Connection structure, connector set, first connector, second connector, and cable assembly

Abstract

The present invention reduces the number of components in a connector provided with a hood part. A first connector (100) is provided with: a first inner conductor (10); a first outer conductor (20); and a hood part (23). The first inner conductor (10) is provided with a first inner conductor counterpart connection part (12) connected to a second connector (200). The first outer conductor (20) is provided with a first outer conductor counterpart connection part (22) connected to the second connector (200). The first outer conductor counterpart connection part (22) is provided inside the hood part (23). The first outer conductor counterpart connection part (22) and the hood part (23) are formed in a single integrally molded component (20).

Description

Connection Structure, Connector Set, First Connector, Second Connector, and Cable Assembly

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection structure, a connector set, a first connector, a second connector, and a cable assembly.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a connector provided with a hood portion. Patent Document 2 discloses a cable assembly including a cable and a connector attached to one end thereof. Patent Document 3 discloses a connector set including an inner conductor and an outer conductor. Patent Document 4 discloses a connector attached to a cable and including an inner conductor and an outer conductor. Patent Document 5 discloses a connector including a rubber plug and a regulating member for regulating the movement of the rubber plug.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-071272, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-018734, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-083728, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-082077, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-169244

[0004] A first object of the present disclosure is to reduce the number of parts in a connector provided with a hood portion. A second object of the present disclosure is to improve productivity in a cable assembly. A third object of the present disclosure is to prevent a short circuit between an inner conductor and an outer conductor in a connector set including the inner conductor and the outer conductor. A fourth object of the present disclosure is to reduce the manufacturing difficulty of a second outer conductor in a connector attached to a cable and including the inner conductor and the outer conductor. A fifth object of the present disclosure is to sufficiently provide functions such as locking of a regulating member and mounting guide in a connector including a rubber plug and a regulating member for regulating the movement of the rubber plug.

[0005] In the present disclosure, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to represent a first connector, a second connector, etc. These terms are merely for the purpose of distinction and to clarify the correspondence with the embodiments described later, and do not limit the configuration.

[0006] In this disclosure, the direction in which the first connector and the second connector are connected is referred to as the connection direction, with the side facing the first connector being referred to as the first connection direction, and the side facing the second connector being referred to as the second connection direction. Furthermore, among the directions perpendicular to the connection direction, the directions perpendicular to each other are described as the up-down direction and the width direction. These terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the connector set in the connection structure relative to the direction of gravity.

[0007] (First aspect) The first connector according to the 1-1 embodiment is a first connector that is attached to a first mounting object and configured to be connectable to a second connector as a mating connector, wherein the direction in which the first connector and the second connector are connected is the connection direction, the side of the connection direction to the first connector is the first connection direction side, the side of the connection direction to the second connector is the second connection direction side, and among the directions perpendicular to the connection direction, the directions perpendicular to each other are the up-down direction and the width direction, the first connector comprises a first inner conductor, a first outer conductor surrounding at least a part of the first inner conductor, and a hood portion housing at least a part of the second connector, the first inner conductor comprises a first inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first mounting object and a first inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector, the first outer conductor comprises a first outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first mounting object and a first outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector, the first outer conductor mating side connection portion is provided inside the hood portion, and the first outer conductor mating side connection portion and the hood portion are formed as a single integral molded part.

[0008] This embodiment relates to a first connector that is attached to a first mounting object and configured to be connectable to a second connector as a mating connector. The first connector comprises a first inner conductor, a first outer conductor that surrounds at least a portion of the first inner conductor, and a hood portion that accommodates at least a portion of the second connector. The first inner conductor comprises a first inner conductor mounting side connection portion that is connected to the first mounting object, and a first inner conductor mating side connection portion that is connected to the second connector. The first outer conductor mating side connection portion is provided inside the hood portion.

[0009] Incidentally, in conventional connectors of this type, the hood portion is formed as a separate component (for example, a resin molded component) from the component on which the first outer conductor mating side connection portion is formed (see Patent Document 1). In contrast, in this embodiment, the first outer conductor mating side connection portion and the hood portion are formed as a single, integrally molded component. Therefore, the number of components can be reduced compared to embodiments in which the first outer conductor mating side connection portion and the hood portion are formed as separate components.

[0010] In the embodiments described later, the first mounting object is a circuit board, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The first mounting object may be, for example, another connector that relays between the first connector and the circuit board. In the embodiments described later, the first outer conductor mating side connection portion is cylindrical, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the first connector is a right-angle type connector, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion is also formed as an integrally molded part, the same as the hood portion, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the integrally molded part is manufactured by die casting, but the integrally molded part in this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the integrally molded part may be manufactured by methods such as cold forging or machining.

[0011] The first connector according to the first-second embodiment, in the first-first embodiment, comprises a hood portion which includes an enclosing wall that surrounds at least a part of the second connector from a direction perpendicular to the connection direction, and the enclosing wall which includes a locking opening for locking the second connector which includes the locking opening that penetrates the enclosing wall in the vertical direction and one or more opposing openings that penetrate the portion of the enclosing wall opposite to the portion where the locking opening is provided in the vertical direction.

[0012] In this embodiment, the hood portion includes a surrounding wall that encloses at least a portion of the second connector from a direction perpendicular to the connection direction. The surrounding wall has a locking opening for locking the second connector. The locking opening penetrates the surrounding wall in the vertical direction. Therefore, the connection state with the second connector can be locked using the hood portion.

[0013] Incidentally, when molding an integrally molded part having such a locking opening, it is necessary to press a slide mold part (second mold part) for forming the locking opening against a mold part (first mold part) for forming the inner space of the hood from above and below. However, repeated pressing may cause damage such as cracks to the first mold part. Therefore, in this embodiment, the surrounding wall has one or more opposing openings that penetrate vertically through the portion of the surrounding wall opposite to the portion where the locking opening is provided. As a result, damage to the first mold part for forming the inner space of the hood can be prevented. This is because the first mold part can be supported from the side opposite to the side against which the second mold part is pressed by the other slide mold part that forms the opposing opening.

[0014] In the embodiments described later, the surrounding wall is rectangular and cylindrical, but this embodiment is not limited to this. Also, in the embodiments described later, at least a portion of the opposing openings overlaps with the locking openings when viewed from above and below, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0015] In the first connector according to the first-third embodiment, in the first-second embodiment, the one or more opposing openings include a plurality of opposing openings.

[0016] In this embodiment, one or more opposing openings include multiple opposing openings. Therefore, the size of each opposing opening can be reduced. As a result, for example, the strength of the hood can be maintained, or foreign matter can be prevented from entering the inside of the hood.

[0017] In the embodiments described later, multiple opposing openings are arranged in the width direction, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0018] In the first connector according to the first-fourth embodiment, the surrounding wall is provided with a projection that protrudes inward from the surrounding wall, the plurality of opposing openings include one opposing opening and the other opposing opening, and the projection is formed to extend in the connection direction between the one opposing opening and the other opposing opening.

[0019] In this embodiment, the surrounding wall is provided with a projection that extends inward from the surrounding wall. Therefore, for example, the surrounding wall can be used to prevent a connector other than the legitimate mating connector (second connector) from being connected to the first connector.

[0020] However, when molding an integrally molded part having such a protruding portion, there is a risk that the material flow within the mold may not be smooth. Therefore, in this embodiment, the plurality of opposing openings include one opposing opening on one side and the other opposing opening on the other side, and the protruding portion is formed so as to extend in the connection direction at a position between the one opposing opening on one side and the other opposing opening. As a result, the protruding portion can be formed without interruption in the connection direction, and the material flow during the molding of the integrally molded part can be improved.

[0021] In the first connector according to the first-fifth embodiment, in any of the first-one to first-fourth embodiments, the first mounting target is a circuit board, and the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion is configured to be solderable to the first mounting target.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first object to be attached is a circuit board, and the first outer conductor attachment side connection is configured to be solderable to the first object to be attached. Therefore, when connecting the first connector to the circuit board, no other connector is required to connect the first connector to the circuit board.

[0023] In the first connector according to the first-sixth embodiment, the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion includes a portion formed in the integrally molded part, as described in the first-fifth embodiment.

[0024] In this embodiment, the connection portion on the mounting side of the first outer conductor includes a portion formed in an integrally molded part. Therefore, connection to the substrate can be achieved using the integrally molded part.

[0025] In the embodiments described later, the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion includes only the portion formed in an integrally molded part, but this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0026] In the first connector according to the first-seventh embodiment, the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion includes a portion formed in the hood portion, as in the first-fifth embodiment.

[0027] In this embodiment, the connection portion on the mounting side of the first outer conductor includes a portion formed in the hood. Therefore, the connection to the substrate can be achieved by utilizing the hood.

[0028] In the embodiment of the first-8, the first connector, in the embodiment of the first-5, includes a front portion formed in the hood and a rear portion formed on the first side in the connection direction relative to the hood.

[0029] In this embodiment, the connection portion on the mounting side of the first outer conductor includes a front portion formed in the hood and a rear portion formed on the first side in the connection direction relative to the hood. Therefore, the first outer conductor can be reliably connected to the substrate.

[0030] In the first connector according to the first-nth embodiment, the rear portion of the first outer conductor mounting side connection part is formed in the integrally molded part, as in the first-eighth embodiment.

[0031] In this embodiment, the rear portion of the connection part on the first outer conductor mounting side is formed as an integrally molded part. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to an embodiment in which the rear portion of the connection part on the first outer conductor mounting side is formed as a separate part from the integrally molded part.

[0032] The first connector according to the 1-10 embodiment, in any of the 1-6 to 1-9 embodiments, comprises a fixing boss for positioning the first connector with respect to the first mounting object, the fixing boss being insertable into a hole formed in the first mounting object, and the fixing boss being formed in the integrally molded part.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first connector is provided with a fixing boss for positioning the first connector relative to the first mounting object. The fixing boss is insertable into a hole formed in the first mounting object. The fixing boss is formed as an integrally molded part. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to an embodiment in which the fixing boss is formed as a separate part from the integrally molded part.

[0034] The connection structure according to the 1-11th embodiment is a connection structure comprising a first connector according to any of the 1-1 to 1-10 embodiments, the first mounting object, the second connector, and the second mounting object to which the second connector is attached, wherein the first connector is directly connected only to the first mounting object and the second connector.

[0035] This embodiment relates to a connection structure comprising a first connector, a first mounting object, a second connector, and a second mounting object to which the second connector is attached. However, if, for example, the first connector is also connected to components other than the first mounting object and the second connector, the structure of the first connector may become complicated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first connector is directly connected only to the first mounting object and the second connector. This simplifies the structure of the first connector.

[0036] (Second Embodiment) The cable assembly according to the second embodiment comprises a cable and a second connector attached to one end of the cable and configured to be connectable to a first connector as a mating connector, wherein the direction in which the second connector is connected is the front-to-back direction, and the side connected to the mating connector is the front side of the front-to-back direction, the cable comprises a core wire, a shield layer surrounding the core wire in the circumferential direction, an insulating inner sheath disposed between the core wire and the shield layer, and an insulating outer sheath surrounding the shield layer in the circumferential direction, the second connector comprises a second inner conductor connected to the core wire and a second outer conductor connected to the shield layer and surrounding at least a part of the second inner conductor, the shield layer has a shield exposed portion exposed from the outer sheath without being folded back, and the second outer conductor is connected to the shield exposed portion.

[0037] This embodiment relates to a cable assembly. The cable assembly comprises a cable and a second connector attached to one end of the cable and configured to be connectable to a first connector, which is a mating connector. The cable comprises a core wire, a shield layer surrounding the core wire in the circumferential direction, an insulating inner sheath disposed between the core wire and the shield layer, and an insulating outer sheath surrounding the shield layer in the circumferential direction. The second connector comprises a second inner conductor connected to the core wire and a second outer conductor connected to the shield layer and surrounding at least a portion of the second inner conductor.

[0038] Incidentally, in cable assemblies with this configuration, it is common practice during manufacturing to expose the shield layer from the outer sheath and fold it back to the outside of the outer sheath, connecting the second outer conductor to this folded portion (see Patent Document 2). However, the process of folding back the shield layer reduces productivity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shield layer has an exposed shield portion that is exposed from the outer sheath without being folded back. The second outer conductor is then connected to the exposed shield portion. As a result, the cable assembly does not require the process of folding back the shield layer. Consequently, the productivity of the cable assembly can be improved.

