connector

Abstract

To enable a conductor for a connector to be manufactured at low cost and to obtain a desired contact load when being connected to a mating member.SOLUTION: A connector 60 includes a conductor for a connector 80 including a cylindrical portion 82, and an elastic piece 90 extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion, and the cylinder portion includes a first circumferential end 84, a cylinder forming portion 86 forming a cylinder shape together with the first circumferential end, a second circumferential end 88 that continues on the side opposite to the first circumferential end with respect to the cylinder forming portion and overlaps the first circumferential end, and a caulking portion 83 that keeps the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end in an overlapping state, and at least a portion of the elastic piece extends from the first circumferential end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a coaxial connector including a contact, an insulator made of synthetic resin for holding the contact, and a metal shell for housing the insulator. The metal shell has a fitting portion formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that fits with a male connector on the other side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, it is desired to manufacture a conductor for a connector including a cylindrical portion at a low cost, and to obtain a desired contact load when connecting the conductor for the connector to a member on the other side.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to be able to manufacture a conductor for a connector at a low cost and to obtain a desired contact load when connecting to a member on the other side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The connector of the present disclosure is a connector comprising a connector conductor including a cylindrical portion and an elastic piece extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical portion has a first circumferential end, a cylindrical forming portion that together with the first circumferential end is cylindrical, a second circumferential end that is connected to the cylindrical forming portion on the side opposite to the first circumferential end and superimposed on the first circumferential end, and a crimping portion that maintains the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end in an overlapping state, and at least a part of the elastic piece extends from the first circumferential end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, conductors for connectors can be manufactured at low cost, and the desired contact load can be easily obtained when connecting to the mating component. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a device equipped with a coaxial connector according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a coaxial connector. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a coaxial connector. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the outer conductor. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a bottom view showing the outer conductor. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] The connectors of this disclosure are as follows:

[0011] (1) A connector comprising a connector conductor including a cylindrical portion and an elastic piece extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion, wherein the cylindrical portion has a first circumferential end, a cylindrical forming portion that together with the first circumferential end is cylindrical, a second circumferential end that is connected to the cylindrical forming portion on the side opposite to the first circumferential end and superimposed on the first circumferential end, and a crimping portion that maintains the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end in an overlapping state, and at least a part of the elastic piece extends from the first circumferential end.

[0012] According to this connector, the cylindrical portion has a first circumferential end, a cylindrical forming portion that forms a cylindrical shape together with the first circumferential end, a second circumferential end that is connected to the cylindrical forming portion on the opposite side of the first circumferential end and overlapped with the first circumferential end, and a crimping portion that maintains the overlapping state of the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. Therefore, the connector conductor can be manufactured at a lower cost compared to cases where the connector conductor is formed by cutting or welding of plate material. In addition, since the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end are overlapped and at least a part of the elastic piece extends from the first circumferential end, at least a part of the base end of the elastic piece is firmly held by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. This makes it easier to obtain the desired contact load when connecting the connector conductor to the mating member.

[0013] (2) The connector according to (1), wherein more than half of the widthwise portion of the base end of the elastic piece is connected to the first circumferential end.

[0014] As a result, more than half of the widthwise portion of the base end of the elastic piece is connected to the first circumferential end, and is supported by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end. Therefore, it is easy to obtain the desired contact load.

[0015] (3) A connector according to (1) or (2), wherein the crimping portion may be separated from the elastic piece.

[0016] As a result, the deformation of the caulked portion hardly affects the elastic piece, and it is easy to ensure the contact load of the elastic piece in design.

[0017] (4) The connector of (3), wherein the distance between the caulked portion and the elastic piece may be greater than or equal to the distance between the edge of the cylindrical portion on the side opposite to the elastic piece and the caulked portion.

[0018] As a result, the deformation of the caulked portion more hardly affects the elastic piece, and it is easier to ensure the contact load of the elastic piece in design.

[0019] (5) The connector according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the elastic piece has a contact portion that contacts the mating conductor, the contact portion faces one side in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, and the second circumferential end portion may be overlapped with the first circumferential end portion on the side opposite to the direction of the contact portion.

[0020] In this case, when the contact portion contacts the mating conductor, a force opposite to the direction in which the contact portion faces acts on the elastic piece. This force can be received by the second circumferential end portion. Therefore, when the elastic piece is brought into contact with the mating conductor, the base end portion of the elastic piece is hardly displaced, and it is easy to obtain a desired contact load.

[0021] (6) The connector of (5), wherein the contact portion faces outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion, the first circumferential end portion and the cylindrical forming portion are connected so as to form a cylindrical shape of the same diameter, and the second circumferential end portion may be overlapped inside the first circumferential end portion and project to the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical forming portion.

