Connector

Abstract

A connector 1 has: a cylindrical housing 2 that is insulative; a cylindrical terminal 3 that is conductive and that is disposed inside the housing 2; and a cylindrical shell 4 that is conductive and that is disposed outside the housing 2. The housing 2 includes a base 26 comprising inner protrusions 261 that protrude inward. The terminal 3 includes: a cylindrical terminal body 31 comprising a base part 32 and a plug insertion part 33 which is located on the tip end of the base part 32 and into which a center contact plug 942, serving as a plug, is inserted from the tip end side; and a lead 39 extending from a base end surface 310 of the terminal body 31. The inner protrusions 261 are sandwiched between the base end surface 310 and the lead 39.

Description

Connector Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-011351 (invention title "Connector") filed on January 27, 2025, and further, the content of this Japanese patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a connector for electrically and mechanically connecting a substrate and a combination connector. Such a connector has a cylindrical housing, connection terminals coaxially arranged inside the housing, and an outer conductor coaxially arranged outside the housing. The connection terminals and the outer conductor are insulated by the housing located therebetween and form separate electrical paths respectively.

[0004] Further, at the lower end of the housing, three support platforms protruding inside the housing are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. On the other hand, at the lower end of the connection terminal, three L-shaped hooks protruding outward are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Also, on the outer peripheral surface of the connection terminal above each hook, protruding boss-shaped bosses are respectively arranged. And in the connector of Patent Document 1, the connection terminal is fixed in a positioned state with respect to the housing by sandwiching the support platform with the vertically arranged hooks and bosses.

[0005] Here, in the case of a connector in which the connection terminals and the outer conductor are coaxially arranged as in Patent Document 1, it is preferable from the aspect of electrical characteristics to keep the separation distance between the connection terminals and the outer conductor constant in the axial direction. However, in the connector of Patent Document 1, in order to position and fix the connection terminal to the housing, bosses protruding from the outer peripheral surface are formed on the connection terminal. Therefore, in the portion of the boss, the separation distance between the connection terminal and the outer conductor changes with respect to the upper and lower portions, and there is a possibility that the electrical characteristics may deteriorate.

[0006] Utility Model Registration Gazette No. 3225606

[0007] This invention addresses the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a connector that can suppress the deterioration of electrical characteristics.

[0008] These objectives are achieved by the present invention as defined in (1) below.

[0009] (1) A connector comprising: an insulating, cylindrical housing; a conductive, cylindrical terminal located inside the housing; and a conductive, cylindrical shell located outside the housing, wherein the housing has a base with an inwardly protruding inner projection; the terminal has a cylindrical terminal body located on the tip side of the base and having a plug insertion portion into which a plug is inserted from the tip side; and a lead extending from the base end face of the terminal body, wherein the inward projection is sandwiched between the base end face and the lead.

[0010] The connector of the present invention has a configuration in which an inner protrusion is sandwiched between the base end face of the terminal body and the lead. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, the terminal can be held in the housing without forming a boss (projection) on the outer surface of the terminal body. Consequently, because there is no boss, it is easier to maintain a constant axial distance between the terminal and the shell, making it easier to improve electrical characteristics. In addition, since the process of forming a boss is unnecessary, manufacturing can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0011] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera assembly according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connector applied to the camera assembly. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the housing viewed from above. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the housing viewed from above. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the housing viewed from below. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the housing viewed from below. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the terminals viewed from above. Figure 9 is a plan view of the terminals viewed from above. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the housing and terminals assembled, viewed from below. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the shell viewed from above. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the shell viewed from above. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the coaxial connector and the connector connected. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the coaxial connector and the connector connected. Figure 16 is a plan view of the terminals viewed from above. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the second embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the second embodiment.

[0012] The connector of the present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0013] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a camera assembly according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a connector applied to the camera assembly. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector. Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the housing viewed from above, respectively. Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of the housing viewed from below, respectively. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the terminals viewed from above. Figure 9 is a plan view of the terminals viewed from above. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the housing and terminals assembled, viewed from below. Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of the shell viewed from above, respectively. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled connector. Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views showing the coaxial connector and the connector connected, respectively. Figure 16 is a plan view of the terminals viewed from above.

[0014] The camera assembly 9 shown in Figure 1 comprises a cover 90 having an upper cover 91 and a lower cover 92, a coaxial connector 94, a circuit board 95 and a connector 1 arranged inside the cover 90, and a camera module 96 supported by the lower cover 92.

