Connector

Abstract

Provided is a connector having a waterproof structure that can surely prevent water or the like from entering along the terminals. 【Solution means】The connector 1 includes a terminal 20, a first holder 30 and a second holder 40 that support the terminal 20, a shell 50 that supports the first holder 30 and the second holder 40, and a waterproof member 60 that is disposed in close contact with the terminal 20 and the shell 50. The terminal 20 has a main body portion 23 and a first connection portion 21, and the waterproof member 60 is externally fitted to the main body portion 23. The shell 50 has a partition portion 53 including an insertion hole 53b. The internal space of the shell 50 is partitioned by the partition portion 53 into a connection space 54 and a holder accommodation space 55. The first connection portion 21 of the terminal 20 is disposed across the partition portion 53 to the connection space 54 in a state where the first holder 30 is inserted through the insertion hole 53b and at least a part thereof is exposed in the connection space 54. The main body portion 23 of the terminal 20 and the waterproof member 60 are disposed in the holder accommodation space 55.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a waterproof structure for preventing intrusion of water or the like from the outside is known. As a technique related to such a waterproof structure, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1 cited below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a plug having a waterproof structure. The plug includes a plug outer shell portion, a core contact, an O-ring, and a fixing member. The plug outer shell portion is integrally formed with the case, and a through hole into the case is formed inside. The core contact is inserted into the plug outer shell portion, and has a terminal (contact pin in Patent Document 1) that protrudes into the case through the through hole, and a contact portion into which a central conductor of a plug connected to this plug is inserted and electrically connected. The O-ring is inserted into the plug outer shell portion with the terminal of the core contact penetrating therethrough at the center, and seals between the inside and outside of the case. The fixing member is made of an insulating material and is press-fitted and locked into the plug outer shell portion to fix the core contact and the O-ring inside the plug outer shell portion.

[0004] In the plug having this waterproof structure, a waterproof structure between the plug and the case to which this plug is attached becomes unnecessary. Further, after inserting the core contact with the O-ring assembled therein into the plug outer shell portion, the fixing member is press-fitted and locked by a protrusion formed on the inner wall of the plug outer shell portion, so that the attachment work can be facilitated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the plug described in Patent Document 1, when the terminal is thin, the compression rate of the O-ring at the contact portion between the O-ring and the contact pin becomes small, and there is a risk that a sufficient waterproof structure cannot be ensured, leaving room for improvement.

[0007] Therefore, a connector having a waterproof structure that can reliably prevent water or the like from entering along the terminal is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] One embodiment of the connector according to the present disclosure includes a rod-shaped terminal made of a conductive material, a cylindrical first holder and a second holder made of an insulating material, which insert and support the terminal so as to be coaxial with the axis of the terminal, a cylindrical shell made of a conductive material, which inserts and supports the first holder and the second holder so as to be coaxial with the axis, and a cylindrical waterproof member made of an elastic insulating material, which is disposed in close contact with the terminal and the shell. The terminal has a main body portion and a first connection portion that extends in one direction along the axis from the main body portion and has a smaller diameter than the main body portion. The waterproof member is externally fitted to the main body portion. The shell has a partition portion including a partition wall protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface and an insertion hole that is a through hole coaxial with the axis at the center of the partition wall. The internal space of the shell is partitioned by the partition portion into a connection space and a holder accommodation space. The first connection portion of the terminal is disposed across the partition portion to the connection space in a state where the first holder is inserted into the insertion hole and at least a part thereof is exposed in the connection space. The main body portion of the terminal and the waterproof member are disposed in the holder accommodation space and the outer diameter of the first holder is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the main body portion of the terminal 。

[0009] According to this embodiment, in the connector, the waterproof member is formed of an insulating material, is externally fitted to the main body portion of the terminal, and is disposed in close contact with the terminal and the shell. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent water or the like that has entered from the connection space from entering the second holder from between the second holder and the inner peripheral surface of the shell and between the first holder and the terminal. Further, since the main body portion of the terminal has a larger diameter than the first connection portion, the inner diameter of the cylindrical waterproof member can be increased, so that the elastic deformation rate in the radial direction of the waterproof member at the contact portion between the waterproof member and the main body portion of the terminal can be increased, and sufficient waterproof characteristics can be maintained. Also, according to the present embodiment, a waterproof member can be easily externally fitted to the main body portion of the terminal. Thus, it has been possible to realize a connector having a waterproof structure that can surely prevent water or the like from entering along the terminal.

