connector

Abstract

To reduce a gap between an outer conductor of a connector and a connection partner conductor as much as possible to improve an electromagnetic shield property when the outer conductor and the connection partner conductor are connected by using a spring connection part.SOLUTION: A connector 30 comprises: a terminal module 32 that includes an inner conductor, an insulator that surrounds the circumference of the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor 40 that surrounds the circumference of the insulator; a connection partner conductor 50 that has an opening extending around the central axis of the outer conductor; and a plurality of spring connection parts 62 arranged in a circumferential direction of the outer conductor, at an outer peripheral side of the outer conductor. The plurality of spring connection parts are arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer conductor. Each of the plurality of spring connection parts, when seen from the central axis X of the outer conductor, extends from an edge of the opening toward the outer conductor side and is pressed against the outer peripheral part of the outer conductor elastically.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that a shim provided in the coaxial connector comes into contact with the shield case to establish a GND connection, and that the shim is conductive and elastic. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-26021 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The electrical conductivity and elasticity of the shim can be achieved by processing part of a metal plate into a spring shape. In this case, a gap may be formed around the spring. It is desirable to minimize the gap around the spring to improve electromagnetic shielding.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to improve electromagnetic shielding by minimizing the gap between the outer conductor and the mating conductor when connecting the outer conductor of a connector and the mating conductor with a spring connection portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector comprising: a terminal module including an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor surrounding the insulator; a mating connection conductor having an opening extending around the central axis of the outer conductor; and a plurality of spring connection portions arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor on the outer peripheral side of the outer conductor, wherein the plurality of spring connection portions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor, and each of the plurality of spring connection portions extends from the edge of the opening toward the outer conductor side when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor and is elastically pressed against the outer peripheral portion of the outer conductor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, when connecting the outer conductor of a connector and the mating conductor with a spring connection portion, the gap between the outer conductor and the mating conductor can be minimized to improve electromagnetic shielding properties. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a device equipped with a connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the second case and the connector from the inside. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the connector from the outside. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the connector. 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.

[0010] The connectors of the present disclosure are as follows.

[0011] (1) A connector comprising: a terminal module including an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor surrounding the insulator; a mating conductor having an opening extending around the central axis of the outer conductor; and a plurality of spring connection portions arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor on the outer periphery of the outer conductor, wherein the plurality of spring connection portions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor, and each of the plurality of spring connection portions extends from the edge of the opening toward the outer conductor side when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor and is elastically pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, the spring connection portions can more reliably electrically connect the outer conductor and the mating conductor. Furthermore, each of the spring connection portions extends from the edge of the opening toward the outer conductor when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor and is elastically pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor, making it easy to reduce the gap between the spring connection portions. This minimizes the gap between the outer conductor and the mating conductor, thereby improving electromagnetic shielding.

[0013] (2) The connector of (1) may include an annular portion that fits along the opening and the plurality of spring connection portions, and may be provided with an intervening member that is a separate member from the outer conductor and the mating connection conductor, the annular portion being electrically connected to the mating connection conductor on the outer periphery of the opening, and the plurality of spring connection portions being supported by the annular portion so that the points where they connect to the annular portion serve as spring fulcrums.

[0014] In this case, since the spring connection portion is formed on the intervening member, which is a separate member from the outer conductor and the mating connection conductor, the spring connection portion can be easily formed.

[0015] (3) In the connector of (2), the annular portion may have an interposed tubular portion having a first opening and a second opening, and a protruding portion extending outward from the edge of the first opening, the protruding portion contacting one of the main surfaces of the mating conductor on the outer periphery of the opening, and the multiple spring connection portions may be supported by the edge of the second opening and extend toward the inside thereof.

[0016] In this case, the plurality of spring connection portions can be brought into contact with the outer conductor at different positions along the axial direction of the outer conductor relative to the opening of the mating conductor, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the outer conductor relative to the opening.

[0017] (4) In the connector of (3), the protruding portion may be fixed to one main surface of the mating conductor at the outer periphery of the opening, and the interposing tubular portion may protrude through the opening to the other main surface of the mating conductor, thereby enabling the interposing member to be firmly fixed to the mating conductor.

[0018] (5) In the connector of any one of (1) to (4), each of the plurality of spring connection portions may have a shape in which the tip end is narrower than the base end, thereby preventing interference between the tips of the plurality of spring connection portions.

[0019] (6) In the connector of any one of (1) to (5), each of the plurality of spring connection parts may have a gradually tapered width portion that gradually narrows toward the tip end. This makes it possible to minimize gaps between the plurality of spring connection parts in the gradually tapered width portion while making it difficult for the tips of the plurality of spring connection parts to interfere with each other.

[0020] (7) In the connector of any one of (1) to (6), the plurality of spring connection portions may be arranged along the radial direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the outer conductor, as viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor, which makes it easier to apply a force pressing the spring connection portions against the outer periphery of the outer conductor toward the central axis of the outer conductor.