[0015] The upper cover 91 has a cubic base end 911 and a cylindrical tip end 912 that is thinner than the base end 911. The base end 911 has a recess 911a that opens to the bottom surface, and a circuit board 95 is placed inside the recess 911a. A connector 1 is mounted on the top surface of the circuit board 95 by solder reflow or the like. On the other hand, the tip end 912 has a through hole 912a that penetrates its top surface and the bottom surface of the recess 911a, and a coaxial connector 94 is placed inside the through hole 912a. The lower cover 92 is fixed to the bottom surface of the upper cover 91 by screws or the like, and closes the opening of the recess 911a. The lower cover 92 also supports the circuit board 95 and the camera module 96. The camera module 96 has an image sensor 961 mounted on the bottom surface of the circuit board 95 and a lens 962 supported by the lower cover 92 that focuses light toward the image sensor 961.

[0016] Furthermore, the coaxial connector 94 has a cylindrical connector body 941 and a central contact plug 942 positioned on the central axis of the connector body 941. When the connector 1 is inserted into the connector body 941, the connector body 941 and the central contact plug 942 are electrically connected to the circuit board 95 via the connector 1.

[0017] The configuration of the camera assembly 9 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the electronic device equipped with the connector 1 is not limited to the camera assembly 9, but may be any electronic device.

[0018] Next, the connector 1 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2, the connector 1 has a cylindrical housing 2, a cylindrical terminal 3 located inside the housing 2, and a cylindrical shell 4 located outside the housing 2. The housing 2, terminal 3, and shell 4 are arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis O of the connector 1. As shown in Figure 3, such a connector 1 is assembled by inserting the terminal 3 into the housing 2 from the base end and placing the shell 4 over the housing 2 from the tip end. The housing 2 is made of an insulating material such as resin, and insulates the terminal 3 and shell 4 located inside and outside it. In contrast, the terminal 3 and shell 4 are each made of a conductive material such as metal, and form separate electrical paths that electrically connect the circuit board 95 and the camera module 96.

[0019] In this type of connector 1, the shell 4 is fixed to the circuit board 95 at three points (legs 43, described later) by solder reflow or the like, so the entire connector 1 is held on the circuit board 95. Then, when the shell 4 is inserted into the connector body 941 and the center contact plug 942 is inserted into the terminals 3, the connector 1 and the coaxial connector 94 are electrically connected. Furthermore, the connector 1 is a floating connector that can tolerate misalignment of the coaxial connector 94 relative to the connector 1 by allowing the terminals 3 to deform (tilt relative to the central axis O) within the housing 2 to match the position of the center contact plug 942. The parts of the connector 1 will be described in order below.

[0020] (Housing 2) Housing 2 is located between the terminals 3 and the shell 4, which function as separate electrical paths, and insulates them from each other.

[0021] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the housing 2 is cylindrical and has a base end 21 located at the bottom, an intermediate part 22 located above the base end 21, a connecting part 23 located between the base end 21 and the intermediate part 22, and a tip end 24 located above the intermediate part 22. An opening 241 is formed in the tip end 24 along the central axis O, which connects the inside and outside of the housing 2. The central contact plug 942 is inserted into the terminal 3 through this opening 241. To smoothly guide the central contact plug 942 into the terminal 3, the upper end of the opening 241 has a tapered guide surface.

[0022] The base portion 21 has a constant outer diameter in the direction along the central axis O (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "axial direction"). The intermediate portion 22 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases slightly toward the top, and the outer diameter of its lower end is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper end of the base portion 21. The connecting portion 23 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases significantly toward the top, and the outer diameter of its lower end is equal to the outer diameter of the upper end of the base portion 21, and the outer diameter of its upper end is equal to the outer diameter of the lower end of the intermediate portion 22. The tip portion 24 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter gradually decreases significantly toward the top, and the outer diameter of its lower end is equal to the outer diameter of the upper end of the intermediate portion 22.

[0023] Furthermore, the taper angles of the connecting portion 23 and the tip portion 24 are each larger than the taper angle of the intermediate portion 22. In addition, the lengths of the connecting portion 23 and the tip portion 24 in the direction along the central axis O are sufficiently shorter than the lengths of the base portion 21 and the intermediate portion 22 in the direction along the central axis O, and when comparing the connecting portion 23 and the tip portion 24, the connecting portion 23 is slightly shorter.

[0024] Furthermore, the housing 2 has three slits 25 extending from its lower surface to the upper end of the connection portion 23. The three slits 25 have the same configuration and are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) around the central axis O (circumferential direction of the housing 2). These three slits 25 divide the base end portion of the housing 2 (base end portion 21 and connection portion 23) into three elastic pieces 29. Therefore, when assembling the connector 1, it becomes easier to insert the terminal 3 into the housing 2 from the base end side.

[0025] Furthermore, the housing 2 has three bases 26 positioned at the base end 21. The three bases 26 are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) around the central axis O, and each is located between two adjacent slits 25. In this embodiment, the three slits 25 and the three bases 26 are arranged alternately and at equal intervals (60° intervals) around the central axis O. With this configuration, the three slits 25 and the three bases 26 can be arranged in a balanced manner in the housing 2.