[0022] As a result, when the connector conductor is connected to the mating conductor by insertion, the elastic piece can be effectively received. Since the first circumferential end portion and the cylindrical forming portion are connected so as to form a cylindrical shape of the same diameter, when another elastic piece is extended from the cylindrical forming portion, it is easy to maintain the identity of the elastic properties between the elastic piece and the other elastic piece. Further, by projecting the second circumferential end portion to the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical forming portion, it is easy to position the second circumferential end portion with respect to the member inside the cylindrical portion.

[0023] (7)A connector according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the elastic piece includes a base end extending from the base end of the elastic piece along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and an inclined portion extending from the tip of the base end so as to be inclined with respect to the axial direction, and the edge of the second circumferential end on the side from which the elastic piece extends may be located between the base end of the elastic piece and the boundary between the base end and the inclined portion.

[0024] This allows the base end of the elastic piece to be effectively received by the second circumferential end.

[0025] (8) Any one of the connectors from (1) to (7), wherein the connector conductor further includes at least one additional elastic piece extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion, and the elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece are spaced apart and arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

[0026] This allows the connector conductor to be properly electrically connected to the other conductor.

[0027] (9)(8) The connector may have the elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

[0028] This makes it possible to make the contact load between the elastic piece and at least one additional elastic piece with respect to the mating conductor as similar as possible, allowing the connector conductor to be electrically connected to the mating conductor effectively.

[0029] (10)A connector according to any one of (1) to (9), further comprising an inner conductor and an insulator in which the inner conductor is housed, wherein the insulator is housed within the cylindrical portion.

[0030] In this case, in a connector comprising an inner conductor, an insulator housing the inner conductor, and a connector conductor as an outer conductor housing the insulator, the connector conductor can be electrically connected well to the mating conductor.

[0031] (11)(10) The connector wherein the insulator has a recess on its outer circumference and the second circumferential end fits into the recess.

[0032] This allows the connector conductor to be positioned relative to the insulator by utilizing the second circumferential end.

[0033] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of the connectors of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples, and all modifications are intended to be included in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, as indicated by the claims.

[0034] [Embodiment 1] The connector according to the embodiment will be described below. In this embodiment, an example in which the connector is a coaxial connector will be described. A coaxial connector is a connector in which the outer conductor and the inner conductor inside it are located coaxially. It is not necessary for the connector to be a coaxial connector; for example, multiple inner conductors may be located inside the outer conductor.

[0035] <Regarding the overall configuration of the equipment> An example of equipment 10 equipped with a coaxial connector 60 will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing equipment 10 equipped with a coaxial connector 60. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1.

[0036] Device 10 is, for example, a camera. The camera is, for example, an in-vehicle device. Device 10 does not have to be a camera.

[0037] The device 10 comprises a case 12 and an electrical component 20. The electrical component 20 is housed inside the case 12. A coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the electrical component 20.

[0038] Case 12 comprises 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 a 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 an imaging lens or window, and the second case 14 has a coaxial connector 30 for external connection.

[0039] The external coaxial connector 30 is a coaxial connector for connecting the electrical component 20 to an external electrical component. For example, the external coaxial connector 30 is a coaxial connector to which a cable connected to an external electrical component is connected. The cable to which the external coaxial connector 30 is connected is, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0040] More specifically, a retaining cylinder portion 16 is provided protruding from the bottom portion 15 of the case 12. The retaining cylinder portion 16 is cylindrical and protrudes outward from the center of the bottom portion 15. The inner opening of the retaining cylinder portion 16 opens into the second case 14, and the outer opening of the retaining cylinder portion 16 opens outside the second case 14. A retaining partition portion 17 is formed in the middle of the retaining cylinder portion 16 in the direction along the central axis X (axial direction). In this embodiment, the retaining partition portion 17 is formed in the middle of the retaining cylinder portion 16 in the direction along the central axis X and closer to the inner opening. The retaining partition portion 17 separates the space on the inner opening side of the retaining cylinder portion 16 from the space on the outer opening side. A retaining hole 17h is formed in the retaining partition portion 17, and an external coaxial connector 30 is inserted into and held in the retaining hole 17h.

[0041] In this embodiment, a locking projection 18a is formed on the outer circumference of the retaining cylinder portion 16 for holding a cable connector attached to the end of the cable. The formation of the locking projection 18a is not essential.

[0042] The external coaxial connector 30 comprises an internal conductor 32 for external connection, an external insulator 34 for external connection, and an external conductor 36 for external connection.