[0039] In the embodiments described later, the shield layer is composed solely of braiding, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The shield layer may be composed solely of metal foil, such as aluminum foil, or it may be composed of metal foil and braiding. In the embodiments described later, the second outer conductor is composed of two parts, a cable mounting member and a dielectric housing member, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The second outer conductor may be composed of one part. In the embodiments described later, the second outer conductor contacts the shielded exposed portion in a manner that surrounds it, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0040] In the cable assembly according to the second-second embodiment, the shielded exposed portion has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along the axial direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the shielded exposed portion is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the shield layer covered by the outer sheath.

[0041] In this embodiment, the exposed shield portion has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along the axial direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the exposed shield portion is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the shield layer covered by the outer sheath. Therefore, the exposed shield portion can be formed simply by removing the outer sheath from the cable. For example, there is no need to insert a sleeve or the like inside the shield layer. Thus, the productivity of cable assembly can be further improved.

[0042] In the cable assembly according to the second-third embodiment, in the second-first or second-second embodiment, the second outer conductor is provided with a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the cable, and the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion contacts the shield exposed portion from the radially outer side.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second outer conductor is provided with a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion that is connected to the cable, and the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion contacts the shield exposed portion from the radially outer side. Therefore, production is easier compared to an embodiment in which the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion contacts the shield exposed portion from the radially inner side.

[0044] The cable assembly according to the second to fourth aspects, in the second to third aspects, the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion is cylindrical, and the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion presses substantially the entire circumferential direction of the shield exposed portion toward the inner skin direction.

[0045] In this aspect, the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion is cylindrical, and the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion presses substantially the entire circumferential direction of the shield exposed portion toward the inner skin direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent impedance mismatch caused by the shield exposed portion rising from the inner skin.

[0046] The cable assembly according to the second to fifth aspects, in any of the second to first to second to fourth aspects, the second outer conductor includes a cable mounting member attached to the cable, and the cable mounting member includes a shield layer corresponding portion disposed on the radially outer side of the shield exposed portion and an outer skin corresponding portion disposed on the radially outer side of the outer skin and fixed to the outer skin, and the shield layer corresponding portion directly contacts the shield exposed portion.

[0047] In this aspect, the second outer conductor includes a cable mounting member attached to the cable. The cable mounting member includes a shield layer corresponding portion disposed on the radially outer side of the shield exposed portion and an outer skin corresponding portion disposed on the radially outer side of the outer skin and fixed to the outer skin. Here, the shield layer corresponding portion directly contacts the shield exposed portion. Therefore, compared with a mode in which the cable mounting member is connected to the shield layer via another member, the number of parts of the cable assembly can be reduced.

[0048] Note that in the embodiments described later, the cable mounting member does not include a second outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the mating connector, but this aspect is not limited thereto.

[0049] The cable assembly according to the second-sixth embodiment, in any of the second-first to second-fifth embodiments, comprises a cable attachment member attached to the cable, the cable attachment member comprising a shield layer corresponding portion located radially outward of the shield exposure portion, and an outer sheath corresponding portion located radially outward of the outer sheath and fixed to the outer sheath, wherein the shield layer corresponding portion is cylindrical, and the shield layer corresponding portion directly or indirectly contacts the shield exposure portion from the radially outward direction over substantially the entire circumferential direction.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second outer conductor includes a cable attachment member that is attached to the cable. The cable attachment member includes a shield layer corresponding portion that is located radially outward of the shield exposed portion and an outer sheath corresponding portion that is located radially outward of the outer sheath and fixed to the outer sheath.

[0051] Incidentally, when connecting a cable mounting member to the exposed shield portion, one possible structure is to cut and bend a spring piece on the cable mounting member and bring the spring piece into contact with the exposed shield portion. However, in this case, a gap in the second outer conductor is likely to occur at the portion where the spring piece is cut and bent. Therefore, in this embodiment, the shield layer corresponding portion is cylindrical, and the shield layer corresponding portion directly or indirectly contacts the exposed shield portion from the radially outer side to substantially the entire circumferential direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor. In addition, the contact area between the cable mounting member and the exposed shield portion can be increased.

[0052] In the embodiments described later, the shield layer portion directly contacts the shield exposed portion, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0053] In the cable assembly according to the second-seventh embodiment, the outer sheath portion is cylindrical with a larger diameter than the shield layer portion, and the outer sheath portion and the shield layer portion are continuous in the front-rear direction while maintaining their cylindrical shape.

[0054] In this embodiment, the outer sheath portion is cylindrical with a larger diameter than the shield layer portion, and the outer sheath portion and the shield layer portion are continuous in the front-rear direction while maintaining their cylindrical shape. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor at the position between the outer sheath portion and the shield layer portion.

[0055] In the cable assembly according to the second-eighth embodiment, in the second-sixth or second-seventh embodiment, the cable mounting member has a mounting member front portion located in front of the shield layer corresponding portion, the mounting member front portion is cylindrical with a larger diameter than the shield layer corresponding portion, and the mounting member front portion and the shield layer corresponding portion are continuous in the front-rear direction while maintaining their cylindrical shape.

[0056] In this embodiment, the cable mounting member includes a front portion of the mounting member located in front of the portion corresponding to the shield layer. The front portion of the mounting member is cylindrical in shape and has a larger diameter than the portion corresponding to the shield layer. Here, the front portion of the mounting member and the portion corresponding to the shield layer are continuous in the front-rear direction while maintaining their cylindrical shape. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor at the position between the front portion of the mounting member and the portion corresponding to the shield layer.

[0057] In the embodiments described later, the front portion of the mounting member does not include a second outer conductor mating connector portion that connects to the mating connector, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0058] In the cable assembly according to embodiment 2-9, in any embodiment of 2-1 to 2-8, the second outer conductor comprises a mating contact member formed separately from the cable mounting member, and the mating contact member comprises a second outer conductor mating connection portion connected to the mating connector.

[0059] In this embodiment, the second outer conductor includes a mating contact member formed separately from the cable mounting member, and the mating contact member includes a mating connection portion for the second outer conductor that is connected to a mating connector. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the cable mounting member includes the mating connection portion for the second outer conductor, it is easier to form the second outer conductor into a complex shape.

[0060] In the embodiment described later, the mating contact member is joined to the cable mounting member, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The mating contact member may also be joined to another member joined to the cable mounting member.

[0061] In the cable assembly according to embodiment 2-10, the shield layer is composed solely of braiding, in any embodiment of 2-1 to 2-9.

[0062] In this embodiment, the shield layer consists only of braiding. Therefore, the cable assembly can be made less expensive compared to embodiments in which the shield layer includes metal foil and braiding.

[0063] (Third Embodiment) The connector set according to Embodiment 3-1 is a connector set comprising a first connector to be attached to a first mounting object and a second connector to be attached to a second mounting object, wherein the direction in which the first connector and the second connector are connected is defined as the connection direction, and of the connection direction, the side with the first connector is defined as the first connection direction side, and of the connection direction, the side with the second connector is defined as the second connection direction side, the first connector comprises a first inner conductor and a first outer conductor that surrounds at least a part of the first inner conductor, and the first inner conductor is the first mounting object The first outer conductor comprises a first inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to an object, and a first inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector, the first outer conductor comprises a first outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first object to be mounted, and a first outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector, the second connector comprises a second inner conductor and a second outer conductor surrounding at least a part of the second inner conductor, the second inner conductor comprises a second inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the second object to be mounted, and a second inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the first connector, the second outer The conductor comprises a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the second mounting object and a second outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the first connector, the second mounting object is a cable, the cable comprises a core wire and a shield layer surrounding the core wire in the circumferential direction, the first connector comprises a first cylindrical enclosing portion surrounding the first inner conductor mating side connection portion, the second connector comprises a second cylindrical enclosing portion surrounding the second inner conductor mating side connection portion and the second outer conductor mating side connection portion, and in the connected state of the first connector and the second connector, The first cylindrical enclosure portion extends inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion, the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure portion faces the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure portion, the first inner conductor mating connector portion and the second inner conductor mating connector portion are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion, the first outer conductor mating connector portion and the second outer conductor mating connector portion are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion, and the connector set includes a front sealing member, the front sealing member being in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure portion and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure portion.

[0064] This embodiment relates to a connector set comprising a first connector attached to a first mounting object and a second connector attached to a second mounting object. The first connector comprises a first inner conductor and a first outer conductor surrounding at least a portion of the first inner conductor. The first inner conductor comprises a first inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first mounting object and a first inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector. The first outer conductor comprises a first outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first mounting object and a first outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector. The second connector comprises a second inner conductor and a second outer conductor surrounding at least a portion of the second inner conductor. The second inner conductor comprises a second inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the second mounting object and a second inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the first connector. The second outer conductor comprises a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the second mounting object and a second outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the first connector. The second mounting object is a cable. The cable comprises a core wire and a shielding layer surrounding the core wire in the circumferential direction. The first connector includes a first cylindrical enclosure that surrounds the mating connector of the first inner conductor, and the second connector includes a second cylindrical enclosure that surrounds the mating connector of the second inner conductor and the mating connector of the second outer conductor. When the first and second connectors are connected, the first cylindrical enclosure extends inside the second cylindrical enclosure, and the outer surface of the first cylindrical enclosure faces the inner surface of the second cylindrical enclosure. Furthermore, the mating connector of the first inner conductor and the mating connector of the second inner conductor are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure, and the mating connector of the first outer conductor and the mating connector of the second outer conductor are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure.

[0065] However, in such connector sets, when connected, water droplets generated by condensation or the like may enter through the gap between the outer surface of the first cylindrical enclosure and the inner surface of the second cylindrical enclosure, potentially causing a short circuit between the inner and outer conductors. Therefore, in this embodiment, the connector set is equipped with a front seal member. The front seal member is in close contact with the outer surface of the first cylindrical enclosure and the inner surface of the second cylindrical enclosure. As a result, it is possible to prevent water droplets from entering at the position between the outer surface of the first cylindrical enclosure and the inner surface of the second cylindrical enclosure, and to prevent water droplets from entering further inside the second cylindrical enclosure. Thus, a short circuit between the inner and outer conductors can be prevented.

[0066] In the embodiments described later, the first cylindrical enclosure portion functions as the mating connector portion for the first outer conductor, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the first cylindrical enclosure portion is cylindrical, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the first connector includes a hood portion that accommodates the second cylindrical enclosure portion of the second connector, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the connector set does not include any components other than the first connector and the second connector. Specifically, the front seal member is a component of the second connector, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The front seal member does not have to be a component of the second connector, nor does it have to be a component of the first connector.

[0067] In the third-second embodiment, the connector set is such that, in the third-first embodiment, either the first connector or the second connector is provided with the front seal member, and the front seal member is integrally provided with the first connector or the second connector that is provided with the front seal member.

[0068] In this embodiment, either the first connector or the second connector is equipped with a front seal member, and the front seal member is integrally provided with the first or second connector equipped with the front seal member. Therefore, the front seal member can be managed together with the first or second connector. Thus, the possibility of losing the front seal member can be reduced.

[0069] In the third-third embodiment, the connector set is such that, in the third-first embodiment, the second connector includes the front sealing member, and the front sealing member is integrally provided with the second connector.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second connector is equipped with a front seal member, and the front seal member is integrally provided with the second connector. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the front seal member is integrally provided with the first connector, the mounting structure of the front seal member is easier to realize. This is because the second cylindrical enclosure portion of the second connector is easier to form to be longer in the axial direction than the first cylindrical enclosure portion of the first connector.

[0071] In the third-fourth embodiment, the connector set is configured such that, in the third-third embodiment, the first mounting object is a circuit board, and the first connector is configured to be solderable to the first mounting object.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first object to be attached is a circuit board, and the first connector is configured to be solderable to the first object to be attached. Therefore, the connection structure can be simplified compared to an embodiment in which the first connector is connected to the circuit board via other connectors.

[0073] Incidentally, in an embodiment in which the first connector is soldered to the first mounting object, if the front seal member is integrally provided with the first connector, there is a risk that the front seal member may be damaged or deteriorated due to the heat treatment for soldering. However, in this embodiment, the front seal member is integrally provided with the second connector, so this problem is resolved.

[0074] In the third-fifth embodiment, the connector set, in any of the third-first to third-fourth embodiments, comprises a locking arm that locks the connection state with the first connector, wherein at least a portion of the locking arm overlaps with the front sealing member in the connection direction.