[0026] Here, when the three bases 26 are designated as bases 26A, 26B, and 26C, two bases 26A and 26B have the same configuration as the others, while the remaining base 26C has a different configuration from the others. The three bases 26A, 26B, and 26C each extend along the radial direction of the housing 2 (the direction perpendicular to the central axis O), and have an inner projection 261 that protrudes inward from the base end 21 and an outer projection 262 that protrudes outward from the base end 21.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, each base 26 has a groove 263. Each groove 263 is L-shaped and extends from the inner circumferential surface (the tip surface of the inner projection 261) to the bottom surface of the base 26. As will be described later, the lead 39 of the terminal 3 is arranged inside each groove 263. In addition, the tip of each inner projection 261 is divided into two by the groove 263, having a first tip 261b located on one side of the groove 263 and a second tip 261c located on the other side of the groove 263.

[0028] Furthermore, the outer protrusions 262 of the bases 26A and 26B have insertion holes 262a formed in them, penetrating the upper and lower surfaces, respectively. As will be described later, the insertion parts 411 (411A, 411B) of the shell 4 are inserted into each insertion hole 262a. In contrast, the outer protrusion 262 of the base 26C does not have insertion holes 262a, and has a base end 262b and a hammerhead-shaped tip 262c located on the tip side of the base end 262b, which widens relative to the base end 262b (protruding on both sides in the circumferential direction of the housing 2). As will be described later, the insertion part 411 (411C) of the shell 4 is inserted between the base end 21 and the tip 262c.

[0029] Furthermore, of the bases 26A, 26B, and 26C, only base 26C has a retaining portion 27 that holds the lead 39 in the groove 263. The retaining portion 27 is located on the lower surface of base 26C and has a pair of elastic claw portions 271 arranged side by side on both sides of the groove 263, and holds the lead 39 between the elastic claw portions 271 and the groove 263.

[0030] Thus, in the housing 2 of this embodiment, of the three bases 26A, 26B, and 26C, only base 26C has a different configuration from the others. In particular, the shape of the outer protrusion 262 of base 26C is significantly different from that of bases 26A and 26B. Therefore, base 26C can be easily identified by visual inspection, and base 26C can be used as a marker to easily position the housing 2, terminal 3, and shell 4 around the central axis O. This makes it easier to assemble the connector 1.

[0031] Furthermore, the housing 2 has three through holes 28 that penetrate the inner and outer surfaces. The three through holes 28 have the same configuration and are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) around the central axis O. Also, each of the three through holes 28 is located directly above the base 26. In addition, each through hole 28 extends straight in the vertical direction, with its lower end located on the upper surface of the base 26 and its upper end located on the upper end of the intermediate portion 22. Such through holes 28 are suitably used as inspection holes for visually inspecting the internal terminals 3 when assembling or disassembling the connector 1, and as insertion holes for inserting fingers or tools into the housing 2.

[0032] The above describes the housing 2, but the configuration of the housing 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the number of slits 25 is not particularly limited and may be one, two, or four or more. The shape of the slits 25 is also not particularly limited and may, for example, one of the three slits 25 may have a different shape from the others. The slits 25 may also be omitted. The number of bases 26 is not particularly limited and may be one, two, or four or more. The shape of the bases 26 is also not particularly limited and may, for example, all three bases 26 may have the same configuration or all three bases 26 may have different configurations. The number of through holes 28 is not particularly limited and may be one, two, or four or more. The shape of the through holes 28 is also not particularly limited and may, for example, one of the three through holes 28 may have a different shape from the others. The through holes 28 may also be omitted.

[0033] (Terminal 3) Terminal 3 is located inside the housing 2 and constitutes one of the electrical paths (for example, a signal path).

[0034] Terminal 3 is formed by rolling a flat metal plate into a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 8, in the cylindrical shape, both end faces 3a and 3b of the metal plate face each other without contact, and an axially extending slit 37 is formed between them. By forming the slit 37, terminal 3 becomes more easily deformable, and the misalignment of the center contact plug 942 relative to the connector 1 becomes more tolerant. However, this is not limited to this, for example, both end faces 3a and 3b may be in contact, or furthermore, both end faces 3a and 3b may be joined together. With such a configuration, the rigidity of terminal 3 can be increased. As a result, for example, the metal plate can be made thinner.

[0035] Terminal 3 comprises a cylindrical terminal body 31 and three leads 39 positioned below the terminal body 31. The terminal body 31 also comprises a base portion 32 located below it and a plug insertion portion 33 located above the base portion 32.

[0036] The base portion 32 has a constant outer and inner diameter along the axial direction. Furthermore, the outer surface of the base portion 32 is a smooth surface and does not have large irregularities like the "boss" in Patent Document 1. The terminal 3 has a slit 38 as a second slit that extends over the entire axial area of ​​the base portion 32. As a result, the base portion 32 has a C-shaped split cylindrical cross-section (half-split cylindrical shape). With this configuration, the rigidity of the base portion 32 can be moderately reduced, making the terminal 3 more easily deformable. The slit 38 is composed of a part (lower part) of the slit 37.