[0043] The internal conductor 32 for external connection is formed in the shape of an elongated rod and is made of a conductive material such as metal. The insulator 34 for external connection is made of an insulator such as resin and surrounds the internal conductor 32 for external connection. In this embodiment, the insulator 34 for external connection is a dielectric material. The outer conductor 36 for external connection is made of a conductive material such as metal. The outer conductor 36 for external connection is formed in the shape of a cylinder that surrounds the insulator 34 for external connection.

[0044] The electrical component 20 is, for example, a circuit 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 the imaging lens or window of the first case 13 and rotates the lens or window to capture the outside scenery. Hereinafter, the side of the first case 13 that 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.

[0045] In this embodiment, the coaxial connector 60 is located on the circuit board 21 on the side opposite to the image sensor 22. The coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the circuit board 21 and protrudes from the circuit board 21 toward the external coaxial connector 30. The coaxial connector 60 is a board-side coaxial connector. The coaxial connector 60 comprises, for example, an inner conductor 62, an insulator 70, and an outer conductor 80. A movable inner conductor 42, which will be described later, is connected to the inner conductor 62. The insulator 70 surrounds the inner conductor 62. The outer conductor 80 surrounds the insulator 70. In other words, the inner conductor 62, the insulator 70, and the outer conductor 80 are arranged concentrically in this order from the center toward the outer circumference.

[0046] The coaxial connector 60 and the external coaxial connector 30 are connected via an intermediate connector 40. The intermediate connector 40 comprises, for example, a movable inner conductor 42, a movable insulator 44, and a movable outer conductor 46. The movable inner conductor 42 is surrounded by the movable insulator 44. A dielectric can be understood as a type of insulator, and the movable insulator 44 may be a dielectric. The movable outer conductor 46 surrounds the movable insulator 44. The movable inner conductor 42 is an example of a mating inner conductor connected to the inner conductor 62, the movable outer conductor 46 is an example of a mating outer conductor connected to the outer conductor 80, and the intermediate connector 40 is an example of a mating coaxial connector connected to the coaxial connector 60.

[0047] With the movable inner conductor 42 inserted and connected to the inner conductor 62, and the outer conductor 80 inserted and connected to the movable outer conductor 46, the intermediate connector 40 is connected to the coaxial connector 60. In this state, the intermediate connector 40 protrudes further from the coaxial connector 60 toward the external coaxial connector 30. When the external inner conductor 32 is inserted and connected to the movable inner conductor 42, and the movable outer conductor 46 is inserted and connected to the external outer conductor 36, the intermediate connector 40 is connected to the external coaxial connector 30. In this way, the intermediate connector 40 relays the connection between the coaxial connector 60 and the external coaxial connector 30.

[0048] As a result, when an external cable is connected to the external coaxial connector 30, the external electrical component to which the cable is connected is electrically connected to the electrical component 20 inside the case 12.

[0049] In the connection state between the relay connector 40 and the coaxial connector 60, the movable inner conductor 42 is inserted and connected at an angle relative to the inner conductor 62. Similarly, the outer conductor 80 is inserted and connected at an angle relative to the movable outer conductor 46. In other words, the relay connector 40 can be connected at an angle relative to the coaxial connector 60 (see arrow P1 in Figure 2). As a result, even if the coaxial connector 60 and the external coaxial connector 30 are misaligned from their opposing positions on the coaxial axis during the assembly work or in the completed state of the device 10 (see arrow P2 in Figure 2), the tilt of the relay connector 40 relative to the coaxial connector 60 absorbs this misalignment.

[0050] <About coaxial connectors> The coaxial connector 60 will be explained in detail. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the coaxial connector 60. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the coaxial connector 60.

[0051] As described above, the coaxial connector 60 comprises, for example, an inner conductor 62, an insulator 70, and an outer conductor 80.

[0052] The inner conductor 62 is an elongated conductive member (see Figures 2 and 4). In this embodiment, the inner conductor 62 is formed by press-forming a metal plate. More specifically, the inner conductor 62 includes a base cylindrical portion 64 and a plurality of elastic pieces 66.

[0053] The base end cylindrical portion 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape, more specifically, a cylindrical shape. The base end cylindrical portion 64 is housed on the base end side of the insulator 70. In the coaxial connector 60, the tip is the end to which the movable 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.

[0054] An extension piece 64a extends from the base end side edge of the base end cylindrical portion 64 toward the inside of the base end cylindrical portion 64. The extension piece 64a is soldered to the circuit of the circuit board 21, for example.

[0055] The base cylindrical portion 64 may have a positioning projection 64P that partially protrudes outward in the circumferential direction. The positioning projection 64P may fit into a recess in the insulator 70, thereby positioning the inner conductor 62 relative to the insulator 70.