[0021] (8) In the connector of (7), the plurality of spring connection portions may be evenly distributed along the edge of the opening when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor, thereby allowing each spring connection portion to be pressed against the outer conductor in a balanced manner.

[0022] (9) In the connector of any one of (1) to (8), the plurality of spring connection portions may be pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor at the same position in a direction along the central axis of the outer conductor, thereby making it possible to further reduce gaps between the spring connection portions.

[0023] (10) In the connector of any one of (1) to (9), each of the plurality of spring connection parts may include a spring body extending obliquely relative to the central axis of the outer conductor and a contact tip part connected to the tip of the spring body, and the contact tip part may extend from the tip of the spring body obliquely relative to the central axis of the outer conductor and in a direction away from the central axis, thereby making it easier to insert the outer conductor into the area surrounded by the plurality of spring connection parts.

[0024] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the connector of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure 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.

[0025] [Embodiment] A connector according to an embodiment will now be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a device 10 equipped with a connector 30. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1.

[0026] <Overall equipment configuration> The device 10 is, for example, a camera device. The camera device is, for example, a device for use in a vehicle. The device 10 does not have to be a camera device.

[0027] The device 10 includes a case 12, an electric component 20, and a connector 30. The electric component 20 is housed in the case 12. The connector 30 is a connector for connecting the electric component 20 to an external electric component. For example, the connector 30 is a connector to which a cable connected to the external electric component is connected. The cable to which the connector 30 is connected is, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0028] The case 12 includes a first case 13 and a second case 14. The first case 13 and the second case 14 are formed of, for example, resin. The first case 13 and the second case 14 are combined to form the rectangular box-shaped case 12 that houses the electrical components 20. If the device 10 is a camera device, it is assumed that the first case 13 has a lens or window for capturing images, and the second case 14 has a connector 30.

[0029] The electrical component 20 is, for example, a mounting board on which electronic components are mounted. If the device 10 is a camera device, the electrical component 20 is assumed to be a circuit board 21 and an image sensor 22 mounted on the circuit board 21. The image sensor 22 faces an image capturing lens or window in the first case 13, and captures an image of the outside scenery by rotating the lens or window. Hereinafter, the side of the first case 13 toward which the image sensor 22 faces may be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side, the second case 14 side, may be referred to as the rear side.

[0030] In this embodiment, the electrical component 20 includes a board-side connector 24 located on the surface of the circuit board 21 opposite the imaging element 22. The board-side connector 24 includes, for example, a board-side inner conductor 25, a board-side insulator 26, and a board-side outer conductor 27. The board-side inner conductor 25 is surrounded by the board-side insulator 26. A dielectric can be considered a type of insulator, and the board-side insulator 26 may be a dielectric. The board-side outer conductor 27 is surrounded by the board-side insulator 26. The board-side connector 24 protrudes from the circuit board 21 toward the connector 30.

[0031] A relay connector 90 is connected to the board-side connector 24. The relay connector 90 includes, for example, a movable-side inner conductor 91, a movable-side insulator 92, and a movable-side outer conductor 93. The movable-side insulator 92 surrounds the movable-side inner conductor 91. A dielectric can be considered a type of insulator, and the movable-side insulator 92 may be a dielectric. The movable-side outer conductor 93 surrounds the movable-side insulator 92. The relay connector 90 is connected to the board-side connector 24 with the movable-side inner conductor 91 inserted and connected to the board-side inner conductor 25 and the board-side outer conductor 27 inserted and connected to the movable-side outer conductor 93. The relay connector 90 further protrudes from the board-side connector 24 toward the connector 30. The relay connector 90 relays and connects the board-side connector 24 and the connector 30. The relay connector 90 is connected to the board-side connector 24 and the connector 30 in a manner that allows its position to be changed relative to the board-side connector 24 and the connector 30.

[0032] The connector 30 is provided on the second case 14 side, i.e., on the rear side of the case 12. Inside the case 12, a relay connector 90 is connected to the connector 30. When an external cable is connected to the connector 30, an external electrical component to which the cable is connected is electrically connected to the electrical component 20 inside the case 12.

[0033] <Connector> The connector 30 will now be described in more detail.

[0034] <Overall connector configuration> Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the second case 14 and the connector 30 from the inside. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the connector 30 from the outside. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 30. Fig. 6 is a rear view of the connector 30.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the connector 30 includes a terminal module 32, a mating conductor 50, and a plurality of spring connection portions 62.

[0036] The terminal module 32 includes an inner conductor 34, an insulator 36, and an outer conductor 40. The insulator 36 surrounds the inner conductor 34. A dielectric can be considered a type of insulator, and the insulator 36 may be a dielectric material. The outer conductor 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape and surrounds the insulator 36.

