Coaxial connector

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the number of components of and size of a coaxial connector. This coaxial connector comprises: an inner conductor; a dielectric body that surrounds the periphery of the inner conductor; and an outer conductor that surrounds the periphery of the dielectric body. The outer conductor includes: an outer conductor cylinder fit to the outside of the dielectric body in a state of being in contact with the dielectric body; and a plurality of spring pieces integrally formed with the outer conductor cylinder and extending from an opening edge of the outer conductor cylinder.

Description

Coaxial connector

[0001] This disclosure relates to a coaxial connector.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector body including a ring portion fixed to a shell in a state of being externally fitted thereto, a plurality of first contact pieces extending from the ring portion toward the outer periphery of a flange portion, and a plurality of second contact pieces extending from the ring portion toward the outer surface of a cylindrical contact.

[0003] International Publication No. 2024 / 106396

[0004] According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a connector body is prepared separately from the shell. Therefore, the number of components of the connector increases. Further, a plurality of first contact pieces extending from the ring portion toward the outer periphery of the flange portion are connected to the flange portion of the shell. Therefore, the connector becomes larger in size.

[0005] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the number of components and miniaturize a coaxial connector.

[0006] The coaxial connector of the present disclosure includes an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric. The outer conductor includes an outer conductor cylindrical portion externally fitted to the dielectric in a state of being in contact with the dielectric, and a plurality of spring pieces integrally formed with the outer conductor cylindrical portion and extending from an opening edge of the outer conductor cylindrical portion.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, reduction in the number of components and miniaturization of the coaxial connector are achieved.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a relay coaxial connector. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the relay coaxial connector. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the relay coaxial connector. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 5.

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

[0010] The coaxial connector of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0011] (1) A coaxial connector comprising an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, wherein the outer conductor includes an outer conductor cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the dielectric in contact with the dielectric, and a plurality of spring pieces that are integrally formed with the outer conductor cylindrical portion and extend from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylindrical portion.

[0012] According to this disclosure, when in contact with the dielectric, multiple spring pieces extend from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylinder portion which is fitted onto the dielectric. Therefore, it is not necessary to manufacture the outer conductor cylinder portion and the spring pieces as separate parts or to provide a structure to connect them, which enables a reduction in the number of parts and miniaturization of the coaxial connector.

[0013] (2) The coaxial connector of (1), wherein the spring height of each of the plurality of spring pieces relative to the outer conductor cylinder portion may be set to be greater than or equal to the radius of the outer conductor cylinder portion.

[0014] In this case, each of the multiple spring pieces can deform significantly, making it easier to follow large displacements. Furthermore, interference between the mating terminal and the multiple spring pieces is less likely, allowing the multiple spring pieces to make stable contact with the mating terminal.

[0015] (3) A coaxial connector according to (1) or (2), wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion that contacts the mating terminal, and a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion that is outwardly convex, and the curved portion may include a portion that is arc-shaped with a central angle of 120 degrees or more.

[0016] In this case, the curved section includes a part that forms an arc with a central angle of 120 degrees or more, and therefore, twisting deformation occurs in each part, making it easier to follow displacement in multiple directions.

[0017] (4) A coaxial connector according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion that contacts the mating terminal, and a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion that is outwardly convex, and the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the curved portion may be 1 / 4 or more of the distance between the base end and the contact portion.

[0018] As a result, the curved sections are prone to twisting deformation in areas with a large radius of curvature.

[0019] (5) A coaxial connector according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion in contact with the mating terminal, and a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion and having an outwardly convex shape, wherein the curved portion has a vertex located furthest from the central axis of the outer conductor cylinder, and the vertex may be closer to the contact portion than to the base end.

[0020] In this case, since the apex of the curved section is closer to the contact point than the base end, it is easier to deform the entire spring piece using the portion of the spring piece between the base end and the apex.

[0021] (6) A coaxial connector according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion that contacts the mating terminal, a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion and having an outwardly convex shape, and a guide portion extending from the contact portion toward the tip, wherein the protrusion height of the guide portion relative to the contact portion may be 1 / 3 or more of the diameter of the outer conductor cylinder.

