connector

Abstract

To improve a shielding performance of an outer conductor.SOLUTION: A connector 10 has an inner conductor 20 and an outer conductor 40 surrounding the inner conductor 20. The outer conductor 40 has a first outer conductor 41 and a second outer conductor 42 which are electrically connected to each other. The first outer conductor 41 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape by casting or cutting, and includes an accommodating portion 43 into which at least a part of the second outer conductor 42 is inserted, and a first locking portion 47 provided inside the accommodating portion 43. The second outer conductor 42 is a plate-like member and has a second locking portion 51 that is locked by a first locking portion 47. The second locking portion 51 is flexurally deformable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector having an outer conductor. This outer conductor has a metal main body case and a metal front-end tubular case that are connected to each other. The metal main body case and the metal front-end tubular case are each plate-shaped. Connectors having an outer conductor are also disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-331754 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-299171 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2018-512707 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described connector, when the outer conductor is formed by bending a metal plate, there is a concern that gaps will occur and the shielding performance will not be ensured.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that can improve the shielding performance of the outer conductor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure comprises an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, the outer conductor having a first outer conductor and a second outer conductor electrically connected to each other, the first outer conductor being a cylindrical member formed by casting or cutting, having a accommodating portion into which at least a portion of the second outer conductor is inserted, and a first locking portion provided inside the accommodating portion, the second outer conductor being a plate-shaped member having a second locking portion that engages with the first locking portion, and the second locking portion being capable of flexibly deforming. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the shielding performance of the outer conductor can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inner conductor, the outer conductor, and the dielectric member assembled together. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state before the second outer conductor is fitted onto the first outer conductor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inner conductor connected to an electric wire. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector and the mating connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area Z shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the inner conductor, the outer conductor, and the dielectric taken along the line CC in FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first inner conductor and the first dielectric periphery taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state before a second outer conductor of a different type is fitted onto the first outer conductor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The connector of the present disclosure comprises: (1) An electrical connector comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, the outer conductor having a first outer conductor and a second outer conductor electrically connected to each other, the first outer conductor being a cylindrical member formed by casting or cutting, having a accommodating portion into which at least a portion of the second outer conductor is inserted, and a first locking portion provided inside the accommodating portion, the second outer conductor being a plate-shaped member having a second locking portion engaged with the first locking portion, the second locking portion being capable of flexural deformation.

[0010] According to this connector, the first outer conductor is a cylindrical component formed by casting or cutting, so that the first outer conductor can be formed so that gaps are less likely to occur, thereby improving the shielding performance of the first outer conductor. Here, if the second outer conductor is also a cylindrical member formed by casting or cutting, both the first and second outer conductors are less likely to deform, and so it is conceivable to couple them together by press-fitting. However, when coupling them by press-fitting, ensuring reliable electrical connection reduces the dimensional tolerance between the first and second outer conductors, which may make manufacturing the outer conductors difficult. In this regard, according to this connector, the second outer conductor is a plate-shaped member and has a flexible second locking portion. Therefore, by flexibly deforming the second locking portion to engage with the first locking portion of the first outer conductor, the dimensional tolerance between the first and second outer conductors can be increased, making manufacturing the outer conductors easier and achieving a connection with high electrical connection reliability. Furthermore, by making the second outer conductor plate-shaped, it can be manufactured inexpensively. Moreover, since at least a portion of the second outer conductor fits into the accommodating portion, it is possible to reduce the height of the connector in the direction in which the second outer conductor protrudes from the first outer conductor.

[0011] (2) It is preferable that the first outer conductor has a through hole formed at a position corresponding to the first locking portion, and a portion of the second outer conductor is positioned to block the through hole when the second outer conductor is fitted into the accommodating portion.

[0012] A through hole is formed in the first outer conductor at a position corresponding to the first locking portion, for example, to remove a mold for forming the first locking portion. When a through hole is formed in the first outer conductor, there is a concern that the shielding performance may be reduced. However, with this configuration, the through hole can be blocked by a part of the second outer conductor, thereby preventing the shielding performance of the outer conductor from being reduced.

[0013] (3) The second outer conductor preferably has a mating connecting portion that elastically contacts the mating outer conductor.

[0014] This configuration improves the reliability of the electrical connection between the second outer conductor and the mating outer conductor. In addition, because the second outer conductor is a plate-shaped member, it is easy to form a mating connecting portion that makes elastic contact.

[0015] (4) It is preferable that the accommodating portion of the first outer conductor is formed with an opening on one end side of the first outer conductor, and a tubular portion connected to a shielding layer of an electric wire is formed with an opening on the other end side of the first outer conductor, and the opening direction of the accommodating portion intersects with the opening direction of the tubular portion.

[0016] With this configuration, the first outer conductor can be connected to the mating outer conductor in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the electric wire connected to the tubular portion. Moreover, with this configuration, at least a part of the second locking portion fits into the accommodating portion, which prevents the outer conductor from expanding in the intersecting direction, thereby enabling the connector to have a low profile.

