Coaxial Connectors

Abstract

To satisfactorily connect a mating inner conductor to an inner conductor housed in an insulator.SOLUTION: A coaxial connector 60 to which a mating coaxial connector having a mating inner conductor is connected comprises: an inner conductor 62 to which the mating inner conductor is connected; an insulator 70 including a cylinder part 72 in which the inner conductor is housed; and an outer conductor 90 surrounding the circumference of the insulator. An inner circumferential portion of the cylinder part is provided with a rib part 77 which partially protrudes in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion of the cylinder part and extends along the axial direction of the cylinder part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a board-side connector having a board-side inner conductor, a board-side dielectric, and a board-side outer conductor. The board-side inner conductor is housed in the board-side dielectric. The tab of the movable-side inner conductor Based on It is connected to the inner conductor on the plate side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-30014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it is desired to be able to better connect one inner conductor to another.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable a mating inner conductor to be satisfactorily connected to an inner conductor housed in an insulator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The coaxial connector of the present disclosure is a coaxial connector to which a mating coaxial connector having a mating inner conductor is connected, and is a coaxial connector comprising: an inner conductor to which the mating inner conductor is connected; an insulator including a tubular portion in which the inner conductor is housed; and an outer conductor surrounding the insulator, wherein a rib portion is formed on the inner periphery of the tubular portion, protruding partially circumferentially from the inner periphery of the tubular portion and extending along the axial direction of the tubular portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is an object to enable a mating inner conductor to be satisfactorily connected to an inner conductor housed in an insulator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a device equipped with a coaxial connector according to an 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 a coaxial connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the coaxial connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a coaxial connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an insulator. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 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 coaxial connector of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A coaxial connector to which a mating coaxial connector having a mating inner conductor is connected, the coaxial connector comprising: an inner conductor to which the mating inner conductor is connected; an insulator including a tubular portion in which the inner conductor is housed; and an outer conductor surrounding the insulator, wherein a rib portion is formed on the inner periphery of the tubular portion, protruding partially in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the tubular portion and extending along the axial direction of the tubular portion.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a rib portion is formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion, protruding partially in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion and extending along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion. This reduces the gap between the inner conductor and the insulator at the portion where the rib portion is formed. This makes it difficult for the mating inner conductor to be mistakenly inserted between the inner conductor and the insulator, and ensures a good connection of the mating inner conductor to the inner conductor housed in the insulator.

[0013] (2) In the coaxial connector of (1), the inner conductor may have a plurality of elastic pieces spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and the rib portion may be located between the plurality of elastic pieces in the circumferential direction.

[0014] In this case, since the rib portion is located between the multiple elastic pieces in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion, the rib portion is unlikely to interfere with the elastic deformation of the multiple elastic pieces. This allows the mating inner conductor to be smoothly inserted between the multiple elastic pieces. Furthermore, the rib portion can prevent the mating inner conductor from accidentally entering between the inner conductor and the insulator between the multiple elastic pieces and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion.

[0015] (3) In the coaxial connector of (2), the plurality of elastic pieces may be positioned at equal intervals around the central axis of the tubular portion, and the connector may have a plurality of rib portions, and the plurality of rib portions may be positioned at equal intervals around the central axis of the tubular portion.

[0016] In this case, the plurality of elastic pieces can uniformly sandwich the mating inner conductor from around it, and the plurality of rib portions can uniformly prevent erroneous insertion of the mating inner conductor between the plurality of elastic pieces.

[0017] (4) In a coaxial connector according to (2) or (3), the inner conductor may have a base-end tubular portion located on the base-end side of the tubular portion, the plurality of elastic pieces may extend from the base-end tubular portion toward the tip side of the tubular portion, and the rib portion may be located in an area closer to the tip side of the tubular portion than the base-end tubular portion.

[0018] This eliminates the need to create a shape in the cylindrical base end portion that avoids the rib portion, making it easier to process the cylindrical base end portion.

[0019] (5) In the coaxial connector of (4), the base end of the rib portion may have a slope that gradually slopes toward the center axis of the tubular portion from the base end side toward the tip end side of the tubular portion.

[0020] This makes it difficult for the elastic piece to get caught on the base end of the rib portion, and the inner conductor can be smoothly inserted into the cylindrical portion.

[0021] (6) In the coaxial connector of (4) or (5), the base end tubular portion may have a positioning protrusion that protrudes partially outward in its circumferential direction, and the tubular portion may have a positioning recess into which the positioning protrusion fits.

[0022] In this case, the positioning protrusions fit into the positioning recesses, so that the rib portions can be accurately positioned between the plurality of elastic pieces in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion.

[0023] (7) In any one of the coaxial connectors (4) to (6), a positioning rib portion may be formed on the inner periphery of the tubular portion, protruding partially in the circumferential direction and extending along the central axis of the tubular portion, and contacting the outer periphery of the base end tubular portion.

[0024] In this way, the positioning rib portion comes into contact with the outer periphery of the tubular base end portion, making it easier to support the tubular base end portion at a fixed position within the tubular portion.

[0025] (8) In the coaxial connector of (7), the connector may include a plurality of positioning ribs, the plurality of positioning ribs being positioned at equal intervals around the central axis of the tubular portion. In this manner, the plurality of positioning ribs contact the base end tubular portion at equal intervals around the central axis of the tubular portion, making it easier to align the central axis of the tubular portion with the central axis of the base end tubular portion.