[0056] A locking projection 64b is provided on the base cylindrical portion 64. The locking projection 64b partially protrudes from the outer circumference of the base cylindrical portion 64. The locking projection 64b is formed in a shape in which the protrusion dimension gradually increases from the tip of the base cylindrical portion 64 toward the base end. When the base cylindrical portion 64 is inserted into the insulator 70, the locking projection 64b catches on the inner circumference of the insulator 70, and the inner conductor 62 is held in a state where it cannot be pulled out of the insulator 70.

[0057] Multiple elastic pieces 66 protrude further toward the tip from the tip-side opening of the base cylindrical portion 64. Preferably, the multiple elastic pieces 66 are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 72. In this embodiment, two elastic pieces 66 face each other around the central axis X of the base cylindrical portion 64.

[0058] The movable inner conductor 42 of the relay connector 40 is inserted from the tip side of the two elastic pieces 66 toward the space between the two elastic pieces 66. The movable inner conductor 42 is connected to the inner conductor 62 by being sandwiched between the two elastic pieces 66.

[0059] The insulator 70 is formed of a 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.

[0060] The insulator 70 comprises a cylindrical portion 72 and a tip guide portion 76.

[0061] The cylindrical portion 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the inner conductor 62. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical space is formed inside it. The inner conductor is housed within this cylindrical space.

[0062] The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 72 is formed in a circumferential shape centered on the central axis X. The outer conductor 80 is positioned on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 72. A positioning recess 72g is formed in a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 72 in the circumferential direction. The recess 72g has a pair of side surfaces 72g1 that face each other in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 72 and a surface 72g2 that faces the base end side of the cylindrical portion 72 (see Figure 4). The second circumferential end portion 88, which will be described later, fits into the recess 72g. In this state, the position of the second circumferential end portion 88 is restricted by the pair of side surfaces 72g1 and surface 72g2. This restricts the outer conductor 80, which is fitted onto the insulator 70, from rotating around the central axis X relative to the insulator 70 and from moving toward the tip.

[0063] Multiple (in this case, four) elongated projections 72a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 72. Each projection 72a extends parallel to the central axis X. Preferably, the multiple projections 72a are positioned at equal intervals around the central axis X on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 72. The projections 72a contact the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 82 at positions that are dispersed in the circumferential direction.

[0064] The tip guide portion 76 is located on the tip side of the cylindrical portion 72. The tip guide portion 76 has an insertion hole 77 into which the movable inner conductor 42 can be inserted. The central axis X of the cylindrical portion 72 coincides with the central axis X of the insertion hole 77.

[0065] The inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 77 is formed in a tapered shape, gradually decreasing in diameter toward the cylindrical portion 72. The tip of the movable inner conductor 42 is guided toward the space between the multiple elastic pieces 66 by the tapered inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 77.

[0066] Furthermore, the outer circumference of the tip guide portion 76 protrudes further outward than the cylindrical portion 72. An outer peripheral guide surface 78 is formed on the outer circumference of the tip guide portion 76, which gradually widens in diameter toward the base end. The outer peripheral guide surface 78 can guide the cylindrical portion of the movable outer conductor 46 to the outside of the outer conductor 80.

[0067] The annular back surface of the tip guide portion 76, facing the base end, extends perpendicular to the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 72. The elastic piece 90, described later, can be elastically deformed in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 72 on the base end side of the annular back surface.

[0068] The outer conductor 80 is made of a conductive material such as metal and surrounds the insulator 70. The outer conductor 80 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal plate.

[0069] The outer conductor 80 comprises a cylindrical portion 82 and an elastic piece 90. In this embodiment, the outer conductor 80 further comprises an additional elastic piece 96.

[0070] The cylindrical portion 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape that allows the cylindrical portion 72 to be placed inside it. Elastic pieces 90 and additional elastic pieces 96 extend from the tip-side opening edge of the cylindrical portion 82. The elastic pieces 90 and additional elastic pieces 96 are arranged between the tip guide portion 76 and the cylindrical portion 82, surrounding the cylindrical portion 72.

[0071] The movable outer conductor 46 of the relay connector 40 is guided to the outer circumference of the elastic piece 90 and the additional elastic piece 96 by the outer circumference guide surface 78 of the tip guide portion 76. As a result, the elastic piece 90 and the additional elastic piece 96 come into contact with the movable outer conductor 46 from the inner circumference, and the outer conductor 80 and the movable outer conductor 46 are connected.

[0072] <About the outer conductor> Let's describe the outer conductor 80, an example of a connector conductor, in more detail. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the outer conductor 80. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the outer conductor 80. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6.

[0073] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the outer conductor 80 comprises a cylindrical portion 82 and an elastic piece 90 extending from the opening edge at the tip of the cylindrical portion 82.

