the shielding member 7 flexibly deforms, and the second curved portion 73 is in a state in which the whole of the second curved portion 73 abuts against the second cylindrical shell 8, so that high shielding is ensured without the high frequency signal propagating through the contacts 1 and 5 leaking and the signal quality being degraded. On the other hand, when moving upward, the second terminal portion 12 of the first contact 1 can be followed in a state in which it is securely sandwiched by the contact portion 52b2 formed on the pair of standing portions 52 of the second contact 5. Furthermore, although not shown, when the contact portion 52b2 moves in the extending direction, the second terminal portion 12 of the first contact 1 can be securely clamped by the wide contact portion 52b2.

[0067] In this embodiment, the contact portion 52b2 formed on the pair of upright portions 52 of the second contact 5 has a wide shape capable of clamping the second terminal portion 12 (end portion) of the first contact 1, so that even if the plug 10B and the receptacle A are relatively misaligned in the extending direction of the contact portion 52b2, the electrical connection between the first contact 1 and the second contact 5 can be ensured. Furthermore, the elastic portion 53c in this embodiment is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the contact portion 52b2, so that even if the plug 10B and the receptacle A are relatively misaligned in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the contact portion 52b2, the elastic portion 53c can be elastically deformed to ensure the electrical connection between the first contact 1 and the second contact 5. Therefore, even if the plug 10B and the receptacle A are misaligned in various directions, the electrical connection between the first contact 1 and the second contact 5 can be reliably ensured.

[0068] In this way, the wide shape of the contact portion 52b2 absorbs misalignment in the extending direction, and the elastic portion 53c absorbs misalignment in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction, so that the second contact 5 is less likely to twist and the contact load can be stably secured. Since the shape of the second contact 5 ensures this contact load, the contact performance between the first cylindrical shell 3 and the shielding member 7 is not degraded, and high-frequency signals are less likely to leak. Therefore, a coaxial connector can be provided that can stably ensure electrical connection even if there is misalignment between the plug 10B and the receptacle A. In addition, since a part of the elastic portion 53c fits into the notch 52a formed by cutting out one of the standing portions 52, the coaxial connector can be made compact.

[0069] Furthermore, the protruding ends of the pair of hemispherical projections 51b2 formed on the bottom surface 51b1 of the bottom 51 of the second contact 5 and the fixing surface 53a1 of the tip 53a of the extension 53 are located on the same plane, so that even if the elastic portion 53c is deformed, the bottom 51 of the second contact 5 abuts against the board 102, and stress is not easily applied to the tip 53a of the extension 53 fixed to the board 102, and the second terminal portion 12 of the first contact 1 can be securely clamped by the contact portion 52b2. Therefore, even if there is a positional deviation between the plug 10B and the receptacle A, a stable electrical connection can be ensured. Since the hemispherical projections 51b2 are provided on the bottom surface 51b1 of the bottom 51 of the second contact 5, when the elastic portion 53c is elastically deformed, the hemispherical projections 51b2 slide smoothly on the board 102, and stress caused by the positional deviation between the plug 10B and the receptacle A can be alleviated.

[0070] In this embodiment, the shield member 7 of the plug 10B, which comes into contact with the second cylindrical shell 8 of the receptacle A, is provided with a first curved portion 72 that is elastically deformable and curved outward, and a second curved portion 73 that is curved inward from the first curved portion 72 and is electrically connectable to the second cylindrical shell 8. Therefore, even when the first contact 1 and the second contact 5 are electrically connected in a state in which the plug 10B and the receptacle A are misaligned relative to each other, the first curved portion 72 flexibly deforms and the second curved portion 73 maintains a state in which the entire contact is in contact with the second cylindrical shell 8. This ensures high shielding properties, and there is no inconvenience such as a high-frequency signal propagating through the contacts 1 and 5 leaking out and degrading the signal quality.

[0071] In addition, by contacting the first cylindrical shell 3 with the cylindrical portion 71 of the shielding member 7 and extending the first curved portion 72 from the cylindrical portion 71 in a plurality of segments, the first curved portion 72 deforms more flexibly, so that the contact resistance between the shielding member 7 and the second cylindrical shell 8 becomes uniform, and durability can be improved. Since the second curved portion 73 is also formed of a plurality of segments continuous with the first curved portion 72, the second curved portion 73 can be moved following the deformation of the first curved portion 72, and more contact points between the shielding member 7 and the second cylindrical shell 8 can be secured. Moreover, since the diameter of an imaginary circle connecting the innermost parts of the plurality of segments in the circumferential direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 71, the coaxial connector can be made compact while securing an appropriate contact load. In this way, even when the plug 10B and the receptacle A are misaligned relative to each other, if all the second curved portions 73 are constantly electrically connected to the second cylindrical shell 8, the shielding performance of the coaxial connector can be improved.