[0037] The mating conductor 50 is a conductor to which the outer conductor 40 is electrically connected and is made of metal or the like. In this embodiment, the mating conductor 50 is a shielding conductor that electromagnetically shields the electrical component 20 from the outside. More specifically, the mating conductor 50 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box with one side open and is arranged along the inner surface of the second case 14. The mating conductor 50 is positioned behind the electrical component 20, thereby providing electromagnetic shielding between the electrical component 20 and the outside behind it. The mating conductor 50 surrounds and is positioned behind the board-side connector 24 and the relay connector 90, thereby providing electromagnetic shielding between the board-side connector 24 and the relay connector 90 and the outside around and behind them. The mating conductor 50 may be formed by deep drawing a metal material, by pressing a metal plate, by die forming, or by cutting.

[0038] The mating connection conductor 50 does not necessarily have to have the above-mentioned shape, and for example, the mating connection conductor may be formed in a plate shape that extends along the inner surface of the bottom of the second case 14. The mating connection conductor may extend toward the first case 13. The mating connection conductor may be electrically connected to the shield conductor on the first case 13 side.

[0039] The terminal module 32 is supported on the bottom 15 of the second case 14. The connection mating conductor 50 is also supported within the second case 14. The configuration in which the second case 14 supports the terminal module 32 and the connection mating conductor 50 will be described.

[0040] The bottom 52 of the mating conductor 50 is formed in a shape that extends over the entire inner surface of the bottom 15 of the second case 14, here a rectangular shape. A hole 52h is formed in the bottom 52. A fixing protrusion 15p that can be fitted into the hole 52h is protruded from the inner surface of the bottom 15 of the second case 14. The fixing protrusion 15p is fitted into the hole 52h, thereby supporting the mating conductor 50 within the second case 14. For example, the fixing protrusion 15p may be press-fitted into the hole 52h. For example, with the fixing protrusion 15p inserted into the hole 52h, the tip of the fixing protrusion 15p may be melted by heat or the like, and the melted and solidified portion may be caught on the periphery of the hole 52h in a manner that prevents it from coming out. For example, a retaining projection may be formed at the tip of fixing projection 15p, and elastic deformation of fixing projection 15p or the periphery of hole 52h may be utilized to allow the retaining projection to come out of hole 52h and be inserted into hole 52h. In this case, after fixing projection 15p is inserted into hole 52h, fixing projection 15p or the periphery of hole 52h returns to its original shape, and the retaining projection catches on the periphery of hole 52h.

[0041] The configuration for fixing the mating conductor to the second case 14 is not limited to the above example. For example, the mating conductor may be fixed to the second case 14 by screws, adhesive, or the like.

[0042] A retaining tubular portion 16 protrudes from the bottom 15. The retaining tubular portion 16 is cylindrical and protrudes outward from the center of the bottom 15. The inner opening of the retaining tubular portion 16 opens into the second case 14, and the outer opening of the retaining tubular portion 16 opens to the outside of the second case 14. A retaining partition portion 17 is formed in the axial middle portion of the retaining tubular portion 16. In this embodiment, the retaining partition portion 17 is formed in the axial middle portion of the retaining tubular portion 16, at a position closer to the inner opening. The retaining partition portion 17 separates the space on the inner opening side of the retaining tubular portion 16 from the space on the outer opening side. A retaining hole 17h is formed in the retaining partition portion 17, and the terminal module 32 is inserted into and held in the retaining hole 17h.

[0043] In this embodiment, a locking protrusion 18a for holding a cable connector attached to the end of a cable is formed on the outer periphery of the holding cylinder portion 16. It is not essential that the locking protrusion 18a be formed.

[0044] <Terminal module> A more detailed description will now be given of the terminal module 32. As described above, the terminal module 32 includes the inner conductor 34, the insulator 36, and the outer conductor 40.

[0045] The inner conductor 34 is formed in a long, thin rod shape and is made of a conductive material such as metal. In this embodiment, the longitudinal middle portion of the inner conductor 34 is thicker than both end portions of the inner conductor 34. The inner conductor 34 may also be formed in a rod shape of uniform thickness.

[0046] The insulator 36 is made of an insulating material such as resin and surrounds the inner conductor 34. In this embodiment, the insulator 36 is a dielectric material. The insulator 36 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The length of the insulator 36 is shorter than the length of the inner conductor 34. A through hole 36h is formed in the center of the insulator 36 along its extending direction. The inner conductor 34 is inserted into the through hole 36h, and a longitudinal middle portion of the inner conductor 34 is held within the through hole 36h. With the inner conductor 34 held by the insulator 36, both ends of the inner conductor 34 protrude outward from both end surfaces of the insulator 36. The inner conductor 34 may be formed with a locking protrusion that hooks onto the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 36h.