[0017] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0018] <Embodiment 1> Fig. 1 discloses a connector 10 of embodiment 1. In the following description, the up-down direction shown in Fig. 5 will be referred to as the up-down direction of the connector 10. The left side shown in Fig. 5 will be referred to as the front side of the connector 10, and the right side will be referred to as the rear side of the connector 10. The left-right direction when viewing the connector 10 from the front will be referred to as the left-right direction of the connector 10.

[0019] (Overview of Connector 10) As shown in Fig. 1, the connector 10 is L-shaped. As shown in Fig. 5, a mating connector 90 is fitted to one end of the connector 10, and an electric wire 80 is electrically connected to the other end of the connector 10. The electric wire 80 is a shielded electric wire, and in this embodiment, is configured as a coaxial cable. The electric wire 80 has an inner conductor 81, an insulator 82, a shielding layer 83, and a sheath 84. The insulator 82 surrounds the inner conductor 81. The shielding layer 83 surrounds the insulator 82. The sheath 84 surrounds the shielding layer 83. The mating connector 90 has a mating housing 91, a mating inner conductor 92, and a mating outer conductor 93.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 10 includes a housing 11, an inner conductor 20, an outer conductor 40, a dielectric 60, a sleeve 70, a first sealing member 71, a second sealing member 72, and a retaining member 73.

[0021] (Configuration of housing 11) The housing 11 is made of insulating synthetic resin and is L-shaped as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the housing 11 has a housing main body 12, a fitting hole 13, a fitting groove 14, an inner hood portion 15, an outer hood portion 16, a locking arm 17, and a first removal prevention latch portion 18.

[0022] 5, the housing body 12 has a cylindrical shape (more specifically, a rectangular cylindrical shape) that extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of the housing body 12 is open downward, and the upper end is closed.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 5, the fitting hole 13 is formed penetrating from the inner peripheral surface of the housing main body 12 to the outside. That is, the fitting hole 13 penetrates a wall portion (the front wall in this embodiment) of the housing main body 12 in the front-to-rear direction. The fitting hole 13 is open to the front of the housing 11. The fitting hole 13 is provided on the upper end side of the housing main body 12 relative to the center in the up-down direction. The outer conductor 40 is fitted into the fitting hole 13.

[0024] 5, the fitting groove 14 is formed along the front-rear direction on the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole 13. The fitting groove 14 is open in the front and rear.

[0025] 5, the inner hood portion 15 has a cylindrical shape that protrudes forward from a portion of the housing main body 12 that surrounds the fitting hole 13. The inner hood portion 15 has a tubular shape (more specifically, a cylindrical shape) that extends along the front-to-rear direction. The inner space of the inner hood portion 15 communicates with the fitting hole 13 and is open to the front of the housing 11.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 5, the outer hood portion 16 surrounds the outer periphery of the inner hood portion 15. The outer hood portion 16 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. The inner space of the outer hood portion 16 is open to the front of the housing 11. The front end of the outer hood portion 16 is located further forward than the front end of the inner hood portion 15.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the lock arm 17 is disposed inside the outer hood portion 16. The lock arm 17 has a shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction. The front end side of the lock arm 17 is supported so that it can swing up and down. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lock arm 17 is supported by the outer hood portion 16. The lock arm 17 is engaged with a mating engaging portion 94 of a mating housing 91 in a mating connector 90 (see Figure 5).

[0028] 1, the first removal prevention locking portion 18 has a shape that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface (both left and right side surfaces in this embodiment) of the housing main body 12. The first removal prevention locking portion 18 is provided at the lower end portion of the housing main body 12. A removal prevention member 73 is locked to the first removal prevention locking portion 18.

[0029] (Outline of inner conductor 20, outer conductor 40, and dielectric 60) As shown in Fig. 4, the inner conductor 20 is L-shaped. The inner conductor 20 has a first inner conductor 21 and a second inner conductor 22. The first inner conductor 21 and the second inner conductor 22 are each made of metal and formed by bending a metal plate. The first inner conductor 21 and the second inner conductor 22 are electrically connected to each other.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 5, the outer conductor 40 is L-shaped and surrounds the inner conductor 20. The outer conductor 40 has a first outer conductor 41 and a second outer conductor 42. The first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 are each made of metal. The first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 are electrically connected to each other.

[0031] The dielectric 60 has insulating properties and is made of synthetic resin. As shown in Fig. 5, the dielectric 60 is disposed between the inner conductor 20 and the outer conductor 40. The dielectric 60 has a first dielectric 61 and a second dielectric 62.