[0074] The cylindrical portion 82 is the part that is fitted onto the insulator 70. The cylindrical portion 82 is held in a fixed position relative to the insulator 70 and plays the role of supporting the outer conductor 80 in a fixed position relative to the insulator 70. Furthermore, if, for example, the base end opening of the cylindrical portion 82 is soldered to a circuit on the circuit board 21, such as an earth circuit, it can play the role of grounding the movable outer conductor 46 to the earth circuit.

[0075] The cylindrical portion 82 comprises a first circumferential end portion 84, a cylindrical forming portion 86, and a second circumferential end portion 88.

[0076] The cylindrical portion 86 has a partial cylindrical shape. The first circumferential end portion 84 is connected to one end of the cylindrical portion 86 in the circumferential direction. Together with the first circumferential end portion 84, the cylindrical portion 86 has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the first circumferential end portion 84 and the cylindrical portion 86 have a cylindrical shape that covers one full turn.

[0077] The second circumferential end 88 is connected to the cylindrical forming portion 86 on the opposite side from the first circumferential end 84. The second circumferential end 88 is superimposed on the first circumferential end 84. In other words, the first circumferential end 84, the cylindrical forming portion 86, and the second circumferential end 88 are formed in a shape that exceeds the circumference of a cylinder, and the ends of the cylindrical portion 82 overlap to the extent that it exceeds the circumference. One of the overlapping portions is the first circumferential end 84, and the other is the second circumferential end 88.

[0078] The second circumferential end 88 may overlap the first circumferential end 84 on the inner or outer side. Preferably, the second circumferential end 88 is superimposed on the first circumferential end 84 on the side opposite to the direction of the contact portion 93a. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the contact portion 93a faces the outer side. Therefore, the second circumferential end 88 overlaps the first circumferential end 84 on the inner side.

[0079] Conversely, when the elastic piece contacts the opposing conductor from the outer circumference, that is, when the contact point faces the inner circumference, it is preferable that the second circumferential end overlaps the first circumferential end on the outer circumference side.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first circumferential end portion 84 and the cylindrical portion 86 are connected to form a cylindrical shape of the same diameter. That is, the first circumferential end portion 84 and the cylindrical portion 86 are formed to have the same radius of curvature. The second circumferential end portion 88 is superimposed on the inside of the first circumferential end portion 84 and protrudes inward from the cylindrical portion 86. More specifically, a stepped portion 87 is formed between the cylindrical portion 86 and the second circumferential end portion 88. The step of the stepped portion 87 is set to, for example, approximately the thickness of the cylindrical portion 82. The second circumferential end portion 88 protrudes inward from the cylindrical portion 86 via the stepped portion 87. The second circumferential end portion 88 protrudes inward from the first circumferential end portion 84 and the cylindrical portion 86 by the thickness of the cylindrical portion 82.

[0081] With the cylindrical portion 72 of the insulator 70 housed within the cylindrical portion 82, the second circumferential end 88 fits into the positioning recess 72g of the cylindrical portion 72. In this state, the second circumferential end 88 contacts a pair of side surfaces 72g1 of the recess 72g, thereby preventing the outer conductor 80 from rotating relative to the insulator 70. The second circumferential end 88 contacts the surface 72g2 of the recess 72g, which prevents the cylindrical portion 72 of the insulator 70 from being overinserted into the cylindrical portion 82 of the outer conductor 80.

[0082] The cylindrical portion 82 further includes a crimping portion 83. The crimping portion 83 is the part that keeps the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 in an overlapping state. The crimping portion 83 keeps the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 in an overlapping state by plastic deformation of at least one of the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88.

[0083] In this embodiment, a protrusion 83a is formed on one of the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 by plastic deformation, and a recess 83b is formed on the other by plastic deformation. The protrusion 83a fits into the recess 83b, thereby maintaining the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88 in an overlapping state.

[0084] More specifically, for example, the overlapping first circumferential end 84 and second circumferential end 88 are sandwiched between a press die having a convex portion and a press die having a concave portion and pressed. Then, a portion of the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 are extruded together from the convex portion of the press die toward the concave portion of the press die. The convex portion 83a and concave portion 83b fitted to the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 are pressed simultaneously.

[0085] Such a joint structure may be, for example, a structure called a spot riveting or a structure called a drawlock.

[0086] The elastic piece 90 extends from one of the opening edges of the cylindrical portion 82 and is connected to the movable outer conductor 46, which serves as the mating terminal. At least a portion of the elastic piece 90 extends from the first circumferential end 84 of the opening edge on one side of the cylindrical portion 82.