[0047] The outer conductor 40 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The outer conductor 40 is formed in a tubular shape that surrounds the insulator 36. More specifically, the outer conductor 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The length of the outer conductor 40 is greater than the length of the insulator 36. In this embodiment, the diameter of the outer portion of the outer conductor 40 is smaller than the outer diameter of the inner portion to match the thickness of the connecting relay connector 90 or the connector at the end of the cable. The outer conductor 40 may be tubular with a uniform diameter to match the thickness of the connecting connector, or the thickness relationship may be reversed. The insulator 36 is held in the longitudinal middle of the outer conductor 40, and both ends of the outer conductor 40 protrude outward beyond both ends of the insulator 36. The outer conductor 40 may have locking protrusions that hook onto either the outer circumferential surface or each end face of the insulator 36.

[0048] The outer conductor 40 may be formed by deep drawing a metal material, by pressing a metal plate, by die forming, or by cutting.

[0049] The outer conductor 40 is inserted into the holding hole 17h of the holding partition 17, and a longitudinal middle portion of the outer conductor 40 is held by the holding hole 17h. The outer conductor 40 may be held by a frictional holding force between the outer peripheral surface of the outer conductor 40 and the inner peripheral surface of the holding hole 17h. The outer conductor 40 may have a protrusion formed thereon that catches on the inner peripheral portion of the holding hole 17h. The outer conductor 40 may be fixed to the holding hole 17h by adhesive, screwing, or the like.

[0050] With the outer conductor 40 held by the holding partition 17, one end of the outer conductor 40 protrudes inward beyond the holding partition 17. In this embodiment, an annular recess 17g is formed in a portion of the holding partition 17 on the mating conductor 50 side, around the holding hole 17h. Therefore, the space S of the holding cylindrical portion 16 on the mating conductor 50 side of the holding partition 17 includes a cylindrical space S1 within the annular recess 17g and a cylindrical space S2 that is located on the mating conductor 50 side of the cylindrical space S1 and is larger than the cylindrical space S1.

[0051] The movable side outer conductor 93 of the relay connector 90 is inserted and connected to the inner opening of the outer conductor 40, and the inner end of the inner conductor 34 is inserted and connected to the movable side inner conductor 91, thereby connecting the relay connector 90 and the connector 30 within the case 12.

[0052] In this embodiment, the inner opening of the outer conductor 40 is located outside the bottom 15 of the mating conductor 50. Therefore, the outer end of the relay connector 90 is inserted into the space S, and the relay connector 90 and the connector 30 are connected within the space S. This allows part of the length required to connect the board-side connector 24, the relay connector 90, and the connector 30 to be disposed within the retaining cylindrical portion 16, and the front-to-rear length of the portion of the case 12 excluding the retaining cylindrical portion 16 can be shortened. This allows the entire device 10 to be made smaller.

[0053] The inner opening of the outer conductor 40 may be formed longer and positioned at the same position as the bottom 15 of the mating conductor 50 or further inward than the bottom 15 .

[0054] The other end of the outer conductor 40 protrudes outward beyond the holding partition 17. The outer conductor of the cable-side connector is connected to the outer end of the outer conductor 40, and the outer end of the inner conductor 34 is inserted into and connected to the inner conductor of the cable-side connector.

[0055] <Electrical connection structure between the outer conductor and the mating conductor> The mating conductor 50 has an opening 54 that expands around the central axis of the outer conductor 40. The connector 30 has a plurality of spring connection portions 62 arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor 40 on the outer periphery side of the outer conductor 40. Each of the plurality of spring connection portions 62 extends from the edge of the opening 54 toward the outer conductor 40 when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 and is elastically pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. In other words, when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the spring connection portion 62 is located between the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 and the edge of the opening 54. A spring fulcrum 62a of the spring connection portion 62 is located closer to the edge of the opening 54 than the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. The spring connection portion 62 elastically deforms around the spring fulcrum 62a, allowing the end of the outer periphery side of the outer conductor 40 to be significantly displaced.

[0056] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the spring connection portion 62 is configured as a part of the interposition member 60 which is a separate member from the outer conductor 40 and the mating connection conductor 50.

[0057] More specifically, an opening 54 is formed in the bottom 52 of the mating conductor 50. The opening 54 is formed at a position facing the inner opening of the outer conductor 40. The size of the opening 54 is the same as or larger than the size of the inner opening of the outer conductor 40. The center of the opening 54 is located on the central axis of the outer conductor 40.

[0058] In this embodiment, the connection mating conductor 50 has an extension tubular portion 55 extending outward from the edge of the opening 54. The length of the extension tubular portion 55 is shorter than the axial length of the cylindrical space S2 located inside the holding tubular portion 16. The extension tubular portion 55 is disposed within the cylindrical space S2. In this state, the tip of the extension tubular portion 55 is separated from the innermost portion of the cylindrical space S2.

[0059] The interposing member 60 includes an annular portion 66 and a plurality of spring connection portions 62. The interposing member 60 may be formed by deep drawing a metal material, by pressing a metal plate, by molding, or by cutting. In any case, the interposing member 60 is a separate member from the outer conductor 40 and the mating connection conductor 50.

[0060] The annular portion 66 is formed in an annular shape that fits along the opening 54. The annular portion 66 is electrically connected to the mating conductor 50 on the outer periphery of the opening 54 while being disposed along the opening 54.