[0026] (9) In a coaxial connector according to any one of (1) to (8), the insulator may include a tip guide portion located at the tip side of the tubular portion and having an insertion hole with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular portion, and the insertion hole may have a guide surface whose diameter gradually decreases toward the inside of the tubular portion.

[0027] In this case, the mating inner conductor is guided toward the inner conductor by the guide surface, which makes it difficult for the mating inner conductor to be mistakenly inserted between the inner conductor and the insulator, thereby enabling a better connection of the mating inner conductor to the inner conductor housed in the insulator.

[0028] (10) In the coaxial connector of (9), the insertion hole may have a guide surface of the same diameter that extends from the peripheral edge of the guide surface on the cylindrical portion side toward the cylindrical portion.

[0029] In this case, the same diameter guide surface can more reliably guide the mating inner conductor toward the inner conductor.

[0030] (11) In any one of the coaxial connectors (1) to (10), the outer conductor may include an outer conductor conductive piece that is obliquely oriented relative to the mating outer conductor of the mating coaxial connector and is capable of conducting with the mating outer conductor.

[0031] In this way, external conduction The body , the outer conductor that can be electrically connected to the outer conductor of the mating coaxial connector in an oblique position relative to the outer conductor of the mating coaxial connector conductor The inclusion of the through-piece can absorb positional errors between the coaxial connector and the mating coaxial connector. In this case, it is possible that the inner conductor and the mating outer conductor may be positioned at an angle. Even in this case, the mating inner conductor is less likely to be inserted incorrectly between the inner conductor and the insulator, allowing for a better connection of the mating inner conductor to the inner conductor housed within the insulator.

[0032] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the coaxial 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.

[0033] [Embodiment] 1 is a perspective view showing a device 10 equipped with a coaxial connector 60. The coaxial connector 60 is a coaxial connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] <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.

[0035] The device 10 includes a case 12 and an electric component 20. The electric component 20 is housed in the case 12. A coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the electric component 20.

[0036] The case 12 includes a first case 13 and a second case 14. The first case 13 and the second case 14 are formed, for example, from 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 coaxial connector 30 for external connection.

[0037] The coaxial connector for external connection 30 is a coaxial connector for connecting the electrical component 20 to an external electrical component. For example, the coaxial connector for external connection 30 is a coaxial connector to which a cable connected to the external electrical component is connected. The cable to which the coaxial connector for external connection 30 is connected is, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0038] More specifically, a retaining tube portion 16 protrudes from the bottom 15 of the case 12. The retaining tube portion 16 is cylindrical and protrudes outward from the center of the bottom 15. An inner opening of the retaining tube portion 16 opens into the second case 14, and an outer opening of the retaining tube portion 16 opens to the outside of the second case 14. A retaining partition portion 17 is formed in a middle portion of the retaining tube portion 16 in the direction of the central axis. In this embodiment, the retaining partition portion 17 is formed in a middle portion of the retaining tube portion 16 in the direction of the central axis X, closer to the inner opening. The retaining partition portion 17 separates a space on the inner opening side of the retaining tube portion 16 from a space on the outer opening side. A retaining hole 17h is formed in the retaining partition portion 17, and the external connection coaxial connector 30 is inserted into and held in the retaining hole 17h.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The external connection coaxial connector 30 comprises an external connection inner conductor 32, an external connection insulator 34, and an external connection outer conductor 36.

[0041] The external connection inner conductor 32 is formed in a long, thin rod shape and is made of a conductive material such as metal. The external connection insulator 34 is made of an insulator such as resin and surrounds the external connection inner conductor 32. In this embodiment, the external connection insulator 34 is a dielectric. The external connection outer conductor 36 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The external connection outer conductor 36 is formed in a tubular shape that surrounds the external connection insulator 34.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In this embodiment, the coaxial connector 60 is located on the surface of the circuit board 21 opposite to the imaging element 22. The coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the circuit board 21 and protrudes from the circuit board 21 toward the coaxial connector 30 for external connection. The coaxial connector 60 is a board-side coaxial connector. The coaxial connector 60 includes, for example, an inner conductor 62, an insulator 70, and an outer conductor 90. A movable-side inner conductor 42 (described later) is connected to the inner conductor 62. The insulator 70 includes a tubular portion 72 in which the inner conductor 62 is housed. The outer conductor 90 surrounds the insulator 70. In other words, the inner conductor 62, the insulator 70, and the outer conductor 90 are concentrically arranged in this order from the center toward the outer periphery.

[0044] The coaxial connector 60 and the coaxial connector for external connection 30 are connected via a relay connector 40. The relay connector 40 includes, for example, a movable-side inner conductor 42, a movable-side insulator 44, and a movable-side outer conductor 46. The movable-side inner conductor 42 is surrounded by the movable-side insulator 44. A dielectric can be considered a type of insulator, and the movable-side insulator 44 may be a dielectric. The movable-side outer conductor 46 surrounds the movable-side insulator 44. The movable-side inner conductor 42 is an example of a mating inner conductor connected to the inner conductor 62, the movable-side outer conductor 46 is an example of a mating outer conductor connected to the outer conductor 90, and the relay connector 40 is an example of a mating coaxial connector connected to the coaxial connector 60.