[0010] In another embodiment of the connector according to the present disclosure, the terminal is disposed on the side opposite to the first connection portion with respect to the main body portion, extends in another direction along the axis from the main body portion, and has a second connection portion having a smaller diameter than the main body portion. The first holder is fixed in close contact with the main body portion and the first connection portion, and the second holder is fixed in close contact with the main body portion and the second connection portion.

[0011] According to this embodiment, the first holder is fixed in close contact with the main body portion and the first connection portion, and the second holder is fixed in close contact with the main body portion and the second connection portion. And a main body portion is disposed between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. Since the main body portion is exposed between the first holder and the second holder, it is possible to obtain a waterproof structure by sealing the gap between the terminal and the first holder and the gap between the shell and the second holder with one waterproof member. For this reason, it is possible to more surely prevent water or the like that has entered from the connection space from entering the second holder from between the second holder and the inner peripheral surface of the shell and between the first holder and the terminal.

[0014] In another embodiment of the connector according to the present disclosure, the terminal is supported by the first holder and the second holder, at least one of which is formed by insert molding.

[0015] According to this embodiment, in the manufacturing process of the connector, compared with the case where the terminals, the first holder, and the second holder are separately manufactured and assembled, the process of inserting and assembling the terminals into the first holder and the second holder can be eliminated. Thereby, the cost of the connector can be reduced.

[0016] In another embodiment of the connector according to the present disclosure, at a corner portion on the side of the main body portion of the terminal on the inner peripheral surface of the partition wall constituting the insertion hole, the diameter is enlarged by a notch portion that is notched over the entire circumference.

[0017] According to this embodiment, when inserting the first holder and the terminal into the shell, since the tip of the first connection portion of the terminal is guided to the insertion hole along the notch portion, the first terminal portion can be easily inserted into the insertion hole. Also, since the insulation distance (space distance and creepage distance) between the partition portion of the shell and the main body portion of the terminal can be increased, it is possible to reliably prevent air discharge and insulation breakdown (short circuit) between the shell and the terminal.

[0018] Another embodiment of the connector according to the present disclosure A connector includes a rod-shaped terminal made of a conductive material, a first holder and a second holder made of an insulating material and having a cylindrical shape for internally inserting and supporting the terminal coaxially with the axis of the terminal, a shell made of a conductive material and having a cylindrical shape for internally inserting and supporting the first holder and the second holder coaxially with the axis, and a cylindrical waterproof member made of an elastic insulating material and disposed in close contact with the terminal and the shell. The terminal has a main body portion and a first connection portion extending in one direction along the axis from the main body portion and having a smaller diameter than the main body portion. The waterproof member is externally fitted to the main body portion. The shell has a partition portion including a partition wall protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface and an insertion hole which is a through hole coaxially with the axis at the center of the partition wall. The internal space of the shell is partitioned by the partition portion into a connection space and a holder accommodation space. The first connection portion of the terminal is disposed across the partition portion to the connection space in a state where the first holder is inserted through the insertion hole and at least a part thereof is exposed to the connection space. The main body portion of the terminal and the waterproof member are disposed in the holder accommodation space. When the waterproof member is viewed along the radial direction, at least a part of the waterproof member overlaps with the first holder.

[0019] According to this embodiment, In the connector, the waterproof member is formed of an insulating material, externally fitted to the main body portion of the terminal, and disposed in close contact with the terminal and the shell. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent water or the like that has entered from the connection space from entering the second holder between the second holder and the inner peripheral surface of the shell and between the first holder and the terminal. Further, since the main body portion of the terminal has a larger diameter than the first connection portion, the inner diameter of the cylindrical waterproof member can be increased, so that the elastic deformation rate in the radial direction of the waterproof member at the contact portion between the waterproof member and the main body portion of the terminal can be increased, and sufficient waterproof characteristics can be maintained. Also, the insulation distance (space distance and creepage distance) between the partition portion of the shell and the main body portion of the terminal can be further increased, so that air discharge and insulation breakdown between the shell and the terminal can be more reliably prevented. In this way, a connector having a waterproof structure capable of reliably preventing water or the like from entering along the terminal has been realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the connector according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for explaining the connector, and the connector is not limited to these embodiments only. Therefore, the connector according to the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

