Connector mounting structure, connector mounting method, and mounting panel

Abstract

To provide a connector mounting structure that facilitates attachment and detachment when replacing a cable assembly, etc., without being affected by the cable length of the cable assembly and without setting the order of assembly.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A connector mounting structure for attaching a cable structure having a connector to which a cable is connected and having a flange portion includes a mounting panel including a mounting hole having a second diameter exceeding the first diameter of the cable and capable of fitting the connector, and a plurality of mounting hole structures each having an engaging portion disposed around the mounting hole and fixing the flange portion, and the mounting panel has connecting holes that connect the mounting holes and allow the cable structure to move between the mounting holes in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector mounting structure, a connector mounting method, and a mounting panel for mounting a cable structure (also called a cable assembly) having a cable and a flange portion surrounding the cable. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a cable assembly is a single unit cable, in which the cable and the connector connected to it form a unit. Since the connector is already attached to the cable in a cable assembly, the cable can be replaced simply by inserting or removing the connector into a connector-equipped panel, and the cable assembly is widely used for maintenance and replacement. Connector mounting structures for coaxial cables as cable assemblies are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-062450 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-129316 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-009169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional connector mounting structure had the following problems: (1) when the cable length of the cable assembly to be assembled to the mounting panel is long, at several meters, or when multiple connectors are mounted on the mounting panel, the labor required for assembling the cable wiring increases, placing a burden on the worker; (2) when a connector (panel adapter) attached to the mounting panel is interposed between the external line and the internal line as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the contact resistance (loss) of the transmission signal increases, increasing the number of factors affecting quality; and (3) when the receptacle at the end of the cable is clamped between the mounting panel and a rotation-preventing support bracket from the inside of the device and fixed with screws as described in Patent Document 3, the screw tightening workability is poor.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and aims to provide a connector mounting structure, a connector mounting method, and a mounting panel that make it easy to mount and remove a connector on a mounting panel when replacing a connector, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connector mounting structure of the present invention is a connector mounting structure for mounting a cable structure having a connector to which a cable is connected and which has a flange portion, and is characterized in that it has a mounting panel having a mounting hole having a second diameter that exceeds the first diameter of the cable and into which the connector can be fitted, and a plurality of mounting hole structures arranged around the mounting hole, each having an engaging portion for fixing the flange portion, and the mounting panel has connecting holes that connect the mounting holes and allow the cable structure to move in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel between each of the mounting holes.

[0007] The connector installation method of the present invention is a connector installation method for attaching a cable structure having a connector to which a cable is connected and which has a flange portion to a mounting panel, and is characterized by including the steps of: providing in advance in the mounting panel a plurality of mounting hole structures, each having a mounting hole having a second diameter that exceeds a first diameter of the cable and into which the connector can be fitted, and an engaging portion arranged around the mounting hole for fixing the flange portion, and connecting holes having flange through holes formed to allow the flange portions to pass through the front and back of the mounting panel, connecting the mounting holes and allowing the cable structure to move in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel between each of the mounting holes; passing the flange portion of the cable structure through the flange through hole; moving the cable of the cable structure to the mounting hole via the connecting hole; inserting the connector of the cable structure into the mounting hole; and fixing the flange portion of the cable structure with the engaging portion.

[0008] The mounting panel of the present invention is a mounting panel for mounting a cable structure having a connector to which a cable is connected and which has a flange portion, and is characterized by having a mounting hole having a second diameter that exceeds the first diameter of the cable and into which the connector can be fitted, a plurality of mounting hole structures arranged around the mounting hole and each having an engaging portion for fixing the flange portion, and connecting holes that connect the mounting holes and allow the cable structure to move in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel between each of the mounting holes.

