Relay connector, mounting connector, and connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention comprises a signal pin (160) that extends along a first axis (C1), a connector body (110) that accommodates the signal pin (160), and a ground fitting (120) that is attached to the connector body (110). The connector body (110) has a lower cylindrical section (111) that surrounds a mounting connector that is formed into a cylindrical shape centered on the first axis (C1) and is mounted on a substrate. The ground fitting (120) has at least one leaf spring part (122). The leaf spring part (122) includes a tip-side portion (122a) and a base-end-side portion (122b). The tip-side portion (122a) is positioned inside the lower cylindrical section (111) and is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of a mounting connector (200) at a first contact point. The base-end-side portion (122b) is positioned outside the lower cylindrical section (111) and is in contact with the connector body (110) at a second contact point.

Description

Relay connectors, mounting connectors and connector assemblies

[0001] The present invention relates to a relay connector, a mounting connector, and a connector assembly.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a connector that is connected to a target device such as a camera. Patent Document 1 also describes radial misalignment between the connector and the receptacle.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-134094

[0004] In the event that the connector (relay connector) and the receptacle (mounted connector) are misaligned radially, it is preferable to ensure that the length of the part of the relay connector that comes into contact with the mounted connector is sufficient, i.e., the spring length, so that the part can reliably displace and deform in accordance with the misalignment.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an intermediate connector, a mounting connector, and a connector assembly that can ensure a sufficient length (spring length) of the part of the intermediate connector that comes into contact with the mounting connector.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the relay connector, the mounting connector, and the connector assembly of the present invention employ the following measures.

[0007] A relay connector according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an inner conductor extending along a first axis, an outer conductor accommodating the inner conductor, and a conductive member attached to the outer conductor, wherein the outer conductor has a cylindrical portion that is cylindrical and centered on the first axis and surrounds a mounted connector mounted on a board, and the conductive member has at least one or more plate-like portions, each of which includes a tip-side portion and a base-side portion, the tip-side portion being located inside the cylindrical portion of the outer conductor and contacting the outer surface of the mounted connector at a first contact point, and the base-side portion being located outside the cylindrical portion of the outer conductor and contacting the outer conductor at a second contact point.

[0008] The distal end portion is located inside the tubular portion of the outer conductor and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the mounted connector at a first contact point, while the proximal end portion is located outside the tubular portion of the outer conductor and contacts the outer conductor at a second contact point, so that the length from the first contact point to the second contact point, i.e., the length (spring length) of the plate-like portion that functions as a plate spring that contacts the mounted connector, can be sufficiently ensured. This allows electrical continuity between the outer conductor and the mounted connector via the plate-like portion, and even if the positional relationship between the relay connector 100 and the mounted connector deviates radially from the design standard, the displacement can be easily absorbed by the elastic deformation of the plate-like portion.

[0009] In the relay connector of the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the tip portion contacts the inner surface of the tubular portion at a third contact point, the first contact point is located between the second contact point and the third contact point, and the length from the third contact point to the first contact point is shorter than the length from the first contact point to the second contact point.

[0010] The tip portion contacts the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion at the third contact point, the first contact point is located between the second and third contact points, and the length from the third contact point to the first contact point is shorter than the length from the first contact point to the second contact point, so that electrical continuity between the external conductor and the mounted connector can be achieved through a path that functions as a leaf spring and is shorter than the length from the first contact point to the second contact point. This reduces loss in the conduction path and improves grounding performance.

[0011] The relay connector of the third aspect of the present invention is the second aspect, in which a vertical groove extending in the direction of the first axis is formed on the inner surface of the tubular portion, and the tip portion of the plate-like portion is inserted into the vertical groove.

[0012] A longitudinal groove extending in the direction of the first axis is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and the tip portion of the plate-like portion is recessed into the longitudinal groove, so that the tip portion can be positioned radially outward compared to when no longitudinal groove is formed. This allows the effective range of motion of the plate-like portion to be expanded without increasing the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion. In other words, the cylindrical portion can be made compact while ensuring the range of motion of the plate-like portion.

[0013] The relay connector of the fourth aspect of the present invention is, in any of the first to third aspects, such that the plate-like portion includes a bent portion located between the tip-end portion and the base-end portion, the bent portion is shaped to wrap around the tubular portion from the outside to the inside, and a notch is formed in the tip portion of the tubular portion through which the bent portion of the plate-like portion passes.

[0014] The plate-like portion includes a bent portion located between the tip portion and the base portion, and the bent portion is shaped to wrap around the tubular portion from the outside to the inside, and a notch is formed at the tip portion of the tubular portion through which the bent portion of the plate-like portion passes, so that the bent portion does not protrude from the tubular portion in the direction of the first axis, and the relay connector can be made compact.

[0015] The relay connector of the fifth aspect of the present invention is, in any of the first to fourth aspects, provided with a metal shield that conforms to the internal shape of the device case, the outer conductor having a flange portion that is connected to the tubular portion and extends radially around the first axis, and the shield is connected to and integrated with the flange portion.