[0022] 〔Configuration of Connector〕 The connector 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIGS. 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of the connector 1. FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view and a partial enlarged view of the connector 1.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector 1 in this embodiment is configured as a receptacle connector, and includes a housing 10, terminals 20, a first holder 30, a second holder 40, a shell 50, a first packing 60 (an example of a waterproof member), a second packing 70, and a shield case 80.

[0024] The terminals 20 are circular and rod-shaped in cross section. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the direction along the axis X passing through the center of the cross section of the terminals 20 is defined as the Z direction. And as shown in FIG. 3, the direction and side of the first holder 30 with respect to the second holder 40 are the Z1 direction (an example of one direction), the Z1 side. Similarly, the direction and side of the second holder 40 with respect to the first holder 30 are the Z2 direction (an example of the other direction), the Z2 side.

[0025] The housing 10 corresponds to the housing of the receptacle connector. The housing 10 includes a base portion 11, a connection portion 12, and a shell insertion portion 13. In the present embodiment, when viewed along the Z direction (hereinafter also referred to as a plan view), the base portion 11 has a pentagonal shape. The base portion 11 has a plate-like top plate portion 11a and a wall portion 11b standing upright from the top plate portion 11a in the Z2 direction. The inside surrounded by the top plate portion 11a and the wall portion 11b is a hollow space. A through hole 11c communicating with a shell accommodation space 13a described later is formed on the surface of the top plate portion 11a of the base portion 11 on the Z2 side. Further, around the through hole 11c, a packing accommodation portion 11d, which is an annular groove for accommodating the second packing 70, is formed coaxially with the through hole 11c.

[0026] The connection portion 12 extends in the Z1 direction, which is the direction opposite to the wall portion 11b with respect to the top plate portion 11a of the base portion 11. The outer shape of the connection portion 12 is formed smaller than the outer shape of the base portion 11 and is integrally formed with the base portion 11 in a state of being placed on the base portion 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the shell insertion portion 13 is disposed in the space inside the connection portion 12 and is configured in a cylindrical shape. The axis of the shell insertion portion 13 is coaxial with the axis X. A shell accommodation space 13a is formed on the radially inner side of the shell insertion portion 13. The shell accommodation space 13a is a hollow space.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the housing 10 is formed of an insulating material such as resin, but it may be formed of a metal material. Alternatively, it may be formed of an insulating material and its surface may be covered with a metal material by plating or vapor deposition.

[0028] The shell 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape from a conductive material made of a metal such as iron, copper, or aluminum, and at least a part of it is accommodated in the shell accommodation space 13a of the housing 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the shell 50 has a cylindrical portion 51 extending along the axial direction Z, and a flange portion 52 having a circular outer shape in plan view that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the end on the Z2 side of the cylindrical portion 51. The axial centers of the cylindrical portion 51 and the flange portion 52 are coaxial with the axial center X. In the vicinity of the outer edge of the flange portion 52, a concave portion 52a that is recessed toward the Z2 side from the inner diameter side portion is formed.

[0029] In the internal space of the cylindrical portion 51 on the Z1 side of the flange portion 52 of the shell 50, a partitioning portion 53 is formed. The partitioning portion 53 has a partitioning wall 53a that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51, and an insertion hole 53b that is a through hole having a circular cross section formed at the center of the partitioning wall 53a. The axial center of the insertion hole 53b is coaxial with the axial center X. At the corner portion on the Z2 side of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 53b of the partitioning portion 53, a notch portion 53c that is notched obliquely with respect to the Z direction over the entire circumference is formed. Due to the notch portion 53c, the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 53b expands as it goes in the Z2 direction.

[0030] The internal space of the cylindrical portion 51 of the shell 50 is partitioned into two by the partitioning portion 53. Among the two partitioned internal spaces, the internal space on the Z1 side of the partitioning portion 53 is referred to as a connection space 54, and the internal space on the Z2 side of the partitioning portion 53 is referred to as a holder accommodation space 55. The connection space 54 and the holder accommodation space 55 are connected via the insertion hole 53b.