[0045] The relay connector 40 is connected to the coaxial connector 60 with the movable-side inner conductor 42 inserted and connected to the inner conductor 62 and the outer conductor 90 inserted and connected to the movable-side outer conductor 46. In this state, the relay connector 40 further protrudes from the coaxial connector 60 toward the coaxial connector for external connection 30. The external connection inner conductor 32 is inserted and connected to the movable-side inner conductor 42 and the movable-side outer conductor 46 is inserted and connected to the external connection outer conductor 36, thereby connecting the relay connector 40 to the coaxial connector for external connection 30. In this way, the relay connector 40 relays and connects the coaxial connector 60 and the coaxial connector for external connection 30.

[0046] As a result, when an external cable is connected to the coaxial connector 30 for external connection, the external electrical component to which the cable is connected is electrically connected to the electrical component 20 inside the case 12.

[0047] When the relay connector 40 is connected to the coaxial connector 60, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is inserted and connected at an angle relative to the inner conductor 62. Furthermore, the outer conductor 90 is inserted and connected at an angle relative to the movable-side outer conductor 46. In other words, the relay connector 40 can be connected to the coaxial connector 60 at an angle (see arrow P1 in FIG. 2). As a result, even if the coaxial connector 60 and the external-connection coaxial connector 30 are misaligned from their coaxially opposing positions during assembly of the device 10 or in the completed state (see arrow P2 in FIG. 2), the misalignment can be absorbed by the relay connector 40 being tilted relative to the coaxial connector 60.

[0048] <About coaxial connectors> The coaxial connector 60 will now be described in detail. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the coaxial connector 60. Fig. 4 is a bottom view showing the coaxial connector 60. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the coaxial connector 60. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the insulator 70. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 4. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 3. The outer conductor 90 is omitted in Fig. 9.

[0049] As described above, the coaxial connector 60 includes, for example, an inner conductor 62, an insulator 70, and an outer conductor 90.

[0050] The inner conductor 62 is an elongated conductive member (see FIGS. 5, 7-9). In this embodiment, the inner conductor 62 is formed by pressing a metal plate. More specifically, the inner conductor 62 includes a base end tubular portion 64 and a plurality of elastic pieces 66.

[0051] The base end tubular portion 64 is formed in a tubular shape, more specifically, in a cylindrical shape. The base end tubular portion 64 is housed on the base end side of the tubular portion 72. Note that the tip of the coaxial connector 60 is the end to which the movable-side inner conductor 42 is connected, and the base end is the end opposite to the tip, in this case, the end facing the circuit board 21.

[0052] The base end tubular portion 64 has a positioning protrusion 64P that partially protrudes outward in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a slit 64S is formed in part of the circumferential direction of the base end tubular portion 64. A pair of positioning protrusions 64P protrudes from a pair of edges of the base end tubular portion 64 on both sides of the slit 64S toward the outside of the base end tubular portion 64. The pair of positioning protrusions 64P are parallel to each other. It is not essential that the positioning protrusion 64P have the above configuration. The positioning protrusion may be formed by deforming a part of the circumferential direction of the annular base end tubular portion so that it partially protrudes outward. The positioning protrusion may be omitted.

[0053] An extension piece 64a extends from the base end edge of the base end tubular portion 64 toward the inside of the base end tubular portion 64. The extension piece 64a may be soldered to the circuit of the circuit board 21.

[0054] A locking protrusion 64b is provided on the base end tubular portion 64. The locking protrusion 64b partially protrudes from the outer periphery of the base end tubular portion 64. The locking protrusion 64b is formed in a shape such that the protruding dimension gradually increases from the tip of the base end tubular portion 64 toward the base end. The locking protrusion 64b has a surface facing the base end side of the base end tubular portion 64. In this embodiment, the surface of the locking protrusion 64b facing the base end side of the base end tubular portion 64 is a surface perpendicular to the central axis X of the base end tubular portion 64. In this embodiment, the formation locations of the pair of positioning protrusions 64P and the multiple (here, three) locking protrusions 64b are positioned at equal intervals (here, 90-degree intervals) around the central axis X of the base end tubular portion 64. The central axis X of the base end tubular portion 64 coincides with the central axis X of the tubular portion 72 of the insulator 70 and also coincides with the central axis X of the entire coaxial connector 60.

[0055] The multiple elastic pieces 66 are positioned within the tubular portion 72 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 72. Preferably, the multiple elastic pieces 66 are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis X of the tubular portion 72. Here, "equal intervals" includes uniformity within an error range (for example, the same within a range of ±5 degrees around the central axis X). In this embodiment, the multiple elastic pieces 66 extend from one end edge of the base end tubular portion 64 at intervals in the circumferential direction of the base end tubular portion 64. The base end tubular portion 64 is positioned on the base end side of the tubular portion 72, and the multiple elastic pieces 66 extend toward the tip side of the tubular portion.

[0056] In this embodiment, the multiple elastic pieces 66 are two elastic pieces 66. Therefore, the two elastic pieces 66 extend from two opposing locations on the annular edge of one end of the tubular base end portion 64. In other words, when the widthwise centers of the two elastic pieces 66 are used as references, the two elastic pieces 66 are positioned 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 72. Two gaps exist between the two elastic pieces 66 in the circumferential direction of the tubular base end portion 64. The elastic piece 66 includes an intermediate piece 66a extending from the tubular base end portion 64, a contact portion 66b, and a guide piece 66c. The intermediate piece 66a is inclined toward the central axis X of the tubular base end portion 64 as it extends away from one end of the tubular base end portion 64. The width of the intermediate piece 66a gradually narrows toward the distal end. The contact portion 66b extends from the distal end of the intermediate piece 66a in a direction away from the tubular base end portion 64. The contact point portion 66b is formed in a curved shape that is convex toward the central axis X of the base end tubular portion 64. The guide piece 66c is continuous with the tip of the contact point portion 66b. The guide piece 66c is inclined so as to move away from the central axis X of the base end tubular portion 64 as it moves away from the base end tubular portion 64. The tip edge of the guide piece 66c is rounded.