[0009] Another mounting panel of the present invention is a mounting panel for mounting a connector having a flange portion, characterized in that it has a mounting hole into which the connector can be fitted and a plurality of mounting hole structures each having an engaging portion arranged around the mounting hole for fixing the flange portion, and connecting holes that connect the mounting holes and allow the connector to move in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel between each of the mounting holes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector mounting structure, a connector mounting method, and a mounting panel that can facilitate mounting and removing a connector to and from a mounting panel when replacing a connector, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a cable assembly in a connector mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a mounting panel in a connector mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a cable assembly and a mounting panel in a connector mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually illustrating the operation of the connector mounting structure of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a mounting panel in a connector mounting structure according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a mounting panel in a connector mounting structure according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a mounting panel in a connector mounting structure according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a mounting panel in a connector mounting structure according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a blind plate attached to a mounting panel in a connector mounting structure according to a modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, a connector mounting structure, a connector mounting method, and a mounting panel (hereinafter also referred to as a panel) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a cable assembly for a coaxial cable as an example. Note that in the embodiments, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0013] (Configuration explanation) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a cable assembly 11 in a connector mounting structure of this embodiment used in a mounting panel or the like that connects multiple coaxial connectors for connecting external lines arranged on the outer surface of an electronic device to internal wiring of the device.

[0014] In FIG. 1 , a cable assembly 11 is comprised of a coaxial cable (also referred to simply as a cable) 16 connecting a flanged coaxial connector 12 (also referred to simply as a connector) at one end to a connector 15 at the other end. The connector 12 has, for example, an integrally molded flange 13, which has through-holes 14 at its four corners. The four through-holes 14 are provided for screwing the flange 13 of the connector 12 to a panel. Coaxial connectors 12, 15 can be connected to other cable assemblies or adapters using methods such as snap-on, screw-fitting, and bayonet connections, and the shapes of these connectors are shown schematically. Connectors 12, 15 are available in the form of jack connectors and plug connectors. Jack connectors are commonly flanged. Cable assemblies 11 may have the same or different connectors on both ends, or may have one end directly attached to an electronic device and a connector only on the other end. This example illustrates a case where at least one end has a flanged connector.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a panel 30 for connecting and fixing a plurality of, for example, six, cable assemblies 11 to the internal wiring of the device in the connector mounting structure of this embodiment.

[0016] The panel 30 has a plurality of mounting hole structures 31. Each mounting hole structure 31 has a mounting hole 31a (which corresponds to the connector 12) having a second diameter Φ2 that is larger than the first diameter Φ1 of the cable 16 (see FIG. 1) of the cable assembly 11, and a screw hole 31b (which corresponds to the through hole 14 of the flange 13 of the connector 12) that is an engagement hole arranged around the mounting hole 31a and for fixing the flange 13 with a screw 41 (see FIG. 1) that is an engagement member.

[0017] The panel 30 also has connecting holes 136 that connect the respective mounting holes 31a and allow the cable 16 (see Figure 1) of the cable assembly 11 to move in a direction along the main surface of the panel 30 between each of the mounting holes 31a.

[0018] The connecting hole 136 has a width W that is greater than the first diameter Φ1 of the cable 16 and less than the second diameter Φ2 of the mounting holes 31a, and connects the mounting holes 31a in parallel and branching fashion.

[0019] The connecting hole 136 has an assembly through hole 135 at one end thereof, which is a flange through hole formed to allow the flange 13 to pass through from the front to the back of the panel 30. Thus, the panel 30 is composed of mounting holes 31a which are fitting holes for mounting, the number of which corresponds to the number of cable assemblies 11 to be attached, screw holes 31b arranged on all four sides from the center of each mounting hole 31a, the assembly through hole 135 of a size which allows the outer shape of the flange 13 to pass through, and connecting holes 136 which are set to a width which allows the cables 16 of the cable assemblies 11 to pass through but does not allow the flanges 13 to pass through, and which allow movement to the attachment positions of each connector 12.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 , the connector 12 of the cable assembly 11 has a third diameter Φ3 that exceeds the width W of the connecting hole 136 and is less than the second diameter Φ2 of the mounting hole 31a. Therefore, the connector portion of the cable assembly 11 cannot move within the connecting hole 136, but the cable portion can pass through the connecting hole 136. This allows bending of the sheet metal, such as steel, around the opening edges of the connecting hole 13 and the mounting through-hole 135, thereby increasing the strength of the panel 30. The panel 30 may be attached to the exterior surface of the device itself, or may be attached to the exterior surface as a separate component. The panel 30 may also be attached to an interior surface.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a panel 30 to which six cable assemblies 11 in the connector mounting structure of this embodiment are connected to the internal wiring of the device by fixing the flanges 13 of each connector 12 with four screws 41.

[0022] (Explanation of operation) The connector mounting method for mounting the cable assembly 11 to the panel 30 is carried out in the following order.