[0031] The shell 50 can be formed by cutting with a lathe or the like. Thereby, the cylindrical portion 51, the flange portion 52, and the insertion hole 53b can be easily formed coaxially. Further, when the shell 50 is formed by cutting, the characteristic impedance of the connector 1 determined by the material characteristics and shape of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40, the shape of the terminal 20, the distance between the shell 50 and the terminal 20, etc. can be easily adjusted (i.e., while maintaining coaxiality). Further, if the shell 50 is formed by sheet metal working, there is a risk that noise is radiated from the joined portion for forming the cylindrical shape and the EMC characteristics are deteriorated. However, if it is cutting, it can be formed without including the joined portion from which noise that deteriorates the EMC characteristics is radiated, so it is also advantageous in terms of EMC characteristics.

[0032] The terminal 20 is a bar-shaped member having a circular cross-section made of a conductive material such as iron, copper, or aluminum. The terminal 20 is arranged across the connection space 54 of the shell 50 to the holder accommodation space 55 in a posture where the axis X is along the Z direction. The terminal 20 has a first connection portion 21, a second connection portion 22, and a main body portion 23. The first connection portion 21 extends from the main body portion 23 in the Z1 direction, and the second connection portion 22 extends from the main body portion 23 in the Z2 direction. That is, the second connection portion 22 is arranged on the side opposite to the first connection portion 21 with respect to the main body portion 23. The outer diameters of the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 22 are substantially the same, but may be different, and the outer diameters of the first connection portion 21 and the second connection portion 22 are smaller than the outer diameter of the main body portion 23. The terminal 20 is formed by cutting with a lathe or the like.

[0033] The first connection part 21 is arranged across the insertion hole 53b of the partition part 53 of the shell 50 to the connection space 54. The main body part 23 is arranged in the holder accommodation space 55, and the second connection part 22 is at least partially arranged in the holder accommodation space 55. A first holder fixing part 21a for fixing the first holder 30 is formed on the first connection part 21, and a second holder fixing part 22a for fixing the second holder 40 is formed on the second connection part 22. The first holder fixing part 21a is formed to protrude in the radial outer direction in the middle in the Z direction of the first connection part 21. The second holder fixing part 22a is formed to protrude in the radial outer direction in the middle in the Z direction of the second connection part 22.

[0034] At the boundary with the first connection part 21, the main body part 23 has an inclined surface 23a inclined so as to go in the Z2 direction as it goes in the radial outer direction (see the enlarged view of FIG. 3).

[0035] The first holder 30 is formed by insert molding so as to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first connection part 21 of the terminal 20. That is, the terminal 20 is partially inserted into the first holder 30. The first holder 30 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The first holder 30 is formed from the boundary with the main body part 23 along the Z direction to the end surface on the Z1 side of the first holder fixing part 21a. The outer diameter of the first holder 30 is the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the main body part 23 of the terminal 20 and is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the insertion hole 53b of the partition part 53 of the shell 50.

[0036] Since at least a part of the first holder 30 is arranged in the connection space 54, when inserting into the connection space 54 to connect the mating connector of the connector 1, the outer conductor of the mating connector is attracted to the first holder 30 and arranged on the same axis as the axis X of the connector 1. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the coaxiality from deteriorating and the transmission characteristics and EMC characteristics from deteriorating.

[0037] The second holder 40 is formed by insert molding simultaneously with the first holder 30 so as to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second connection portion 22 of the terminal 20. That is, the terminal 20 is partially inserted into the second holder 40. The second holder 40 is made of the same insulating material as the first holder 30. The second holder 40 is formed from the boundary with the main body portion 23 along the Z direction to the end face on the Z2 side of the second holder fixing portion 22a. The outer diameter of the second holder 40 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 51 that partitions the holder accommodation space 55 of the shell 50, and has a shape that follows the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 that partitions the holder accommodation space 55. A plurality of protrusions 42 that serve as press-fitting sites when inserted into the shell 50 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the second holder 40. Note that the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are formed separately from each other and are not connected. Also, the axial centers of the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are coaxial with the axial center X.