[0037] The plug insertion portion 33 has a shape in which its central part is significantly constricted vertically, and a plug insertion hole 330 into which the central contact plug 942 is inserted is formed in the constricted portion. Specifically, the plug insertion portion 33 has a tapered base end portion 33A located on the base portion 32 side that decreases in diameter toward the top, and a tapered tip portion 33B located above the base end portion 33A that increases in diameter toward the top. Therefore, a constricted portion 33C is formed at the boundary between the base end portion 33A and the tip portion 33B, and the plug insertion hole 330 is formed by the constricted portion 33C. When the central contact plug 942 is inserted into the plug insertion hole 330, the central contact plug 942 and the constricted portion 33C come into contact, and as a result, the central contact plug 942 and the circuit board 95 are electrically connected via the terminal 3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, in a plan view from a direction along the central axis O, the diameter of the plug insertion hole 330 (the diameter r1 of the circle C1 inscribed in the constricted portion 33C) is smaller than the outer diameter of the central contact plug 942. With this configuration, the constricted portion 33C and the central contact plug 942 can be made to contact more reliably. In addition, the upper opening of the terminal 3 is located directly below the opening 241 of the housing 2, and these are approximately the same size. Therefore, when inserting the central contact plug 942 into the terminal 3 through the opening 241, it becomes less likely that the central contact plug 942 will be mistakenly inserted outside the terminal 3 (into the space between the terminal 3 and the housing 2).

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the terminal 3 has three slits 36 as first slits extending downward from the upper surface (tip surface). The three slits 36 have the same configuration and are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) around the central axis O. Each of the three slits 36 extends to the lower end of the plug insertion portion 33. These three slits 36 divide the plug insertion portion 33 into three elastic pieces 339. This allows for smooth insertion of the central contact plug 942 into the plug insertion hole 330. Note that the width of each slit 36 ​​is smaller than the outer shape of the central contact plug 942 so that the central contact plug 942 does not get caught in the slits 36. When the three slits 36 are designated as slits 36A, 36B, and 36C, one slit 36C is composed of a part (upper part) of slit 37.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the three leads 39 extend downward from the lower end of the terminal body 31. The three leads 39 are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) around the central axis O. Also, in a plan view from a direction along the central axis O, each of the three leads 39 is located between two adjacent slits 36. In particular, in this embodiment, the three slits 36 and the three leads 39 are arranged alternately and at equal intervals (60° intervals) around the central axis O. With this configuration, the three slits 36 and the three leads 39 can be arranged in a balanced manner on the terminal 3. In addition, the terminal 3 becomes more easily deformable, and the displacement of the central contact plug 942 can be easily tolerated.

[0041] Here, when the three leads 39 are designated as leads 39A, 39B, and 39C, leads 39A and 39B have the same configuration. Leads 39A and 39B are each L-shaped, bent in the middle, and have a base end 391 extending downward from the base end face 310 of the terminal body 31, and a tip 392 extending outward from the tip of the base end 391 to the outside of the terminal body 31. The base end 391 is aligned with the axial direction of the terminal 3, and the tip 392 is aligned with the radial direction of the terminal 3.

[0042] In contrast, lead 39C has a different configuration from leads 39A and 39B. Similar to leads 39A and 39B, lead 39C is in a bent L shape in the middle, and has a base end portion 391 that extends downward from the base end surface 310 of the terminal body 31 along the axial direction of terminal 3, and a tip end portion 392 that extends from the tip end of the base end portion 391 to the outside of the terminal body 31 along the radial direction of terminal 3. However, the shape of the tip end portion 392 of lead 39C is different from that of leads 39A and 39B. Specifically, the tip end portion 392 of lead 39C is longer than the tip end portions 392 of leads 39A and 39B, and is bent in a crank shape in the middle.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, among the three leads 39A, 39B, and 39C, only lead 39C has a different configuration from the other leads 39A and 39B. Therefore, lead 39C can be easily discriminated visually, and using lead 39C as a mark (marker), it is possible to easily perform positioning around the central axis O of the housing 2 and the terminal 3. Therefore, the assembly of the connector 1 becomes easy. Specifically, the terminal 3 and the housing 2 are positioned so that lead 39C and the base 26C overlap.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, in the state where the terminal 3 is arranged in the housing 2, the three leads 39 and the three bases 26 overlap each other. Specifically, lead 39A overlaps with base 26A and is accommodated in the groove 263 of base 26A. Also, lead 39B overlaps with base 26B and is accommodated in the groove 263 of base 26B. Further, lead 39C overlaps with base 26C and is accommodated in the groove 263 of base 26C, and its tip end portion 392 is held in the groove 263 by the holding portion 27. Also, the tip end portion 392 of lead 39C protrudes from the groove 263 and faces the outside (outer peripheral side) of the housing 2. Then, the portion of lead 39C that protrudes from the groove 263 is electrically connected to the circuit board 95 by solder reflow or the like. Thereby, the terminal 3 and the circuit board 95 are electrically connected.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, when the housing 2 and the terminal 3 are assembled, each base 26 is sandwiched between the base end face 310 of the terminal body 31 and the tip 392 of each lead 39. Specifically, the inner projection 261 of base 26A is sandwiched between the tip 392 of lead 39A and the base end face 310 of the terminal body 31, the inner projection 261 of base 26B is sandwiched between the tip 392 of lead 39B and the base end face 310 of the terminal body 31, and the inner projection 261 of base 26C is sandwiched between the tip 392 of lead 39C and the base end face 310 of the terminal body 31. This holds the terminal 3 in place within the housing 2. In addition, the base end face 310 catches on the base 26, preventing the terminal 3 from detaching from the housing 2. In particular, in this embodiment, the effect is significant because the terminals 3 are held in the housing 2 at three equally spaced locations around the central axis O. As a result, the reliability of the connector 1 is increased.