[0023] First, the panel 30 shown in FIG. 2 is prepared in advance and placed at a predetermined position on the outer surface of the electronic device (panel setting step).

[0024] 4 and 5, the entire connector 12 portion of the cable assembly 11 for wiring inside the device is pulled out from inside the device to the outside of the device through the assembly through-hole 135 of the panel 30. That is, the flange 13 of the assembly 11 is passed through the assembly through-hole 135 (flange passing step).

[0025] Next, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cable 16 of the assembly 11 is passed through the connecting hole 136, and the connector 12 portion of the assembly 11 is moved to a predetermined mounting hole 31a (connector moving step).

[0026] Next, a portion of the cable 16 is passed through the assembly through-hole 135 and moved to the predetermined mounting hole 31a, and then, as shown in FIG. 8, the connector 12 of the assembly 11 is inserted and fitted into the predetermined mounting hole 31a (connector insertion step).

[0027] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the flange (contact) surface of the flange 13 of the connector 12 of the assembly 11 is butted against the outer surface of the panel 30, and as shown in Figure 10, the flange 13 is fixed and attached using screws 41 that engage with the four screw holes 31b (connector fixing step).

[0028] 11 , in order to prevent foreign matter from entering the assembly through-holes 135 and the connecting holes 136 and to ensure the strength of the panel 30 itself, the blind plate 145 is fixed to the panel 30 with its fixing screws 146 as needed. An appropriate number of fixing screws 146 are arranged for the blind plate 145 that closes the assembly through-holes 135 and the connecting holes 136.

[0029] (Explanation of effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, when assembling a plurality of coaxial connectors for connecting external lines (connectors 12) to be arranged on the exterior surface of the device, the assembly is not affected by the cable length of the cable assembly 11 to be attached, and the cable assembly 11 can be easily attached and detached when replacing it without specifying the assembly order, thereby improving the efficiency of assembly. In addition, since the resistance of relay elements such as panel adapters is not used, the effect of suppressing transmission loss can be achieved.

[0030] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, an example of the mounting structure of the panel 30 provided with the connecting hole 136 having the assembly through-hole 135 of the flange through-hole has been described, but even if the assembly lead-in hole (connecting hole 136) is simply connected to a plurality of the mounting holes 31a of the connector mounting fitting holes, workability can be improved when it is necessary to move the mounting position of the connector 12 of the cable assembly 11. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the mounting structure of the panel 30 may be the same as that of the above embodiment except that the assembly through-holes of the flange through-holes are omitted and only the connecting hole 136 is provided.

[0031] (Variation 2) Furthermore, even if the assembly lead-in holes (connecting holes 136) are simply connected to a plurality of the mounting holes 31a of the connector mounting fitting holes, workability can be improved if the connector 12 of the cable assembly 11 can be inserted from the side of the panel. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the mounting structure of the panel 30 may be the same as that of the above embodiment, except that an open end OP communicating with the space outside the panel is provided at one end of the connecting hole 136 instead of the assembly through-hole of the flange through-hole. In this case, the strength of the panel 30 itself can be ensured by arranging an appropriate number of fixing screws 146 for the blind plate 145 that closes the open end OP and the connecting hole 136. In this case, further strength can be ensured by attaching a reinforcing member (not shown) along the open end OP.

[0032] (Variation 3) Furthermore, taking into consideration whether an operator is right-handed or left-handed, and the number of mounting holes 31a, the number of assembly through-holes 135 in the flange through-holes may be multiple, and the arrangement pattern of the assembly through-holes 135 does not necessarily have to be at the ends of the panel 30. This can improve workability. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the same mounting structure of the panel 30 as that of the above embodiment may be used, except that the assembly through-holes 135 are provided at both ends of the connecting hole 136. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the same mounting structure of the panel 30 as that of the above embodiment may be used, except that the assembly through-hole 135 is provided in the center of the connecting hole 136.

[0033] (Variation 4) Furthermore, since the strength of the panel 30 may be reduced by the provision of the assembly through-holes 135 and the connecting holes 136, the blind plate 145 may be shaped like a lid as a strength measure. For example, the blind plate 145 may be made of a rigid body such as metal or plastic, and as shown in Fig. 16, the blind plate 145 may be formed into a lid shape on the inside of the panel 30, with protrusions PT that fit into the assembly through-holes 135 and the connecting holes 136. A connector mounting structure identical to that of the above embodiment may be used.