[0022] In this case, the protrusion height of the guide portion relative to the contact portion is 1 / 3 or more of the diameter of the outer conductor cylinder portion, so when connecting the spring piece to the mating terminal, the spring piece can be easily connected to the mating terminal even if the mating terminal is misaligned.

[0023] (7) A coaxial connector which is one of the (1) to (6) and the plurality of spring pieces may be six spring pieces.

[0024] In this case, the six spring pieces can absorb errors while surrounding the inner conductor, making it easier to obtain good high-frequency signal transmission characteristics.

[0025] [Details of Embodiments of the Disclosure] Specific examples of the coaxial connectors of the Disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. However, the Disclosure is not limited to these examples and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims, as indicated by the claims.

[0026] [Embodiment] The following describes a coaxial connector according to an embodiment.

[0027] <Example of overall equipment configuration> An example of equipment equipped with a coaxial connector will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing equipment 10. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of equipment 10. In Figures 2 and 3, part of the case is omitted, and in Figure 3, the mounting circuit board is omitted.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The device 10 comprises a case 12 and electrical components 20. The electrical components 20 are housed inside the case 12.

[0030] A board-side coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the electrical component 20. The board-side coaxial connector 60 is connected to the circuit of the electrical component 20. A relay coaxial connector 30 is fixed to the case 12. An external cable is connected to the relay coaxial connector 30. Inside the case 12, the board-side coaxial connector 60 and the relay coaxial connector 30 are connected. The external cable is, for example, a coaxial cable connected to an external electrical component. A cable connector that can be connected to the relay coaxial connector 30 is attached to the end of the external cable. By connecting the external cable to the relay coaxial connector 30 outside the case 12, the external electrical component is connected to the electrical component 20 via the external cable, the relay coaxial connector 30, and the board-side coaxial connector 60.

[0031] More specifically, 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 or metal. A metal shielding component may be placed inside the resin housing. 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 relay coaxial connector 30.

[0032] 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 the relay coaxial connector 30 is inserted into and held in the retaining hole 17h.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The intermediate coaxial connector 30 comprises an inner conductor 32, a dielectric 40, and an outer conductor 50. The dielectric 40 surrounds the inner conductor 32. The outer conductor 50 surrounds the dielectric 40.

[0035] The intermediate portion of the intermediate coaxial connector 30 is held by the retaining hole 17h. One end of the intermediate coaxial connector 30 protrudes from the retaining partition 17 into the retaining cylinder 16. The other end of the intermediate coaxial connector 30 protrudes from the retaining partition 17 into the second case 14.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In this embodiment, the substrate-side coaxial connector 60 is located on the circuit board 21 on the side opposite to the image sensor 22. The substrate-side coaxial connector 60 is fixed to the circuit board 21 and protrudes from the circuit board 21 toward the relay coaxial connector 30.

[0038] The board-side coaxial connector 60 comprises, for example, an inner conductor 62, a dielectric 70, and an outer conductor 80. The inner conductor 62 and the outer conductor 80 are each connected to a circuit on the circuit board 21. For example, the inner conductor 62 and the outer conductor 80 are each soldered to a circuit on the circuit board 21. This soldering may fix the board-side coaxial connector 60 to the circuit board 21.

[0039] The inner conductor 32 is connected to the inner conductor 62. The dielectric 70 surrounds the inner conductor 62. The outer conductor 80 surrounds the dielectric 70. The outer conductor 50 is connected to the outer conductor 80.

[0040] The cable connector of the external cable is connected to the intermediate coaxial connector 30 from the outside of the case 12. The central conductor of the external cable is connected to the circuit of the electrical component 20 via the inner conductor 32 of the intermediate coaxial connector 30 and the inner conductor 62 of the board-side coaxial connector 60. The outer conductor of the external cable is connected to other circuits of the electrical component 20 via the outer conductor 50 of the intermediate coaxial connector 30 and the outer conductor 80 of the board-side coaxial connector 60.