[0016] The connector is provided with a metal shield that fits the internal shape of the device case, the outer conductor has a flange portion connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially from the first axis, and the shield is connected to and integrated with the flange portion, improving handleability as a relay connector. In addition, the outer conductor and shield can be integrated with a minimum of assembly steps.

[0017] A mounting connector according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a mounting connector that is compatible with the relay connector described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, and comprises a signal terminal that is mounted on the board, and a ground terminal that is tubular and centered on a second axis and is mounted on the board, wherein the signal terminal has an integrally formed insertion portion, mounting portion, and deformation portion, the insertion portion contacts the outer peripheral surface of the internal conductor of the relay connector, the mounting portion is joined to the board, the deformation portion is formed between the insertion portion and the mounting portion, and allows displacement of the insertion portion relative to the mounting portion in a direction perpendicular to the second axis by elastic deformation, and the ground terminal is adjacent to the insertion portion in the direction of the second axis, and houses at least the insertion portion and the deformation portion inside.

[0018] The deformation portion is formed between the insertion portion and the mounting portion, and elastically deforms to allow displacement of the insertion portion relative to the mounting portion in a direction perpendicular to the second axis, and is adjacent to the insertion portion in the direction of the second axis, so there is no need to provide a space on the side of the ground terminal to accommodate the deformation portion (for example, a portion bent into an S-shape or bellows shape) that allows displacement of the insertion portion relative to the mounting portion. This makes it possible to provide a compact mounting connector.

[0019] The mounting connector of the seventh aspect of the present invention is the sixth aspect, and includes an insulator into which the insertion portion of the signal terminal is inserted and which is accommodated in the ground terminal, and the ground terminal is formed with a support spring portion that elastically supports the insulator in a direction perpendicular to the second axis.

[0020] The connector is provided with an insulator into which the insertion portion of the signal terminal is inserted and which is housed in the ground terminal, and the ground terminal is formed with a support spring portion that elastically supports the insulator in a direction perpendicular to the second axis, thereby stabilizing the movement of the insulator when floating.

[0021] A connector assembly according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes the relay connector according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and the mounting connector according to the sixth or seventh aspect.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a relay connector, a mounting connector, and a connector assembly that can ensure a sufficient length (spring length) of the part of the relay connector that comes into contact with the mounting connector.

[0023] 1. A perspective view of a camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1. An exploded perspective view of the camera module shown in FIG. 1. 2. A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 1. 3. A perspective view of the camera module shown in FIG. 1 to which an external connector is connected. 4. An upper perspective view of a relay connector. 5. A lower perspective view of the relay connector. 6. An upper perspective view of the relay connector (shield omitted). 7. A lower perspective view of the relay connector (shield omitted). 8. A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7. 9. An exploded perspective view of the relay connector shown in FIG. 10. 11. A partial enlarged view of FIG. 3. 12. An upper perspective view of the shield. 13. A lower perspective view of the shield. 14. A lower perspective view of the relay connector attached to the upper case. 15. A perspective view of the mounted connector mounted on a board. 16. A cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15. 16. A perspective view of a partially cut-away mounted connector. 17. A side view of the signal terminal. 18. A side view of the signal terminal. 19. A front view of the signal terminal. 20. A plan view of the signal terminal. 21. A bottom view of the signal terminal. 22. A diagram illustrating a deformed portion of the signal terminal. 23. A perspective view of the signal terminal and the base. 24. A perspective view of the signal terminal, the base, and the pedestal. 1 is a perspective view of a signal terminal, a base, a pedestal, and a mounting-side insulator; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a first axis of the relay connector is misaligned with a second axis of the mounting connector;

[0024] A relay connector, a mounting connector, and a connector assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction refers to the direction from top to bottom or bottom to top, the front-to-rear direction refers to the direction from front to back or back to front, and the left-to-right direction refers to the direction from left to right or right to left. The vertical, front-to-rear, and left-to-right directions are substantially perpendicular to one another. The above directions are terms used to facilitate understanding of the description and do not limit the actual position of the product.

[0025] 1 to 3 , the camera module (device) 10 is, for example, a module unit of an in-vehicle camera. The camera module 10 includes an upper case 11, a lower case 12, a connector assembly 13, and a substrate 300.

[0026] The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are combined in the vertical direction to function as a housing that defines an internal space S1. The upper case 11 and the lower case 12 are made of, for example, resin.

[0027] The upper case 11 is formed with a fitting portion 11a into which an external connector 20 (see FIG. 4) is fitted. The external connector 20 is, for example, a FAKRA standard connector. The fitting portion 11a is a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the top surface of the upper case 11. A space S2 is formed inside the fitting portion 11a. The lower portion of the space S2 communicates with the space S1. The upper end surface of the space S2 is an open surface.