[0075] In this embodiment, the second connector is equipped with a locking arm that locks the connection state with the first connector, and at least a portion of the locking arm overlaps with the front sealing member in the connection direction. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the locking arm does not have a portion that overlaps with the front sealing member in the front-rear direction, the second connector can be made smaller in the front-rear direction.

[0076] In the third-sixth embodiment, the connector set, in the third-fifth embodiment, comprises a lock arm having a base connected to the second cylindrical enclosure and an arm portion that is elastically displaced with the base as a pivot point when operated, wherein the arm portion is located second to the connection direction from the base, and the base is connected to the first end of the second cylindrical enclosure in the connection direction.

[0077] In this embodiment, the lock arm comprises a base connected to the second cylindrical enclosure and an arm portion that elastically displaces with the base as a pivot point when operated. The arm portion is located on the second side in the connection direction relative to the base. Here, the base is connected to the first end of the second cylindrical enclosure in the connection direction. Therefore, the lock arm can be formed to be long from front to rear. As a result, even if the second connector is miniaturized in the front-rear direction, sufficient flexibility of the lock arm can be ensured.

[0078] In the third-seventh embodiment, the connector set, in any of the third-sixth embodiments, has a second cylindrical enclosure having a rear opening through which the cable passes, and the connector set includes a rubber stopper positioned to fill the gap in the rear opening of the second cylindrical enclosure.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second cylindrical enclosure has a rear opening through which a cable passes. Here, the connector set includes a rubber stopper positioned to fill the gap in the rear opening of the second cylindrical enclosure. This prevents water droplets from entering the inside of the second cylindrical enclosure through the rear opening.

[0080] In the connector set according to embodiment 3-8, in any embodiment of 3-1 to 3-7, the first cylindrical enclosure includes the first outer conductor mating side connection portion, and the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure contacts the second outer conductor mating side connection portion.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first cylindrical enclosure includes the mating connector portion for the first outer conductor. The inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure contacts the mating connector portion for the second outer conductor. Therefore, the structure of the first connector can be simplified compared to an embodiment in which the mating connector portion for the first outer conductor is formed separately from the first cylindrical enclosure.

[0082] The second connector according to the third-nth embodiment is a second connector in a connector set comprising a first connector attached to a first mounting object and a second connector attached to a second mounting object, wherein the direction in which the first connector and the second connector are connected is defined as the connection direction, the side of the connection direction to the first connector is defined as the first connection direction side, and the side of the connection direction to the second connector is defined as the second connection direction side, the first connector comprises a first inner conductor and a first outer conductor surrounding at least a part of the first inner conductor, the first inner conductor comprises a first inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first mounting object and a first inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector, the first outer conductor comprises a first outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first mounting object and a first outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector, the second connector comprises a second inner conductor and a second outer conductor surrounding at least a part of the second inner conductor, the second inner conductor comprises a second inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the second mounting object and a second inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the first connector The first connector comprises a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the second mounting object and a second outer conductor mating side connection portion connected to the first connector, the second mounting object is a cable, the cable comprises a core wire and a shield layer surrounding the core wire in the circumferential direction, the first connector comprises a first cylindrical enclosing portion surrounding the first inner conductor mating side connection portion, the second connector comprises a second cylindrical enclosing portion surrounding the second inner conductor mating side connection portion and the second outer conductor mating side connection portion, and a front seal member, and the first connector In the connected state of the connector and the second connector, the first cylindrical enclosure portion is recessed into the second cylindrical enclosure portion, the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure portion faces the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure portion, the first inner conductor mating connection portion and the second inner conductor mating connection portion are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion, the first outer conductor mating connection portion and the second outer conductor mating connection portion are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion, and the front seal member is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure portion and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure portion.

[0083] According to this embodiment, water droplets can be prevented from entering at a position between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure, thereby preventing water droplets from entering further inside the second cylindrical enclosure.

[0084] (Fourth aspect) The second connector according to aspect 4-1 is a second connector that is attached to a second mounting object and configured to be connectable to a first connector, wherein the direction in which the first connector and the second connector are connected is the connection direction, the side of the connection direction with the first connector is the first connection direction side, the side of the connection direction with the second connector is the second connection direction side, and among the directions perpendicular to the connection direction, the directions perpendicular to each other are the up-down direction and the width direction, the second mounting object is a cable, and the cable comprises a core wire, a shield layer surrounding the core wire in the circumferential direction, and the front of the core wire The second connector comprises an insulating inner sheath disposed between the shield layer and the shield layer, and an insulating outer sheath surrounding the shield layer in the circumferential direction, the second connector comprising a second inner conductor connected to the core wire, a second outer conductor connected to the shield layer and surrounding at least a portion of the second inner conductor, and a second dielectric disposed between the second inner conductor and the second outer conductor, the second outer conductor comprising a cable attachment member attached to the cable, and a dielectric housing member formed separately from the cable attachment member and housing at least a portion of the second dielectric.

[0085] This embodiment relates to a second connector that is attached to a second mounting object and configured to be connectable to a first connector. The second mounting object is a cable, which comprises a core wire, a shield layer surrounding the core wire in the circumferential direction, an insulating inner sheath disposed between the core wire and the shield layer, and an insulating outer sheath surrounding the shield layer in the circumferential direction. The second connector comprises a second inner conductor connected to the core wire, a second outer conductor connected to the shield layer and surrounding at least a portion of the second inner conductor, and a second dielectric disposed between the second inner conductor and the second outer conductor.

[0086] Incidentally, improving the performance of a second connector with such a configuration sometimes requires increasing the complexity of the shape of the second outer conductor. However, increasing the complexity of the shape of the second outer conductor increases the difficulty of manufacturing it. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second outer conductor comprises a cable attachment member that is attached to the cable and a dielectric housing member that houses at least a portion of the second dielectric. The dielectric housing member is formed separately from the cable attachment member. As a result, the portion of the second outer conductor that is attached to the cable and the portion that houses at least a portion of the second dielectric can be manufactured separately. Consequently, the difficulty of manufacturing the second outer conductor can be reduced.

[0087] In the embodiments described later, the dielectric housing member includes a second outer conductor mating connector that is connected to the first connector, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0088] In the embodiment of 4-2, the second connector, in the embodiment of 4-1, has overlapping portions of the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member that overlap in the connection direction.

[0089] In this embodiment, the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member have overlapping portions that overlap in the connection direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor at the position between the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member. In addition, it is easy to join the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member.

[0090] In the embodiment of 4-3, the second connector, in the embodiment of 4-2, is provided with a connecting recess in the connection direction, which is cut out in the direction of connection, on the outer periphery side of the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member in the overlapping portion.

[0091] In this embodiment, the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member, which are positioned on the outer periphery side in the overlapping portion, are provided with a joining recess that is cut out in the connection direction. This allows for an expansion of the portion where the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member can be joined.

[0092] The joining method may be soldering or laser welding. In the case of soldering, the joining recess may be used as a solder reservoir. In the case of laser welding, it is preferable to weld the plate edge located on the outer circumference side to the outer circumference surface located on the inner circumference side.

[0093] In the second connector according to the 4-4 embodiment, the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member are joined to each other at least at an intermediate position in the connection direction in the overlapping portion, according to the 4-2 or 4-3 embodiment.

[0094] In this embodiment, the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member are joined to each other at least at an intermediate position in the connection direction within the overlapping portion. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member are not joined to each other at an intermediate position in the connection direction within the overlapping portion, it is easier to ensure the joint strength of the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member.

[0095] Note that the term "intermediate position in the connection direction" differs from "center position in the connection direction" in that it refers to a broader range.

[0096] The second connector according to the fourth-fifth embodiment is, in any of the fourth-fifth embodiments to the fourth-fifth embodiment, the second connector comprises a second housing for accommodating the second outer conductor, the second housing comprises a locking portion for locking the second outer conductor, and the second outer conductor comprises a locking portion that is locked to the locking portion.

[0097] In this embodiment, the second connector includes a second housing for accommodating the second outer conductor, the second housing includes a locking portion for locking the second outer conductor, and the second outer conductor includes a lockable portion that is locked to the locking portion. Therefore, the second outer conductor can be locked to the second housing.

[0098] In the second connector according to the fourth-sixth embodiment, in the fourth-fifth embodiment, the locking portion is formed by cutting and bending a part of the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member that are arranged radially outward in the overlapping portion, and the locking portion is provided at a position corresponding to the overlapping portion.

[0099] In this embodiment, the locking portion is formed by cutting and bending a portion of the cable mounting member and dielectric housing member that are arranged radially outward in the overlapping portion. Therefore, the formation of the locking portion is easy.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion is provided at a position corresponding to the overlapping portion. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the locking portion is provided at a position not corresponding to the overlapping portion, the second connector can be made smaller in the front-to-back direction.

[0101] In the second connector according to embodiment 4-7, in embodiment 4-6, the penetration portion of one of the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member, which is created by cutting and bending the locking portion, is blocked by the other of the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member.

[0102] Incidentally, in the embodiment where the locking portion is formed by cutting and bending a part of the plate material, a penetration portion is formed near the locking portion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the penetration portion of one of the cable mounting member and dielectric housing member that is created by cutting and bending the locking portion is blocked by the other of the cable mounting member and dielectric housing member. As a result, it is possible to suppress the formation of a gap in the second outer conductor near the locking portion.

[0103] In the second connector according to embodiment 4-8, the locking portion is provided on the cable mounting member in any embodiment from 4-5 to 4-7.

[0104] In this embodiment, the locking portion is provided on the cable mounting member. Therefore, compared to the embodiment in which the locking portion is provided on the dielectric housing member, when force is applied to the cable mounting member via the cable, the force acting on the joint between the cable mounting member and the dielectric housing member can be suppressed.

[0105] (Fifth aspect) The second connector according to aspect 5-1 is a second connector that is attached to a second mounting object and configured to be connectable to a first connector, wherein the direction in which the first connector and the second connector are connected is the connection direction, the side of the connection direction to the first connector is the first connection direction side, the side of the connection direction to the second connector is the second connection direction side, and among the directions perpendicular to the connection direction, the directions perpendicular to each other are the up-down direction and the width direction, the second mounting object is a cable, the second connector comprises a second inner conductor connected to the cable, a second housing, a rubber stopper, and a restricting member, the second housing has a rear opening through which the cable passes and comprises a second housing body that accommodates the second inner conductor, the rubber stopper is positioned to fill the gap of the rear opening of the second housing body, the restricting member is attached to the second housing from the second connection direction side to restrict the movement of the rubber stopper, and the second housing has a locking arm for locking the connection state with the first connector The lock arm comprises a base connected to the second housing body and an arm portion that is elastically displaced with the base as a pivot point when operated, the lock arm is formed to protrude upward from the outer circumferential surface of the second housing body, the arm portion is located second to the connection direction from the base, and a tolerance space is formed between the arm portion and the second housing body that allows the arm portion to be displaced downward, the second housing comprises a plurality of protruding engagement portions that protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the second housing body and engage with the regulating member, all of which are located in positions that do not overlap with the lock arm when viewed from the connection direction, and the plurality of protruding engagement portions include one-side upper protruding engagement portion located above the center position of the second housing body and on one side in the width direction, another-side upper protruding engagement portion located above the center position of the second housing body and on the other side in the width direction, and one or more lower protruding engagement portions located below the center position of the second housing body.

[0106] This embodiment relates to a second connector that is attached to a second mounting object and configured to be connectable to a first connector. The second mounting object is a cable. The second connector comprises a second inner conductor connected to the cable, a second housing, a rubber stopper, and a restricting member. The second housing comprises a second housing body that houses the second inner conductor. The second housing body has a rear opening through which the cable passes, and the rubber stopper is positioned to fill the gap in the rear opening of the second housing body. The restricting member is attached to the second housing from the second side in the connection direction to restrict the movement of the rubber stopper.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second housing is provided with a locking arm for locking the connection state with the first connector. The locking arm comprises a base connected to the second housing body and an arm portion that elastically displaces with the base as a pivot point when operated. The locking arm is formed to protrude upward from the outer circumferential surface of the second housing body. The arm portion is located on the second side in the connection direction relative to the base, and a space is formed between the arm portion and the second housing body that allows the arm portion to be displaced downward. Therefore, the connection state can be locked using the locking arm, and the lock can be released by operating the arm portion.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second housing protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the second housing body and is provided with a plurality of protruding engagement portions that engage with the regulating member. Therefore, by utilizing the plurality of protruding engagement portions, functions such as locking the regulating member and providing an installation guide can be provided.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, all of the multiple protruding engagement portions are positioned so as not to overlap with the lock arm when viewed from the connection direction. This reduces the complexity of the mold configuration for manufacturing the second housing.