[0038] The first packing 60 is a cylindrical part made of an insulating material having elasticity such as rubber. The first packing 60 is externally fitted to the main body 23 of the terminal 20, and its outer peripheral surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 51 of the shell 50. The inner diameter of the first packing 60 is such that when it is externally fitted to the main body 23, it expands in diameter due to elastic deformation and adheres closely to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 23. Also, the outer diameter of the first packing 60 is such that when it is internally fitted to the cylindrical part 51 of the shell 50, it contracts in diameter due to elastic deformation and adheres closely to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 51 that partitions the holder accommodation space 55. A plurality (two in this embodiment) of annular first convex rings 62 are formed on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the first packing 60 respectively, and a plurality (six in this embodiment) of first protrusions 64 are formed on the upper and lower bottom surfaces respectively (see FIG. 3). Since the first packing 60 has the first convex rings 62, the contact area during adhesion becomes smaller, so the contact pressure can be increased. The first packing 60 ensures waterproofness by means of the plurality of first convex rings 62 formed on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface respectively. The plurality of first protrusions 64 are for preventing the degree of adhesion in the Z direction from becoming non-uniform and the radial compression rate of the first convex rings 62 from becoming non-uniform depending on the location, thereby enabling good waterproofness to be achieved. Note that the first packing 60 is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be an annular part such as an O-ring, for example.

[0039] The second packing 70 is a cylindrical component made of an insulating material having elasticity such as rubber. Similar to the first packing 60, a plurality (two in this embodiment) of annular second convex rings 72 are formed on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the second packing 70, and a plurality (six in this embodiment) of second protrusions 74 are formed on the upper and lower bottom surfaces respectively. The second packing 70 is externally fitted to the cylindrical portion 51 of the shell 50. Since the second packing 70 has the second convex rings 72, the contact area during close contact becomes small, so the contact pressure can be increased. The second packing 70 ensures waterproofness by means of a plurality of second convex rings 72 formed on the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface respectively. The plurality of second protrusions 74 are for preventing the degree of close contact in the Z direction from being non-uniform and the radial compression rate of the second convex rings 72 from being non-uniform depending on the location, and thereby good waterproofness can be realized. Note that the second packing 70 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be an annular component such as an O-ring, for example.

[0040] The shield case 80 is formed using a conductive material made of metal such as iron or aluminum, and has a shape and size that are in close contact with the inner surfaces of the top plate portion 11a and the wall portion 11b of the base portion 11. The shield case 80 is provided with an opening 82 that is coaxial with the axis of the through hole 11c provided in the top plate portion 11a of the base portion 11 and has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the packing accommodation portion 11d. Note that the shield case 80 does not have to be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the top plate portion 11a and the wall portion 11b as long as it is at least partially accommodated in the base portion 11.

[0041] Note that the connector 1 may be a coaxial connector with, for example, the shell 50 as a coaxial shield and the terminal 20 as a center pin. When the connector 1 is a coaxial connector, it is possible to control the characteristic impedance of the terminal 20 by adjusting the outer diameter of the main body portion 23. That is, a part of the first connection portion 21 is exposed from the first holder 30, and the characteristic impedance at this portion becomes large. This is because the relative permittivity of the insulating material constituting the first holder 30 is smaller than the relative permittivity of air. However, when the outer diameter of the main body portion 23 is increased, the characteristic impedance of the main body portion 23 becomes smaller, so it is possible to suppress the increase in the characteristic impedance of the first connection portion 21. Thereby, the impedance of the connector 1 can be adjusted, and a coaxial connector with good transmission characteristics can be realized.