[0072] [Other embodiments] (1) In the above-described embodiment, a portion of the elastic portion 53c is inserted into the notch 52a formed by cutting out one of the standing portions 52, but the elastic portion 53c may be separated from the pair of standing portions 52 within a range that allows elastic deformation.

[0073] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the bottom surface 51b1 of the bottom 51 of the second contact 5 and the fixed surface 53a1 of the tip 53a of the extension body 53 are positioned on the same plane, but the bottom surface 51b1 of the bottom 51 of the second contact 5 may be positioned above the fixed surface 53a1 of the tip 53a (on the side away from the substrate 102).

[0074] (3) In the embodiment described above, shield member 7 of plug 10B, which comes into contact with second cylindrical shell 8 of receptacle A, is provided with first curved portion 72 that is elastically deformable and curved outward, and second curved portion 73 that is curved inward from first curved portion 72 and is electrically connectable to second cylindrical shell 8. Alternatively, at least one of first curved portion 72 and second curved portion 73 may be formed linearly.

[0075] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the first cylindrical shell 3 and the cylindrical portion 71 of the shield member 7 are in contact with each other, and the first curved portion 72 extends from the cylindrical portion 71 in a plurality of segments, but the first curved portion 72 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, the second curved portion 73 is also configured as a plurality of segments continuous with the first curved portion 72, but the second curved portion 73 may be similarly formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0076] (5) Although the tubular portion 10A1 of the plug case 10A described above is configured to be cylindrical, it may be configured to be a square tube having a polygonal cross section. Also, although the block portion 10A2 of the plug case 10A is configured to be rectangular in plan view, it may be configured to be annular in plan view or a polygonal shape other than a rectangle. [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] The present invention can be used for coaxial connectors used in vehicle-mounted cameras and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: First contact 2: Holder 3: First cylindrical shell 5: Second contact 7: Shielding material 8: Second cylindrical shell 9: Case 10B: Plug 12: 2nd terminal part (end part) 51: Bottom 51b1: Bottom 51b2 :Semispherical process 52: Vertical section 52a: Notch 52b2: Contact part 53: Extension body 53a:Tip 53a1:Fixed surface 53b: Holding part 53c: Elastic part 71: Cylindrical part 72:First curved part 73:Second curved part 102: Substrate A: Receptacle

Claims

1. A coaxial connector having a plug and a receptacle electrically connected to each other, the plug comprises a conductive first contact formed in a rod shape, an insulating holder into which the first contact is inserted to support the first contact, a conductive first cylindrical shell covering the outside of the holder, and a conductive shielding member in contact with the first cylindrical shell to block external electromagnetic waves, the receptacle includes a conductive second contact that is electrically connected to a substrate and is electrically connectable coaxially with the first contact, an insulating case that houses the second contact, and a conductive second cylindrical shell that covers the outside of the case; the second contact has a bottom portion facing the substrate, a pair of upright portions standing in a plate shape adjacent to each other from the bottom portion, and an extension body extending in an inverted U shape from the bottom portion toward an outer side beyond one of the upright portions, the pair of upright portions each include a contact portion configured with a wide shape capable of clamping an end portion of the first contact, the extension body includes a tip portion fixed to the substrate, a holding portion held by the case, and an elastic portion that is elastically deformable, The elastic portion is elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the contact portion, A coaxial connector in which a portion of the elastic portion fits into a notch formed by cutting out one of the standing portions.

2. 2. A coaxial connector as described in claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the bottom portion of the second contact that faces the substrate is located on the same plane as a fixing surface of the tip portion of the extension body that is fixed to the substrate.

3. 3. The coaxial connector according to claim 2, wherein the bottom surface of the bottom portion of the second contact is formed with a semi-spherical protrusion.

4. 4. A coaxial connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shielding member has a first curved portion that is elastically deformable and curved outward, and a second curved portion that is curved inward from the first curved portion and is electrically connectable to the second cylindrical shell.

5. the shield member has a cylindrical portion in contact with the first cylindrical shell, The coaxial connector according to claim 4 , wherein the first curved portion extends in a plurality of segments from the cylindrical portion.

6. The second curved portion is composed of a plurality of segments each continuous with the first curved portion, 6. The coaxial connector according to claim 5, wherein a diameter of an imaginary circle circumferentially connecting innermost portions of the plurality of segments is smaller than an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion.

7. The coaxial connector according to claim 6 , wherein all of the second curved portions are constantly electrically connected to the second cylindrical shell.

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