[0057] Since the two elastic pieces 66 face each other, the two contact portions 66b also face each other. Furthermore, the two guide pieces 66c extend in opposite directions. The movable-side inner conductor 42, which is inserted between the two elastic pieces 66, is guided between the two contact portions 66b by at least one of the two guide pieces 66c and is sandwiched between the two contact portions 66b. In this state, the portion of the two contact portions 66b closest to the central axis X of the base-end tubular portion 64 contacts the movable-side inner conductor 42. This keeps the movable-side inner conductor 42 electrically connected to the inner conductor 62. In other words, when the movable-side inner conductor 42 is sandwiched between the two contact portions 66b, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is normally connected to the inner conductor 62.

[0058] The contact portions 66b of the elastic pieces 66 protrude more toward the central axis X than the other portions. Therefore, even if the movable-side inner conductor 42 is tilted relative to the inner conductor 62, the portions of the elastic pieces 66 other than the contact portions 66b are unlikely to interfere with the movable-side inner conductor 42. Therefore, even if the movable-side inner conductor 42 is tilted relative to the inner conductor 62, the pair of contact portions 66b properly hold the movable-side inner conductor 42 therebetween, and a normal connection state between the movable-side inner conductor 42 and the inner conductor 62 is established.

[0059] The number of elastic pieces may be three or more. In this case, the state in which the movable-side inner conductor is arranged in a portion surrounded by three or more elastic pieces is considered to be the normal connection state.

[0060] The insulator 70 is made of resin or the like. A dielectric can be understood as a type of insulator, and the insulator 70 may be a dielectric. The insulator 70 is, for example, a molded resin part.

[0061] The insulator 70 includes a cylindrical portion 72 and a tip guide portion 80 .

[0062] The tubular portion 72 is formed in a tubular shape capable of accommodating the inner conductor 62. In this embodiment, the tubular portion 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical space 72S is formed therein. The cylindrical space 72S is formed to be capable of accommodating the entire inner conductor 62. Here, the length of the cylindrical space 72S is greater than the length of the inner conductor 62. The inner diameter of the cylindrical space 72S is the same as or greater than the outer diameter of the base end tubular portion 64.

[0063] As described above, the base end tubular portion 64 is accommodated in the base end side of the cylindrical space 72S. The tubular portion 72 is formed with a positioning recess 72G into which the positioning protrusion 64P fits. The positioning recess 72G is a recess partially recessed from the inner circumferential portion 73 of the cylindrical space 72S. The positioning recess 72G also opens outward from the base end side of the insulator 70. The width of the positioning recess 72G is equal to but greater than the width between the outward facing surfaces of the pair of positioning protrusions 64P. With the base end tubular portion 64 accommodated in the base end side of the cylindrical space 72S, the positioning protrusion 64P fits into the positioning recess 72G. This maintains a constant orientation of the inner conductor 62 relative to the tubular portion 72 around the central axis X of the tubular portion 72. This orientation positions the rib portion 74, described later, between the multiple elastic pieces 66 in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion 73 of the tubular portion 72.

[0064] A plurality of elastic pieces 66 are housed in the cylindrical space 72S, closer to the tip side than the portion where the base end tubular portion 64 is disposed. A rib portion 74 is formed on the inner circumferential portion 73 of the tubular portion 72. The rib portion 74 protrudes partially in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion 73 and extends along the direction of the central axis X of the tubular portion 72.

[0065] The rib portions 74 are positioned between the multiple elastic pieces 66 in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion 73. Preferably, the rib portions 74 are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis X of the tubular portion 72, with the widthwise center of the rib portions 74 serving as a reference. In this embodiment, two gaps exist between two elastic pieces 66 in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion 73, and therefore two rib portions 74 are formed on the inner circumferential portion 73. Preferably, the rib portion 74 is positioned at the center between the two elastic pieces 66 in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion 73, and the intervals between the rib portion 74 and the adjacent elastic pieces 66 on both sides of the rib portion 74 are uniform. If the inner conductor has three or more elastic pieces, three or more rib portions may be formed. It is not necessary to provide ribs in all of the gaps between the multiple elastic pieces.

[0066] The rib portion 74 is located in a region of the inner circumferential portion 73 that is further distal than the region in which the tubular base end portion 64 is located. In other words, the rib portion 74 protrudes between the elastic pieces 66, but does not protrude from the inner circumferential portion 73 in the region in which the tubular base end portion 64 is located. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a recess in the tubular base end portion 64 corresponding to the rib portion 74, and the tubular base end portion 64 can have as simple a shape as possible.