[0042] 〔Manufacturing method of connector〕 Next, the manufacturing method of the connector 1 will be described. First, the terminal 20 processed into the above-described shape by cutting is placed in a mold, and the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are formed into the above-described shapes by insert molding. Thereby, the first holder 30 is fixed in close contact with the main body portion 23 and the first connection portion 21. Further, the second holder 40 is fixed in close contact with the main body portion 23 and the second connection portion 22. Then, the first packing 60 is inserted from the side of the first connection portion 21 of the terminal 20 and externally fitted to the main body portion 23. Since the outer diameter of the first holder 30 is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20, the first packing 60 can be inserted through the first holder 30 and externally fitted to the main body portion 23. When externally fitting, the inner peripheral surface of the first packing 60 elastically deforms and expands in diameter, and the first convex ring 62 on the inner peripheral surface of the first packing 60 comes into close contact with the main body portion 23. The first packing 60 is inserted until the first protrusion 64 on one bottom surface abuts against the second holder 40. At this time, as shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 3, when viewed along the radial direction orthogonal to the axis X, at least a part of the first packing 60 and the first holder 30 overlap. Hereinafter, the assembly of the terminal 20, the first holder 30, the second holder 40, and the first packing 60 is referred to as a "terminal assembly".

[0043] Next, the terminal assembly is press-fitted into the holder accommodation space 55 of the shell 50 from the Z2 side toward the Z1 side. Since there is a step on the inner peripheral surface of the holder accommodation space 55 and a corresponding step on the second holder 40 as well, the terminal assembly is press-fitted until the step of the second holder 40 abuts against the step of the holder accommodation space 55. By the press-fitting, the protruding portions 42 formed in plurality on the outer peripheral surface of the second holder 40 are pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the holder accommodation space 55 and crushed. Thereby, the first holder 30 and the second holder 40 are inserted into the shell 50, and the terminal assembly is fixed to the shell 50. At this time, the first connection portion 21 of the terminal 20 and the first holder 30 are guided by the notch portion 53c of the partition portion 53 of the shell 50, and can easily pass through the insertion hole 53b.

[0044] In the state where the press-fitting is completed, the outer peripheral surface of the first packing 60 of the terminal assembly is elastically deformed and reduced in diameter, and the first convex ring 62 on the outer peripheral surface of the first packing 60 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the holder accommodation space 55. Also, the first protrusion 64 on the other bottom surface of the first packing 60 is in close contact with or close to the partition wall 53a of the partition portion 53. That is, the first packing 60 is elastically deformed and is disposed in the holder accommodation space 55 in a state of being in close contact with or close to the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20, the inner peripheral surface of the holder accommodation space 55 of the shell 50, the partition wall 53a, and the second holder 40.

[0045] In the state where the press-fitting is completed, the first connection portion 21 of the terminal 20 and the first holder 30 penetrate through the insertion hole 53b of the partition portion 53, and at least a part of the first connection portion 21 and the first holder 30 is exposed in the connection space 54. That is, the first connection portion 21 and the first holder 30 are disposed across the partition portion 53 to the connection space 54. The tip of the first connection portion 21 and the tip of the first holder 30 are located within the connection space 54. At this time, the holder accommodation space 55 is substantially filled without a gap by the second connection portion 22 and the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20, the second holder 40, and the first packing 60. The tip of the second connection portion 22 protrudes to the Z2 side from the shell 50 and is located within the space inside the base portion 11 of the housing 10.

[0046] Next, insert the second packing 70 from the side of Z1 toward the Z2 direction. The second packing 70 is externally fitted onto the cylindrical portion 51. At this time, the inner peripheral surface of the second packing 70 is elastically deformed and expanded in diameter, and the second convex ring 72 on the inner peripheral surface of the second packing 70 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51. The second packing 70 is inserted until the second protrusion 74 on one bottom surface abuts against the flange portion 52. Hereinafter, the terminal assembly inserted into the shell 50 with the second packing 70 externally fitted is referred to as a "shell assembly".

[0047] Next, attach the shield case 80 to the inner surfaces of the top plate portion 11a and the wall portion 11b of the base portion 11 of the housing 10. In that state, insert the shell assembly with the cylindrical portion 51 of the shell 50 into the shell accommodation space 13a of the shell insertion portion 13 from the side opposite to the side where the connection portion 12 of the housing 10 is formed, in the Z1 direction. The shell assembly is inserted until the flange portion 52 of the shell 50 abuts against the surface on the Z2 side of the top plate portion 11a of the base portion 11 of the housing 10.