[0110] Incidentally, if the number of protruding engagement parts is small, the functions of locking the regulating member and providing mounting guides may not be fully performed. The same is true if the arrangement of the multiple protruding engagement parts is unbalanced. Therefore, in this embodiment, the multiple protruding engagement parts include one-sided upper protruding engagement part positioned above the center position of the second housing body and on one side in the width direction, another-sided upper protruding engagement part positioned above the center position of the second housing body and on the other side in the width direction, and one or more lower protruding engagement parts positioned below the center position of the second housing body. As a result, the number of multiple protruding engagement parts can be set to three or more, and the arrangement of their positions can be balanced. Consequently, the functions of locking the regulating member and providing mounting guides can be fully performed.

[0111] In the embodiments described later, the cable used as the second mounting object is a shielded cable, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the plurality of protruding engaging portions include locking portions that engage the restricting member, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the locking of the restricting member may be achieved by other means. In the embodiments described later, the second housing body is cylindrical, but this embodiment is not limited to this. In the embodiments described later, the second housing includes an arm protection portion, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0112] The second connector according to the embodiment of 5-2, in the embodiment of 5-1, includes one or more downward-protruding engaging portions, one downward-protruding engaging portion located below the center position of the second housing body and on one side in the width direction, and the other downward-protruding engaging portion located below the center position of the second housing body and on the other side in the width direction.

[0113] In this embodiment, one or more downward protruding engagement portions include one downward protruding engagement portion positioned below the center position of the second housing body and on one side in the width direction, and another downward protruding engagement portion positioned below the center position of the second housing body and on the other side in the width direction. Therefore, the number of multiple protruding engagement portions can be increased while maintaining a balance in their arrangement positions.

[0114] In the embodiment of the 5-3, the second connector is such that, in the embodiment of the 5-2, the one-sided upper protruding engaging portion and the other-sided lower protruding engaging portion are positioned at a distance of 175 to 185 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body, and the other-sided upper protruding engaging portion and the one-sided lower protruding engaging portion are positioned at a distance of 175 to 185 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body.

[0115] In this embodiment, the upper protruding engaging portion on one side and the lower protruding engaging portion on the other side are positioned 175 to 185 degrees (preferably 180 degrees) apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body, and the upper protruding engaging portion on the other side and the lower protruding engaging portion on one side are positioned 175 to 185 degrees (preferably 180 degrees) apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body. This makes it possible to improve the arrangement balance of the multiple protruding engaging portions.

[0116] The second connector according to embodiment 5-4, in any embodiment of 5-1 to 5-4, includes a plurality of protruding engaging portions, each comprising a locking portion for locking the restricting member and a guide portion for determining the rotational position of the restricting member relative to the second housing when the restricting member is attached to the second housing.

[0117] In this embodiment, the multiple protruding engagement portions include a locking portion for engaging the regulating member and a guide portion for determining the rotational position of the regulating member relative to the second housing when the regulating member is attached to the second housing. Therefore, the multiple protruding engagement portions can be used to lock the regulating member and to determine its rotational position during installation.

[0118] The second connector according to embodiment 5-5, in embodiment 5-2 or 5-3, includes a plurality of protruding engaging portions comprising a locking portion for locking the regulating member and a guide portion for determining the rotational position of the regulating member relative to the second housing when the regulating member is attached to the second housing, wherein the one-sided upper protruding engaging portion and the other-sided lower protruding engaging portion are both either the locking portion or the guide portion, and the other-sided upper protruding engaging portion and the one-sided lower protruding engaging portion are both the other of the locking portion or the guide portion.

[0119] In this embodiment, the upper protruding engaging portion on one side and the lower protruding engaging portion on the other side are both either a locking portion or a guide portion, while the upper protruding engaging portion on the other side and the lower protruding engaging portion on the one side are both either a locking portion or a guide portion. Therefore, the locking portion and the guide portion can be arranged in a balanced manner. As a result, the posture of the regulating member can be made less likely to be disrupted.

[0120] The second connector according to the fifth-sixth embodiment, in the fifth-second or fifth-third embodiment, the plurality of protruding engaging portions include a locking portion for locking the regulating member, the one-sided upper protruding engaging portion and the other-sided lower protruding engaging portion are both the locking portion, and the other-sided upper protruding engaging portion and the one-sided lower protruding engaging portion are both the locking portion.

[0121] In this embodiment, both the upper protruding engaging portion on one side and the lower protruding engaging portion on the other side are locking portions, and both the upper protruding engaging portion on the other side and the lower protruding engaging portion on one side are locking portions. Therefore, the restricting member can be locked more firmly.

[0122] The second connector according to embodiment 5-7, in any embodiment of 5-1 to 5-6, includes a pair of arm protection portions provided on both sides in the width direction relative to the allowable space, protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the second housing body and overlapping with at least a portion of the allowable space when viewed from the width direction.

[0123] However, if a force is applied to the lock arm in the width direction, the lock arm may be damaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second housing is provided with a pair of arm protection parts that protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the second housing body and are provided on both sides in the width direction relative to the allowable space, so as to overlap with at least a part of the allowable space when viewed from the width direction. Thus, the lock arm can be protected by the pair of protection parts.

[0124] Incidentally, when manufacturing a second housing provided with such a pair of arm protection parts, it is not possible to insert a mold for forming the allowable space from the width direction. However, in this embodiment, all of the multiple protruding engagement parts are located in positions that do not overlap with the lock arm when viewed from the connection direction. Therefore, the allowable space can be formed by a sliding mold from the second side in the connection direction.

[0125] The second connector according to embodiment 5-8, in any embodiment of 5-1 to 5-7, the plurality of protruding engaging portions include a locking portion for locking the regulating member, the regulating member comprises a pressing portion for pressing the rubber stopper and a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion, the locked portion being composed of a pair of elastic pieces that extend from the pressing portion toward the first side in the connection direction and are separated from each other.

[0126] In this embodiment, the plurality of protruding engaging portions include locking portions for locking the regulating member, and the regulating member comprises a pressing portion for pressing the rubber stopper and a locked portion that is locked to the locking portion. Here, the locked portion is composed of a pair of elastic pieces that extend from the pressing portion toward the first side in the connection direction and are separated from each other. This improves the flexibility of the locked portion, and as a result, improves the ease with which the regulating member can be attached to the second housing.

[0127] This is a perspective view showing the first and second connectors in an unconnected state. This is a perspective view showing the first and second connectors in a connected state (connection structure). This is a cross-sectional view showing the first and second connectors in an unconnected state. This is a cross-sectional view showing the first and second connectors in a connected state (connection structure). This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the first connector. This is an exploded perspective view of the first connector. This is a perspective view of the first connector seen from below. This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector (second housing omitted). This is an exploded perspective view of the second connector. This is a perspective view showing the cable assembly just before the regulating member is attached. This is a perspective view showing the cable with the second inner conductor attached to the core wire. This is a perspective view showing the cable with the second outer conductor attached. This is a cross-sectional view in the state shown in Figure 12. This is another cross-sectional view in the state shown in Figure 12. This is a rear view of the second housing. This is a cross-sectional view of the cable. This is a perspective view showing the cable assembly according to a modified example just before the regulating member is attached.

[0128] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described below.

[0129] Figures 1 to 4 show the connector sets 100 and 200 and the connection structure S of this embodiment.

[0130] The connection structure S is a structure in which the first mounting object 91 and the second mounting object 92 are connected by connector sets 100 and 200. The connection structure S comprises the first mounting object 91, the second mounting object 92, and the connector sets 100 and 200.

[0131] The connector sets 100 and 200 include a first connector 100 and a second connector 200 that are configured to be connectable to each other. The connector sets 100 and 200 do not include any components other than the first connector 100 and the second connector 200.

[0132] The direction in which the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are connected is referred to as the connection direction. Within this connection direction, the side with the first connector 100 is referred to as the first connection direction, and the side with the second connector 200 is referred to as the second connection direction. Furthermore, among the directions perpendicular to the connection direction, the directions perpendicular to each other are described as the up-down direction and the width direction. These terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the orientation of the connector sets 100 and 200 in the connection structure S with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0133] Furthermore, the front side of the first connector 100 will be described as the second side in the connection direction, and the front side of the second connector 200 will be described as the first side in the connection direction.

[0134] Furthermore, the terms "radial direction" and "circumferential direction" are used in the following explanation. These are directional concepts based on the axis parallel to the connection direction formed by the central conductors (first inner conductor 10, second inner conductor 40) of the connector sets 100 and 200.

[0135] The first connector 100 is attached to the first mounting object 91, and the second connector 200 is attached to the second mounting object 92.

[0136] The first object to be mounted, 91, is a circuit board, 91. The circuit board, 91, is oriented with its thickness in the vertical direction.

[0137] The first connector 100 is installed on the upper side of the circuit board 91. The first connector 100 is soldered to the first mounting object 91.

[0138] The first connector 100 is a right-angle type connector. The connection direction of the first connector 100 is perpendicular to the direction in which the upper surface of the circuit board 91 faces (upward direction) (front-to-back direction).

[0139] The first connector 100 comprises a first inner conductor 10, an integrally molded part 20, and a first dielectric 30.

[0140] The first internal conductor 10 is connected to the first mounting object 91 and also to the second connector 200. That is, the first internal conductor 10 comprises a first internal conductor mounting side connection portion 11 connected to the first mounting object 91 and a first internal conductor mating side connection portion 12 connected to the second connector 200. The first internal conductor 10 is composed of a single metal component.

[0141] The integrally molded part 20 is manufactured by die-casting. Specifically, the integrally molded part 20 is manufactured by die-casting followed by plating. The integrally molded part 20 is formed from a metallic material such as magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, or zinc alloy.

[0142] The integrally molded part 20 combines the functions of the first outer conductor 20 and the hood portion 23. In other words, the integrally molded part 20 comprises the first outer conductor 20 and the hood portion 23. The integrally molded part 20 is sometimes referred to as the first outer conductor 20. From this perspective, the first outer conductor 20 of this embodiment can also be described as comprising the hood portion 23.

[0143] The first outer conductor 20 is connected to the first mounting object 91 and also to the second connector 200. That is, the first outer conductor 20 includes a first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 that is connected to the first mounting object 91 and a first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22 that is connected to the second connector 200.

[0144] The hood portion 23 houses a part of the second connector 200, which serves as the mating connector. The hood portion 23 guides the connection of the second connector 200 to the first connector 100 and also functions to fix the orientation of the second connector 200 relative to the first connector 100 when connected.

[0145] The first dielectric 30 is positioned between the first inner conductor 10 and the first outer conductor 20. The first dielectric 30 holds the first inner conductor 10 and is also held by the integrally molded part 20. As a result, the first inner conductor 10, the integrally molded part 20, and the first dielectric 30 are integrated to form the first connector 100.

[0146] The second object to be attached, 92, is a cable, 92. As shown in Figure 16, the cable, 92, comprises a core wire, 92a; a shield layer, 92b, surrounding the core wire, 92a in the circumferential direction; an insulating inner sheath, 92c, positioned between the core wire, 92a, and the shield layer, 92b; and an insulating outer sheath, 92d, surrounding the shield layer, 92b in the circumferential direction.

[0147] The core wire 92a is a stranded wire 92a. As shown in Figure 11, the tip of the core wire 92a is exposed from the outer sheath 92d, the shield layer 92b, and the inner sheath 92c.

[0148] The shield layer 92b includes a braided structure 92b. Specifically, the shield layer 92b is composed solely of the braided structure 92b.

[0149] As shown in Figure 11, a portion of the leading edge of the shield layer 92b is exposed from the outer shell 92d without being folded back. In other words, the shield layer 92b includes a shield exposed portion 92b1 that is exposed from the outer shell 92d without being folded back.

[0150] The second connector 200 is attached to one end of the cable 92. This completes the cable assembly 92,200.