[0028] 2 and 3, the accommodation space S (a space consisting of the space S1 and the space S2) accommodates the connector assembly 13. The accommodation space S also accommodates an imaging element (such as a CCD or a CMOS), optical components (such as lenses), and other components (not shown) that constitute the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0029] The connector assembly 13 includes a relay connector 100 and a mounting connector 200 .

[0030] [Regarding the Relay Connector] The relay connector 100 is a connector that relays between the external connector 20 and the mounting connector 200 mounted on the substrate 300. As shown in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the relay connector 100 includes a connector body (outer conductor) 110, a grounding metal fitting (conductive member) 120, an O-ring 130, a bushing 140, a relay-side insulator 150, a signal pin (inner conductor) 160, and a shield 170.

[0031] 7 to 10 , the connector body 110 is a component that houses the bushing 140, the relay-side insulator 150, and the signal pin 160. The connector body 110 has a lower cylindrical portion 111, an upper cylindrical portion 112, and a flange portion 113. The lower cylindrical portion 111, the upper cylindrical portion 112, and the flange portion 113 are, for example, integrally formed as a single component. The connector body 110 is formed from a material (e.g., metal) that has excellent conductivity.

[0032] The lower cylindrical portion 111 is a cylindrical portion extending along a first axis C1 extending in the vertical direction and corresponds to the lower portion of the connector main body 110. The lower cylindrical portion 111 also surrounds the mounting connector 200, which will be described later. A flange portion 113 is formed at the upper portion of the lower cylindrical portion 111. The flange portion 113 is a disk-shaped portion that expands radially from the first axis C1. An upper cylindrical portion 112 is formed at the upper portion of the flange portion 113. The upper cylindrical portion 112 is a cylindrical portion extending along the first axis C1 and corresponds to the upper portion of the connector main body 110. As shown in FIG. 3 , when the relay connector 100 is attached to the upper case 11, the lower cylindrical portion 111 and the flange portion 113 are disposed in the space S1. In contrast, the upper cylindrical portion 112 is disposed in the space S2.

[0033] 7 and 9, a step is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion 112, and an O-ring 130 is fitted in contact with the step. As shown in Fig. 3, the O-ring 130 is located between the outer peripheral surface of the upper cylindrical portion 112 and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 11a, and provides a seal between the upper cylindrical portion 112 and the fitting portion 11a.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 9 , a bushing 140 and an intermediate-side insulator 150 are fitted into the upper cylindrical portion 112 in a vertically aligned state. A signal pin 160 extending along a first axis C1 is inserted into the bushing 140 and the intermediate-side insulator 150 along the first axis C1. The bushing 140 is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber). The intermediate-side insulator 150 is made of an insulating material (e.g., resin). The signal pin 160 is made of a highly conductive material (e.g., metal). By fitting the bushing 140 into the upper cylindrical portion 112 and inserting the signal pin 160 into the bushing 140, a seal is formed between the upper cylindrical portion 112 and the signal pin 160. Furthermore, the signal pin 160 is held in the connector main body 110 by fitting the intermediate-side insulator 150 into the upper cylindrical portion 112 and inserting the signal pin 160 into the intermediate-side insulator 150. The upper end of the signal pin 160 protrudes from the upper surface of the intermediate-side insulator 150 and is located inside the upper cylindrical portion 112. The upper end of the signal pin 160 contacts a terminal portion (not shown) of the external connector 20. In contrast, the lower end of the signal pin 160 protrudes from the lower surface of the bushing 140 and is located inside the lower cylindrical portion 111. The lower end of the signal pin 160 contacts a signal terminal 220 of the mounted connector 200.

[0035] 8 to 10 , a grounding fitting 120 is attached to the connector body 110. The grounding fitting 120 is a component for establishing electrical continuity between the connector body 110 and the mounting connector 200 (shell 210). The grounding fitting 120 has a ring portion 121, at least one or more leaf spring portions (plate-shaped portions) 122, and multiple crimping tabs 123. The ring portion 121, leaf spring portion 122, and crimping tabs 123 are, for example, integrally formed as a single component. The grounding fitting 120 is made of a material with excellent electrical conductivity (for example, metal).

[0036] The ring portion 121 is an annular portion centered on the first axis C1. The ring portion 121 is fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the lower cylindrical portion 111. The vertical dimension of the ring portion 121 is shorter than the vertical dimension of the lower cylindrical portion 111.

[0037] A plurality of crimping tabs 123 are formed on the upper edge of the ring portion 121. The crimping tabs 123 are arranged at predetermined angular intervals in the circumferential direction around the first axis C1. In the case of FIG. 10 , four crimping tabs 123 are arranged at 90-degree intervals. The crimping tabs 123 extend upward from the upper edge of the ring portion 121 and then extend radially outward. As shown in FIG. 8 , a plurality of pairs of crimping protrusions 113a are formed on the underside of the flange portion 113, and each crimping tab 123 is fixed by crimping a pair of crimping protrusions 113a. This fixes the grounding metal fitting 120 to the connector body 110.