[0032] (Configuration of the first inner conductor 21) The first inner conductor 21 is a plate-like member formed by bending a metal plate. As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the first inner conductor 21 has a shape extending in the vertical direction. The first inner conductor 21 has a first inner conductor body 23, a locking portion 24, a stabilizer 25, and a barrel portion 26.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 10, the first inner conductor body 23 has a first bottom plate portion 28, a second bottom plate portion 29, a pair of side plate portions 30, a pair of first connection portions 31, and a pair of guide portions 32. The first bottom plate portion 28 and the second bottom plate portion 29 are arranged at a distance from each other in the up-down direction. The thickness direction of the first bottom plate portion 28 and the second bottom plate portion 29 is along the front-rear direction. The pair of side plate portions 30 are continuous with both the left and right sides of the first bottom plate portion 28 and the second bottom plate portion 29 and have a shape that protrudes forward. The pair of side plate portions 30 are arranged at a distance from each other in the left-right direction. The pair of first connection portions 31 extend forward from the front ends of the pair of side plate portions 30. The pair of first connection portions 31 extend from a portion of the front ends of the pair of side plate portions 30 in the up-down direction. The minimum distance between the pair of first connecting portions 31 is smaller than the distance between the pair of side plate portions 30. The pair of guide portions 32 extend forward from the front ends of the pair of first connecting portions 31. The distance between the pair of guide portions 32 increases toward the front.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6 , the locking portion 24 extends in the up-down direction. The locking portion 24 has a doubly supported beam shape with its upper and lower ends supported by the first inner conductor body 23. The lower end of the locking portion 24 is supported by the upper end of the first bottom plate portion 28, and the upper end of the locking portion 24 is supported by the lower end of the second bottom plate portion 29. The locking portion 24 is plate-shaped and can be flexibly deformed in the front-rear direction. The thickness direction of the locking portion 24 is along the front-rear direction. The locking portion 24 protrudes rearward from the first inner conductor body 23. The locking portion 24 is curved. The locking portion 24 has a convex surface 24A protruding from the first inner conductor body 23 and a concave surface 24B formed on the back side of the convex surface 24A. In other words, the convex surface 24A is formed on the rear surface of the locking portion 24, and the concave surface 24B is formed on the front surface of the locking portion 24.

[0035] 4 and 10, the stabilizer 25 is provided at the front end of one of the pair of side plate portions 30 (the right side plate portion 30 in this embodiment). The stabilizer 25 is disposed at a distance in the up-down direction from the pair of first connection portions 31. More specifically, the stabilizer 25 is disposed below the first connection portions 31. The stabilizer 25 is bent and protrudes outward in the left-right direction.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, the barrel portion 26 is crimped onto the inner conductor 81 of the electric wire 80 and is electrically connected to the inner conductor 81.

[0037] (Configuration of the first outer conductor 41) The first outer conductor 41 is a member formed into a cylindrical shape by casting or cutting. "Formed into a cylindrical shape by casting or cutting" means that the process of forming into a cylindrical shape is performed by casting or cutting, and does not mean that a cut metal plate is bent into a cylindrical shape. Note that casting also includes die casting. As shown in FIG. 5, the first outer conductor 41 surrounds the first inner conductor 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first outer conductor 41 has an accommodating portion 43, a cylindrical portion 44, a conductor-side fitting hole 45, a conductor-side fitting groove 46, a first locking portion 47, a through hole 48, and a sleeve positioning portion 49.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the accommodating portion 43 is formed to open at one end side of the first outer conductor 41. The opening direction of the accommodating portion 43 is forward. The tubular portion 44 extends along the up-down direction. The tubular portion 44 is formed to open at the other end side of the first outer conductor 41. The opening direction of the tubular portion 44 is downward. In other words, the opening direction of the accommodating portion 43 intersects (orthogonal in this embodiment) with the opening direction of the tubular portion 44. The internal space of the first outer conductor 41 has a shape in which a space extending rearward from the opening of the accommodating portion 43 and a space extending upward from the opening of the tubular portion 44 are orthogonal to each other.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the conductor side fitting hole 45 is formed inside the accommodating portion 43. The conductor side fitting hole 45 penetrates the peripheral wall of the tubular portion 44 and communicates with the inner space of the tubular portion 44. The conductor side fitting hole 45 is open to the front of the first outer conductor 41. The conductor side fitting hole 45 is located on the upper end side of the first outer conductor 41 relative to the center in the up-down direction. The conductor side fitting groove 46 is formed along the front-to-rear direction on the inner peripheral surface of the conductor side fitting hole 45. The conductor side fitting groove 46 is open to the front and rear.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the first locking portions 47 are provided inside the conductor-side fitting holes 45 in the accommodating portion 43. The first locking portions 47 are provided in pairs on both the left and right sides. The first locking portions 47 have a shape that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion 43. The front surface of the first locking portion 47 is inclined rearward as it approaches the center of the accommodating portion 43 when viewed from the front. The rear surface of the first locking portion 47 is aligned in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0041] 3 and 9, the through holes 48 are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of first locking portions 47. In this embodiment, the "positions corresponding to the first locking portions" are located rearward of the first locking portions 47 (i.e., on the inner side of the accommodating portion 43, further back than the first locking portions 47). The through holes 48 connect the outer space and the inner space of the accommodating portion 43. The through holes 48 are punched holes formed when the first outer conductor 41 is manufactured.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, the sleeve positioning portions 49 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 44. The sleeve positioning portions 49 protrude from both the left and right sides of the tubular portion 44. As shown in Fig. 8, the sleeve 70 is disposed below the sleeve positioning portions 49. The sleeve positioning portions 49 restrict upward movement of the sleeve 70.