[0151] As shown in Figure 13, the second connector 200 comprises a second inner conductor 40, a second outer conductor 50 that surrounds at least a portion of the second inner conductor 40, a second dielectric 60 disposed between the second inner conductor 40 and the second outer conductor 50, and a second housing 70 (see Figure 3) that accommodates the second inner conductor 40 and the second outer conductor 50.

[0152] The second inner conductor 40 is connected to the second mounting object 92 and also to the first connector 100. That is, as shown in Figure 11, the second inner conductor 40 includes a second inner conductor mounting side connection portion 41 that is connected to the second mounting object 92 and a second inner conductor mating side connection portion 42 that is connected to the first connector 100.

[0153] The second inner conductor mounting side connection part 41 is connected to the core wire 92a of the cable 92. The second inner conductor mating side connection part 42 is connected to the first inner conductor mating side connection part 12 of the first connector 100.

[0154] The second outer conductor 50 is connected to the second mounting object 92 and also to the first connector 100. That is, as shown in Figure 12, the second outer conductor 50 comprises a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 that is connected to the second mounting object 92 and a second outer conductor mating side connection portion 52 that is connected to the first connector 100.

[0155] The second outer conductor mounting side connection part 51 is connected to the shield exposed part 92b1 of the cable 92.

[0156] The second outer conductor mating connector 52 is connected to the first outer conductor mating connector 22 of the first connector 100. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second outer conductor mating connector 52 contacts the inner circumferential surface 22a of the cylindrical first outer conductor mating connector 22.

[0157] (Detailed explanation) The following describes the more specific features.

[0158] (First inner conductor 10) The first inner conductor mounting side connection portion 11 extends linearly downward and is inserted into the through-hole of the substrate 91.

[0159] The first inner conductor mating connector 12 extends linearly forward.

[0160] The first inner conductor 10 has an intermediate portion 13 located between the first inner conductor mounting side connection portion 11 and the first inner conductor mating side connection portion 12. The intermediate portion 13 has an L-shape. The intermediate portion 13 is press-fitted into the first dielectric 30 with the second side of the connection direction being the press-fit direction.

[0161] (First outer conductor 20) The hood portion 23 comprises a back wall 23a and a surrounding wall 23b that surrounds a part of the second connector 200 from a direction perpendicular to the connection direction.

[0162] The back wall 23a is oriented in the direction of connection in its thickness direction. The back wall 23a constitutes the back wall of the internal space of the hood portion 23. Through holes are formed in the back wall 23a for the passage of the first dielectric 30 and the first internal conductor 10.

[0163] The encircling wall 23b comprises a first wall 23b1, a second wall 23b2, a third wall 23b3, and a fourth wall 23b4. The first wall 23b1 and the second wall 23b2 face each other in the vertical direction. The third wall 23b3 and the fourth wall 23b4 face each other in the width direction.

[0164] As shown in Figure 4, the lower surface of the second wall 23b2 of the hood portion 23 is configured to be solderable to the upper surface of the substrate 91. In other words, the second wall 23b2 of the hood portion 23 functions as the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21.

[0165] Furthermore, the hood portion 23 does not play a role in making electrical contact with the second connector 200.

[0166] As shown in Figure 5, the surrounding wall 23b is provided with a projection 24 that protrudes inward from the surrounding wall 23b. The projection 24 is formed on the second wall 23b2, the third wall 23b3, and the fourth wall 23b4, respectively. The projection 24 extends linearly along the connection direction.

[0167] The surrounding wall 23b is provided with a locking opening 25 for locking the second connector 200. The locking opening 25 penetrates the first wall 23b1 in the vertical direction. The locking opening 25 is located in the center of the width direction of the first wall 23b1. The shape of the locking opening 25 is approximately rectangular.

[0168] As shown in Figure 7, the surrounding wall 23b has a plurality of opposing openings 26 that penetrate vertically through the portion of the surrounding wall 23b opposite to the portion of the surrounding wall 23b where the locking opening 25 is provided. The plurality of opposing openings 26 penetrate the second wall 23b2. There are two opposing openings 26. The plurality of opposing openings 26 are located side by side in the width direction. The plurality of opposing openings 26 include one-side opposing openings 26 on one side in the width direction and other-side opposing openings 26 on the other side in the width direction. The one-side opposing openings 26 and the other-side opposing openings 26 are provided so as to avoid the protruding portion 24 of the second wall 23b2. The shape of each opposing opening 26 is substantially rectangular. At least a part of each opposing opening 26 overlaps with at least a part of the locking opening 25 when viewed from the opposing direction.

[0169] The opposing opening 26, as will be described later, is an opening that suppresses damage to the mold used to manufacture the integrally molded part 20. The opposing opening 26 also functions to improve the drainage of the plating solution when the integrally molded part 20 is plated.

[0170] As shown in Figure 5, the first outer conductor mating connector 22 is cylindrical with the connection direction axial. The first outer conductor mating connector 22 extends from the back wall 23a of the integrally molded part 20 toward the second connection direction. The first outer conductor mating connector 22 is provided inside the hood portion 23. The first outer conductor mating connector 22 surrounds the first inner conductor mating connector 12. The first outer conductor mating connector 22 is sometimes called the first cylindrical surrounding portion 22. The inner circumferential surface 22a of the first outer conductor mating connector 22 (first cylindrical surrounding portion 22) is in contact with the second outer conductor mating connector 52. The first outer conductor mating connector 22 has a tapered surface 22b1 provided near the front end of the outer circumferential surface 22b of the first outer conductor mating connector 22.

[0171] The front end of the hood portion 23 is located in front of the front end of the mating connector portion 22 of the first outer conductor, and the hood portion 23 accommodates the entire mating connector portion 22 of the first outer conductor.

[0172] The front end of the first outer conductor mating connector 22 is located in front of the front end of the first inner conductor mating connector 12. The first outer conductor mating connector 22 accommodates the entirety of the first inner conductor mating connector 12.

[0173] When viewed from above, a portion of the first outer conductor mating connector 22 overlaps with at least a portion of the locking opening 25. Also, when viewed from above, a portion of the first outer conductor mating connector 22 overlaps with at least a portion of each opposing opening 26.

[0174] The integrally molded part 20 includes a rear portion 27 formed behind the hood portion 23. The upper surface 27U of the rear portion 27 is located lower than the upper surface of the hood portion 23. The width dimension of the rear portion 27 is smaller than the width dimension of the hood portion 23.

[0175] The rear portion 27 holds the first dielectric 30. The rear portion 27 has a holding space 27S that is open to the rear side (first side in the connection direction). The first dielectric 30, which holds the first inner conductor 10, is press-fitted into the holding space 27S of the rear portion 27 from the rear side. The holding space 27S is also open downwards.

[0176] The lower surface of the rear portion 27 is configured to be solderable to the upper surface of the substrate 91. In other words, the rear portion 27 functions as the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21.

[0177] As shown in Figure 7, a base portion 28 that bulges downward is formed on the lower surface of the integrally molded part 20. The base portion 28 is provided at both a position corresponding to the hood portion 23 and a position corresponding to the rear portion 27. One base portion 28 is provided at the center in the width direction at the position corresponding to the hood portion 23. The base portions 28 at the position corresponding to the rear portion 27 are provided on both sides in the width direction, flanking the holding space 27S. The base functions as the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21.

[0178] The first connector 100 is provided with fixing bosses 29 for positioning the first connector 100 relative to the first mounting object 91. The fixing bosses 29 are insertable into through-holes formed in the first mounting object 91. The fixing bosses 29 are formed as an integrally molded part. Specifically, the fixing bosses 29 protrude downward from the lower surface of the integrally molded part 20. Multiple fixing bosses 29 are provided. The fixing bosses 29 are provided at both positions corresponding to the hood portion 23 and positions corresponding to the rear portion 27. The fixing bosses 29 function as the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21.

[0179] (First dielectric 30) As shown in Figure 5, the first dielectric 30 comprises a first dielectric rear portion 31 positioned in the holding space 27S of the integrally molded part 20, and a first dielectric front portion 32 passing through a through hole in the back wall 23a. The first dielectric rear portion 31 has a groove that opens toward the rear, and at least a portion of the vertically extending portion of the intermediate part 13 of the first inner conductor 10 is housed in the groove. A portion of the first dielectric front portion 32 protrudes forward (second side in the connection direction) from the back wall 23a.

[0180] (Second inner conductor 40) As shown in Figure 11, the second inner conductor 40 is made up of a single terminal component. The second inner conductor mounting side connection part 41 is connected to the exposed core wire 92a by crimping.

[0181] The second inner conductor mating connector 42 is provided with a pair of contact pieces 42a. The pair of contact pieces 42a face each other in the width direction.

[0182] The second inner conductor 40 has a pair of locking portions 43 that engage with the second dielectric 60. The pair of locking portions 43 are provided on both sides in the width direction. Each of the pair of locking portions 43 is formed by cutting and bending.

[0183] (Second outer conductor 50) As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second outer conductor 50 includes a cable mounting member 53 and a dielectric housing member 54 formed separately from the cable mounting member 53.

[0184] The second outer conductor 50 does not include any components other than the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54. In other words, the second outer conductor 50 is composed of two parts.

[0185] The cable mounting member 53 is attached to the cable 92. The dielectric housing member 54 houses the second dielectric 60 and also contacts the first outer conductor 20 of the first connector 100. The dielectric housing member 54 is sometimes referred to as the mating contact member 54.

[0186] The cable mounting member 53 comprises a shield layer corresponding portion 53a, an outer sheath corresponding portion 53b, and a front portion 53c of the mounting member.

[0187] The shield layer corresponding portion 53a is positionally aligned with a part of the shield exposed portion 92b1 in the connection direction and is positioned radially outward of the shield exposed portion 92b1. The shield layer corresponding portion 53a is cylindrical and is fixed to the shield exposed portion 92b1 so as to tighten it. As a result, the shield layer corresponding portion 53a directly contacts the shield exposed portion 92b1 from the radially outward direction over substantially the entire circumference. Consequently, the shield exposed portion 92b1 has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along the axial direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the shield exposed portion 92b1 is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the shield layer 92b covered by the outer sheath 92d. However, since the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 presses substantially the entire circumference of the shield exposed portion 92b1 toward the inner sheath 92c, there is a slight difference between the two cross-sectional shapes. The shield layer corresponding portion 53a functions as the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51.

[0188] The outer sheath corresponding portion 53b is positionally aligned with a part of the outer sheath 92d in the connection direction and is positioned radially outward of the outer sheath 92d. The outer sheath corresponding portion 53b is cylindrical and is fixed to the outer sheath 92d so as to tighten it.

[0189] The front portion 53c of the mounting member is located in front of the shield layer corresponding portion 53a. The front portion 53c of the mounting member is cylindrical and houses a part of the dielectric housing member 54, a part of the second dielectric 60, and a part of the second inner conductor 40.

[0190] The shield layer portion 53a, the outer sheath portion 53b, and the front portion 53c of the mounting member are connected in the connection direction while maintaining a cylindrical shape. In other words, the cable mounting member 53 includes an annular rear connecting portion 53d that connects the shield layer portion 53a and the outer sheath portion 53b, and an annular front connecting portion 53e that connects the shield layer portion 53a and the front portion 53c of the mounting member.

[0191] The cable mounting member 53 is formed by bending and drawing a plate material to create stepped portions corresponding to the rear connecting portion 53d and the front connecting portion 53e, and then rolling it up so as to surround a part of the cable 92. As a result, a portion (specifically the upper portion) in the circumferential direction is formed where the end faces of the plate material face each other (end face facing portion).

[0192] The dielectric housing member 54 is substantially cylindrical. The dielectric housing member 54 is formed by bending and drawing a sheet material and then rolling it up. As a result, a portion of the circumferential direction is formed where the end faces of the sheet material face each other (end face opposing portion). The end face opposing portion of the dielectric housing member 54 is formed at a different circumferential position (specifically, on the other side in the width direction) than the end face opposing portion of the cable mounting member.

[0193] The dielectric housing member 54 has a second outer conductor mating side connection portion 52. The second outer conductor mating side connection portion 52 includes a plurality of elastic contact portions 52a arranged along the circumferential direction. The elastic contact portions 52a elastically contact the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22. The plurality of elastic contact portions 52a are connected to each other by annular tip portions 54a on the first side in the connection direction.

[0194] As shown in Figure 13, the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54 have overlapping portions that overlap in the connection direction. In the overlapping portion, the cable mounting member 53 is positioned on the outer circumference side of the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54.