[0038] 8 to 10, a plurality of leaf springs 122 are formed on the lower edge of the ring portion 121. The leaf springs 122 are arranged at predetermined angular intervals in the circumferential direction around the first axis C1. In the case of Fig. 10, four leaf springs 122 are arranged at 90-degree intervals.

[0039] 9 and 10, the leaf spring portion 122 has a distal end portion 122a, a proximal end portion 122b, and a bent portion 122c. The distal end portion 122a, the proximal end portion 122b, and the bent portion 122c are integrally and continuously formed.

[0040] The base end portion 122b includes a base end 122b1 serving as a fixed end connected to the lower edge of the ring portion 121, and is located outside the lower cylindrical portion 111. When the relay connector 100 is not mated with the mounting connector 200, the base end portion 122b extends in the vertical direction along the outer circumferential surface of the lower cylindrical portion 111. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the relay connector 100 is mated with the mounting connector 200, the base end portion 122b elastically deforms so as to expand radially outward from the vicinity of the base end 122b1. At this time, the portion of the base end portion 122b excluding the vicinity of the base end 122b1 does not contact the lower cylindrical portion 111. In contrast, the portion near the base end 122b1, which is the starting point of elastic deformation, is always in contact with the lower cylindrical portion 111. That is, the vicinity of the base end 122b1 becomes a point (second contact point) that comes into contact with the lower cylindrical portion 111. Note that the "portion near the base end 122b1" referred to here may include a part of the ring portion 121.

[0041] The tip portion 122a includes a tip 122a1 and is located inside the lower cylindrical portion 111. The tip portion 122a forms a V-shaped downward bent portion 122a2 that is bent so as to be convex radially inward (toward the first axis C1). As shown in FIG. 11 , the apex of the downward bent portion 122a2 (the apex of the V-shape) is a point that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the shell 210 of the mounting connector 200 (first contact point). The tip portion 122a may further form a V-shaped upward bent portion 122a3 that is bent so as to be convex radially outward (toward the base portion 122b). The upward bent portion 122a3 is formed integrally and continuously with the downward bent portion 122a2 and is located above and radially outward of the downward bent portion 122a2. As shown in FIG. 9 , the apex of the upward bent portion 122a3 (the apex of the V-shape) is the point of contact (third contact point) with the inner circumferential surface of the lower tubular portion 111 of the connector main body 110. The third contact point is located above and radially outward of the first contact point. It is also possible to omit the upward bent portion 122a3 and use the tip 122a1 as the third contact point. In this case, the tip 122a1 may also be the terminal end of the downward bent portion 122a2. The downward bent portion 122a2 and the upward bent portion 122a3 may be configured to be convex in a predetermined direction and to contact the mating device at a specific contact point, and their specific shapes are not limited to a V-shape.

[0042] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the bent portion 122c is a portion that is bent in an approximately U-shape so as to wrap around the lower tubular portion 111 from the outside to the inside, and is located between the tip portion 122a and the base portion 122b, connecting the tip portion 122a and the base portion 122b.

[0043] 11 , when the relay connector 100 is mated with the mounting connector 200 and the downward bent portion 122a2 of the tip portion 122a comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shell 210, a force (a radially outward force) is applied to the first contact point from the shell 210. This force causes the tip portion 122a to elastically deform so that the downward bent portion 122a2 is crushed, and the base portion 122b to elastically deform so that it expands radially outward from the vicinity of the second contact point. In other words, when the relay connector 100 receives a force (a radially outward force) from the shell 210, the range of the leaf spring portion 122 from the first contact point to the second contact point functions as a leaf spring.

[0044] In this case, the dimensions of the leaf spring portion 122 are designed so that the length from the third contact point (e.g., the apex of the upward bent portion 122a3) to the first contact point (the apex of the downward bent portion 122a2) is shorter than the length from the first contact point to the second contact point (near the base end 122b1). This allows electrical continuity between the connector main body 110 and the mounted connector 200 (shell 210) via a path shorter than the length from the first contact point, which functions as a leaf spring, to the second contact point. This reduces loss in the conduction path and improves grounding performance.

[0045] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, a plurality of notches 111b are formed in the tip of the lower cylindrical portion 111 of the connector main body 110. As a result, the wall of the lower cylindrical portion 111 is partially omitted in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis C1. The positions and number of the notches 111b correspond to the positions and number of the leaf spring portions 122. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bent portions 122c of the leaf spring portions 122 pass through the notches 111b and enter from the outside to the inside of the lower cylindrical portion 111. As a result, the bent portions 122c do not protrude downward from the lower cylindrical portion 111, allowing the relay connector 100 to be made more compact.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the inner circumferential surface of the lower tubular portion 111 of the connector main body 110 is formed with multiple vertical grooves 111a extending in the vertical direction. This results in the wall of the lower tubular portion 111 being partially thinned from the inside in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis C1. In other words, the inner diameter of the lower tubular portion 111 is larger in the areas where the vertical grooves 111a are formed than in other areas (areas where the vertical grooves 111a are not formed). The positions and number of the vertical grooves 111a correspond to the positions and number of the notches 111b. The vertical grooves 111a may also be formed continuously with the notches 111b. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the upward bent portion 122a3 of the distal end portion 122a of the leaf spring portion 122 fits into the vertical grooves 111a. This allows the effective range of movement of the leaf spring portion 122 to be expanded without increasing the outer diameter of the lower tubular portion 111. In other words, the lower cylindrical portion 111 can be made compact while ensuring the movable range of the leaf spring portion 122 .