[0067] The base end of the rib portion 74 has a slope 74f that gradually slopes toward the central axis X of the tubular portion 72 from the base end side toward the tip end side of the tubular portion 72. In other words, the slope 74f is a surface that gradually reduces the protruding dimension of the base end of the rib portion 74. Because the slope 74f is a surface that slopes with respect to the central axis X of the tubular portion 72, when inserting the inner conductor 62 into the tubular portion 72, the tip end of the inner conductor 62 is less likely to get caught on the base end of the rib portion 74, making it easy to insert the inner conductor 62 into the tubular portion 72. The base end of the rib portion 74 may come into contact with the base end tubular portion 64 from the tip side, thereby positioning the base end tubular portion 64.

[0068] In this embodiment, the surface of the rib portion 74 on the central axis X side is formed into an arc-shaped curved surface with the center of curvature being the central axis X. The surface of the rib portion 74 on the central axis X side may be flat or may have a curved shape that bulges out toward the central axis X side.

[0069] A positioning rib portion 76 is formed on the inner peripheral portion 73 of the cylindrical portion 72. The positioning rib portion 76 protrudes partially in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral portion 73 and extends along the direction of the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 72. The cross section of the positioning rib portion 76 (a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is formed, for example, in a semicircular or U-shape. The protruding dimension of the positioning rib portion 76 relative to the inner peripheral portion 73 is smaller than the protruding dimension of the rib portion 74 relative to the inner peripheral portion 73.

[0070] Positioning rib portions 76 are formed in the inner peripheral portion 73 at positions that avoid the rib portions 74. Furthermore, the rib portions 74 are formed in the inner peripheral portion 73 at positions that avoid the outer peripheral positions of the elastic pieces 66. In other words, the positioning rib portions 76 are located between the elastic pieces 66 and the rib portions 74 in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral portion 73 (see FIG. 9).

[0071] The positioning rib portion 76 is formed over the entire longitudinal direction of the inner circumferential portion 73 of the tubular portion 72. When the tubular proximal end portion 64 is disposed within the base end of the tubular portion 72, the tops of the positioning rib portion 76 can come into contact with the outer periphery of the tubular proximal end portion 64. This positions the tubular proximal end portion 64 at a fixed position within the inner circumferential portion 73. By having the tops of the multiple (four in this case) positioning ribs 76 come into contact with the outer periphery of the tubular proximal end portion 64 at equal intervals (here, at 90-degree intervals around the central axis X), the tubular proximal end portion 64 can be easily positioned so that the tubular proximal end portion 64 is coaxially disposed with the tubular proximal end portion 64. The positioning rib portion 76 does not have to extend toward the space between the elastic pieces 66.

[0072] In addition, the inner peripheral portion 73 has a plurality of positioning Rib section 76 It is not essential that the plurality of positioning protrusions 64P are formed around the central axis X. to It is not essential that they be formed at equal intervals.

[0073] The tip guide portion 80 is located on the tip side of the tubular portion 72. The tip guide portion 80 has an insertion hole 84 with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential portion 73 of the tubular portion 72. The central axis X of the tubular portion 72 coincides with the central axis X of the insertion hole 84.

[0074] The insertion hole 84 has a tapered guide surface 84a whose diameter gradually decreases toward the inside of the tubular portion 72. The maximum outer diameter of the guide surface 84a is, for example, larger than the maximum opening width of the pair of guide pieces 66c and larger than the outer diameter of the base end tubular portion 64. The minimum inner diameter of the guide surface 84a is, for example, smaller than the outer diameter of the base end tubular portion 64 and set to be approximately the same as the maximum opening width of the pair of guide pieces 66c (for example, within a range of ±2 mm). Therefore, the tip end of the movable-side inner conductor 42 is guided toward between the multiple elastic pieces 66 by the guide surface 84a.

[0075] The insertion hole 84 also has a constant diameter guide surface 84b that extends from the circumferential edge of the guide surface 84a on the cylindrical portion 72 side toward the cylindrical portion 72. The central axis X of the constant diameter guide surface 84b coincides with the central axis X of the cylindrical portion. The constant diameter guide surface 84b is formed in a shape such that the smallest diameter portion on the inside of the guide surface 84a is continuous along the central axis X.

[0076] Therefore, the tip of the movable side inner conductor 42 is guided along the guide surface 84a toward the central axis X, and then guided toward between the multiple elastic pieces 66 while being restricted by the same-diameter guide surface 84b so as not to shift toward the outer periphery.

[0077] By forming the same-diameter guide surface 84b continuously from the guide surface 84a, the edge of the guide surface 84a on the smallest diameter side does not need to be sharpened. This makes the guide surface 84a less susceptible to damage or deformation, and the guide function of the guide surface 84a is well maintained. Note that the same-diameter guide surface 84b may be omitted.

[0078] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the tip guide portion 80 protrudes beyond the tubular portion 72. An outer periphery guide surface 85 that gradually expands in diameter toward the tubular portion 72 is formed on the outer periphery of the tip guide portion 80. The outer periphery guide surface 85 can serve to guide the tubular portion of the movable-side outer conductor 46 to the outside of the outer conductor 90. It is not essential that the outer periphery of the tip guide portion 80 protrude beyond the tubular portion 72.