[0043] (Configuration of the first dielectric 61) 5, 6, and 10, the first dielectric 61 is disposed between the first inner conductor 21 and the first outer conductor 41. The first dielectric 61 has a cavity 63, a locking hole 64, an entrance hole 65, a guide groove 66, and a stabilizer fitting groove 67.

[0044] 5, the cavity 63 extends in the vertical direction. The cavity 63 is open below the first dielectric 61.

[0045] 6, the locking hole 64 is formed on the inner circumferential surface (more specifically, the rear surface of the inner circumferential surface) of the cavity 63. The locking portion 24 of the first inner conductor 21 fits into the locking hole 64.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 6, the entrance hole 65 is formed in the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 63 (more specifically, the surface on the front side of the inner circumferential surface). The entrance hole 65 is formed at a position facing the locking hole 64 in the front-rear direction. The second inner conductor 22 is inserted and positioned in the entrance hole 65. The locking hole 64 and the entrance hole 65 are arranged coaxially with each other via the cavity 63.

[0047] 6, the guide groove 66 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 63. The guide groove 66 is formed along the vertical direction and communicates with the locking hole 64.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 10, the stabilizer fitting groove 67 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 63. The stabilizer fitting groove 67 is formed in the up-down direction. The stabilizer fitting groove 67 is formed at a position corresponding to the stabilizer 25 of the first inner conductor 21. The stabilizer 25 of the first inner conductor 21 fits into the stabilizer fitting groove 67.

[0049] (Configuration of second inner conductor 22) The second inner conductor 22 is a plate-shaped member formed by bending a metal plate. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the second inner conductor 22 extends in the front-rear direction. The second inner conductor 22 has a second inner conductor body 34, an inner conductor-side mating connection portion 35, a second connection portion 36, an inner conductor-side protrusion 37, and a retaining projection 38.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the second inner conductor body 34 has a tubular shape (more specifically, a cylindrical shape) that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0051] 4 and 6, the inner conductor side mating connection portion 35 is disposed forward of the second inner conductor body 34. The inner conductor side mating connection portion 35 is electrically connected to a mating inner conductor 92 (see FIG. 5) of a mating connector 90.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the second connection portion 36 is disposed rearward of the second inner conductor body 34. The second connection portion 36 is configured as a tab. The second connection portion 36 protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the second dielectric 62. The second connection portion 36 is electrically connected to the first connection portion 31 of the first inner conductor 21.

[0053] 6, the inner conductor side protrusions 37 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second inner conductor body 34 and protrude upward from the outer peripheral surface. When the second inner conductor 22 is inserted into the second dielectric 62, the inner conductor side protrusions 37 abut against the rear surface of the second dielectric 62, thereby restricting forward movement of the second inner conductor 22 relative to the second dielectric 62.

[0054] 9, the retaining projections 38 are provided on both the left and right sides of the second inner conductor body 34 and protrude outward in the left-right direction. The retaining projections 38 prevent the second inner conductor 22, which is properly inserted into the second dielectric 62, from slipping out rearward.

[0055] (Configuration of the second outer conductor 42) The second outer conductor 42 is a plate-like member and is formed by bending a metal plate. As shown in Fig. 6, the second outer conductor 42 surrounds the second inner conductor 22. The second outer conductor 42 has a tubular shape (more specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending in the front-rear direction. The second outer conductor 42 is open at the front and rear. As shown in Fig. 3, the second outer conductor 42 has an outer conductor main body 50, a second locking portion 51, a protrusion 52, a front stop portion 53, and a mating connecting portion 54.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the outer conductor body 50 has a tubular shape (more specifically, a cylindrical shape).

[0057] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the second locking portion 51 protrudes rearward from the outer conductor main body 50. The second locking portion 51 is cantilevered by the outer conductor main body 50. The second locking portion 51 is provided on both the left and right sides of the outer conductor main body 50. The second locking portion 51 is plate-shaped and can be flexibly deformed toward the center of the second outer conductor 42 (i.e., radially inward) when viewed from the front. A locking hole 55 is formed in the second locking portion 51, penetrating the second locking portion 51. When the first locking portion 47 is fitted into the locking hole 55, the second locking portion 51 is engaged with the first locking portion 47 of the first outer conductor 41.

[0058] 3, the protrusion 52 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the outer conductor body 50. The protrusion 52 is provided at the rear end of the outer conductor body 50.

[0059] 3, the front stopper 53 is disposed forward of the outer conductor body 50. The front stopper 53 restricts the second dielectric 62 disposed inside the second outer conductor 42 from moving forward.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3 , the mating connection portion 54 is supported by the outer conductor body 50. A portion of the outer conductor body 50 is cut out. The mating connection portion 54 is disposed in this cutout portion. The rear end portion of the mating connection portion 54 is supported, so that it is cantilevered on the peripheral edge of the cutout portion of the outer conductor body 50. The mating connection portion 54 is flexible and deformable. The mating connection portion 54 elastically contacts and is electrically connected to the mating outer conductor 93 (see FIG. 5 ) of the mating connector 90. The mating connection portion 54 has a guide surface 56 that guides the mating outer conductor 93 when connecting with the mating outer conductor 93. The guide surface 56 is formed at the front end portion of the mating connection portion 54. The guide surface 56 is inclined radially outward as it extends rearward. The guide surface 56 guides the mating outer conductor 93 radially outward from the mating connection portion 54. The radially outer side of the mating connecting portion 54 is electrically connected to the mating outer conductor 93 .