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , a shield 170 is attached to the connector main body 110. The shield 170 is a member for shielding noise and is made of metal. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 , the shield 170 has a top surface 171 and multiple side surfaces 172. The top surface 171 is a thin plate-like portion that is superimposed on the top surface of the upper case 11. The shape of the top surface 171 matches the shape of the top surface of the upper case 11. In the cases of FIGS. 12 to 14 , the top surface 171 is rectangular. Side surfaces 172 are connected to each side of the rectangular top surface 171. The side surfaces 172 are thin plate-like portions that are superimposed on each side of the upper case 11. The shape of the side surfaces 172 matches the shape of each side of the upper case 11. This allows the shape of the shield 170 to match the internal shape of the upper case 11.

[0048] An opening 171a is formed in the center of the top surface 171. As shown in Fig. 5 , the upper cylindrical portion 112 of the connector main body 110 is inserted into the opening 171a. The inner diameter of the opening 171a is set smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 113 of the connector main body 110. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6 , the flange portion 113 comes into contact with the inner surface of the top surface 171.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 13 , a plurality of press-fit tabs 171b are formed around the opening 171a. The press-fit tabs 171b are arranged at predetermined angular intervals in the circumferential direction around the first axis C1. In the case of FIG. 13 , four press-fit tabs 171b are arranged at 90-degree intervals. The press-fit tabs 171b extend downward from the inner surface of the top surface portion 171. As shown in FIG. 7 , a plurality of press-fit grooves 113b are formed in the flange portion 113, and as shown in FIG. 6 , the press-fit tabs 171b are press-fitted into the press-fit grooves 113b, thereby fixing the flange portion 113 to the top surface portion 171. This integrates the shield 170 with the connector body 110.

[0050] 12 and 13, a plurality of through holes 171c are formed in the top surface portion 171. As shown in Fig. 14, a protrusion 11b formed on the top surface of the upper case 11 is inserted into each through hole 171c, and the tip of the protrusion 11b is crushed (expanded) by heat, thereby preventing the shield 170 from coming off the upper case 11.

[0051] 15 and 16 , the mounting connector 200 is a connector that is mounted on a substrate 300. The substrate 300 is a substrate for driving an imaging element. The lower cylindrical portion 111 of the connector main body 110 of the relay connector 100 is fitted into the mounting connector 200 with a gap provided (see FIG. 11 ).

[0052] The mounting connector 200 includes a shell (ground terminal) 210 , a signal terminal 220 , a base 230 , a seat 240 , and a mounting-side insulator 250 .

[0053] 16 and 17 , the shell 210 is a cylindrical component extending along the second axis C2 that extends in the vertical direction, and houses the signal terminals 220, the base 230, the seat 240, and the mounting-side insulator 250. The shell 210 is made of a material with excellent conductivity (e.g., metal). The outer diameter of the shell 210 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 111 of the connector main body 110 of the relay connector 100.

[0054] 15 and 17 , a plurality of joining tabs 212 are formed on the lower edge of the shell 210. The joining tabs 212 extend radially outward from the lower edge of the shell 210. The joining tabs 212 are arranged at predetermined angular intervals in the circumferential direction around the first axis C1. The joining tabs 212 are joined to the board 300 by, for example, soldering. This fixes the shell 210, and ultimately the mounting connector 200, to the board 300.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the shell 210 accommodates signal terminals 220, a base 230, a pedestal 240, and a mounting-side insulator 250 therein.

[0056] The signal terminal 220 is a terminal for electrically connecting the signal pin 160 of the relay connector 100 and the substrate 300. The signal terminal 220 is made of a material with excellent conductivity (e.g., metal). As shown in Figures 18 to 23, the signal terminal 220 has, in order from the top, an insertion portion 221, a deformation portion 222, and a mounting portion 223.

[0057] The insertion portion 221 is a portion into which the signal pin 160 of the relay connector 100 is inserted, and includes a cylindrical portion 221a, two receiving portions 221b, and a connection portion 221c. The cylindrical portion 221a is a cylindrical portion extending along an axis extending in the vertical direction. Two receiving portions 221b extending upward are connected to the upper edge of the cylindrical portion 221a. The receiving portions 221b are arranged opposite each other in the front-to-rear direction. The signal pin 160 is inserted between these two receiving portions 221b along the first axis C1. The tips of each receiving portion 221b are expanded radially outward, making it easier to receive the signal pin 160. The connection portion 221c extending downward is connected to the lower edge of the cylindrical portion 221a. The connection portion 221c connects the cylindrical portion 221a and the deformation portion 222.