[0195] The circumferentially extending front end 53F (see Figure 12) of the cable mounting member 53 is joined to the dielectric housing member 54 by soldering or welding (laser welding).

[0196] The cable mounting member 53 is provided with a joining recess 55 that is cut out in the connection direction. The joining recess 55 has a shape in which the front end 53F of the cable mounting member 53 is cut out toward the rear. The joining recess 55 is used to join the outer surface of the dielectric housing member 54 by soldering or welding (laser welding). Multiple joining recesses 55 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction (3 locations). One of the multiple joining recesses 55 is provided at a circumferential position that coincides with the end face opposing portion. The front-to-back dimension of the joining recess 55 is greater than half the front-to-back dimension of the front part 53c of the mounting member. Each joining recess 55 has a shape in which its circumferential dimension is substantially constant along the front-to-back direction. The circumferential dimension of each joining recess 55 is 10% or less of the entire circumferential direction (360 degrees) when 100% is used.

[0197] As shown in Figure 12, the cable mounting member 53 has a plurality of locking portions 56, 57 that are locked to the locking portion 71b1 (see Figure 3) of the second housing 70, which will be described later. The plurality of locking portions 56, 57 are formed by cutting and bending a part of the front portion 53c of the mounting member.

[0198] As shown in Figure 13, the multiple locking portions 56 and 57 are provided at positions corresponding to the overlapping portions. Therefore, the through-holes created by forming the locking portions 56 and 57 by cutting and bending are sealed by the dielectric housing member 54.

[0199] The multiple locking portions 56, 57 include a plurality of front locking portions 56 and a plurality of rear locking portions 57. The front locking portions 56 have a structure that allows the locking portion 71b1 of the second housing 70 to ride up when the second housing 70 is attached to the second outer conductor 50 from the front. On the other hand, the rear locking portions 57 have portions that are bent at approximately a right angle.

[0200] A front locking portion 56 and a rear locking portion 57 constitute a pair of front and rear locking portions 56 and 57, and these front and rear locking portions 56 and 57 are provided at multiple locations (three locations, the same number as the joining recesses 55) spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The front and rear locking portions 56 and 57 are provided at positions different from the joining recesses 55 in the circumferential direction.

[0201] The second dielectric 60 houses the second inner conductor 40 and surrounds the second inner conductor 40 in the circumferential direction. The second dielectric 60 is manufactured by integral molding of synthetic resin. As shown in Figure 14, the second dielectric 60 has a through hole 61 that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction (specifically, in the width direction). The second dielectric 60 is structured to lock the pair of locking portions 43 of the second inner conductor 40 by utilizing the step formed by the through hole 61.

[0202] (Second housing body 71) As shown in Figure 3, the second housing 70 includes a second housing body 71 that surrounds the second inner conductor 40, the second outer conductor 50, and the second dielectric 60 in the circumferential direction. The second housing body 71 is sometimes referred to as the second cylindrical surrounding portion 71.

[0203] As shown in Figure 9, the second housing body 71 is cylindrical in shape, and the outer circumferential surface 71a of the second housing body 71 faces radially outward.

[0204] The second housing 70 has a locking portion 71b1 that protrudes radially inward from its inner circumferential surface 71b and engages with the second outer conductor 50. The locking portion 71b1 is formed in an annular shape.

[0205] (Lock Arm 72) The second housing 70 is provided with a lock arm 72 for locking the connection state with the first connector 100. The lock arm 72 is formed to protrude upward from the outer peripheral surface 71a of the second housing body 71. The lock arm 72 comprises a base portion 72a connected to the second housing body 71 and an arm portion 72b that is elastically displaced with the base portion 72a as a pivot point when operated. The arm portion 72b extends rearward from the base portion 72a. The arm portion 72b has a locking portion 72b1 that is locked into the locking opening 25 of the first connector 100. The base portion 72a is connected to the first end of the second cylindrical enclosing portion 71 in the connection direction. The front surface of the base portion 72a is flush with the front surface of the second housing body 71. A tolerance space 72S is formed between the arm portion 72b and the second housing body 71 that allows the arm portion 72b to be displaced downward.

[0206] (Pair of arm protection parts 73) As shown in Figure 9, the second housing 70 includes a pair of arm protection parts 73 that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 71a of the second housing body 71 and are provided on both sides in the width direction relative to the allowable space 72S such that they overlap with at least a part of the allowable space 72S when viewed from the width direction. The arm protection parts 73 are flat plates with their thickness direction oriented in the width direction.

[0207] As shown in Figure 3, the second connector 200 includes a front seal member 81. The front seal member 81 is attached to the inner circumferential surface 71b of the second housing body 71. Specifically, a front recess 71b2 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 71b of the second housing body 71 for the placement of the front seal member 81. The front seal member 81 is positioned near the front end of the second housing body 71. As shown in Figure 4, in the connected state, the front seal member 81 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface 22b of the first outer conductor mating connection portion 22 (first cylindrical enclosing portion 22) and the inner circumferential surface 71b of the second housing body 71 (second cylindrical enclosing portion 71).

[0208] The front seal member 81 is substantially cylindrical. In the connected state, the end of the front seal member 81 on the second side in the connection direction is located on the second side in the connection direction, more so than the end of the first cylindrical enclosing portion 22 on the second side in the connection direction.

[0209] (Rubber stopper 82, restricting member 83) The second connector 200 includes a rubber stopper 82 positioned to fill the gap in the rear opening 71R of the second housing body 71, and a restricting member 83 attached to the second housing 70 from the second side in the connection direction to restrict the movement of the rubber stopper 82.

[0210] As shown in Figure 4, a portion of the front of the rubber stopper 82 is positioned inside the second housing body 71. A portion of the rear of the rubber stopper 82 is positioned outside the second housing body 71. A rear recess 71b3 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 71b of the second housing body 71 for positioning the rubber stopper 82. With the regulating member 83 attached to the second housing 70, the rubber stopper 82 holds the cable 92 in a position that presses it radially inward.

[0211] As shown in Figure 10, the regulating member 83 includes a pressing portion 83a that presses the rubber stopper 82 from the radially outer side, a locked portion 83b that is locked to the locking portion 76 of the second housing 70, and a guided portion 83c that is guided by the guide portion 75 of the second housing 70.

[0212] The locking portion 83b extends forward from the pressing portion 83a. The locking portion 83b is composed of a pair of elastic pieces 83b1 that are separated from each other. Each elastic piece 83b1 has an L-shape and is locked to the locking portion 76.

[0213] The guided portion 83c extends forward from the pressing portion 83a. The guided portion 83c is composed of a pair of guided walls 83c1. The guide portion 75 fits into a groove formed between the pair of guided walls 83c1.

[0214] (Multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D) The second housing 70 is provided with multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 71a of the second housing body 71 and engage with the regulating member 83. As shown in Figure 15, all of the multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D are located in positions that do not overlap with the lock arm 72 when viewed from the connection direction.

[0215] The multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D include an upper protruding engagement portion 74A on one side, an upper protruding engagement portion 74B on the other side, a lower protruding engagement portion 74C on one side, and a lower protruding engagement portion 74D on the other side.

[0216] One side upper protruding engaging portion 74A is positioned above the center position of the second housing body 71 and on one side in the width direction, while the other side upper protruding engaging portion 74B is positioned above the center position of the second housing body 71 and on the other side in the width direction. One side lower protruding engaging portion 74C is positioned below the center position of the second housing body 71 and on one side in the width direction. The other side lower protruding engaging portion 74D is positioned below the center position of the second housing body 71 and on the other side in the width direction.

[0217] The upper protruding engaging portion 74A on one side and the lower protruding engaging portion 74D on the other side are guide portions 75 that determine the rotational position of the restricting member 83 relative to the second housing 70 when the restricting member 83 is attached to the second housing 70, and are positioned 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body 71. The guide portions 75 guide the guided portion 83c of the restricting member 83.

[0218] The other side upper protruding engaging portion 74B and the other side lower protruding engaging portion 74C are locking portions 76 that engage with the locked portion 83b of the regulating member 83, and are positioned 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body 71. The locking portions 76 engage with the locked portion 83b of the regulating member 83.

[0219] The locking portion 76 has an inclined surface 76a on which the locked portion 83b of the restricting member 83 can ride up when the restricting member 83 is attached to the second housing 70. On the other hand, the guide portion 75 does not have such an inclined surface.

[0220] The width dimension of the guide portion 75 (measured in the circumferential direction of the second housing body 71) is smaller than the width dimension of the locking portion 76.

[0221] <Effects> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0222] (First Embodiment) This embodiment relates to a first connector 100 that is attached to a first mounting object 91 and configured to be connectable to a second connector 200 as a mating connector, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The first connector 100 comprises a first inner conductor 10, a first outer conductor 20 that surrounds at least a part of the first inner conductor 10, and a hood portion 23 that houses at least a part of the second connector 200. The first inner conductor 10 comprises a first inner conductor mounting side connection portion 11 that is connected to the first mounting object 91, and a first inner conductor mating side connection portion 12 that is connected to the second connector 200. The first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 that is connected to the first mounting object 91, and a first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22 that is connected to the second connector 200. The first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22 is provided inside the hood portion 23.

[0223] Incidentally, in conventional connectors of this type, the hood portion 23 is formed on a separate part (for example, a resin molded part) from the part on which the first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22 is formed (see Patent Document 1). In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22 and the hood portion 23 are formed on a single integral molded part 20. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the configuration in which the first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22 and the hood portion 23 are formed on separate parts.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the hood portion 23 includes a surrounding wall 23b that surrounds at least a portion of the second connector 200 from a direction perpendicular to the connection direction. The surrounding wall 23b includes a locking opening 25 for locking the second connector 200. The locking opening 25 penetrates the surrounding wall 23b in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the connection state with the second connector 200 can be locked using the hood portion 23.

[0225] By the way, when molding an integrally molded part 20 having such a locking opening 25, it is necessary to press a slide mold part (second mold part) for forming the locking opening 25 against a mold part (first mold part) for forming the inner space of the hood portion 23 from above and below. However, repeated pressing may cause damage such as cracks to the first mold part. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the surrounding wall 23b is provided with one or more opposing openings 26 that penetrate vertically through the portion of the surrounding wall 23b opposite to the portion where the locking opening 25 is provided. This prevents damage to the first mold part for forming the inner space of the hood portion 23. This is because the other slide mold part for forming the opposing openings 26 can support the first mold part from the side opposite to the side against which the second mold part is pressed.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, one or more opposing openings 26 include multiple opposing openings 26. Therefore, the size of each opposing opening 26 can be reduced. As a result, for example, the strength of the hood portion 23 can be maintained, or foreign matter can be prevented from entering the inside of the hood portion 23.

[0227] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the surrounding wall 23b is provided with a protruding portion 24 that projects inward from the surrounding wall 23b. Therefore, for example, the surrounding wall 23b can be used to prevent a connector other than the legitimate mating connector (second connector 200) from being connected to the first connector 100.

[0228] However, when molding an integrally molded part 20 having such a protruding portion 24, there is a risk that the material flow within the mold may not be smooth. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the plurality of opposing openings 26 include one opposing opening 26 on one side and the other opposing opening 26 on the other side, and as shown in Figure 5, the protruding portion 24 is formed to extend in the connection direction between the one opposing opening 26 on one side and the other opposing opening 26. As a result, the protruding portion 24 can be formed without interruption in the connection direction, and the material flow during molding of the integrally molded part 20 can be improved.

[0229] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first mounting target 91 is a circuit board 91, and the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 is configured to be solderable to the first mounting target 91. Therefore, when connecting the first connector 100 and the circuit board 91, no other connector is required to relay between the first connector 100 and the circuit board 91.

[0230] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 includes a portion formed in the integrally molded part 20. Therefore, connection to the substrate 91 can be achieved using the integrally molded part 20.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 includes a portion formed in the hood portion 23. Therefore, the hood portion 23 can be used to connect to the substrate 91.

[0232] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 includes a front portion formed on the hood portion 23 and a rear portion formed on the first side in the connection direction from the hood portion 23. Therefore, the first outer conductor 20 can be reliably connected by the substrate 91.

[0233] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the rear portion of the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 is formed in an integrally molded part 20. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to an embodiment in which the rear portion of the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion 21 is formed in a separate part from the integrally molded part 20.