[0061] The annular portion 66 is located outwardly and spaced apart from the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. The annular portion 66 supports a plurality of spring connection portions 62 at various positions along the opening 54. This allows the plurality of spring connection portions 62 to be supported on the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 so as to be aligned along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor 40. The annular portion 66 also supports each spring connection portion 62 in a cantilevered manner, with the spring connection portion 62 facing the outer conductor 40. This allows the point where the spring connection portion 62 is connected to the annular portion 66 to serve as a spring fulcrum 62a, and the spring connection portion 62 is supported in a position facing the outer conductor 40 from the spring fulcrum 62a.

[0062] More specifically, the annular portion 66 has an intervening cylindrical portion 67 and a protruding portion 68 .

[0063] The intervening cylindrical portion 67 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the opening 54. Preferably, the outer diameter of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is approximately equal to the diameter of the opening 54 so that, when the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is inserted into the opening 54, the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is positioned within the opening 54 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the intervening cylindrical portion 67. The axial length of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is shorter than the axial length of the cylindrical space S2. This provides a space for the spring connecting portion 62 to extend between the tip of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 and the innermost portion of the cylindrical space S2. The spring connecting portion 62 is disposed within the cylindrical space S1 from the innermost portion of the cylindrical space S2. The axial length of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is set to be the same as the axial length of the extension cylindrical portion 55. The intervening cylindrical portion 67 is disposed within the extending cylindrical portion 55 with the outer peripheral surface of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the extending cylindrical portion 55 .

[0064] The inner opening of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is the first opening 67a. The first opening 67a is continuous with the bottom 52 of the connection mating conductor 50 and opens toward the inside of the connection mating conductor 50. The outer opening of the intervening cylindrical portion 67 is the second opening 67b. The second opening 67b extends toward the back side of the cylindrical space S2. In this embodiment, the second opening 67b is located inside the outer opening of the extension cylindrical portion 55. In this embodiment, the second opening 67b and the inner opening of the holding cylindrical portion 16 are located at the same position in the direction along the central axis of the outer conductor 40, but this is not essential.

[0065] The protruding portion 68 spreads outward from the edge of the first opening 67a. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 68 is formed in the shape of an annular plate. The protruding portion may also be formed in the shape of a polygonal plate. The protruding portion may spread outward from a portion of the circumferential direction of the circular edge of the first opening. In this case, multiple protruding portions may be formed and dispersed along the circular edge of the first opening.

[0066] The protruding portion 68 is located on the inner surface of the bottom portion 52, on the outer periphery side of the opening 54, and is electrically connected to the bottom portion 52. For example, the protruding portion 68 is welded to the bottom portion 52, thereby electrically connecting and fixing the protruding portion 68 to the bottom portion 52. The protruding portion may be soldered to the mating connection conductor. The protruding portion may be placed on the bottom of the mating connection conductor and fixed by crimping using press working or the like. For example, a recess may be formed on one of the protruding portion and the mating connection conductor, and a protrusion may be formed on the other, and the protrusion may be fitted into the recess, so that the protruding portion and the mating connection conductor are fixed to each other in a contacting state.

[0067] In this case, the intervening cylindrical portion 67 passes through the opening 54 and protrudes toward the other main surface of the bottom portion 52 of the mating conductor 50. As described above, since the extension cylindrical portion 55 protrudes from the opening 54, the intervening cylindrical portion 67 passes through the extension cylindrical portion 55.

[0068] In the above example, the protruding portion 68 is fixed to the inner surface of the bottom portion 52, but it may also be fixed to the outer surface of the bottom portion 52.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above example, the protruding portion 68 is electrically connected to the mating connection conductor 50 by being directly fixed to the bottom portion 52. It is not essential that the protruding portion 68 is directly fixed to the bottom portion 52. For example, the protruding portion may be sandwiched between the bottom of the mating connection conductor and the bottom of the second case, and may be in contact with the mating connection conductor to maintain an electrically connected state to the mating connection conductor.

[0070] The multiple spring connection portions 62 are supported by the edge of the second opening 67b of the interposed cylindrical portion 67 and extend inward. When viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the multiple spring connection portions 62 are evenly distributed along the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b). In this embodiment, eight spring connection portions 62 are evenly distributed along the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) at 45-degree intervals centered on the central axis X of the outer conductor 40. Note that "evenly" includes evenly within a manufacturing error range (for example, intervals varying within a range of ±5 degrees around the central axis X of the outer conductor 40). It is not essential that the multiple spring connection portions be evenly distributed along the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b).

[0071] In this embodiment, the base ends (spring fulcrums 62a) of adjacent spring connection portions 62 are spaced apart in the direction along the edge of the second opening 67b. This more reliably prevents interference between adjacent spring connection portions 62. However, it is not essential that the base ends (spring fulcrums) of adjacent spring connection portions are spaced apart.