[0058] The deformation portion 222 is a portion that elastically deforms to allow displacement of the insertion portion 221 relative to the mounting portion 223. The displacement here refers to displacement in a direction perpendicular to the second axis C2, i.e., in the front-to-back and / or left-to-right directions. As shown in FIG. 24 , the deformation portion 222 has a shape resembling a substantially rectangular ring-shaped component with its short side extending in the up-down direction and rolled around the second axis C2. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 21 , the connection portion 221c of the insertion portion 221 is connected to the upper edge of the deformation portion 222. The deformation portion 222 is located below and adjacent to the insertion portion 221. Therefore, when the signal terminal 220 is viewed from above (see FIGS. 22 and 23 ), the cylindrical portion 221a and the receiving portion 221b of the insertion portion 221 are located inside the deformation portion 222 or overlap with the deformation portion 222.

[0059] 18 to 21 , the mounting portion 223 is connected to the lower edge of the deformation portion 222. The mounting portion 223 is electrically connected to the substrate 300 and is joined to the substrate 300 by, for example, soldering. This fixes the mounting portion 223, and therefore the signal terminals 220, to the substrate 300. At this time, the mounting portion 223 is positioned relative to the substrate 300, but the insertion portion 221 connected to the mounting portion 223 via the deformation portion 222 is movable in the front-rear and / or left-right directions relative to the substrate 300. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 23 , the mounting portion 223 extends downward from the lower edge of the deformation portion 222 and then extends radially outward.

[0060] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the base 240 is a cylindrical component that extends along the second axis C2 and is open at the bottom. The base 240 is made of an insulating material (e.g., resin). The base 240 is fitted into the shell 210. The base 230 is fitted into an opening formed at the bottom end of the base 240. As shown in Figure 25, the base 230 is a disk-shaped component. The base 230 is made of an insulating material (e.g., resin).

[0061] 16 and 17 , a space is formed between the pedestal 240 and the base 230, and the space accommodates the deformation portion 222 of the signal terminal 220. The mounting portion 223 connected to the lower end edge of the deformation portion 222 passes through the pedestal 240 and extends to the outside of the shell 210. As shown in FIGS. 16 , 17 and 26 , the insertion portion 221 connected to the upper end edge of the deformation portion 222 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 221a and the two receiving portions 221b of the insertion portion 221) is disposed on the pedestal 240.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 27 , a mounting-side insulator 250 is attached to the insertion portion 221 protruding from the upper surface of the base 240. The mounting-side insulator 250 is a cylindrical component extending along an axis extending in the vertical direction. The mounting-side insulator 250 is formed from an insulating material (e.g., resin). An insertion hole 251 extending in the vertical direction is formed inside the mounting-side insulator 250. The cylindrical portion 221a and two receiving portions 221b of the insertion portion 221 of the signal terminal 220 are inserted into this insertion hole 251. At this time, the cylindrical portion 221a is fitted into the insertion hole 251. Furthermore, a signal pin 160 is inserted into the insertion hole 251 along the first axis C1. The signal pin 160 inserted into the insertion hole 251 is inserted between the two receiving portions 221b and comes into contact with the signal terminal 220.

[0063] As described above, the insertion portion 221 is displaceable in the front-rear and / or left-right directions, and therefore the mounting-side insulator 250 attached to the insertion portion 221 also moves in the front-rear and / or left-right directions together with the insertion portion 221. Note that the shell 210, the base 230, the pedestal 240, and the mounting portion 223 of the signal terminal 220 do not move relative to the board 300.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 27 , a cylindrical portion 252 is formed at the upper end of the mounting-side insulator 250. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17 , a plurality of support spring portions 211 are formed on the shell 210. The support spring portions 211 are portions cut out from a portion of the peripheral wall of the shell 210, and extend upward and then radially inward. The distal ends of the support spring portions 211 facing radially inward are in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 252 of the mounting-side insulator 250. Furthermore, the plurality of support spring portions 211 are arranged to face each other at least in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. As a result, the plurality of support spring portions 211 elastically support the mounting-side insulator 250 in the front-rear direction and / or the left-right direction.

[0065] The relay connector 100 and the mounting connector 200 configured as described above are combined as follows: That is, as shown in Figures 3 and 11 , the lower cylindrical portion 111 of the connector body 110 is fitted into the mounting connector 200 so that the signal pins 160 held in the connector body 110 of the relay connector 100 are inserted into the insertion portions 221 of the signal terminals 220 of the mounting connector 200.