[0079] The inner conductor 62 is assembled to the insulator 70 as follows: The base end tubular portion 64 is inserted into the inner circumferential portion 73 of the tubular portion 72 through its base end opening. Then, the sloped surfaces of the locking protrusions 64b are pressed against the edge of the base end opening and the inner circumferential portion of the inner circumferential portion 73. This causes at least one of the base end tubular portion 64 and the inner circumferential portion 73 to deform, and the base end tubular portion 64 is pressed into the inner circumferential portion 73. At this time, the pair of positioning protrusions 64P are fitted into the positioning recesses 72G of the tubular portion 72. The base end tubular portion 64 is pressed into the inner circumferential portion 73 of the tubular portion 72 until the pair of positioning protrusions 64P contact the inner surfaces of the positioning recesses 72G. In this state, the tops of the locking protrusions 64b bite into the inner circumferential portion 73. In particular, the surface of the locking protrusion 64b facing the base end of the base end tubular portion 64 bites into and locks into the inner circumferential portion 73 to prevent the base end tubular portion 64 from coming off. This causes the base end tubular portion 64 to be held at the base end of the inner circumferential portion 73 of the tubular portion 72. In this state, each elastic piece 66 extends from the base end tubular portion 64 toward the tip end and is positioned on the inner circumferential portion 73 between the base end tubular portion 64 and the tip guide portion 80.

[0080] The outer conductor 90 is made of a conductive material such as a metal. resin The outer conductor 90 surrounds the insulator 70, such as the outer conductor 10. The outer conductor 90 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate. In this embodiment, the outer conductor 90 includes an outer conductor tubular portion 92 and an outer conductor conductive piece 94.

[0081] The outer conductor tubular portion 92 is formed in a tubular shape that allows the tubular portion 72 to be placed inside. A locking protrusion 92a that protrudes partially inward is formed on the outer conductor tubular portion 92. With the tubular portion 72 placed inside the outer conductor tubular portion 92, the locking protrusion 92a bites into and locks onto the outer periphery of the tubular portion 72, thereby supporting the outer conductor tubular portion 92 in a fixed position relative to the tubular portion 72.

[0082] A plurality of outer conductor conductive pieces 94 extend from the annular edge portion on the tip side of the outer conductor tubular portion 92. The multiple outer conductor conductive pieces 94 are arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the tubular portion 72. The outer conductor conductive pieces 94 are inclined toward the outer periphery toward the tip side, and then inclined toward the inner periphery halfway along the way. The apex 94a of each outer conductor conductive piece 94, which protrudes most outward, is the contact point that comes into contact with the inner periphery of the tubular portion of the movable-side outer conductor 46. The portion of each outer conductor conductive piece 94 that is on the tip side of the apex 94a guides the tubular portion of the movable-side outer conductor 46 toward the apex 94a.

[0083] As described above, the apex 94a protrudes outward relative to the distal end and proximal end portions of the outer conductor 46. Therefore, even if the outer conductor tubular portion 92 is obliquely oriented relative to the movable-side outer conductor 46, the apex 94a of the outer conductor conducting piece 94 comes into contact with the inner periphery of the tubular portion of the movable-side outer conductor 46, thereby achieving electrical continuity.

[0084] <About the connection operation of relay connectors to coaxial connectors> The connection operation will be described in a cross section passing through the central axis X and the elastic piece 66. As described above, the relay connector 40 may be misaligned with respect to the coaxial connector 60. For this reason, the central axis of the relay connector 40 may be positioned at a different position or tilted relative to the central axis X of the coaxial connector 60.

[0085] 8, if the central axis of the movable-side inner conductor 42 of the relay connector 40 is positioned at a different position or is tilted relative to the central axis X of the coaxial connector 60, the tip of the movable-side inner conductor 42 comes into contact with the guide surface 84a and is guided toward the central axis X of the coaxial connector 60 (see arrow F1). As a result, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is guided toward spaces between the multiple elastic pieces 66. In particular, because the elastic pieces 66 have the guide pieces 66c, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is more reliably guided toward spaces between the contact portions 66b. In this cross section, the movable-side inner conductor 42, once guided toward spaces between the multiple elastic pieces 66, remains positioned between the multiple elastic pieces 66 without slipping out of the spaces between the multiple elastic pieces 66.

[0086] The connection operation will be described in a cross section that passes through the central axis X and between the multiple elastic pieces 66. As described above, the central axis of the relay connector 40 may be positioned at a different position or may be tilted relative to the central axis X of the coaxial connector 60.

[0087] 7, if the central axis of the movable-side inner conductor 42 of the relay connector 40 is positioned at a different position or is tilted relative to the central axis X of the coaxial connector 60, the tip end of the movable-side inner conductor 42 comes into contact with the guide surface 84a and is guided toward the central axis X of the coaxial connector 60. However, if the central axis of the movable-side inner conductor 42 is tilted relative to the central axis X of the coaxial connector 60, it is conceivable that the tip end of the movable-side inner conductor 42 will be pushed out of between the multiple elastic pieces 66 and toward the inner circumferential wall of the tubular portion 72.

[0088] If the rib portion 74 were omitted, a gap of dimension W1 (see FIG. 7) would be formed between the elastic pieces 66 and the inner peripheral wall of the tubular portion 72. If the dimension W1 were large, it is expected that the movable-side inner conductor 42 would enter the gap (see arrow F2 in FIG. 7), making it easier for the movable-side inner conductor 42 to slip out from between the multiple elastic pieces 66. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the movable-side inner conductor 42 would slip out from between the multiple elastic pieces 66 and become stably accommodated between the side edge of the elastic pieces 66 and the inner peripheral wall of the tubular portion 72.