[0087] In other words, the first circumferential end portion 84 and the cylindrical portion 86 form a cylindrical shape that covers one full circumference, and at least a portion of the elastic piece 90 extends from the first circumferential end portion 84.

[0088] It is sufficient that at least a portion of the base end of the elastic piece 90 is connected to the first circumferential end 84. To support the elastic piece 90 more firmly, it is preferable that more than half of the widthwise portion of the base end of the elastic piece 90 is connected to the first circumferential end 84, and more preferably that more than 3 / 4 of the widthwise portion of the base end of the elastic piece 90 is connected to the first circumferential end 84. In this embodiment, the entire widthwise portion of the base end of the elastic piece 90 is connected to the first circumferential end 84.

[0089] The elastic piece 90 has a base portion 91, an inclined portion 92, a bulging portion 93, and a tip guide portion 94. The base portion 91, the inclined portion 92, the bulging portion 93, and the tip guide portion 94 are connected in this order from the cylindrical portion 82 toward one side of the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 82.

[0090] The base end portion 91 is a plate-like portion that is directly connected to the first circumferential end portion 84 and is separated from the adjacent additional elastic piece 96. The inclined portion 92 is a plate-like portion that is directly connected to the base end portion 91 and extends further from the base end portion 91.

[0091] The base end portion 91 extends from the base end of the elastic piece 90 connected to the first circumferential end portion 84 along the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 82. The inclined portion 92 extends from the tip of the base end portion 91 so as to be inclined toward the central axis X (in this case, toward the outer circumference). Therefore, the elastic piece 90 has a bending point 91V between the base end portion 91 and the inclined portion 92. The elastic piece 90 can be elastically deformed in the inward and outward directions of the cylindrical portion 82, mainly from the bending point 91V toward the tip.

[0092] The bulging portion 93 has a curved surface that convex outward from the tip of the inclined portion 92 and is directed toward one side of the central axis X. The part of the bulging portion 93 that protrudes furthest outward is the contact portion 93a that faces outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 82 and contacts the movable outer conductor 46.

[0093] Tip guide section 94 The tip of the bulge 93 is inclined inward toward one side of the central axis X.

[0094] When the outer conductor 80 is inserted into the movable outer conductor 46, the tip guide part 94 The elastic piece 90 is guided to the inner circumference of the movable outer conductor 46 by contacting the opening edge of the movable outer conductor 46. With the outer conductor 80 inserted into the movable outer conductor 46, the inclined portion 92 primarily elastically deforms inward. The elastic force of the inclined portion 92 returning to its original shape causes the contact portion 93a to be elastically pressed against the inner surface of the movable outer conductor 46.

[0095] An example of a preferred positional relationship setting for the second circumferential end portion 88 and the crimped portion 83 with respect to the elastic piece 90 will be described.

[0096] It is preferable that the crimped portion 83 is located away from the elastic piece 90. When the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 are deformed, the deformation may also affect the area around the crimped portion 83. If the elastic piece 90 and the part supporting the elastic piece 90 are deformed in an unintended manner, it may affect the elastic deformation operation of the elastic piece 90 when the outer conductor 80 is inserted into the movable outer conductor 46. If the crimped portion 83 is away from the elastic piece 90, the deformation of the crimped portion 83 is less likely to affect the elastic piece 90 and the part supporting the elastic piece 90. As a result, the elastic piece 90 is pressed against the movable outer conductor 46 with a desirable elastic force according to the design.

[0097] For example, the distance L1 between the crimping portion 83 and the base end of the elastic piece 90 may be greater than or equal to the distance L2 between the edge of the cylindrical portion 82 opposite to the elastic piece 90 and the crimping portion 83. Alternatively, for example, the distance L3 may be between the bent portion 91V between the base end portion 91 and the inclined portion 92 of the elastic piece 90 and the crimping portion 83, and the distance L4 may be between the bent portion 91V and the contact portion 93a, where L3 is 1 / 3 or more and 1 / 2 or less of L4.

[0098] Furthermore, it is preferable that the edge 88a of the second circumferential end 88 on the side from which the elastic piece 90 extends is located between the base end of the elastic piece 90 (i.e., the boundary between the elastic piece 90 and the second circumferential end 88) and the bending point 91V which is the boundary between the base end 91 and the inclined portion 92.

[0099] If the edge 88a of the second circumferential end 88 on the side from which the elastic piece 90 extends is too far from the elastic piece 90, the elastic piece 90 cannot be effectively supported from the inner circumferential side. If the edge 88a coincides with or extends beyond the base end of the elastic piece 90, the second circumferential end 88 can effectively support the elastic piece 90 from the inner circumferential side.