[0041] In both the intermediate coaxial connector 30 and the board-side coaxial connector 60, dielectrics 40 and 70 are interposed between the inner conductors 32 and 62 and the outer conductors 50 and 80, causing the inner conductors 32 and 62 and the outer conductors 50 and 80 to be concentric. As a result, good shielding performance can be obtained in the intermediate coaxial connector 30 and the board-side coaxial connector 60, and a connection structure with stable impedance performance and excellent high-frequency signal transmission characteristics can be easily obtained.

[0042] <Regarding the Relay Coaxial Connector> The above relay coaxial connector 30 is an example of a coaxial connector. The relay coaxial connector 30 will be described more specifically. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the relay coaxial connector 30. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the relay coaxial connector 30. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the relay coaxial connector 30. FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 5.

[0043] As described above, the relay coaxial connector 30 includes an inner conductor 32, a dielectric 40, and an outer conductor 50.

[0044] The inner conductor 32 is formed of a conductive material such as metal. The inner conductor 32 is formed in an elongated shape. More specifically, the inner conductor 32 has a configuration in which a cylindrical portion 33, an intermediate portion 34, and a rod-shaped portion 35 are connected in this order. The intermediate portion 34 is thinner than the cylindrical portion 33, and the rod-shaped portion 35 is thinner than the intermediate portion 34.

[0045] The cylindrical portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape. One end side of the cylindrical portion 33 is open, and the other end side is closed. The end portion on the closed side of the cylindrical portion 33 is formed in a tapered shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the intermediate portion 34. A rotation stop projection 33p is formed by partially protruding a part of the circumferential direction of the end portion on the closed side of the cylindrical portion 33.

[0046] The intermediate portion 34 protrudes from the center of the end portion on the closed side of the cylindrical portion 33. A retaining projection 34p is formed on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion 34.

[0047] The rod-shaped portion 35 is formed in a rod shape that protrudes from the center of the end portion of the intermediate portion 34 opposite to the cylindrical portion 33. The rod-shaped portion 35 is a portion used for connection with the inner conductor of the cable connector.

[0048] The above inner conductor 32 may be formed, for example, by cutting a metal body.

[0049] The dielectric 40 is formed of an insulating material such as resin. The dielectric 40 surrounds the inner conductor 32. The dielectric 40 only needs to surround at least a part of the inner conductor 32.

[0050] In this embodiment, the dielectric 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the dielectric 40 may be larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 33. A through hole 40h is formed in the center of the dielectric 40. The through hole 40h has a shape in which a wide inner diameter portion 40h1, an intermediate inner diameter portion 40h2, and a narrow inner diameter portion 40h3 are arranged in this order. The outer diameters of the wide inner diameter portion 40h1, the intermediate inner diameter portion 40h2, and the narrow inner diameter portion 40h3 are formed to become narrower in this order.

[0051] The rod-shaped portion 35 is inserted into the narrow inner diameter portion 40h3, the intermediate portion 34 is inserted into the intermediate inner diameter portion 40h2, and the cylindrical portion 33 is inserted into the wide inner diameter portion 40h1. The retaining projection 34p of the intermediate portion 34 locks into the inner circumference of the intermediate inner diameter portion 40h2, thereby preventing the inner conductor 32 from coming out of the dielectric 40.

[0052] A partial recess 40h2g is formed on the inner circumference of the intermediate inner diameter portion 40h2 to receive the rotation-stopping projection 33p. When the rotation-stopping projection 33p fits into the partial recess 40h2g, the rotation of the inner conductor 32 relative to the dielectric 40 is prevented.

[0053] With the inner conductor 32 inserted into the dielectric 40, the rod-shaped portion 35 passes through the narrow inner diameter portion 40h3 and protrudes from the dielectric 40. Also, the open end of the cylindrical portion 33 protrudes from the wide inner diameter portion 40h1. The inner conductor 62 of the substrate-side coaxial connector 60 is inserted and connected into the cylindrical portion 33. The inner conductor 62 has a spring terminal 64 (see Figure 2), and it is preferable that the positional error between the inner conductor 62 and the inner conductor 32 is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the spring terminal 64.

[0054] A partial position-restricting recess 40g is formed on the outer periphery of the dielectric 40.