[0089] In contrast to this, when the rib portion 74 is provided on the inner circumferential portion 73, the dimension W2 (see FIG. 7) between the elastic piece 66 and the tip of the rib portion 74 can be made smaller than the dimension W1. In other words, the dimension W2 is smaller than the dimension W1 by the protruding dimension of the rib portion 74. Therefore, compared to when the rib portion 74 is omitted, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is less likely to slip out from between the multiple elastic pieces 66. hard Furthermore, it is difficult to form a space between the elastic piece 66 and the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 72 in which the movable-side inner conductor 42 can be stably accommodated.

[0090] Therefore, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is stably arranged between the plurality of elastic pieces 66, and the movable-side inner conductor 42 and the elastic pieces 66 are likely to be connected normally.

[0091] <Effects, etc.> In the coaxial connector 60 configured as described above, a rib portion 74 is formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 72. The rib portion 74 partially protrudes in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery 73 and extends along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 72 (here, coincident with the central axis X). This makes it possible to reduce the gap between the inner conductor 62 and the insulator 70 in the portion where the rib portion 74 is formed. This makes it difficult for the movable-side inner conductor 42, which is the mating conductor, to be mistakenly inserted between the inner conductor 62 and the insulator 70, and allows the movable-side inner conductor 42 to be well connected to the inner conductor 62 housed within the insulator 70. This makes it possible to prevent poor connection between the coaxial connector 60 and the relay connector 40.

[0092] In particular, because the rib portions 74 are located between the multiple elastic pieces 66 in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential portion 73, the rib portions 74 are unlikely to interfere with the elastic deformation of the multiple elastic pieces 66. In other words, the rib portions 74 are not formed on the outer circumferential sides of the elastic pieces 66, and a larger gap exists there than in the portion where the rib portions 74 are formed. Therefore, when the movable-side inner conductor 42 is inserted between the multiple elastic pieces 66, the elastic pieces 66 can smoothly elastically deform toward the outer circumferential side. This allows the movable-side inner conductor 42 to be smoothly inserted between the multiple elastic pieces 66. Furthermore, the rib portions 74 can prevent the movable-side inner conductor 42 from accidentally entering between the inner conductor 62 and the insulator 70 between the inner circumferential portions 73 of the multiple elastic pieces 66.

[0093] Furthermore, the multiple elastic pieces 66 are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis X, and the rib portions 74 are also positioned at equal intervals around the central axis X. Therefore, the multiple elastic pieces 66 can evenly sandwich the movable-side inner conductor 42 from around it, ensuring good electrical connection between the movable-side inner conductor 42 and the inner conductor 62. Furthermore, the multiple rib portions 74 can evenly suppress erroneous insertion of the movable-side inner conductor 42 between the multiple elastic pieces 66.

[0094] Furthermore, since the rib portion 74 is located in a region inside the tubular portion 72 that is closer to the tip end than the tubular base end portion 64, it is not necessary to create a shape in the tubular base end portion 64 that avoids the rib portion 74. This makes it easier to process the tubular base end portion 64.

[0095] Furthermore, since the base end of the rib portion 74 has a slope 74f that extends toward the central axis X toward the tip side, when the inner conductor 62 is inserted into the insulator 70, the elastic piece 66 is less likely to get caught on the base end of the rib portion 74, and the inner conductor 62 can be smoothly inserted into the tubular portion 72.

[0096] Furthermore, the base end tubular portion 64 has a positioning protrusion 64P, and the tubular portion 72 has a positioning recess 72G into which the positioning protrusion 64P fits. Therefore, by fitting the positioning protrusion 64P into the positioning recess 72G, the rib portion 74 can be accurately positioned between the multiple elastic pieces 66 in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery 73 of the tubular portion 72.

[0097] Furthermore, positioning ribs 76 are formed on the inner periphery of the tubular portion 72. This positioning rib 76 contacts the outer periphery of the tubular proximal end portion 64, making it easier to support the tubular proximal end portion 64 in a fixed position within the tubular portion 72. If the entire inner periphery of the tubular portion were to contact the entire outer periphery of the tubular proximal end portion without any gaps to position the tubular portion, it would be difficult to insert the tubular proximal end portion into the tubular portion if the tubular proximal end portion were slightly misaligned or tilted relative to the tubular portion 72. If the positioning ribs 76, which are partially protruding portions, are used to position the tubular proximal end portion 64, the tubular portion 72 can receive the tubular proximal end portion 64 by utilizing the gaps between the positioning ribs 76 in the circumferential direction or by deforming the positioning ribs 76.

[0098] Furthermore, if the multiple positioning ribs 76 are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis X, it is easy to align the central axis of the tubular portion 72 with the central axis of the tubular base end portion 64. Furthermore, since the multiple positioning ribs 76 can be deformed, it becomes easier to insert the tubular base end portion 64.

[0099] The insulator 70 is located at the tip end of the cylindrical portion 72 and includes a tip guide portion 80 having an insertion hole 84 with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 72. This insertion hole 84 has a guide surface 84a whose diameter gradually decreases toward the inside of the cylindrical portion 72. Therefore, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is guided toward the inner conductor 62 by the guide surface 84a. This makes it difficult for the movable-side inner conductor 42 to be erroneously inserted between the inner conductor 62 and the insulator 70, and allows the movable-side inner conductor 42 to be more effectively connected to the inner conductor 62 housed in the insulator 70.