[0046] Furthermore, although only the base 26B is shown in Figure 10, on the lower side (one side in the axial direction) of each base 26, the bottom surface of the groove 263 abuts against the tip 392 of the lead 39, and on the upper side (the other side in the axial direction), the first and second tip portions 261b and 261c located on both sides of the groove 263 abut against the portions of the base end surface 310 located on both sides of the lead 39. Therefore, in a plan view from the axial direction, the point where the lower surface of the base 26 abuts against the terminal 3 is located between the two points where the upper surface of the base 26 abuts against the terminal 3. With this configuration, the terminal 3 can sandwich each base 26 from above and below in a balanced manner. As a result, the terminal 3 is properly held by the housing 2 and is less likely to detach from the housing 2.

[0047] As described above, the terminal 3 is not particularly limited in its configuration. For example, the number of slits 36 is not particularly limited and may be one or two, or four or more. Also, the shape of the slit 36 is not particularly limited. Further, the slit 36 may be omitted. Also, the number of leads 39 is not particularly limited and may be one or two, or four or more. Also, the shape of the lead 39 is not particularly limited. For example, all three leads 39 may have the same configuration as each other, or all three leads 39 may have different configurations from each other.

[0048] Also, in each base 26, the phrase "the inner protruding portion 261 of the base 26 is sandwiched between the tip portion 392 of the lead 39 and the base end surface 310 of the terminal body 31" may refer to a state in which a compressive force is applied to the inner protruding portion 261 by being strongly sandwiched between the tip portion 392 and the base end surface 310, or it may refer to a state in which the tip portion 392 and the base end surface 310 merely lightly contact the inner protruding portion 261 and substantially no compressive force is applied to the inner protruding portion 261. Furthermore, at least one of the tip portion 392 and the base end surface 310 may be separated from the inner protruding portion 261. In any of these states, the detachment of the terminal 3 from the housing 2 can be effectively suppressed.

[0049] (Shell 4) The shell 4 is placed outside the housing 2 and constitutes the other electrical path (for example, the ground path).

[0050] The shell 4 is formed by bending a flat metal plate into a cylindrical shape, similar to the terminal 3 described above. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, concavities and convexities of corresponding shapes are formed on both end surfaces 4a and 4b of the metal plate, and these concavities and convexities are engaged in the state of being formed into a cylindrical shape. According to such a configuration, the rigidity of the shell 4 is increased, and the deformation of the shell 4 can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, the housing 2 is held in a stable posture inside the shell 4.

[0051] The shell 4 has a cylindrical body 41. The body 41 has a constant outer diameter and inner diameter along the axial direction. Also, as shown in Figure 13, the inner diameter of the body 41 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the base end 21 of the housing 2, and when the connector 1 is assembled (as shown in Figure 2), it is placed over the outside of the base end 21. The axial length of the body 41 is approximately equal to the axial length of the base end 21. The body 41 also faces the base 32 of the terminal body 31 via the base end 21. As mentioned above, the outer circumferential surface of the base 32 does not have large irregularities like the "boss" described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, both the outer circumferential surface of the base 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the body 41 are vertical surfaces along the axial direction and are parallel to each other. Therefore, the distance D between the base 32 and the body 41 can be kept constant in the axial direction. As a result, the electrical characteristics of the connector 1 are improved.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, three insertion portions 411 are formed at the lower end of the main body 41. The three insertion portions 411 are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) around the central axis O. When the three insertion portions 411 are referred to as insertion portions 411A, 411B, and 411C, insertion portions 411A and 411B have the same configuration and are each formed between a pair of slits extending upward from the lower end of the main body 41. In contrast, insertion portion 411C has a different configuration from insertion portions 411A and 411B and is formed by a notch extending upward from the lower end of the main body 41.