[0061] (Configuration of second dielectric 62) 6, the second dielectric 62 is disposed between the second inner conductor 22 and the second outer conductor 42. The second dielectric 62 has a tubular shape (more specifically, a cylindrical shape).

[0062] (Other configurations) The sleeve 70 shown in FIG. 5 is tubular (more specifically, cylindrical). The sleeve 70 is made of, for example, metal. The first seal member 71 and the second seal member 72 shown in FIG. 5 are tubular (more specifically, cylindrical). The first seal member 71 and the second seal member 72 are made of, for example, rubber. The first seal member 71 is attached to the outer periphery of the electric wire 80. The second seal member 72 is attached to the outer periphery of the inner hood portion 15 of the housing 11. The removal prevention member 73 is a member that prevents the first seal member 71 arranged in the housing 11 from coming off. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the removal prevention member 73 has an insertion hole 74 and a second removal prevention locking portion 75. The electric wire 80 is inserted into the insertion hole 74. The second removal prevention locking portion 75 is locked to the first removal prevention locking portion 18 of the housing 11.

[0063] (Connector 10 assembly) The description will be made mainly with reference to Fig. 5. First, the retaining member 73, the first seal member 71, and the sleeve 70 are attached to the electric wire 80 in this order from the tip side. Then, the sheath 84 is removed from the tip of the electric wire 80 to expose the shielding layer 83. Further toward the tip side of the electric wire 80, the insulator 82 is removed to expose the inner conductor 81. The exposed inner conductor 81 is crimped onto the barrel portion 26 of the first inner conductor 21.

[0064] The first inner conductor 21 is inserted into the cavity 63 of the first dielectric 61 from below. The first inner conductor 21 is inserted into the cavity 63 with the stabilizer 25 oriented to fit into the stabilizer fitting groove 67 of the first dielectric 61. During the insertion of the first inner conductor 21 into the cavity 63, the locking portion 24 of the first inner conductor 21 fits into a guide groove 66 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 63 and slides upward along the guide groove 66. When fitted into the guide groove 66, the locking portion 24 is subjected to a reaction force from the bottom surface of the guide groove 66 and is thus deformed. When the first inner conductor 21 is inserted to the correct insertion position, the locking portion 24 enters into the locking hole 64 connected to the guide groove 66 due to its own elastic restoring force. This allows the first inner conductor 21 to be locked by the first dielectric 61 and is prevented from slipping out of the cavity 63 downward. When the locking portions 24 are inserted into the locking holes 64 , the opening between the pair of first connecting portions 31 faces the entrance hole 65 of the first dielectric 61 .

[0065] The first dielectric 61 is inserted into the inside of the first outer conductor 41 from below. When the first dielectric 61 is inserted to the correct insertion position, the entrance hole 65 is aligned in the front-to-rear direction with the conductor-side fitting hole 45 of the first outer conductor 41. The exposed shielding layer 83 is placed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 44 of the first outer conductor 41 and is crimped by the sleeve 70. This electrically connects the first outer conductor 41 to the shielding layer 83 of the electric wire 80.

[0066] The first outer conductor 41 is inserted into the housing main body 12 of the housing 11 from below. When the first outer conductor 41 is inserted to the correct insertion position, the conductor-side fitting hole 45 of the first outer conductor 41 is aligned with the fitting hole 13 of the housing 11 in the front-rear direction, and the conductor-side fitting groove 46 of the first outer conductor 41 is aligned with the fitting groove 14 of the housing 11 in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 9 , the first locking portion 47 is positioned so as to face the rear of the fitting hole 13. After the first outer conductor 41 is inserted, the second removal-prevention engaging portion 75 of the removal-prevention member 73 is engaged with the first removal-prevention engaging portion 18 of the housing 11.

[0067] The second inner conductor 22 is inserted into the second dielectric 62 from the rear. When the second inner conductor 22 is inserted to the correct insertion position, its movement in the front-to-rear direction relative to the second dielectric 62 is restricted by the inner-conductor-side protrusions 37 and the retaining projections 38. The second dielectric 62 is inserted into the second outer conductor 42 from the rear. The second dielectric 62 is restricted from moving forward by hitting the front stop portions 53 of the second outer conductor 42. The second outer conductor 42 is fitted into the fitting holes 13 of the housing 11 from the front, with the protrusions 52 oriented to fit into the fitting grooves 14 of the housing 11. As the fitting of the second outer conductor 42 progresses further, the second outer conductor 42 is fitted into the conductor-side fitting holes 45 of the first outer conductor 41, and the protrusions 52 of the second outer conductor 42 are fitted into the conductor-side fitting grooves 46 of the first outer conductor 41.