[0100] If the edge 88a of the second circumferential end 88 on the side from which the elastic piece 90 extends is too long, a wasted area will be created. If the edge 88a is at or before the bending point 91V, the second circumferential end 88 can be positioned in an area that is effective for supporting the elastic piece 90.

[0101] As described above, the outer conductor 80 further includes at least one additional elastic piece 96 extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion 82. In this embodiment, the outer conductor 80 includes a plurality of additional elastic pieces 96, specifically, seven additional elastic pieces 96. That is, the outer conductor 80 includes a plurality of elastic pieces 90, 96, more specifically, eight elastic pieces 90, 96.

[0102] The additional elastic piece 96 is formed in the same shape as the elastic piece 90, except for the portion supported by the cylindrical portion 82.

[0103] Multiple elastic pieces 90 and 96 are supported so as to be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 82. Equal intervals include identity within a tolerance range (for example, being the same within a range of ±5 degrees around the central axis X). When viewed along the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 82, the multiple elastic pieces 90 and 96 are arranged radially around the central axis X of the cylindrical portion 82.

[0104] With the outer conductor 80 inserted into the movable outer conductor 46, the multiple elastic pieces 90 and 96 contact the inner circumference of the movable outer conductor 46 at equal intervals along its circumferential direction. Since the multiple elastic pieces 90 and 96 have the same shape and are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 82, the multiple elastic pieces 90 and 96 are pressed against the movable outer conductor 46 under the same conditions. Furthermore, if the multiple elastic pieces were supported by a cylindrical member with a slit, the cylindrical member could elastically deform in the inward and outward directions near the slit, potentially weakening the support force on the elastic pieces and thus weakening the elastic force pressing them against the opposing conductor. In this embodiment, since the first circumferential end 84 is supported by the second circumferential end 88, it is easy to support the base end of the elastic piece 90 in a fixed position, and therefore, it is easy to maintain the elastic piece 90 pressed against the movable outer conductor 46 with the desired design contact load.

[0105] <Effects, etc.> In the coaxial connector 60 configured as described above, the cylindrical portion 82 is kept in an overlapping state between the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 by the crimping portion 83. Therefore, the outer conductor 80 can be easily formed by press working of a metal sheet. This makes it possible to manufacture the outer conductor 80 at a lower cost compared to cases where the outer conductor 80 is formed by cutting or welding of sheet metal. Furthermore, since the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88 are overlapped and at least a portion of the elastic piece 90 extends from the first circumferential end 84, at least a portion of the base end 91 of the elastic piece 90 is firmly held by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end 84 and the second circumferential end 88. This makes it easier to obtain the desired contact load when connecting the outer conductor 80 to the movable outer conductor 46, which is the mating component.

[0106] Furthermore, if more than half of the widthwise portion of the base end portion 91 of the elastic piece 90 is connected to the first circumferential end portion 84, the elastic piece 90 can be firmly supported by the overlapping structure of the first circumferential end portion 84 and the second circumferential end portion 88, making it easier to obtain the desired contact load.

[0107] Furthermore, if the crimped portion 83 is separated from the elastic piece 90, the deformation of the crimped portion 83 is less likely to affect the elastic piece 90 and its support points. This makes it easier to ensure the contact load of the elastic piece 90 as designed.

[0108] In particular, by making the distance L1 between the crimped portion 83 and the elastic piece 90 greater than or equal to the distance L2 between the edge of the cylindrical portion 82 opposite to the elastic piece 90 and the crimped portion 83, the deformation of the crimped portion 83 becomes less likely to affect the elastic piece 90. This makes it easier to ensure the contact load of the elastic piece as designed.

[0109] Furthermore, the second circumferential end 88 is superimposed on the first circumferential end 84 on the opposite side to the orientation of the contact portion 93a. When the contact portion 93a contacts the movable outer conductor 46, a force acts on the elastic piece 90 in the opposite direction to the orientation of the contact portion 93a. This force can be effectively absorbed by the second circumferential end 88. As a result, when the elastic piece 90 is brought into contact with the movable outer conductor 46, the base end of the elastic piece 90 is less likely to be displaced, making it easier to obtain the desired contact load.

[0110] Furthermore, since the first circumferential end portion 84 and the cylindrical portion 86 are connected to form a cylindrical shape of the same diameter, it is easy to maintain the same elastic properties between the elastic portion 90 and the other additional elastic portion 96 when other additional elastic pieces 96 are extended from the cylindrical portion 86. In addition, by making the second circumferential end portion 88 protrude further inward than the cylindrical portion 86, it is easy to position the second circumferential end portion relative to the member inside the cylindrical portion.

[0111] In this embodiment, the outer conductor 80 is positioned relative to one axial side and the circumferential direction of the insulator 70 by fitting the second circumferential end portion 88 into the recess 72g of the insulator 70.