[0053] When the connector 1 is assembled, the insertion portion 411A is inserted into the insertion hole 262a of the base 26A, the insertion portion 411B is inserted into the insertion hole 262a of the base 26B, and the insertion portion 411C is inserted between the base end 21 and the tip 262c of the outer projection 262 of the base 26C. This positions the shell 4 relative to the housing 2 and further restricts the rotation of the shell 4 about the central axis O relative to the housing 2. In particular, in this embodiment, the insertion portions 411A and 411B each have claw portions that protrude to both sides in the circumferential direction, and in these claw portions, the width of the insertion portions 411A and 411B is slightly larger than the insertion hole 262a. As a result, the insertion portions 411A and 411B are press-fitted into the insertion holes 262a of the bases 26A and 26B. On the other hand, a return is formed on the insertion portion 411C, and this return catches on the lower surface of the base end portion 262b of the outer projection 262 of the base 26C. This effectively prevents the shell 4 from unintentionally detaching from the housing 2.

[0054] Furthermore, the shell 4 has three legs 43 positioned at the lower end of the main body 41. The three legs 43 have the same configuration and are arranged at equal intervals (120° intervals) around the central axis O. Also, each of the three legs 43 is located between two adjacent insertion parts 411. In particular, in this embodiment, the three legs 43 and the three insertion parts 411 are arranged alternately and at equal intervals (60° intervals) around the central axis O. With this configuration, the three legs 43 and the three insertion parts 411 can be arranged in a balanced manner on the shell 4. In addition, each of the three legs 43 overlaps with a slit 25 formed in the housing 2.

[0055] Each leg portion 43 is L-shaped, bent midway, extending downward from the lower end surface of the main body 41, then bending at 90° midway and extending to the outside of the main body 41. The shell 4 is fixed to the circuit board 95 by solder reflow or the like at these three legs 43, and is also electrically connected to the circuit board 95. By fixing the shell 4 to the circuit board 95 in this way, the housing 2 and terminals 3 located inside the shell 4 are properly held between the shell 4 and the circuit board 95. This prevents unintended disassembly of the connector 1. In particular, in this embodiment, since the shell 4 is fixed to the circuit board 95 at three equally spaced locations (three legs 43) around the central axis O, the shell 4 can be fixed to the circuit board 95 more firmly and in a more stable position. Therefore, the reliability of the connector 1 is increased.

[0056] Furthermore, the shell 4 has six claw portions 42 extending upward from the main body 41. The six claw portions 42 have the same configuration and are arranged at equal intervals (60° intervals) around the central axis O. Each of the six claw portions 42 is L-shaped and has a base portion 421 that extends diagonally outward from the upper end surface of the main body 41, and a tip portion 422 that extends diagonally inward from the tip of the base portion 421. As a result, the bent portion 423 located at the boundary between the base portion 421 and the tip portion 422 is positioned on the outermost side. In its natural state, the diameter of the circle circumscribing each bent portion 423 is larger than the inner diameter of the connector body 941 of the coaxial connector 94. Therefore, when the connector 1 is connected to the coaxial connector 94, each claw portion 42 is inserted into the connector body 941 in a state of inward diameter reduction (elastic deformation), and the bent portion 423 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the connector body 941. As a result, the connector body 941 and the shell 4 are electrically connected, and the connector body 941 and the circuit board 95 are electrically connected via the shell 4.

[0057] The shell 4 has been described above, but its configuration is not particularly limited. For example, the number of legs 43 is not particularly limited; there may be one, two, or four or more. The shape of the legs 43 is also not particularly limited. Similarly, the number of claws 42 is not particularly limited; there may be five or fewer, or seven or more. The shape of the claws 42 is also not particularly limited.

[0058] The configuration of connector 1 has been described above. As previously stated, in this connector 1, each leg portion 43 of the shell 4 and the lead 39C of the terminal 3 are fixed to the circuit board 95, and the shell 4 and terminal 3 are electrically connected to the circuit board 95 by forming different electrical paths from each other. Furthermore, when connector 1 is connected to coaxial connector 94, each claw portion 42 of the shell 4 is inserted into the connector body 941, and the center contact plug 942 is inserted into the plug insertion portion 33 of the terminal 3, thereby electrically connecting the connector body 941 and the circuit board 95 via the shell 4, and electrically connecting the center contact plug 942 and the circuit board 95 via the terminal 3.