[0066] When the lower cylindrical portion 111 of the connector body 110 is fitted to the mounting connector 200 , the leaf spring portion 122 of the grounding metal fitting 120 of the relay connector 100 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the shell 210 of the mounting connector 200 while elastically deforming.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 11 , when the first axis C1 of the relay connector 100 and the second axis C2 of the mounting connector 200 are aligned, the leaf spring portion 122 elastically deforms symmetrically in the front-rear and left-right directions. However, as shown in FIG. 28 , when the first axis C1 of the relay connector 100 and the second axis C2 of the mounting connector 200 are not aligned, that is, when the positional relationship between the relay connector 100 and the mounting connector 200 is displaced radially from the design standard, the leaf spring portion 122 elastically deforms asymmetrically in the front-rear and / or left-right directions. However, due to the elastic deformation of the leaf spring portion 122, contact between the leaf spring portion 122 and the shell 210 is maintained. In other words, the leaf spring portion 122 absorbs any misalignment of the mounting connector 200. Examples of causes of the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 not coinciding include: (1) the mounting position of the mounting connector 200 relative to the board 300 being radially shifted from the design reference position; (2) the installation position of the board 300 relative to the lower case 12 being radially shifted from the design reference position; (3) the installation position of the relay connector 100 relative to the upper case 11 being radially shifted from the design reference position; (4) the mounting position of the upper case 11 relative to the lower case 12 being radially shifted from the design reference position; and (5) a combination of any two or more of (1) to (4).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11 , when the first axis C1 of the relay connector 100 and the second axis C2 of the mounting connector 200 are aligned, the insertion portion 221 of the signal terminal 220 of the mounting connector 200 does not displace in the front-rear and / or left-right directions. However, when the first axis C1 of the relay connector 100 and the second axis C2 of the mounting connector 200 are not aligned (see FIG. 28 ), the insertion portion 221 of the signal terminal 220 of the mounting connector 200 displaces in the front-rear and / or left-right directions along with the elastic deformation of the deformation portion 222 simultaneously with the insertion of the signal pin 160. This allows the position of the insertion portion 221 to be shifted to match the insertion position of the signal pin 160 while the mounting connector 200 remains fixed to the board 300 (floating). At this time, the mounting-side insulator 250 attached to the insertion portion 221 moves in the front-rear and / or left-right directions along with the elastic deformation of the multiple support spring portions 211 of the shell 210. The support spring portion 211 elastically supports the mounting-side insulator 250, thereby stabilizing the movement of the mounting-side insulator 250 during floating.

[0069] This embodiment provides the following advantages. The tip portion 122a of the leaf spring portion 122 is located inside the lower cylindrical portion 111 and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the mounting connector 200 at a first contact point (the apex of the downward bent portion 122a2), while the base portion 122b is located outside the lower cylindrical portion 111 and contacts the connector main body 110 at a second contact point (near the base end 122b1). This ensures a sufficient length from the first contact point to the second contact point, i.e., a sufficient length (spring length) of the leaf spring portion 122 that functions as a leaf spring that contacts the mounting connector 200. This ensures electrical continuity between the connector main body 110 and the mounting connector 200 via the leaf spring portion 122, and makes it easier to absorb any radial deviation in the positional relationship between the relay connector 100 and the mounting connector 200 from the design standard by elastic deformation of the leaf spring portion 122.

[0070] The tip end portion 122a of the leaf spring portion 122 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion 111 at a third contact point (for example, the apex of the upper bent portion 122a3), the first contact point is located between the second and third contact points, and the length from the third contact point to the first contact point is shorter than the length from the first contact point to the second contact point, so that electrical continuity between the connector main body 110 and the mounted connector 200 can be achieved via a path that functions as a leaf spring and is shorter than the length from the first contact point to the second contact point. This reduces loss in the electrical continuity path and improves grounding performance.

[0071] A vertical groove 111a extending in the vertical direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion 111, and the tip portion 122a of the leaf spring portion 122 is recessed into the vertical groove 111a. This allows the tip portion 122a to be positioned radially outward compared to when the vertical groove 111a is not formed. This allows the effective range of motion of the leaf spring portion 122 to be expanded without increasing the outer diameter of the lower cylindrical portion 111. In other words, the lower cylindrical portion 111 can be made compact while ensuring the range of motion of the leaf spring portion 122.

[0072] The leaf spring portion 122 includes a bent portion 122c located between the tip portion 122a and the base portion 122b, and the bent portion 122c is shaped to wrap around the lower tubular portion 111 from the outside to the inside, and a notch 111b is formed at the tip portion of the lower tubular portion 111 through which the bent portion 122c of the leaf spring portion 122 passes.As a result, the bent portion 122c does not protrude in the vertical direction from the lower tubular portion 111, and the relay connector 100 can be made compact.

[0073] The relay connector 100 is provided with a metal shield 170 that fits the internal shape of the upper case 11, the connector main body 110 has a flange portion 113 that is connected to the lower cylindrical portion 111 and expands in the radial direction centered on the first axis C1, and the shield 170 is connected to and integrated with the flange portion 113, improving the handleability of the relay connector 100. Furthermore, the connector main body 110 and the shield 170 can be integrated with a minimum number of assembly steps.