[0112] Furthermore, since the edge 88a of the second circumferential end 88 on the side from which the elastic piece 90 extends is located between the base end of the elastic piece 90 and the bending point 91V at the boundary between the base end 91 and the inclined portion 92, the base end of the elastic piece 90 can be effectively received without excessively stretching the second circumferential end 88.

[0113] Furthermore, the outer conductor 80 further includes at least one additional elastic piece 96 extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion 82, and the elastic piece 90 and the at least one additional elastic piece 96 are positioned side by side with a gap between them in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 82. Therefore, the outer conductor 80 can be electrically connected to the movable side outer conductor 46 in good condition. The elastic piece 90 located at the joint of the cylindrical portion 82 is also electrically connected to the movable side outer conductor 46 in good condition.

[0114] Furthermore, since the elastic piece 90 and at least one additional elastic piece 96 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 82, the contact loads of the multiple elastic pieces 90 and 96 can be made as equal as possible. As a result, the outer conductor 80 can be electrically connected to the movable side outer conductor 46 in good condition.

[0115] Furthermore, the coaxial connector 60 further comprises an inner conductor 62 and an insulator 70, and the outer conductor 80 housing the insulator 70 can be electrically connected to the movable outer conductor 46 in good condition.

[0116] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the configuration relating to the cylindrical portion 82 of the outer conductor 80 may be applied to the cylindrical portion of other connector conductors. For example, the base end cylindrical portion 64 of the inner conductor 62 in the above embodiment may be configured such that the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end relating to the cylindrical portion 82 are overlapped and joined by a crimping portion.

[0117] Furthermore, the configurations described in the above embodiments and each of the modified examples can be combined as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 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 Imaging elements 30 Coaxial connector for external connection 32 Internal conductor for external connection 34. Insulator for external connections 36 External conductor for external connection 40 relay connectors 42 Movable side inner conductor 44 Movable side insulator 46. ​​Movable outer conductor (opposing conductor) 60 Coaxial connectors (connectors) 62 Inner conductor 64 Proximal tube part 64P Positioning protrusion 64a extension piece 64b Locking protrusion 66 Elastic pieces 70 Insulator 72 Cylinder part 72a Projection 72g dent 72g1 side 72g2 sides 76 Tip guide section 77 Insertion hole 78 Outer peripheral guide surface 80 Outer conductor (connector conductor) 82 Cylinder part 83 Crimping part 83a Convex part 83b recess 84 First circumferential end 86 Cylinder forming part 87 Multilayered section 88 Second circumferential end 88a Edge 90 Elastic pieces 91 Proximal end 91V bending point 92 Slope 93 Bulge 93a Contact part 94 Tip guide section 96 Additional elastic piece X center axis

Claims

1. A connector comprising a connector conductor including a cylindrical portion and an elastic piece extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion, The cylindrical portion is First circumferential end and A cylindrical forming portion that, together with the first circumferential end, A second circumferential end is connected to the cylindrical forming portion on the side opposite to the first circumferential end and is superimposed on the first circumferential end, A crimping portion that keeps the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end in an overlapping state, It has, A connector in which at least a portion of the elastic piece extends from the first circumferential end.

2. The connector according to claim 1, A connector in which more than half of the widthwise portion of the base end of the elastic piece is connected to the first circumferential end.

3. A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The crimped portion is separated from the elastic piece, forming a connector.

4. The connector according to claim 3, A connector in which the distance between the crimped portion and the elastic piece is greater than or equal to the distance between the edge of the cylindrical portion opposite to the elastic piece and the crimped portion.

5. A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The elastic piece has a contact portion that contacts the opposing conductor, The contact portion faces either one side in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion. A connector in which the second circumferential end is superimposed on the first circumferential end on the opposite side from the orientation of the contact portion.

6. The connector according to claim 5, The contact portion faces outward in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion. The first circumferential end and the cylindrical forming portion are connected to form a cylindrical shape of the same diameter. A connector in which the second circumferential end is superimposed on the inside of the first circumferential end and protrudes inward from the cylindrical forming portion.

7. A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The connector conductor further includes at least one additional elastic piece extending from the opening edge of the cylindrical portion, A connector in which the elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece are positioned at intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

8. The connector according to claim 7, A connector in which the elastic piece and the at least one additional elastic piece are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

9. A connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, The inner conductor and, An insulator in which the inner conductor is housed, Furthermore, A connector in which the insulator is housed within the cylindrical portion.

10. The connector according to claim 9, The insulator has a recess on its outer circumference, A connector in which the second circumferential end is fitted into the recess.

Images