[0059] Such a connector 1 can tolerate misalignment of the central contact plug 942 by the deformation (tilting) of the terminal 3 within the housing 2. This will be explained in detail below. As shown in Figure 14, when there is no misalignment of the central contact plug 942 relative to the connector 1, the central axis of the central contact plug 942 coincides with the central axis O of the connector 1. Therefore, the terminal 3 allows insertion of the central contact plug 942 without tilting relative to the central axis O. In contrast, as shown in Figure 15, when the position of the central contact plug 942 is misaligned relative to the connector 1, the central axis of the central contact plug 942 is misaligned from the central axis O of the connector 1. Therefore, the terminal 3 allows insertion of the central contact plug 942 by tilting while deforming so that the center of the plug insertion hole 330 coincides with the central axis of the central contact plug 942 as the inner surface of the plug insertion portion 33 is pressed by the central contact plug 942.

[0060] As shown in Figure 16, if the central contact plug 942 is inserted in a position that overlaps with the slit 36, there is a risk that the central contact plug 942 will push open the slit 36, be inserted into the slit 36, and become trapped in the slit 36. Therefore, in this embodiment, the terminal 3 is designed to tilt before the slit 36 ​​is pushed open by the central contact plug 942, so that the central contact plug 942 is correctly inserted into the plug insertion hole 330. In other words, the design ensures that the pressing force that tilts the terminal 3 is sufficiently lower than the pressing force that pushes open the slit 36.

[0061] As mentioned above, terminal 3 is electrically connected to the circuit board 95 via lead 39C. Therefore, if excessive stress is applied to lead 39C when terminal 3 is deformed, the fixing portion between lead 39C and the circuit board 95 may break, potentially reducing electrical reliability. In this embodiment, as mentioned above, a retaining portion 27 is provided in the base 26C to hold lead 39C in the groove 263, making it difficult for stress to be applied to the portion of lead 39C closer to the tip of the retaining portion 27 (the fixing point with the circuit board 95). This effectively suppresses the breakdown of the fixing portion between lead 39C and the circuit board 95, and the connector 1 can exhibit high electrical reliability.

[0062] The connector 1 has been described above. As mentioned above, such a connector 1 has an insulating, cylindrical housing 2, a conductive, cylindrical terminal 3 located inside the housing 2, and a conductive, cylindrical shell 4 located outside the housing 2. The housing 2 also has a base 26 with an inwardly protruding inner projection 261. The terminal 3 has a cylindrical terminal body 31 with a base 32 and a plug insertion portion 33 located on the tip side of the base 32 into which a central contact plug 942 as a plug is inserted from the tip side, and a lead 39 extending from the base end face of the terminal body 31. The inward projection 261 is sandwiched between the base end face 310 and the lead 39. Thus, in the connector 1, the inward projection 261 is sandwiched between the base end face 310 of the terminal body 31 and the lead 39. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, the terminal 3 can be held in the housing 2 without forming a boss (projection) on the outer circumferential surface of the terminal body 31. Therefore, because there is no boss, it becomes easier to maintain a constant axial distance between terminal 3 and shell 4, which in turn makes it easier to improve electrical characteristics. In addition, since the process of forming a boss is unnecessary, manufacturing can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0063] As mentioned above, the lead 39 has a base end portion 391 extending from the base end surface 310 toward the base end (downward), and a tip portion 392 extending toward the outside of the terminal body 31 in a plan view from the axial direction. The inner projection 261 is sandwiched between the base end surface 310 and the tip portion 392. With this configuration, the inner projection 261 can be sandwiched from above and below by the base end surface 310 and the tip portion 392, so that the terminal 3 is stably held in the housing 2.

[0064] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the inner protrusion 261 abuts against the base end surface 310 on both sides of the lead 39. With this configuration, the terminal 3 is stably held in the housing 2.

[0065] As mentioned above, the base 26 has a groove 263 formed at the tip of the inner projection 261, in which the lead 39 is housed. The tip of the inner projection 261 has a first tip 261b located on one side of the groove 263 and a second tip 261c located on the other side. The first tip 261b and the second tip 261c are in contact with the base end surface 310 on both sides of the lead 39. With this configuration, the inner projection 261 can be brought into contact with the base end surface 310 on both sides of the lead 39 with a simple configuration.

[0066] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in a plan view from the axial direction, the tip portion 392 of the lead 39 is positioned between the first tip portion 261b and the second tip portion 261c. With this configuration, the base end surface 310 and the tip portion 392 can sandwich the inner projection 261 from above and below in a balanced manner. As a result, the terminal 3 is stably held in the housing 2.

[0067] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the terminal 3 has a slit 36 ​​as a first slit formed in the plug insertion portion 33. The slit 36 ​​divides the plug insertion portion 33 into a plurality of elastic pieces 339. With this configuration, insertion of the central contact plug 942 into the plug insertion portion 33 becomes easier.

[0068] Furthermore, as mentioned above, terminal 3 has a slit 38 as a second slit that extends over the entire axial area of ​​the base 32. With this configuration, terminal 3 becomes more easily deformable, and misalignment of the coaxial connector 94 is more easily tolerated.