[0055] The outer conductor 50 comprises an outer conductor cylindrical portion 52 and a plurality of spring pieces 54. The outer conductor 50 is made of metal. The outer conductor 50 is formed, for example, by pressing a metal sheet.

[0056] The outer conductor cylinder portion 52 is the part that is fitted onto the dielectric 40 while in contact with the dielectric 40.

[0057] For example, the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 is formed so that the dielectric 40 can be inserted into it. For example, the inner diameter of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the dielectric 40, and to be large enough to hold the dielectric 40 without any play.

[0058] The length of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 may be set to be greater than the length of the dielectric 40. The open end of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 on the side of the wide inner diameter portion 40h1 may coincide with the end of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52, may protrude beyond that end, or may be located inside that end.

[0059] The end of the outer conductor cylinder 52 on the side from which the rod-shaped portion 35 extends may protrude beyond the dielectric 40. The end of the outer conductor cylinder 52 on the side from which the rod-shaped portion 35 extends may protrude more than the tip of the dielectric 40. The end of the outer conductor cylinder 52 on the side from which the rod-shaped portion 35 extends is the part used for connection with the outer conductor of the cable.

[0060] A partial inner position-restricting projection 52p1 is formed on the outer conductor cylinder portion 52, and this inner position-restricting projection 52p1 fits into the position-restricting recess 40g. This prevents the dielectric 40 from rotating relative to the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 and restricts the movement of the dielectric 40 in the direction in which the tip of the rod-shaped portion 35 is pointing.

[0061] An inner retaining projection 52p2 is formed on the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. The inner retaining projection 52p2 engages with the outer circumference of the dielectric 40, thereby preventing the dielectric 40 from being removed from the outer conductor cylinder portion 52.

[0062] An outer retaining projection 52p3 and an outer position regulating projection 52p4 are formed on the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. When the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 is inserted into the retaining hole 17h of the case 12, the outer retaining projection 52p3 locks into the inner circumference of the retaining hole 17h, thereby preventing the intermediate coaxial connector 30 from coming out of the retaining hole 17h.

[0063] The outer position-restricting projection 52p4 fits into a partial recess formed on the inner circumference of the retaining hole 17h, thereby preventing the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 from rotating relative to the retaining hole 17h and restricting its position toward the outside of the case 12.

[0064] The configuration for positioning and fixing the inner conductor 32, dielectric 40, outer conductor 50, and case 12 to each other is not limited to the above example, and various configurations, such as crimping structures, locking structures, adhesive or welding configurations, may be applied.

[0065] In the portion where the dielectric 40 and inner conductor 32 are arranged within the outer conductor cylinder 52, a concentric circle structure is easily realized.

[0066] The multiple spring pieces 54 are integrally formed with the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. For example, the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 and the multiple spring pieces 54 are integrally formed by pressing or other processes on a single metal plate.

[0067] Multiple spring pieces 54 extend from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. More specifically, the multiple spring pieces 54 extend from the opening edge opposite to the rod-shaped portion 35.

[0068] In this embodiment, the outer conductor cylinder 52 has six spring pieces 54. Having six spring pieces 54 makes it easy to completely surround the inner conductor 32. Surrounding the inner conductor 32 with six spring pieces 54 makes it easier to ensure contact between the outer conductor 80 and the outer conductor 50, regardless of the direction in which the outer conductor cylinder 52 is misaligned relative to the outer conductor 80. Furthermore, the six spring pieces 54 are easily arranged concentrically around the inner conductor 32, making it easier to obtain good high-frequency signal transmission characteristics.

[0069] The number of spring segments is arbitrary; for example, there may be four or five spring segments, or seven or more.

[0070] Furthermore, the high-frequency signal transmission characteristics and the contact stability between the spring segments and the outer conductor may depend on the shape, thickness, and number of the spring segments. For example, if the spring segments are too thin, they will deform easily, but it will be difficult to secure the necessary compressive force. Also, gaps are likely to form between the spring segments. The width and number of spring segments should be set taking these factors into consideration.

[0071] As in this embodiment, the extension piece 53 may extend from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. The extension piece 53 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. The extension piece 53 may extend on the side opposite to the outer position regulating projection 52p4.