[0234] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the first connector 100 is provided with a fixing boss 29 for positioning the first connector 100 relative to the first mounting object 91. The fixing boss 29 is insertable into a hole formed in the first mounting object 91. The fixing boss 29 is formed on the integrally molded part 20. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to an embodiment in which the fixing boss 29 is formed on a separate part from the integrally molded part 20.

[0235] Furthermore, this embodiment relates to a connection structure S comprising a first connector 100, a first mounting object 91, a second connector 200, and a second mounting object 92 to which the second connector 200 is attached, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. However, if, for example, the first connector 100 is also connected to members other than the first mounting object 91 and the second connector 200, the structure of the first connector 100 may become complicated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first connector 100 is directly connected only to the first mounting object 91 and the second connector 200. This simplifies the structure of the first connector 100.

[0236] (Second Embodiment) This embodiment also relates to cable assemblies 92, 200. The cable assembly 92, 200 comprises a cable 92 and a second connector 200 attached to one end of the cable 92 and configured to be connectable to a first connector 100 as a mating connector. As shown in Figure 16, the cable 92 comprises a core wire 92a, a shield layer 92b surrounding the core wire 92a in the circumferential direction, an insulating inner sheath 92c disposed between the core wire 92a and the shield layer 92b, and an insulating outer sheath 92d surrounding the shield layer 92b in the circumferential direction. The second connector 200 comprises a second inner conductor 40 connected to the core wire 92a and a second outer conductor 50 connected to the shield layer 92b and surrounding at least a part of the second inner conductor 40.

[0237] Incidentally, in cable assemblies 92,200 with such a configuration, during manufacturing, the shield layer 92b is usually exposed from the outer sheath 92d and folded back to the outside of the outer sheath 92d, and the second outer conductor 50 is connected to this folded portion (see Patent Document 2). However, the process of folding back the shield layer 92b reduces productivity. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the shield layer 92b has a shield exposure portion 92b1 that is exposed from the outer sheath 92d without being folded back. Then, as shown in Figure 13, the second outer conductor 50 is connected to the shield exposure portion 92b1. As a result, the cable assembly 92,200 does not require the process of folding back the shield layer 92b.

[0238] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the shield exposed portion 92b1 has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape along the axial direction, and the cross-sectional shape of the shield exposed portion 92b1 is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the shield layer 92b covered by the outer sheath 92d. Therefore, the shield exposed portion 92b1 can be formed simply by removing the outer sheath 92d from the cable 92. For example, there is no need to insert a sleeve or the like inside the shield layer 92b. Thus, the productivity of cable assemblies 92,200 can be further improved.

[0239] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the second outer conductor 50 is provided with a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 that is connected to the cable 92, and the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 contacts the shield exposed portion 92b1 from the radially outer side. Therefore, production is easier compared to an embodiment in which the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 contacts the shield exposed portion 92b1 from the radially inner side.

[0240] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 is cylindrical, and the second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 presses substantially the entire circumferential surface of the shield exposed portion 92b1 toward the inner sheath 92c. Therefore, impedance mismatch caused by the shield exposed portion 92b1 floating away from the inner sheath 92c can be prevented.

[0241] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second outer conductor 50 includes a cable attachment member 53 that is attached to the cable 92. The cable attachment member 53 includes a shield layer corresponding portion 53a that is positioned radially outward of the shield exposed portion 92b1, and an outer sheath corresponding portion 53b that is positioned radially outward of the outer sheath 92d and fixed to the outer sheath 92d. Here, the shield layer corresponding portion 53a is in direct contact with the shield exposed portion 92b1. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the cable attachment member 53 is connected to the shield layer 92b via other members, the number of parts in the cable assemblies 92,200 can be reduced.

[0242] Incidentally, when connecting the cable mounting member 53 to the shield exposed portion 92b1, a structure can be considered in which a spring piece is cut and bent on the cable mounting member 53 and the spring piece is brought into contact with the shield exposed portion 92b1. However, in this case, a gap is likely to occur in the second outer conductor 50 at the portion where the spring piece is cut and bent. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the shield layer corresponding portion 53a is cylindrical, and the shield layer corresponding portion 53a directly or indirectly contacts the shield exposed portion 92b1 from the radially outer side to substantially the entire circumferential direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor 50. In addition, the contact area between the cable mounting member 53 and the shield exposed portion 92b1 can be made larger.

[0243] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the outer sheath portion 53b is cylindrical with a larger diameter than the shield layer portion 53a, and the outer sheath portion 53b and the shield layer portion 53a are continuous in the front-rear direction while maintaining their cylindrical shape. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor 50 at the position between the outer sheath portion 53b and the shield layer portion 53a.

[0244] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the cable mounting member 53 includes a mounting member front portion 53c located in front of the shield layer corresponding portion 53a. The mounting member front portion 53c is cylindrical with a larger diameter than the shield layer corresponding portion 53a. Here, the mounting member front portion 53c and the shield layer corresponding portion 53a are continuous in the front-rear direction while maintaining their cylindrical shape. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor 50 at the position between the mounting member front portion 53c and the shield layer corresponding portion 53a.

[0245] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second outer conductor 50 includes a mating contact member 54 formed separately from the cable mounting member 53, and the mating contact member 54 includes a second outer conductor mating connection portion 52 that is connected to the mating connector. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the cable mounting member 53 includes the second outer conductor mating connection portion 52, it is easier to form the second outer conductor 50 into a complex shape.

[0246] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the shield layer 92b is composed solely of braided material 92b. Therefore, compared to embodiments in which the shield layer 92b includes both metal foil and braided material 92b, the cable assemblies 92,200 can be made less expensive.

[0247] (Third Embodiment) This embodiment also relates to connector sets 100, 200, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, comprising a first connector 100 attached to a first mounting object 91 and a second connector 200 attached to a second mounting object 92. The first connector 100 comprises a first inner conductor 10 and a first outer conductor 20 that surrounds at least a part of the first inner conductor 10. The first inner conductor 10 comprises a first inner conductor mounting side connection part 11 connected to the first mounting object 91 and a first inner conductor mating side connection part 12 connected to the second connector 200. The first outer conductor 20 comprises a first outer conductor mounting side connection part 21 connected to the first mounting object 91 and a first outer conductor mating side connection part 22 connected to the second connector 200. The second connector 200 comprises a second inner conductor 40 and a second outer conductor 50 that surrounds at least a part of the second inner conductor 40. The second inner conductor 40 includes a second inner conductor mounting side connection portion 41 connected to the second mounting object 92 and a second inner conductor mating side connection portion 42 connected to the first connector 100. The second outer conductor 50 includes a second outer conductor mounting side connection portion 51 connected to the second mounting object 92 and a second outer conductor mating side connection portion 52 connected to the first connector 100. The second mounting object 92 is a cable 92. As shown in Figure 16, the cable 92 includes a core wire 92a and a shield layer 92b surrounding the core wire 92a in the circumferential direction. The first connector 100 includes a first cylindrical enclosing portion 22 that encloses the first inner conductor mating side connection portion 12, and the second connector 200 includes a second cylindrical enclosing portion 71 that encloses the second inner conductor mating side connection portion 42 and the second outer conductor mating side connection portion 52. As shown in Figure 4, when the first connector 100 and the second connector 200 are connected, the first cylindrical enclosure portion 22 is recessed inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion 71, and the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure portion 22 faces the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure portion 71. In addition, the first inner conductor mating connector portion 12 and the second inner conductor mating connector portion 42 are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion 71, and the first outer conductor mating connector portion 22 and the second outer conductor mating connector portion 52 are connected to each other inside the second cylindrical enclosure portion 71.

[0248] However, in such connector sets 100 and 200, when connected, water droplets generated by condensation or the like may enter through the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure 22 and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure 71, potentially causing a short circuit between the inner conductor and the outer conductor. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connector sets 100 and 200 are equipped with a front seal member 81. The front seal member 81 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure 22 and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure 71. As a result, the entry of water droplets is prevented at the position between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure 22 and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical enclosure 71, preventing water droplets from entering further inside the second cylindrical enclosure 71. Thus, a short circuit between the inner conductor and the outer conductor can be prevented.

[0249] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, either the first connector 100 or the second connector 200 is equipped with a front seal member 81, and the front seal member 81 is integrally provided with the first connector 100 or the second connector 200 equipped with the front seal member 81. Therefore, the front seal member 81 can be managed together with the first connector 100 or the second connector 200. Thus, the possibility of losing the front seal member 81 can be reduced.

[0250] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the second connector 200 includes a front seal member 81, and the front seal member 81 is integrally provided with the second connector 200. Therefore, compared to the embodiment in which the front seal member 81 is integrally provided with the first connector 100, the mounting structure of the front seal member 81 is easier to realize. This is because the second cylindrical surrounding portion 71 of the second connector 200 is easier to form to be longer in the axial direction than the first cylindrical surrounding portion 22 of the first connector 100.

[0251] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the first mounting target 91 is a circuit board 91, and the first connector 100 is configured to be solderable to the first mounting target 91. Therefore, the connection structure S can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the first connector 100 is connected to the circuit board 91 via another connector.

[0252] Incidentally, in an embodiment in which the first connector 100 is soldered to the first mounting object 91, if the front seal member 81 is integrally provided with the first connector 100, there is a risk that the front seal member 81 may be damaged or deteriorated due to the heat treatment for soldering. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the front seal member 81 is integrally provided with the second connector 200, so this problem is resolved.

[0253] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the second connector 200 is equipped with a lock arm 72 that locks the connection state with the first connector 100, and at least a part of the lock arm 72 overlaps with the front seal member 81 in the connection direction. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the lock arm 72 does not have a portion that overlaps with the front seal member 81 in the front-rear direction, the second connector 200 can be made smaller in the front-rear direction.

[0254] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the lock arm 72 comprises a base portion 72a connected to the second cylindrical enclosure portion 71, and an arm portion 72b that is elastically displaced with the base portion 72a as a pivot point when operated. The arm portion 72b is located on the second side in the connection direction relative to the base portion 72a. Here, the base portion 72a is connected to the end of the second cylindrical enclosure portion 71 on the first side in the connection direction. Therefore, the lock arm 72 can be formed to be long from front to rear. As a result, even if the second connector 200 is miniaturized in the front-rear direction, sufficient flexibility of the lock arm 72 can be ensured.

[0255] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the connector sets 100 and 200 are equipped with rubber stoppers 82 that are positioned to fill the gap in the rear opening 71R of the second cylindrical enclosure 71. This prevents water droplets from entering the inside of the second cylindrical enclosure 71 through the rear opening 71R of the second cylindrical enclosure 71.

[0256] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first cylindrical enclosure portion 22 includes the first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22. The inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical enclosure portion 22 is in contact with the second outer conductor mating side connection portion 52. Therefore, the structure of the first connector 100 can be simplified compared to an embodiment in which the first outer conductor mating side connection portion 22 is formed separately from the first cylindrical enclosure portion 22.

[0257] (Fourth Embodiment) This embodiment also relates to a second connector 200 that is attached to a second mounting object 92 and configured to be connectable to a first connector 100, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. The second mounting object 92 is a cable 92, which comprises a core wire 92a, a shield layer 92b surrounding the core wire 92a in the circumferential direction, an insulating inner sheath 92c disposed between the core wire 92a and the shield layer 92b, and an insulating outer sheath 92d surrounding the shield layer 92b in the circumferential direction. The second connector 200 comprises a second inner conductor 40 connected to the core wire 92a, a second outer conductor 50 connected to the shield layer 92b and surrounding at least a part of the second inner conductor 40, and a second dielectric 60 disposed between the second inner conductor 40 and the second outer conductor 50.

[0258] Incidentally, in order to improve the performance of the second connector 200 with such a configuration, it may be necessary to complicate the shape of the second outer conductor 50. However, complicating the shape of the second outer conductor 50 increases the difficulty of manufacturing the second outer conductor 50. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 14, the second outer conductor 50 comprises a cable attachment member 53 that is attached to the cable 92 and a dielectric housing member 54 that houses at least a part of the second dielectric 60. The dielectric housing member 54 is formed separately from the cable attachment member 53. As a result, the portion of the second outer conductor 50 that is attached to the cable 92 and the portion that houses at least a part of the second dielectric 60 can be manufactured separately. As a result, the difficulty of manufacturing the second outer conductor 50 can be reduced.

[0259] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54 have overlapping portions that overlap in the connection direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a gap in the second outer conductor 50 at the position between the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54. In addition, it is easy to join the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54.