[0048] At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 of the shell 50 of the shell assembly is press-fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the shell insertion portion 13. Also, the outer peripheral surface of the second packing 70 is elastically deformed and reduced in diameter, and the second convex ring 72 on the outer peripheral surface of the second packing 70 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the packing accommodation portion 11d of the base portion 11, and the second protrusion 74 on the other bottom surface abuts against the bottom surface of the packing accommodation portion 11d. That is, due to elastic deformation, the second packing 70 is in close contact with or close to the outer peripheral surface and the flange portion 52 of the cylindrical portion 51 of the shell 50, and the inner peripheral surface and the bottom surface of the packing accommodation portion 11d of the base portion 11 of the housing 10. At this time, the portion outside the diameter of the opening 82 of the shield case 80 fits into the recess 52a of the flange portion 52 and is electrically connected to the shell 50. By the shell 50 and the shield case 80 being electrically connected, the space inside the base portion 11 of the housing 10 is electromagnetically shielded from the outside space. The shield case 80 is sandwiched and supported between the surface on the Z2 side of the top plate portion 11a of the base portion 11 and the recess 52a. Thereby, the connector 1 is completed.

[0049] In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in the partial enlarged view of FIG. 3, a notch 53c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole 53b of the partition portion 53 of the shell 50. As a result, the first connection portion 21 of the terminal 20 and the first holder 30 can be easily inserted into the insertion hole 53b, and the insulation distance (spatial distance and creepage distance) between the partition portion 53 of the shell 50 and the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20 can be increased, thereby preventing air discharge and insulation breakdown (short circuit) between the shell 50 and the terminal 20. Further, when viewed along the radial direction orthogonal to the axis X, at least a part of the first packing 60 and the first holder 30 overlap, so that the insulation distance between the partition portion 53 and the main body portion 23 can be further increased, thereby preventing air discharge and insulation breakdown between the shell 50 and the terminal 20.

[0050] In the connector 1 of the present embodiment, the first packing 60 is formed of an insulating material, is radially contractable, and has a deformable cross-sectional shape. It is externally fitted to the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20 and is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 of the shell 50 and the main body portion 23. When the first packing 60 is sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 and the main body portion 23 in this way, it is possible to prevent water or the like that has entered from the connection space 54 from entering the Z2 side of the second holder 40 between the second holder 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 of the shell 50 and between the second holder 40 and the terminal 20. Further, since the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20 has a larger diameter than the first connection portion 21, the inner diameter of the cylindrical first packing 60 can be increased, so that the elastic deformation rate in the radial direction of the first packing 60 at the contact portion between the first packing 60 and the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20 can be increased, and sufficient waterproof characteristics can be maintained.

[0051] The above-described connector 1 can be used, for example, for transmitting image signals and audio signals in a vehicle. According to such a connector 1, a system for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside via a coaxial cable with an electronic device can be configured, so it can be used in a system for transmitting high-frequency signals and high-speed digital signals. For example, it can be used in an in-vehicle camera system for transmitting high-definition video signals. Further, since the connector 1 can be configured compactly, it can be mounted, for example, on a substrate provided in an electronic device. In this case, the connector 1 can be used as a board connector, and it is possible to connect a coaxial cable to the board via the connector 1. By connecting such a coaxial cable, the connector 1 can be used for transmitting image signals and audio signals, power supply, etc.

[0052] 〔Other Embodiments〕 (1) In the above embodiment, the connector 1 had a shield case 80, but it may be configured without using the shield case 80.

[0053] (2) In the above embodiment, the connector 1 had one terminal 20, but it may be a multi-pole connector having a plurality of terminals 20. It may also be one of the plurality of connectors 1 provided in the electronic device.

[0054] (3) In the above embodiment, the housing 10 was described as being configured to include a base portion 11 having a pentagonal shape in plan view and a connection portion 12 integrally formed with the base portion 11. However, the base portion 11 and the connection portion 12 can be configured in other shapes, and the housing 10 can also be configured only with the connection portion 12.

[0055] (4) In the above embodiment, the main body portion 23 of the terminal 20 had the inclined surface 23a, but it may not have the inclined surface 23a and may be a surface perpendicular to the axis X. Even in this case, when viewed along the radial direction orthogonal to the axis X, by overlapping at least a part of the first packing 60 and the first holder 30, an insulation distance between the partition portion 53 and the main body portion 23 can be ensured, and air discharge and insulation breakdown between the shell 50 and the terminal 20 can be prevented.