[0074] The deformation portion 222 of the signal terminal 220 is formed between the insertion portion 221 and the mounting portion 223, and elastically deforms to allow displacement of the insertion portion 221 relative to the mounting portion 223 in a direction perpendicular to the second axis C2, and is adjacent to the insertion portion 221 in the direction of the second axis C2, so there is no need to provide a space on the side of the shell 210 to accommodate the deformation portion (for example, a portion bent into an S-shape or bellows shape) that allows displacement of the insertion portion 221 relative to the mounting portion 223. This makes it possible to provide a miniaturized mounting connector 200.

[0075] The shell 210 is formed with a support spring portion 211 that elastically supports the mounting-side insulator 250, so that the movement of the mounting-side insulator 250 can be stabilized during floating.

[0076] [Variations] Up to this point, the device to which the connector assembly 13 is applied has been described using an in-vehicle camera module unit (camera module 10) as an example, but the device to which the connector assembly 13 is applied may also be an electronic device such as a sensor, an antenna, a GPS, a monitor, a television, or a radio.

[0077] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Camera module (device) 11 Upper case 11a Fitting portion 11b Protrusion 12 Lower case 13 Connector assembly 20 External connector 100 Relay connector 110 Connector body (external conductor) 111 Lower cylindrical portion (cylindrical portion) 111a Vertical groove 111b Notch 112 Upper cylindrical portion 113 Flange portion 113a Crimping protrusion 113b Press-fit groove 120 Ground metal fitting (conductive member) 121 Ring portion 122 Leaf spring portion (plate-shaped portion) 122a Tip side portion 122a1 Tip 122a2 Downward bent portion 122a3 Upward bent portion 122b Base side portion 122b1 Base end (second contact point) 122c Bent portion 123 Crimping tab 130 O-ring 140 Bush 150 Relay-side insulator 160 Signal pin (internal conductor) 170 Shield 171 Top surface 171a Opening 171b Press-fit tab 171c Through hole 172 Side surface 200 Mounting connector 210 Shell (ground terminal) 211 Support spring portion 212 Joint tab 220 Signal terminal 221 Insertion portion 221a Cylindrical portion 221b Receiving portion 221c Connection portion 222 Deformation portion 223 Mounting portion 230 Base 240 Pedestal 250 Mounting-side insulator 251 Insertion hole 252 Cylindrical portion 300 Board

Claims

1. A relay connector comprising: an inner conductor extending along a first axis; an outer conductor accommodating the inner conductor; and a conductive member attached to the outer conductor, wherein the outer conductor has a cylindrical portion that is cylindrical and centered on the first axis and surrounds a mounted connector mounted on a board, and the conductive member has at least one or more plate-like portions, each of the plate-like portions including a tip-side portion and a base-side portion, wherein the tip-side portion is located inside the cylindrical portion of the outer conductor and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the mounted connector at a first contact point, and the base-side portion is located outside the cylindrical portion of the outer conductor and contacts the outer conductor at a second contact point.

2. The relay connector according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion contacts the inner surface of the tubular portion at a third contact point, the first contact point is located between the second contact point and the third contact point, and the length from the third contact point to the first contact point is shorter than the length from the first contact point to the second contact point.

3. The relay connector according to claim 2, wherein a longitudinal groove extending in the direction of the first axis is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, and the tip end portion of the plate portion is fitted into the longitudinal groove.

4. A relay connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate-like portion includes a bent portion located between the tip-end portion and the base-end portion, the bent portion is shaped to wrap around the tubular portion from the outside to the inside, and the tip of the tubular portion has a notch formed therein through which the bent portion of the plate-like portion passes.

5. A relay connector as claimed in claim 1, comprising a metal shield adapted to the internal shape of the device case, the outer conductor having a flange portion connected to the cylindrical portion and extending radially from the first axis, and the shield being connected to and integrated with the flange portion.

6. A mounting connector compatible with the relay connector described in claim 1, comprising: a signal terminal mounted on the board; and a cylindrical ground terminal centered on a second axis and mounted on the board, wherein the signal terminal has an integrally formed insertion portion, mounting portion, and deformation portion, the insertion portion contacts the outer peripheral surface of the internal conductor of the relay connector, the mounting portion is joined to the board, the deformation portion is formed between the insertion portion and the mounting portion, and allows displacement of the insertion portion relative to the mounting portion in a direction perpendicular to the second axis by elastic deformation, and the ground terminal is adjacent to the insertion portion in the direction of the second axis, and houses at least the insertion portion and the deformation portion inside.

7. The mounting connector according to claim 6, further comprising an insulator into which the insertion portion of the signal terminal is inserted and which is housed in the ground terminal, and the ground terminal is formed with a support spring portion that elastically supports the insulator in a direction perpendicular to the second axis.

8. A connector assembly comprising: the relay connector according to claim 1; and the mounting connector according to claim 6.

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