[0072] Each spring connection portion 62 has an elongated shape as a whole, and extends from the second opening 67b toward the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. In other words, when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the spring connection portion 62 extends along the radial direction of a circle whose center is the central axis X of the outer conductor 40. The outer peripheral end of each spring connection portion 62 is a spring fulcrum 62a that continues to the second opening 67b of the interposition member 60. The inner peripheral end of each spring connection portion 62 is pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40.

[0073] More specifically, the spring connecting portion 62 is formed in a shape that is narrower at the tip end than at the base end. In this embodiment, the spring connecting portion 62 includes a spring main body 63 and a contact tip end portion 64. The spring main body 63 is formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the tip end, so that the tip end of the spring connecting portion 62 is formed narrower than the base end.

[0074] The spring body 63 extends from a spring fulcrum 62a connected to the second opening 67b in a direction intersecting, here obliquely intersecting, the central axis X of the outer conductor 40. Here, the spring body 63 is a plate-shaped portion that slopes outward from the spring fulcrum 62a toward the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. The spring body 63 elastically deforms around the spring fulcrum 62a, thereby generating a force that presses the tip end of the spring connecting portion 62 against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40.

[0075] The spring body 63 is formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the tip side. The spring body 63 is an example of a gradually tapering width portion that gradually narrows toward the tip side. In this embodiment, the spring body 63 is formed in an isosceles trapezoid shape with the side on the spring fulcrum 62a side as the longer lower base and the side on the tip side as the shorter upper base. The length of the spring body 63 is set to be greater than the length obtained by subtracting the radius of the outer conductor 40 from the radius of the second opening 67b, and the spring body 63 can reach the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 at an angle with respect to the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 from the second opening 67b.

[0076] Because the spring body 63 is formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the tip, it is possible to reduce the gap between adjacent spring connection portions 62 while suppressing interference between adjacent spring connection portions 62. That is, let us assume that the spring body is formed in a shape with a uniform width. In this case, one possible solution to avoid interference between the tips of the spring bodies is to narrow the entire spring body. This would result in a larger gap between the base ends of adjacent spring bodies. Conversely, one possible solution to reduce the gap between adjacent spring bodies is to widen the entire spring body. This would result in the tips of adjacent spring bodies interfering with each other. For this reason, with a spring body with a uniform width, it may be difficult to both avoid interference between the tips and reduce the gap between the spring bodies. In contrast, if the spring body 63 is formed in a shape that gradually narrows toward the tip, it is easy to both avoid interference between the tips and reduce the gap between the spring bodies 63.

[0077] The spring property of the spring body 63 can be adjusted by changing the width of the spring body. The spring body 63 has a tapered width portion that gradually narrows toward the tip, so that the spring property of the spring connecting portion 62 can be adjusted.

[0078] Even when the spring connection part has a tapered width portion that gradually narrows toward the tip side, the entire spring body does not have to be a tapered width portion. Only a part of the spring body may be a tapered width portion. For example, the base end side of the spring body may have a constant width, and the tip end side may be a tapered width portion.

[0079] The contact tip portion 64 is connected to the tip of the spring body 63. In other words, the contact tip portion 64 is formed by bending the portion of the spring body 63 that extends toward the tip side. The spring body 63 and the contact tip portion 64 are connected to form a V shape. The spring body 63 and the contact tip portion 64 are connected to each other in a curved shape, and the outer part of the curved portion is pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40.

[0080] The contact tip portion 64 extends from the tip of the spring body 63 obliquely with respect to the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 and in a direction away from the central axis X. In other words, the contact tip portion 64 is inclined in a direction away from the central axis X as it extends outward along the central axis X. Therefore, when the outer conductor 40 is inserted into the tip sides of the multiple spring connection portions 62, the inward surfaces of the contact tip portion 64 are pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40, easily pushing the spring connection portions 62 outward. This allows the outer conductor 40 to be easily inserted between the multiple spring connection portions 62 arranged in a ring shape.

[0081] In this embodiment, unlike the spring body 63, the contact tip 64 is formed in a shape of equal width. Also, the tip corners of the contact tip 64 are formed in a rounded shape. However, it is not essential that the contact tip 64 be formed in this shape.

[0082] The multiple spring connection portions 62 are formed in the same shape. That is, the multiple spring connection portions 62 are formed in a rotationally symmetrical shape with the central axis X as the axis of symmetry. Therefore, when the outer conductor 40 is inserted into the center of the multiple spring connection portions 62, the multiple spring connection portions 62 deform into the same shape. As a result, the multiple spring connection portions 62 are pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 at the same position in the direction along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40. Here, the "same position" includes the same position within a manufacturing error range (for example, within 5 mm in the direction along the central axis X). If the multiple spring connection portions 62 are pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 at the same position in the direction along the central axis X, gaps are unlikely to occur between adjacent spring connection portions 62 due to differences in position along the central axis X. This makes it possible to minimize gaps between adjacent spring connection portions 62.