[0068] During the process of fitting the second outer conductor 42 into the conductor-side fitting hole 45 in the accommodating portion 43, the second locking portion 51 is pressed by the first locking portion 47 and is bent inward. As the fitting progresses further, the first locking portion 47 fits into the locking hole 55 of the second locking portion 51, and the second locking portion 51 returns to its original shape due to its own elastic restoring force. As a result, the second locking portion 51 is locked by the first locking portion 47.

[0069] When the second locking portion 51 is locked by the first locking portion 47, the second outer conductor 42 is connected to the first outer conductor 41. The first outer conductor 41 is configured so as not to slip out of the housing main body 12 into the fitting hole 13. Therefore, even if the second outer conductor 42 connected to the first outer conductor 41 is pulled in a direction that would cause it to slip out of the fitting hole 13, the first outer conductor 41 will be caught within the housing main body 12. In other words, when the second locking portion 51 is locked by the first locking portion 47, the second outer conductor 42 is positioned in the fitting hole 13 so as not to slip out.

[0070] During the process of fitting the second outer conductor 42 into the conductor-side fitting hole 45 of the accommodating portion 43, the second connecting portion 36 of the second inner conductor 22 enters the entry hole 65 of the first dielectric 61, pushing apart the pair of first connecting portions 31. When the second inner conductor 22 is properly connected to the first inner conductor 21, the second inner conductor 22 is sandwiched between the pair of first connecting portions 31 of the first inner conductor 21, and the tip of the second connecting portion 36 of the second inner conductor 22 is positioned inside the concave surface 24B. At this time, the tip of the second connecting portion 36 of the second inner conductor 22 does not contact the concave surface 24B.

[0071] Incidentally, a second outer conductor 42B (described later) separate from the second outer conductor 42 can be fitted into the accommodating portion 43 of the first outer conductor 41. In other words, the connector 10 is configured to select one of a plurality of types of second outer conductors, either the second outer conductor 42 or the second outer conductor 42B in this embodiment, and connect it to the first outer conductor 41. The second outer conductor 42B has an outer conductor main body 50B, a second locking portion 51B, a convex portion 52B, and a mating connecting portion 54B.

[0072] The outer conductor body 50B has a tubular shape (more specifically, a cylindrical shape) that extends in the front-rear direction. The second locking portion 51B is disposed rearward of the outer conductor body 50B.

[0073] The second locking portions 51B are provided on both the left and right sides of the second outer conductor 42B. The second locking portions 51B have second locking holes 55B formed therein. The second locking portions 51B have the same shape as the second locking portions 51.

[0074] The protrusion 52B is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer conductor body 50B. The protrusion 52B protrudes upward from the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the outer conductor body 50B. The protrusion 52B has the same shape as the protrusion 52.

[0075] The mating connection portion 54B is cantilevered at the front end of the outer conductor body 50B and has a shape that protrudes forward. A plurality of mating connection portions 54B (six in this embodiment) are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The mating connection portion 54B is flexible and deformable. The mating connection portion 54B comes into elastic contact with the mating outer conductor 93 (see FIG. 5) of the mating connector 90 and is electrically connected. The mating connection portion 54B has a guide surface 56B that guides the mating outer conductor 93 when connecting with the mating outer conductor 93.

[0076] The guide surface 56B is formed at the front end of the mating connection part 54B. The guide surface 56B is inclined radially inward toward the rear. The guide surface 56B guides the mating outer conductor 93 radially inward of the mating connection part 54B. The radially inner side of the mating connection part 54B is electrically connected to the mating outer conductor 93.

[0077] That is, the second locking portion 51 and the second locking portion 51B have the same shape and are each shaped to be locked by the first locking portion 47. Therefore, when a selected second outer conductor from the second outer conductor 42 and the second outer conductor 42B is fitted into the accommodating portion 43 of the first outer conductor 41, the second locking portion of the fitted second outer conductor is locked by the first locking portion 47 of the first outer conductor 41, and the second outer conductor is coupled to the first outer conductor 41. As a result, the second outer conductor is electrically connected to the first outer conductor 41. On the other hand, the mating connecting portion 54 and the mating connecting portion 54B have different shapes and are shaped to be connected to mating connecting portions of different shapes. Therefore, it is possible to mate a mating connector corresponding to the second outer conductor coupled to the first outer conductor 41 with the connector 10.

[0078] (Effect of Connector 10) In the connector 10, the first outer conductor 41 is a cylindrical component formed by casting or cutting, so that the first outer conductor 41 can be formed so that gaps are less likely to occur, thereby improving the shielding performance of the first outer conductor 41. If the second outer conductor 42 is also a cylindrical member formed by casting or cutting, both the first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 are less likely to deform, and so they may be connected to each other by press-fitting. However, if the connection is made by press-fitting, ensuring reliable electrical connection may require smaller dimensional tolerances between the first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42, making manufacturing the outer conductor 40 difficult. In this regard, according to the connector 10, the second outer conductor 42 is a plate-shaped member and has a flexible second locking portion 51. Therefore, by allowing the second locking portion 51 to flexibly deform and engaging with the first locking portion 47 of the first outer conductor 41, the dimensional tolerances between the first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 can be increased, facilitating manufacturing the outer conductor 40 and achieving a connection with high electrical connection reliability. Furthermore, forming the second outer conductor 42 into a plate shape allows for inexpensive manufacturing. Moreover, since a portion of the second outer conductor 42 fits into the accommodating portion 43, the connector 10 can be made low-profile in the direction in which the second outer conductor 42 protrudes from the first outer conductor 41.