[0072] The extension piece 53 and the plurality of spring pieces 54 may extend radially from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. The angles between the extension piece 53 and the plurality of spring pieces 54 may be equal or different.

[0073] The extension piece 53 may be in contact with the bottom portion 15 from the inside of the case 12.

[0074] Each spring piece 54 has a base end 55, a contact portion 57, and a curved portion 56. The base end 55 is the part of the spring piece 54 that connects to the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. The contact portion 57 is the part that contacts the outer conductor 80, which is the mating terminal. The curved portion 56 is the part located between the base end 55 and the contact portion 57. The curved portion 56 has a curved shape that forms an outward convex shape.

[0075] In this embodiment, each of the spring pieces 54 further has a guide portion 58 that extends from the contact portion 57 toward the tip. The guide portion 58 is inclined away from the outer conductor cylinder 52 and away from the central axis X in a direction along the central axis X of the outer conductor cylinder 52 from the contact portion 57.

[0076] The overall shape of the spring piece 54 is such that, in the direction of the central axis X, as it moves away from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylinder 52, it first moves toward the outer circumference of the outer conductor cylinder 52, then toward the inner circumference, and then toward the outer circumference again.

[0077] The height H of the spring piece 54 relative to the outer conductor cylinder 52 may be set to be greater than or equal to the radius r of the outer conductor cylinder 52. The height H may also be set to be 1.5 times or more the radius r.

[0078] Here, the height H of the spring piece 54 relative to the outer conductor cylinder 52 is the height of the spring piece 54 relative to the outer circumferential surface of the outer conductor cylinder 52 or its extension. The highest part of the spring piece 54 relative to the outer circumferential surface of the outer conductor cylinder 52 or its extension is the apex Pt of the curved portion 56. Also, the radius r of the outer conductor cylinder 52 is the radius of the outer circumferential surface of the outer conductor cylinder 52.

[0079] Here, let's assume that the outward protrusion length of the spring piece 54 is short (i.e., the height is short). When the outer conductor 80 is inserted into the multiple spring pieces 54 while the central axis of the outer conductor cylinder 52 and the central axis of the outer conductor 80 are significantly misaligned, the outer conductor 80 may come into contact with the longitudinal middle portion of the spring piece 54. In this case, the spring piece 54 may be pushed outward, and the contact portion 57 of the spring piece 54 may not come into contact with the outer conductor 80. In this case, the intended concentric circle structure may not be realized between the outer conductor 80 and the multiple spring pieces 54, and the high-frequency signal transmission characteristics may not be stable.

[0080] As in this embodiment, when the height H of the spring piece 54 relative to the outer conductor cylinder 52 is set to be greater than or equal to the radius r of the outer conductor cylinder 52, the spring piece 54 takes on a detour shape that is significantly separated from the extension line of the outer circumferential surface of the outer conductor cylinder 52. As a result, even when the outer conductors 80 are connected while the central axis of the outer conductor cylinder 52 and the central axis of the outer conductor 80 are significantly misaligned, each of the multiple spring pieces 54 can be deformed significantly. Furthermore, even if the spring piece 54 is significantly deformed, contact between the longitudinal middle portion of the curved part of the spring piece 54 and the outer conductor 80 is avoided, so that the contact portion 57 of the spring piece 54 makes stable contact with the outer conductor 80. As a result, the desired concentric circle structure is realized between the outer conductor 80 and the multiple spring pieces 54, and the high-frequency signal transmission characteristics are stabilized.

[0081] Furthermore, the curved portion 56 may include a portion 56c that forms an arc shape with a central angle of 120 degrees or more. The portion 56c may have a central angle of 144 degrees or more. The curved portion 56 may include a portion 56c that forms an arc shape of 1 / 3 of a full circle or more. The curved portion 56 may include a portion 56c that forms an arc shape of 2 / 5 of a full circle or more. By including a portion 56c that forms an arc shape with a central angle of 120 degrees or more in the curved portion 56, the angular range that the curved portion 56 makes with respect to the central axis of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52 is widened. As each part of the curved portion 56 deforms in the thickness direction or twists, the spring piece 54 becomes more able to follow displacements in multiple directions.