[0083] <Effects, etc.> According to the connector 30 configured as described above, each of the plurality of spring connection portions 62 arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor 40 on the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 extends from the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) toward the outer conductor 40 when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, and is elastically pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40. Therefore, even if the relative positions of the mating conductor 50 and the outer conductor 40 change due to manufacturing errors, thermal expansion and contraction of the second case 14, etc., the spring connection portions 62 remain stable. Outer conductor 40The spring connection portions 62 are pressed against the outer conductor 40. This ensures a more reliable electrical connection between the outer conductor 40 and the mating connection conductor 50. Furthermore, because each of the multiple spring connection portions 62 extends from the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) toward the outer conductor when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, it is easy to reduce the gap between the spring connection portions 62. Assume that the spring connection portions extend from the outer conductor 40 toward the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) and are pressed against the extended tubular portion of the mating connection conductor. In this case, it is expected to be difficult to make the tip end of the spring connection portion thicker than the base end. Therefore, the gap between the spring connection portions becomes larger on the side closer to the extended tubular portion on the outer periphery. In this embodiment, for example, the tubular portion extending from the intervening tubular portion 67 can be divided circumferentially, and each divided portion can be bent inward to form each spring connection portion 62. This reduces the gap between adjacent spring connection portions 62 as much as possible. This allows the gap at the portion where the outer conductor 40 and the mating connection conductor 50 are connected to be made as small as possible, thereby improving the electromagnetic shielding properties.

[0084] Note that a gap may be formed between adjacent spring connection portions 62 to prevent the spring connection portions 62 from interfering with each other, or due to processing constraints. The gap between adjacent spring connection portions 62 is preferably set to a size that allows effective shielding of the frequency range that is the main target of shielding. Also, adjacent spring connection portions may partially overlap each other.

[0085] Furthermore, because the spring connection portion 62 is formed on the intervening member 60, which is a separate member from the outer conductor 40 and the mating connection conductor 50, the spring connection portion 62 having the desired spring properties can be easily formed without being limited by manufacturing constraints on the outer conductor 40 and the mating connection conductor 50. For example, if the mating connection conductor 50 is manufactured by drawing to eliminate gaps, improve electromagnetic shielding properties, and reduce costs, it is difficult to control the thickness of the mating connection conductor 50. For this reason, it is considered difficult to form a spring connection portion having the desired spring properties on the mating connection conductor 50. However, if the intervening member 60 is a separate member from the mating connection conductor 50, the spring connection portion 62 can be easily formed with any thickness and the desired spring properties, regardless of these constraints.

[0086] Furthermore, a protruding portion 68 extending outward from the edge of the first opening 67a of the interposing cylindrical portion 67 contacts one of the main surfaces of the mating conductor 50 at the outer periphery of the opening 54, and the multiple spring connection portions 62 are supported by the edge of the second opening 67b and extend inward. This allows the multiple spring connection portions 62 to contact the outer conductor 40 at different positions along the axial direction of the outer conductor 40 relative to the opening 54 of the mating conductor 50. This increases the flexibility in arranging the outer conductor 40 relative to the opening 54. For example, the inner opening of the outer conductor 40 can be positioned within the holding cylindrical portion 16, which is located outside the internal space of the second case 14. This allows the connection portion between the outer conductor 40 and the relay connector 90 to be positioned within the holding cylindrical portion 16, thereby reducing the front-to-rear length of the case 12 and enabling the overall size of the case 12 to be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, since the protruding portion 68 is fixed to the inner surface of the connecting partner conductor 50 on the outer peripheral side of the opening 54 and the intervening cylindrical portion 67 protrudes through the opening 54 to the outer surface side of the connecting partner conductor 50, the intervening member 60 can be firmly fixed to the connecting partner conductor 50.

[0088] Furthermore, each of the multiple spring connection portions 62 has a shape in which the contact tip portion 64 located at the tip is narrower than the spring fulcrum 62a located at the base end, so that the contact tip portion 64 can be pressed more reliably against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 while suppressing interference between the tips of the multiple spring connection portions 62.

[0089] Furthermore, when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, the multiple spring connection portions 62 are aligned along the radial direction of a circle centered on the central axis X, making it easy to apply a force that presses the spring connection portions 62 against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 toward the central axis X.

[0090] Furthermore, when the multiple spring connection portions 62 are evenly distributed along the edge of the opening 54 (second opening 67b) when viewed along the central axis X of the outer conductor 40, each spring connection portion 62 is pressed against the outer conductor 40 in a balanced manner.

[0091] Furthermore, the multiple spring connection portions 62 are pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor 40 at the same position in the direction along the central axis X. This makes it less likely that gaps will occur between the spring connection portions 62 due to differences in height of the spring connection portions 62 in the direction along the central axis X, and makes it possible to further reduce the gaps between the spring connection portions 62.