[0069] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the terminal 3 is formed by rolling a metal plate into a cylindrical shape. At the base 32, one end face 3a and the other end face 3b of the metal plate may be in contact. With this configuration, the rigidity of the terminal 3 can be increased, and for example, the metal plate can be made thinner.

[0070] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the base portion 32 may have one end face 3a and the other end face 3b joined together. With such a configuration, the rigidity of the terminal 3 can be increased, and for example, the metal plate can be made thinner.

[0071] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the connector 1 has multiple equal numbers of leads 39 and bases 26 arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction. This ensures that the terminals 3 are held in a stable position within the housing 2.

[0072] <Second Embodiment> Figures 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views of the connector according to the second embodiment, respectively.

[0073] The connector 1 of this embodiment is the same as the connector 1 of the first embodiment described above, except that the configuration of the housing 2 and terminal 3 is different. Therefore, in the following description, this embodiment will be described mainly for the differences from the first embodiment described above, and similar matters will be omitted from the description. Also, in the figures of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the previously described embodiment.

[0074] First, as shown in Figure 17, in terminal 3, the height (axial position) of the first region Q1 located between leads 39A and 39B and the second region Q2 located between leads 39B and 39C and between leads 39C and 39A are different, with the first region Q1 being located higher than the second region Q2. Next, in housing 2, the height (axial position) of the upper surfaces of bases 26A and 26B is different from that of base 26C, with the upper surfaces of bases 26A and 26B being located lower than the upper surface of base 26C.

[0075] Therefore, when the connector 1 is assembled, only the base 26C is in contact with the base end surface 310 at the first and second tip portions 261b and 261c, while the bases 26A and 26B are spaced apart from the base end surface 310. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 18, the terminal 3 is cantilevered (supported at one point) by the base 26C alone. When the coaxial connector 94 is misaligned, the terminal 3 deforms using the portion P supported by the base 26C (around the bent portion of the lead 39C) as a fulcrum. With this configuration, for example, compared to the configuration in the first embodiment described above where the terminal 3 is supported at three points on the bases 26A, 26B, and 26C, it becomes easier to deform (tilt) the terminal 3. Therefore, misalignment of the coaxial connector 94 can be tolerated more reliably.

[0076] In particular, since the first region Q1 is located higher than the second region Q2 on the base end face 310, the distance D1 between the bases 26A and 26B and the first region Q1 is greater than the distance D2 between the bases 26A and 26B and the second region Q2. In other words, the further away from the base 26C, the greater the distance between the bases 26A and 26B and the base end face 310. By adopting this configuration, it is possible to ensure as large an area as possible for the terminal body 31 while suppressing contact between the base end face 310 and the bases 26A and 26B when the terminal 3 deforms (tilts). Therefore, the deformation (tilting) of the terminal 3 is less likely to be hindered by the bases 26A and 26B, and the positional displacement of the coaxial connector 94 can be tolerated more reliably.

[0077] The second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0078] Although the connector of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiment, the connector of the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of each part can be replaced with any configuration having a similar function. Furthermore, any other configuration may be added to the present invention.

[0079] The connector of the present invention has a configuration in which an inner protrusion is sandwiched between the base end face of the terminal body and the lead. Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, the terminal can be held in the housing without forming a boss (projection) on the outer surface of the terminal body. Consequently, because there is no boss, it is easier to maintain a constant axial distance between the terminal and the shell, making it easier to improve electrical characteristics. In addition, since the process of forming a boss is unnecessary, manufacturing can be simplified and costs can be reduced. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A connector comprising: an insulating, cylindrical housing; a conductive, cylindrical terminal located inside the housing; and a conductive, cylindrical shell located outside the housing, wherein the housing has a base with an inwardly protruding inner projection; the terminal has a cylindrical terminal body with a base and a plug insertion portion located on the tip side of the base into which a plug is inserted from the tip side; and a lead extending from the base end face of the terminal body, wherein the inward projection is sandwiched between the base end face and the lead.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the lead has a base end portion extending from the base end face toward the base end, and a tip portion extending toward the outside of the terminal body in a plan view from the axial direction, and the inner protrusion is sandwiched between the base end face and the tip portion.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the inner protrusions are in contact with the base end surface on both sides of the lead.

4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the base has a groove formed at the tip of the inner projection and housing the lead, the tip has a first tip located on one side of the groove and a second tip located on the other side, and the first tip and the second tip are in contact with the base end surface on both sides of the lead.

5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein, in a plan view from the axial direction, the tip portion is located between the first tip portion and the second tip portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal has a first slit formed in the plug insertion portion, and the plug insertion portion is divided into a plurality of elastic pieces by the first slit.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal has a second slit that extends over the entire axial area of ​​the base.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is formed by rolling a metal plate into a cylindrical shape, and at the base, one end face of the metal plate and the other end face are in contact.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the base portion is joined to one end face and the other end face.

10. The connector according to claim 1, having a plurality of equal numbers of leads and bases arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

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