[0100] The insertion hole 84 also has a uniform diameter guide surface 84b that extends from the circumferential edge of the guide surface 84a on the cylindrical portion 72 side toward the cylindrical portion 72. Therefore, the uniform diameter guide surface 84b can more reliably guide the movable-side inner conductor 42 toward the inner conductor 62. Furthermore, the circumferential edge of the guide surface 84a on the cylindrical portion 72 side is less likely to deform or break.

[0101] Furthermore, the outer conductor 90 includes an outer conductor conductive piece 94 that is obliquely oriented relative to the movable-side outer conductor 46 and is capable of electrical connection with the movable-side outer conductor 46. This allows for absorbing positional errors between the coaxial connector 60 and the relay connector 40. In this case, it is conceivable that the inner conductor 62 and the movable-side inner conductor 42 will be obliquely oriented. Even in this case, the movable-side inner conductor 42 is less likely to be erroneously inserted between the inner conductor 62 and the insulator 70, and the movable-side inner conductor 42 can be satisfactorily connected to the inner conductor 62 housed within the insulator 70.

[0102] [Variations] The configuration relating to the rib portion 74 of the coaxial connector 60 may be applied to the relay connector 40 or the coaxial connector for external connection 30. In addition, the coaxial connector 60 may be applied to the connection between coaxial connectors that do not require the use of the device 10.

[0103] Even when the elastic pieces of the inner conductor are not spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the mating inner conductor is less likely to be inserted erroneously between the inner conductor and the insulator in the area where the rib portion 74 is provided. For this reason, it is not essential for the inner conductor to have multiple elastic pieces spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 10 equipment 12 cases 13 Case 1 14 Case 2 15 Bottom 16 Holding cylinder part 17 Retaining partition 17h holding hole 18a Locking protrusion 20 Electrical Components 21 Circuit Board 22 Image sensor 30 Coaxial connector for external connection 32 Inner conductor for external connection 34 External connection insulator 36 Outer conductor for external connection 40 Relay connector (mating coaxial connector) 42 Movable side inner conductor (counter side inner conductor) 44 Movable side insulator 46 Movable outer conductor (counter outer conductor) 60 Coaxial Connector 62 Inner conductor 64 Proximal cylinder part 64P Positioning protrusion 64S Slit 64a extension piece 64b Locking protrusion 66 Elastic piece 66a Intermediate piece 66b Contact part 66c Guide piece 70 Insulator 72 Cylinder part 72G Positioning recess 72S Cylindrical space 73 Inner circumference 74 Rib section 74f slope 76 Positioning rib 80 Tip guide 84 Insertion hole 84a Guide surface 84b Same diameter guide surface 85 Outer guide surface 90 Outer conductor 92 outer conductor tube 92a Locking protrusion 94 Outer conductor conductive piece 94a top X center axis

Claims

1. A coaxial connector to which a mating coaxial connector having a mating inner conductor is connected, an inner conductor to which the mating inner conductor is connected; an insulator including a cylindrical portion in which the inner conductor is housed; an outer conductor surrounding the insulator; Equipped with a rib portion is formed on an inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, the rib portion partially protruding in a circumferential direction of the inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion and extending along an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, the inner conductor has a plurality of elastic pieces spaced apart in the circumferential direction, the rib portion is located between the plurality of elastic pieces in the circumferential direction, the inner conductor has a base end tubular portion located on the base end side of the tubular portion, and the plurality of elastic pieces extend from the base end tubular portion toward the tip side of the tubular portion, the rib portion is located in a region of the cylindrical portion closer to the tip end than the base end cylindrical portion, A coaxial connector, wherein a positioning rib portion is formed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion, protruding partially in the circumferential direction, extending along the central axis of the cylindrical portion, and contacting the outer periphery of the base end cylindrical portion.

2. A coaxial connector according to claim 1, the plurality of elastic pieces are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis of the cylindrical portion, A plurality of the rib portions are provided, The plurality of ribs are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis of the cylindrical portion.

3. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, A coaxial connector in which the base end of the rib portion has a slope that gradually slopes toward the center axis of the cylindrical portion from the base end side toward the tip end side of the cylindrical portion.

4. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, the base end tubular portion has a positioning protrusion that protrudes partially toward the outer periphery in the circumferential direction, The coaxial connector, wherein the cylindrical portion has a positioning recess into which the positioning protrusion fits.

5. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, A plurality of the positioning rib portions are provided, The plurality of positioning ribs are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis of the cylindrical portion.

6. A coaxial connector to which a mating coaxial connector having a mating inner conductor is connected, an inner conductor to which the mating inner conductor is connected; an insulator including a cylindrical portion in which the inner conductor is housed; an outer conductor surrounding the insulator; Equipped with a rib portion is formed on an inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion, the rib portion partially protruding in a circumferential direction of the inner peripheral portion of the cylindrical portion and extending along an axial direction of the cylindrical portion, the insulator includes a tip guide portion located at a tip side of the cylindrical portion and having an insertion hole with a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cylindrical portion, The insertion hole has a guide surface whose diameter gradually decreases toward the inside of the cylindrical portion.

7. The coaxial connector according to claim 6, The insertion hole has a guide surface of the same diameter that extends from the peripheral edge of the guide surface on the cylindrical portion side toward the cylindrical portion.

8. A coaxial connector according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6 and 7, The outer conductor includes an outer conductor conductive piece that is obliquely oriented relative to the mating outer conductor of the mating coaxial connector and is capable of conducting with the mating outer conductor.

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