[0082] Furthermore, the radius of curvature rc of the arc-shaped portion 56c of the curved portion 56 may be 1 / 4 or greater of the distance d between the base end 55 and the contact portion 57. The radius of curvature rc may also be 1 / 3 or greater of the distance d. In this case, the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped portion 56c of the curved portion 56 becomes larger, making the curved portion 56 more susceptible to twisting deformation in each part.

[0083] The above distance d may be greater than or equal to the diameter 2r of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52.

[0084] In this embodiment, the curved portion 56 includes extensions 56a and 56b that extend further from both ends of the arc-shaped portion 56c. The extensions 56a and 56b extend away from each other from both ends of the arc-shaped portion 56c toward the base end 55 or the contact portion 57.

[0085] The curved portion 56 has a vertex Pt located furthest from the central axis of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. The vertex Pt is located closer to the contact portion 57 than to the base end 55. In this embodiment, the extension 56a from portion 56c toward the base end 55 is longer than the extension 56b toward the contact portion 57, and has a smaller angle with respect to the central axis. As a result, the vertex Pt is located closer to the contact portion 57 than to the base end 55.

[0086] In this case, the portion of the spring piece 54 between the base end 55 and the apex Pt can be used to easily deform the spring piece 54 as a whole. This makes it easier to accommodate large displacements.

[0087] The guide portion 58 extending from the contact portion 57 acts as a guide to draw the outer conductor 80, which is the mating terminal, into the multiple spring pieces 54. The protrusion height Hg of the guide portion 58 relative to the contact portion 57 may be 1 / 3 or more of the diameter 2r of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52. This makes it easier to insert the outer conductor 80 between the multiple spring pieces 54 even if the outer conductor 80 is misaligned.

[0088] <Effects, etc.> With the intermediate coaxial connector 30 configured as described above, multiple spring pieces 54 extend from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52, which is fitted onto the dielectric 40 while in contact with the dielectric 40. Therefore, it is not necessary to manufacture the portion corresponding to the outer conductor cylinder portion and the portion corresponding to the spring pieces 54 as separate parts, nor to provide a structure to connect them. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts and miniaturize the intermediate coaxial connector 30.

[0089] In this embodiment, the intermediate coaxial connector 30 incorporated in the case 12 and the board-side coaxial connector 60 fixed to the electrical component 20 are connected without the need for other connectors. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure space for other intermediate connectors within the case 12, which allows for miniaturization of both the case 12 and the electrical component 20.

[0090] Furthermore, inside the outer conductor cylinder 52, the dielectric 40 creates a concentric structure between the outer conductor cylinder 52 and the inner conductor 32, making it easier to obtain good high-frequency signal transmission characteristics. In the parts with multiple spring pieces 54, a concentric structure is also created between the inner conductor 32 and the multiple spring pieces 54 dispersed around the inner conductor 32, making it easier to obtain good high-frequency signal transmission characteristics.

[0091] Positional errors between the intermediate coaxial connector 30 fixed to the case 12 and the board-side coaxial connector 60 fixed to the electrical component 20 are absorbed by the deformation of the multiple spring pieces 54.

[0092] Furthermore, since the spring height H of each of the multiple spring pieces 54 is set to be greater than or equal to the radius r of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52, each of the multiple spring pieces 54 is easily deformed significantly. Also, since the outer conductor 80 is less likely to interfere with the spring pieces 54, the outer conductor 80 and the spring pieces 54 are more likely to come into contact in a state designed to obtain the desired high-frequency signal transmission characteristics. Therefore, stable and excellent high-frequency signal transmission characteristics are easily obtained.

[0093] Furthermore, the curved portion 56 has an arc shape with a central angle of 120 degrees or more. As a result, the curved portion 56 undergoes twisting deformation in each part, making it easier to follow displacements in multiple directions. For example, if the central axis of the outer conductor 80 is offset from the central axis of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52, the curved portion 56 undergoes twisting deformation in accordance with this offset, making it easier for the contact portions 57 of the multiple spring pieces 54 to stably contact the outer surface of the outer conductor 80.