[0092] Furthermore, each of the plurality of spring connection portions 62 includes a contact tip portion 64 extending from the tip of the spring body 63 obliquely with respect to the central axis X of the outer conductor 40 and in a direction away from the central axis X, making it easy to insert the outer conductor 40 into the area surrounded by the plurality of spring connection portions 62.

[0093] [Variations] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the spring connection portion 62 is a separate member from the mating connection conductor 50. However, the spring connection portion may be a part that is integrally formed with the mating connection conductor. In this case, the spring connection portion may be formed so as to face inward from the opening of the mating connection conductor.

[0094] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the connector 30 is to be connected to a coaxial cable, and an example in which the connector has one inner conductor has been described. subject In the case where the cable has two core wires, the connector may have a plurality of inner conductors.

[0095] The connector 30 may be applied to connecting an electrical component and a cable that is not intended for the device 10.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the interposing cylindrical portion 67 of the interposing member 60 may be omitted, and the plurality of spring connection portions 62 may extend from the edge of the opening of the protruding portion 68 as a base end toward the outer conductor 40. Furthermore, the outer conductor 40 may extend along its central axis X to the same position as the opening 54 of the mating conductor 50 or further inward than the opening 54.

[0097] Furthermore, the number of the spring connection portions 62 is arbitrary. For example, two or three or more spring connection portions 62 may be provided around the central axis X. Furthermore, the plurality of spring connection portions 62 may be distributed around the central axis X in an arbitrary manner.

[0098] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10 Equipment 12 cases 13 Case 1 14 Case 2 15 Bottom 15p fixing protrusion 16 Holding cylinder part 17 Retaining partition 17g Annular recess 17h holding hole 18a Locking protrusion 20 Electrical Components 21 Circuit Board 22 Image sensor 24 Board side connector 25 Inner conductor on board side 26 Board side insulator 27 Outer conductor on board side 30 connectors 32 terminal modules 34 Inner conductor 36 Insulator 36h through hole 40 outer conductor 50 Mating conductor 52 Bottom 52h hole 54 Aperture 55 Extension cylinder part 60 Intervening member 62 Spring connection part 62a Spring fulcrum 63 Spring body (gradually tapering width part) 64 Contact tip 66 Annular section 67 Interposed cylinder part 67a 1st opening 67b 2nd opening 68 Overhang 90 Relay connector 91 Movable side inner conductor 92 Movable side insulator 93 Movable outer conductor S space S1, S2 cylindrical space X center axis

Claims

1. a terminal module including an inner conductor, an insulator surrounding the inner conductor, and a cylindrical outer conductor surrounding the insulator; a mating conductor having an opening extending around the central axis of the outer conductor; a plurality of spring connection portions arranged along a circumferential direction of the outer conductor on an outer circumferential side of the outer conductor; A connector comprising: the plurality of spring connection portions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the outer conductor, each of the plurality of spring connection portions extends from an edge of the opening toward the outer conductor when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor and is elastically pressed against an outer periphery of the outer conductor; an intervening member that includes a ring-shaped portion along the opening and the plurality of spring connection portions, and is a separate member from the outer conductor and the mating connection conductor; the annular portion is electrically connected to the connection partner conductor at an outer periphery of the opening, the plurality of spring connection portions are supported by the annular portion so that points where the spring connection portions are connected to the annular portion serve as spring fulcrums; the annular portion has an intervening cylindrical portion having a first opening and a second opening, and a protruding portion extending outward from an edge of the first opening, The mating conductor has an extension cylindrical portion, The intermediate cylindrical portion is disposed within the extension cylindrical portion, the intermediate cylindrical portion is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the extension cylindrical portion, the protruding portion is in contact with any one of the main surfaces of the mating connection conductor at the outer periphery of the opening, The plurality of spring connection portions are supported by the edge of the second opening and extend inwardly of the second opening.

2. A connector as described in claim 1, the protruding portion is fixed to one main surface of the mating connection conductor at an outer periphery of the opening, The interposed cylindrical portion passes through the opening and protrudes toward the other main surface of the mating connection conductor.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, A connector, wherein each of the plurality of spring connection portions has a shape in which the tip end is narrower than the base end.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, A connector, wherein each of the plurality of spring connection portions has a gradually tapering width portion that gradually narrows toward a tip side.

5. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, A connector, wherein the plurality of spring connection portions are arranged along a radial direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the outer conductor when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor.

6. A connector according to claim 5, The plurality of spring connection portions are evenly distributed along the edge of the opening when viewed along the central axis of the outer conductor.

7. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, A connector, wherein the plurality of spring connection portions are pressed against the outer periphery of the outer conductor at the same position in a direction along the central axis of the outer conductor.

8. The connector according to claim 1 or 2, each of the plurality of spring connection portions includes a spring body extending obliquely relative to a central axis of the outer conductor and a contact tip portion connected to a tip of the spring body; The contact tip portion extends from the tip of the spring body obliquely with respect to the central axis of the outer conductor and in a direction away from the central axis.

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