[0079] Furthermore, the second locking portion 51 of the second outer conductor 42 is disposed in a position that blocks the through hole 48 when the second outer conductor 42 is fitted into the accommodating portion 43. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the shielding performance of the outer conductor 40.

[0080] Furthermore, the second outer conductor 42 has a mating connecting portion 54 that comes into contact with the mating outer conductor of the mating connector 90. This allows the connector 10 to improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the second outer conductor 42 and the mating outer conductor 93. Also, because the second outer conductor 42 is a plate-shaped member, the mating connecting portion 54 that makes elastic contact can be easily formed.

[0081] Furthermore, the connector 10 is configured so that one of multiple types of second outer conductors 42, 42B is selected and coupled to the first outer conductor 41, and the multiple types of second outer conductors 42, 42B have mating connection portions 54, 54B with mutually different shapes. This makes it possible to manufacture multiple types of connectors that can be fitted to multiple types of mating outer conductors while using the first outer conductor 41 as a common component.

[0082] Furthermore, in the connector 10, the locking portion 24 is locked in the locking hole 64, thereby preventing the first inner conductor 21 from coming off the first dielectric 61. Moreover, the locking portion 24 has a double-supported beam shape with its upper and lower ends supported by the first inner conductor body 23. Therefore, with this connector 10, it is possible to prevent a decrease in impedance of the first inner conductor 21 compared to a configuration in which the locking portion is a lance.

[0083] Furthermore, the locking portion 24 is curved, which allows the connector 10 to reduce the insertion force required when inserting the first inner conductor 21 into the first dielectric 61.

[0084] Furthermore, the locking hole 64 and the entrance hole 65 of the first dielectric 61 are arranged coaxially with each other via the cavity 63. Therefore, when manufacturing the connector 10, the locking hole 64 and the entrance hole 65 can be formed at the same time using the same linear die.

[0085] Furthermore, when the second inner conductor 22 is properly connected to the first inner conductor 21, the tip of the second connecting portion 36 is positioned inside the concave surface 24B. Therefore, when the first inner conductor 21 is in the partially inserted state, the tip of the second connecting portion 36 abuts against the first inner conductor 21. This makes it easy to determine whether the first inner conductor 21 is in the partially inserted state. In particular, in this embodiment, when the tip of the second inner conductor 22 abuts against the first inner conductor 21, the second locking portion 51 of the second outer conductor 42 is not locked by the first locking portion 47 of the first outer conductor 41. This lack of locking makes it easier to determine whether the first inner conductor 21 is in the partially inserted state.

[0086] Furthermore, a guide groove 66 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cavity 63, and the guide groove 66 is formed along the vertical direction and is connected to the locking hole 64. Therefore, in the connector 10, the locking portion 24 of the first inner conductor 21 inserted into the cavity 63 can be guided into the locking hole 64 by the guide groove 66.

[0087] Furthermore, when the first outer conductor 41 is in the correct insertion position, the first locking portion 47 of the connector 10 is positioned to face the rear side of the second outer conductor 42 in the mating direction in the mating hole 13. The second locking portion 51 is locked to the first locking portion 47. When the second locking portion 51 is locked to the first locking portion 47, the second outer conductor 42 is positioned in the mating hole 13 so as to prevent it from coming out. Conversely, when the first outer conductor 41 is in a partially inserted state, the second locking portion 51 and the first locking portion 47 are misaligned, which prevents the second locking portion 51 from locking to the first locking portion 47 and causes the second outer conductor to come out of the mating hole. Therefore, the connector 10 can prevent the first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 from being locked to each other in a partially inserted state.

[0088] Furthermore, the housing 11 has a fitting groove 14 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the fitting hole 13 along the fitting direction of the second outer conductor 42, and the second outer conductor 42 has a protrusion 52 that fits into the fitting groove 14 during the fitting process with the first outer conductor 41. Therefore, the connector 10 can position the second outer conductor 42 with respect to the housing 11 in the circumferential direction.

[0089] Furthermore, since the housing 11 is L-shaped and does not have a housing locking portion for locking the first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 to the housing 11, the first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 can easily come off the housing 11 when they are not connected to each other. Therefore, with this configuration, it is easy to check whether the first outer conductor 41 and the second outer conductor 42 are correctly connected.

[0090] Furthermore, when the second locking portion 51 is engaged with the first locking portion 47, the convex portion 52 of the second outer conductor 42 fits into the conductor-side fitting groove 46 of the first outer conductor 41, thereby enabling the second outer conductor 42 to be circumferentially positioned relative to the first outer conductor 41.