[0094] Furthermore, if the radius of curvature rc of the arc-shaped portion 56c of the curved portion 56 is 1 / 4 or greater than the distance d between the base end 55 and the contact portion 57, the portion with the large radius of curvature will easily twist and deform. As a result, the contact portions 57 of the multiple spring pieces 54 will be able to contact the outer surface of the outer conductor 80 more stably.

[0095] Furthermore, if the vertex Pt is closer to the contact portion 57 than the base end 55, it is easier to deform the spring piece 54 as a whole using the portion of the spring piece 54 between the base end 55 and the vertex Pt.

[0096] Furthermore, if the protrusion height Hg of the guide portion 58 relative to the contact portion 57 is set to 1 / 3 or more of the diameter 2r of the outer conductor cylinder portion 52, then when inserting and connecting the outer conductor 80 into the multiple spring pieces 54, even if the outer conductor 80 is misaligned, the outer conductor 80 will contact the guide surface of the guide portion 58, causing the spring pieces 54 to smoothly elastically deform outward. As a result, the outer conductor 80 will be smoothly guided into the multiple spring pieces 54. Therefore, the connection between the outer conductor 50 and the outer conductor 80 can be easily made.

[0097] If there are six spring pieces 54, the six spring pieces 54 can absorb errors while surrounding the inner conductor 32, making it easier to obtain good high-frequency signal transmission characteristics.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 10 Equipment 12 Case 13 First Case 14 Second Case 15 Bottom 16 Retaining Cylinder 17 Retaining Partition 17h Retaining Hole 18a Locking Protrusion 20 Electrical Component 21 Circuit Board 22 Image Sensor 30 Coaxial Connector 32 Inner Conductor 33 Cylinder 33p Rotation Stopping Protrusion 34 Intermediate Section 34p Removal Protrusion 35 Rod-shaped Section 40 Dielectric 40g Position Restricting Recess 40h Through Hole 40h1 Wide Inner Diameter Section 40h2 Intermediate Inner Diameter Section 40h2g Recess 40h3 Narrow Inner Diameter Section 50 Outer Conductor 52 Outer Conductor Cylinder 52p1 Inner Position Restricting Protrusion 52p2 Inner Removal Protrusion 52p3 Outer Removal Protrusion 52p4 Outer Position Restricting Protrusion 53 Extension piece 54 Spring piece 55 Base end 56 Curved portion 56a Extension portion 56b Extension portion 56c Part 57 Contact portion 58 Guide portion 60 Coaxial connector on substrate side 62 Inner conductor 64 Spring terminal 70 Dielectric 80 Outer conductor H Spring height Hg Projection height Pt Apex X Central axis d Distance r Radius rc Radius of curvature

Claims

1. A coaxial connector comprising: an inner conductor; a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor; and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric, wherein the outer conductor includes an outer conductor cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the dielectric in contact with the dielectric, and a plurality of spring pieces integrally formed with the outer conductor cylindrical portion and extending from the opening edge of the outer conductor cylindrical portion.

2. A coaxial connector according to claim 1, wherein the spring height of each of the plurality of spring pieces relative to the outer conductor cylinder is set to be greater than or equal to the radius of the outer conductor cylinder.

3. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion in contact with the mating terminal, and a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion and having an outwardly convex shape, wherein the curved portion includes a portion having an arc shape with a central angle of 120 degrees or more.

4. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion in contact with the mating terminal, and a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion and having an outwardly convex shape, and the radius of curvature of the arc-shaped portion of the curved portion is 1 / 4 or larger than the distance between the base end and the contact portion.

5. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion in contact with the mating terminal, and a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion and having an outwardly convex shape, wherein the curved portion has a vertex located furthest from the central axis of the outer conductor cylinder, and the vertex is closer to the contact portion than the base end.

6. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of spring pieces has a base end connected to the outer conductor cylinder, a contact portion in contact with the mating terminal, a curved portion located between the base end and the contact portion and having an outwardly convex shape, and a guide portion extending from the contact portion toward the tip, wherein the protrusion height of the guide portion relative to the contact portion is 1 / 3 or more of the diameter of the outer conductor cylinder.

7. A coaxial connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of spring pieces are six spring pieces.

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