[0034] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the present invention is applied to a mounting structure for an external line connection portion of a cable assembly 11 for a coaxial cable, but the present invention can also be applied to various cable assemblies that are attached by passing through a panel having a metal fitting shape. Also, while an example has been described in which the panel 30 is formed by stamping a metal sheet, the present invention is not limited to this, and the panel 30 may be formed by combining a plurality of rigid members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 11 Cable Assembly 12, 15 connector 13 Flange 14 Through holes 16 Cable (coaxial cable) 30 Mounting panel 31a Connector mounting hole 31b screw hole 41 screws 135 Assembly through hole (flange through hole) 136 Connection hole 145 Blind Plate 146 Fixing screw Φ1 First diameter of the cable Φ2 Second diameter of mounting hole Φ3 Third diameter of connector W Width of connecting hole

Claims

1. A connector mounting structure for mounting a cable structure having a connector to which a cable is connected and which has a flange portion, a mounting panel including a mounting hole having a second diameter that exceeds the first diameter of the cable and into which the connector can be fitted, and a plurality of mounting hole structures that are arranged around the mounting hole and each have an engaging portion for fixing the flange portion; The mounting panel includes: a connecting hole that allows the cable structure to move between each of the mounting holes in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel, has a width that is greater than the first diameter and less than the second diameter, and connects each of the mounting holes in a parallel branched manner; a flange through-hole formed with a diameter larger than the second diameter and connected to the connecting hole, allowing the flange portion to pass through from the front to the back of the mounting panel; A connector mounting structure comprising:

2. 2. The connector mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the connector has a third diameter that is greater than the width of the connecting hole and less than the second diameter of the mounting hole.

3. A connector mounting method for mounting a cable structure having a connector connected to a cable and having a flange portion on a mounting panel, comprising: a step of providing in advance in the mounting panel: a mounting hole having a second diameter that exceeds the first diameter of the cable and that can fit the connector; a plurality of mounting hole structures, each having an engaging portion disposed around the mounting hole for fixing the flange portion; and connecting holes, each having a flange through hole formed so that the flange portion can pass through from the front to the back of the mounting panel, allowing the cable structure to move in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel between the flange through hole and each of the mounting holes, the connecting holes having a width that exceeds the first diameter and is less than the second diameter, and connecting each of the mounting holes in a parallel branched manner; a flange penetration step of passing the flange portion of the cable structure through the flange through-hole; a connector moving step of moving the cable of the cable structure from the connection hole to the mounting hole; a connector inserting step of inserting the connector of the cable structure into the mounting hole; a connector fixing step of fixing the flange portion of the cable structure by the engaging portion; A connector installation method comprising:

4. In the flange penetration step, the flange portion of the cable structure is passed through the flange penetration hole, and the connector and a portion of the cable are pulled out from the flange penetration hole; In the connector moving step, a portion of the cable is moved to the connection hole and moved together with the connector to the mounting hole; In the connector inserting step, the connector and a portion of the cable are inserted into the mounting hole, and a flange surface of the flange portion is abutted against an outer surface of the mounting panel; 4. The connector mounting method according to claim 3, wherein in the connector fixing step, the flange portion is fixed at the engaging portion to mount the connector.

5. A mounting panel for mounting a cable structure having a connector with a flange portion and to which a cable is connected, a plurality of mounting hole structures, each having a mounting hole having a second diameter that exceeds the first diameter of the cable and into which the connector can be fitted, and an engaging portion disposed around the mounting hole for fixing the flange portion; a connecting hole that allows the cable structure to move between each of the mounting holes in a direction along the main surface of the mounting panel, has a width that is greater than the first diameter and less than the second diameter, and connects each of the mounting holes in a parallel branched manner; a flange through-hole formed with a diameter larger than the second diameter and connected to the connecting hole, allowing the flange portion to pass through from the front to the back of the mounting panel; A mounting panel comprising:

6. A connector mounting device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it has a blind plate fixed to the mounting panel so as to cover the connecting hole and the flange through hole.

7. A connector mounting structure as described in Claim 6, characterized in that the blind plate is fixed to the mounting panel with fixing screws.

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