[0091] Furthermore, the first outer conductor 41 is electrically connected to a shielding layer 83 of the electric wire 80. The second outer conductor 42 is electrically connected to the first outer conductor 41 and is also electrically connected to a mating outer conductor 93 of the mating connector 90. The second outer conductor 42 extends in a direction intersecting (more specifically, perpendicular to) the extension direction of the first outer conductor 41. Therefore, the connector 10 can change the path of the electric wire 80 in a direction intersecting the extension direction.

[0092] [Another embodiment of the present disclosure] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. (1) In the above embodiment, the connector is L-shaped, but it does not have to be L-shaped. For example, the connector may be I-shaped (straight). (2) In the above embodiment, the second outer conductor is configured to close the through hole of the first outer conductor, but it may be configured not to close the through hole. (3) In the above embodiment, the inner conductor is configured to be made up of a plurality of (specifically, two) members (the first inner conductor and the second inner conductor), but it may be configured to be made up of a single member. (4) In the above embodiment, the mating connection portion is configured to come into elastic contact with the mating outer conductor. However, the mating connection portion does not have to come into elastic contact with the mating outer conductor. (5) In the above embodiment, the first inner conductor has a locking portion, but it may have no locking portion. Also, the locking portion does not have to be curved. (6) In the above embodiment, the entrance hole is arranged coaxially with the locking hole, but the entrance hole may not be arranged coaxially. (7) In the above embodiment, the tip of the second inner conductor is disposed inside the concave surface of the locking portion of the first inner conductor. However, the tip may not be disposed inside the concave surface. For example, the tip of the second inner conductor may be disposed outside (in front of) the open end of the concave surface. (8) In the above embodiment, the tip of the second inner conductor does not come into contact with the concave surface of the locking portion of the first inner conductor. However, the tip may come into contact with the concave surface of the locking portion of the first inner conductor. (9) In the above embodiment, the guide groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cavity, but the guide groove may not be formed. (10) In the above embodiment, the electric wire is a coaxial cable, but it does not have to be a coaxial cable. For example, it may be a cable for transmitting differential signals. (11) In the above embodiment, only a portion of the second outer conductor is inserted into the receiving portion of the first outer conductor. However, the entire second outer conductor may be inserted into the receiving portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 10...Connector 11. Housing 12...Housing body 13...Mating hole 14...Mating groove 15...Inner hood 16...Outer hood part 17...Lock arm 18...First retaining latch portion 20...Inner conductor 21...First inner conductor 22...Second inner conductor 23...First inner conductor body 24...Latching part 24A…Convex surface 24B…Concave 25...Stabilizer 26...Barrel section 28…First bottom plate part 29…Second bottom plate part 30…Side plate part 31...First connection part 32...Invitation section 34...Second inner conductor body 35...Mating connection part on inner conductor side 36...Second connection part 37...Inner conductor side convex part 38...Prevention protrusion 40...Outer conductor 41...First outer conductor 42...Second outer conductor 42B...Second outer conductor 43...Storage section 44...Cylinder part 45...Conductor side fitting hole 46...Conductor side fitting groove 47...First lock 48...Through hole 49...Sleeve positioning part 50...Outer conductor body 50B...Outer conductor body 51...Second lock section 51B...Second lock section 52...Convex part 52B...Convex part 53...Front stopper 54...Mating connection part 54B...Mating connection part 55...Lock hole 55B...Lock hole 56…Guiding surface 56B…Guiding surface 60...Dielectric 61...First dielectric 62...Second dielectric 63...cavity 64...Latching hole 65...Entrance hole 66...Guide groove 67...Stabilizer fitting groove 70...Sleeve 71...First seal member 72...Second seal member 73...Prevention member 74...insertion hole 75...Second retaining latch 80...Electric wire 81...Inner conductor 82...Insulator 83...Shield layer 84...Sheath 90...Mating connector 91...Mating housing 92...Mating inner conductor 93...Mating outer conductor 94...Matching part on the other side

Claims

1. An inner conductor; an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor; the outer conductor includes a first outer conductor and a second outer conductor electrically connected to each other; the first outer conductor is a member formed into a cylindrical shape by casting or cutting, and has an accommodating portion into which at least a part of the second outer conductor is inserted, and a first locking portion provided inside the accommodating portion, the second outer conductor is a plate-like member and has a second locking portion that is engaged with the first locking portion, The second locking portion is flexible and deformable. the first outer conductor has a through hole formed at a position corresponding to the first lock portion, A portion of the second outer conductor is disposed at a position to close the through hole when the second outer conductor is fitted in the accommodating portion. connector.

2. The second outer conductor has a mating connection portion that elastically contacts the mating outer conductor. The connector of claim 1 .

3. The accommodating portion of the first outer conductor is formed with an opening on one end side of the first outer conductor, The other end of the first outer conductor is formed with an opening to form a cylindrical portion to be connected to a shield layer of an electric wire, The opening direction of the housing portion intersects with the opening direction of the cylindrical portion. The connector according to claim 1 or 2.

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