[0056] (5) In the above embodiment, the first packing 60 and the second packing 70 had the convex rings and protrusions, but they may be configured to be in surface contact without having these.

[0057] (6) The connector 1 of the above embodiment can be a board-mounted type connector. In this case, the housing 10 may have a self-supporting shape for mounting on a board (not shown) in a vertical or horizontal direction as a housing of the board-mounted type connector.

[0058] (7) The connector 1 of the above embodiment can be a cable assembly type connector. In this case, the housing 10 may have a structure for holding a cable assembly in which a cable is connected to the second connection portion 22 and fitting and holding with a mating connector as a housing of the cable assembly type connector.

Industrial Applicability

[0059] The present disclosure can be used for connectors.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0060] 1: Connector 20: Terminal 21: First Connection Portion 22: Second Connection Portion 23: Main Body Portion 30: First Holder 40: Second Holder 50: Shell 53: Partition Portion 53a: Partition Wall 53b: Insertion hole 53c: Notch 54: Connection space 55: Holder accommodation space 60: First packing (waterproof member) X: Axis

Claims

1. A rod-shaped terminal made of a conductive material, A cylindrical first holder and a second holder made of an insulating material, for internally inserting and supporting the terminal so as to be coaxial with the axis of the terminal, A cylindrical shell made of a conductive material, for internally inserting and supporting the first holder and the second holder so as to be coaxial with the axis, A cylindrical waterproof member made of an insulating material having elasticity, disposed in close contact with the terminal and the shell, and comprising: The terminal has a main body portion and a first connection portion that extends in one direction along the axis from the main body portion and has a smaller diameter than the main body portion, The waterproof member is externally fitted to the main body portion, The shell has a partition portion including a partition wall protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface and an insertion hole that is a through hole coaxial with the axis at the center of the partition wall, The internal space of the shell is partitioned by the partition portion into a connection space and a holder accommodation space, The first connection portion of the terminal is disposed across the partition portion and into the connection space in a state where the first holder is inserted through the insertion hole and at least a part thereof is exposed in the connection space, The main body portion of the terminal and the waterproof member are disposed in the holder accommodation space, A connector in which an outer diameter of the first holder is equal to or less than an outer diameter of the main body portion of the terminal.

2. A rod-shaped terminal made of a conductive material, A cylindrical first holder and a second holder made of an insulating material, for internally inserting and supporting the terminal so as to be coaxial with the axis of the terminal, A cylindrical shell made of a conductive material, for internally inserting and supporting the first holder and the second holder so as to be coaxial with the axis, A cylindrical waterproof member made of an insulating material having elasticity, disposed in close contact with the terminal and the shell, and comprising: The terminal has a main body portion and a first connection portion that extends in one direction along the axis from the main body portion and has a smaller diameter than the main body portion, The waterproof member is externally fitted to the main body portion, The shell has a partition portion including a partition wall protruding radially inward from the inner peripheral surface and an insertion hole that is a through hole coaxial with the axis at the center of the partition wall, The internal space of the shell is partitioned by the partition portion into a connection space and a holder accommodation space, The first connection portion of the terminal is disposed across the partition portion and into the connection space in a state where the first holder is inserted through the insertion hole and at least a part thereof is exposed in the connection space, The main body portion of the terminal and the waterproof member are disposed in the holder accommodation space. A connector in which at least a part of the waterproof member overlaps with the first holder when the waterproof member is viewed along the radial direction. **Claim 3** The terminal is disposed on the side opposite to the first connection portion with respect to the main body portion, extends in the other direction along the axis from the main body portion, and has a second connection portion having a smaller diameter than the main body portion. The first holder is closely fixed to the main body portion and the first connection portion. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second holder is closely fixed to the main body portion and the second connection portion. **Claim 4** The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal is supported by the first holder and the second holder, at least one of which is formed by insert molding. **Claim 5** The connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a corner portion on the side close to the main body portion of the terminal on the inner peripheral surface of the partition wall constituting the insertion hole is enlarged in diameter by a notch portion that is notched over the entire circumference.

Images