[0260] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54, which are arranged on the outer circumference in the overlapping portion, are provided with a joining recess 55 that is cut out in the connection direction. This allows for an expansion of the portion of the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54 that can be joined.

[0261] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54 are joined to each other at least at an intermediate position in the connection direction in the overlapping portion. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54 are not joined to each other at an intermediate position in the connection direction in the overlapping portion, it is easier to ensure the joint strength of the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54.

[0262] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the second connector 200 includes a second housing 70 that accommodates the second outer conductor 50, the second housing 70 includes a locking portion 71b1 for locking the second outer conductor 50, and the second outer conductor 50 includes locking portions 56, 57 that are locked to the locking portion 71b1. Therefore, the second outer conductor 50 can be locked to the second housing 70.

[0263] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the locking portions 56 and 57 are formed by cutting and bending a portion of the cable mounting member 53 and dielectric housing member 54 that are arranged radially outward in the overlapping portion. Therefore, the formation of the locking portions 56 and 57 is easy.

[0264] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the locking portions 56 and 57 are provided at positions corresponding to the overlapping portions. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the locking portions 56 and 57 are provided at positions not corresponding to the overlapping portions, the second connector 200 can be made smaller in the front-to-back direction.

[0265] By the way, in the configuration in which the locking portions 56 and 57 are formed by cutting and bending a part of the plate material, a through-hole is formed near the locking portions 56 and 57. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the through-hole of one of the cable mounting member 53 and dielectric housing member 54 that is created when the locking portions 56 and 57 are cut and bent is blocked by the other of the cable mounting member 53 and dielectric housing member 54. As a result, it is possible to suppress the formation of a gap in the second outer conductor 50 near the locking portions 56 and 57.

[0266] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the locking portions 56 and 57 are provided on the cable mounting member 53. Therefore, compared to the configuration in which the locking portions 56 and 57 are provided on the dielectric housing member 54, when force is applied to the cable mounting member 53 via the cable 92, the force acting on the joint between the cable mounting member 53 and the dielectric housing member 54 can be suppressed.

[0267] (Fifth Embodiment) This embodiment also relates to a second connector 200 that is attached to a second mounting object 92 and configured to be connectable to a first connector 100, as shown in Figure 10. The second mounting object 92 is a cable 92. The second connector 200 comprises a second inner conductor 40 connected to the cable 92, a second housing 70, a rubber stopper 82, and a restricting member 83. The second housing 70 comprises a second housing body 71 that houses the second inner conductor 40. The second housing body 71 has a rear opening 71R (see Figure 9) through which the cable 92 passes, and the rubber stopper 82 is positioned to fill the gap in the rear opening 71R of the second housing body 71. The restricting member 83 is attached to the second housing 70 from the second side in the connection direction to restrict the movement of the rubber stopper 82.

[0268] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the second housing 70 is provided with a lock arm 72 for locking the connection state with the first connector 100. The lock arm 72 comprises a base portion 72a connected to the second housing body 71 and an arm portion 72b that elastically displaces with the base portion 72a as a pivot point when operated. The lock arm 72 is formed to protrude upward from the outer peripheral surface 71a of the second housing body 71. The arm portion 72b is located second to the connection direction from the base portion 72a, and an allowable space 72S is formed between the arm portion 72b and the second housing body 71 that allows the arm portion 72b to be displaced downward. Therefore, the connection state can be locked using the lock arm 72, and the lock can be released by operating the arm portion 72b.

[0269] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the second housing 70 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface 71a of the second housing body 71 and is provided with a plurality of protruding engaging portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D that engage with the regulating member 83. Therefore, the plurality of protruding engaging portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D can be used to provide functions such as locking the regulating member 83 and providing mounting guides.

[0270] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D are all positioned so as not to overlap with the lock arm 72 when viewed from the connection direction. This makes it possible to suppress the complexity of the mold configuration for manufacturing the second housing 70.

[0271] However, if the number of multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D is small, the functions of locking and mounting the regulating member 83 may not be fully performed. The same is true if the arrangement of the multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D is unbalanced. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D include one upper protruding engagement portion 74A positioned above the center position of the second housing body 71 and on one side in the width direction, another upper protruding engagement portion 74B positioned above the center position of the second housing body 71 and on the other side in the width direction, and one or more lower protruding engagement portions 74C and 74D positioned below the center position of the second housing body 71. As a result, the number of multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D can be set to three or more, and the arrangement of their positions can be balanced. As a result, the functions of locking and mounting the regulating member 83 can be fully performed.

[0272] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, one or more downward protruding engaging portions 74C, 74D include one downward protruding engaging portion 74C positioned below the center position of the second housing body 71 and on one side in the width direction, and the other downward protruding engaging portion 74D positioned below the center position of the second housing body 71 and on the other side in the width direction. Therefore, the number of multiple protruding engaging portions 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D can be increased while maintaining a balance of their arrangement positions.

[0273] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the upper protruding engaging portion 74A on one side and the lower protruding engaging portion 74D on the other side are positioned 175 to 185 degrees (preferably 180 degrees) apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body 71, and the upper protruding engaging portion 74B on the other side and the lower protruding engaging portion 74C on one side are positioned 175 to 185 degrees (preferably 180 degrees) apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the center position of the second housing body 71. This allows for a better balance in the arrangement of the multiple protruding engaging portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D.

[0274] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D include a locking portion 76 for locking the regulating member 83 and a guide portion 75 for determining the rotational position of the regulating member 83 relative to the second housing 70 when the regulating member 83 is attached to the second housing 70. Therefore, the multiple protruding engagement portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D can be used to lock the regulating member 83 and to position it rotationally during installation.

[0275] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the upper protruding engaging portion 74A on one side and the lower protruding engaging portion 74D on the other side are both either the locking portion 76 or the guide portion 75, while the upper protruding engaging portion 74B on the other side and the lower protruding engaging portion 74C on the one side are both either the locking portion 76 or the guide portion 75. Therefore, the locking portion 76 and the guide portion 75 can be arranged in a balanced manner. As a result, the posture of the regulating member 83 can be made less likely to collapse.

[0276] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, the upper protruding engaging portion 74A on one side and the lower protruding engaging portion 74D on the other side may both be locking portions 76, and the upper protruding engaging portion 74B on the other side and the lower protruding engaging portion 74C on one side may both be locking portions 76. Figure 17 shows a modified second connector 200B. Note that the lower protruding engaging portion 74C on one side is hidden by the second housing body 71. In this case, the restricting member 83 can be locked more securely.

[0277] However, if a force is applied to the lock arm 72 in the width direction, the lock arm 72 may be damaged. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the second housing 70 is provided with a pair of arm protection parts 73 that protrude from the outer peripheral surface 71a of the second housing body 71 and overlap with at least a part of the allowable space 72S (see Figure 3) when viewed from the width direction, on both sides of the allowable space 72S in the width direction. Thus, the lock arm 72 can be protected by the pair of protection parts.

[0278] Incidentally, when manufacturing the second housing 70 provided with such a pair of arm protection parts 73, it is not possible to insert the mold for forming the allowable space 72S from the width direction. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the multiple protruding engagement parts 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D are all located in positions that do not overlap with the lock arm 72 when viewed from the connection direction. Therefore, the allowable space 72S can be formed by a sliding mold from the second side in the connection direction.

[0279] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the plurality of protruding engaging portions 74A, 74B, 74C, and 74D include a locking portion 76 that locks the regulating member 83, and the regulating member 83 comprises a pressing portion 83a that presses the rubber stopper 82 and a locked portion 83b that is locked to the locking portion 76. Here, the locked portion 83b is composed of a pair of elastic pieces 83b1 that extend from the pressing portion 83a toward the first side in the connection direction and are separated from each other. Therefore, the flexibility of the locked portion 83b can be improved, and as a result, the ease of attaching the regulating member 83 to the second housing 70 can be improved.

[0280] While preferred embodiments of the connector described herein have been described above, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0281] 10 First inner conductor 11 First inner conductor mounting side connection part 12 First inner conductor mating side connection part 20 Integrated molded part (first outer conductor) 21 First outer conductor mounting side connection part 22 First outer conductor mating side connection part 22 First cylindrical enclosing part 22a Inner circumferential surface 22b Outer circumferential surface 23 Hood part 23b Enclosing wall 24 Protruding part 25 Locking opening 26 Opposing opening 27 Rear part 30 First dielectric 40 Second inner conductor 41 Second inner conductor mounting side connection part 42 Second inner conductor mating side connection part 50 Second outer conductor 51 Second outer conductor mounting side connection part 52 Second outer conductor mating side connection part 53 Cable mounting member 53a Shield layer corresponding part 53b Outer sheath corresponding part 53c Front part of mounting member 54 Mating side contact member (dielectric housing member) 55 Joining recess 56 Front locking part (locking part) 57 Rear locking part (locking part) 60 Second dielectric 70 Second housing 71 Second housing body (second cylindrical enclosing part) 71a Outer peripheral surface 71b Inner peripheral surface 71R Rear opening 72 Lock arm 72a Base part 72b Arm part 72S Allowable space 73 Arm protection part 74A One side upper protruding engaging part (protruding engaging part) 74B The other side upper protruding engaging part (protruding engaging part) 74C One side lower protruding engaging part (lower protruding engaging part, protruding engaging part) 74D The other side lower protruding engaging part (lower protruding engaging part, protruding engaging part) 75 Guide part 76 Locking part 81 Front seal member 82 Rubber stopper 83 Regulating member 83a Pressing part 83b Locking part 83b1 Elastic piece 83c Guided portion 91 Substrate (first mounting target) 92 Cable (second mounting target) 92, 200 Cable assembly 92a Stranded wire (core wire) 92b Braid (shield layer) 92b1 Shield exposed portion 92c Inner sheath 92d Outer sheath 100, 200 Connector set 100 First connector 200 Second connector S Connection structure

Claims

1. A first connector that is attached to a first mounting object and configured to be connectable to a second connector as a mating connector, wherein the direction in which the first connector and the second connector are connected is defined as the connection direction, the side of the connection direction to the first connector is defined as the first connection direction side, the side of the connection direction to the second connector is defined as the second connection direction side, and among the directions perpendicular to the connection direction, the directions perpendicular to each other are defined as the vertical direction and the width direction, the first connector comprises: a first inner conductor, a first outer conductor surrounding at least a part of the first inner conductor, and a hood portion housing at least a part of the second connector, the first inner conductor comprises: a first inner conductor mounting side connection portion connected to the first mounting object, and a first inner conductor mating side connection portion connected to the second connector, the first outer conductor mating side connection portion is provided inside the hood portion, and the first outer conductor mating side connection portion and the hood portion are formed from a single integral molded part. First connector.

2. The first connector according to claim 1, wherein the hood portion comprises a surrounding wall that surrounds at least a part of the second connector from a direction perpendicular to the connection direction, and the surrounding wall comprises a locking opening for locking the second connector, the locking opening penetrating the surrounding wall in the vertical direction, and one or more opposing openings penetrating the portion of the surrounding wall opposite to the portion where the locking opening is provided in the vertical direction.

3. The first connector according to claim 2, wherein the one or more opposing openings include a plurality of opposing openings.

4. The first connector according to claim 3, wherein the surrounding wall is provided with a projection that protrudes inward from the surrounding wall, the plurality of opposing openings include one opposing opening and the other opposing opening, and the projection is formed so as to extend in the connection direction between the one opposing opening and the other opposing opening.

5. The first connector according to claim 1, wherein the first object to be attached is a circuit board, and the first outer conductor attachment side connection portion is configured to be solderable to the first object to be attached.

6. The first connector according to claim 5, wherein the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion includes a portion formed in the integrally molded part.

7. The first connector according to claim 5, wherein the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion includes a portion formed in the hood portion.

8. The first connector according to claim 5, wherein the first outer conductor mounting side connection portion includes a front portion formed in the hood portion and a rear portion formed on the first side in the connection direction from the hood portion.

9. The first connector according to claim 8, wherein the rear portion of the first outer conductor mounting side connection part is formed in the integrally molded part.

10. The first connector according to claim 6, wherein the first connector comprises a fixing boss for positioning the first connector with respect to the first mounting object, the fixing boss being insertable into a hole formed in the first mounting object, and the fixing boss being formed in the integrally molded part.

11. A connection structure comprising a first connector according to claim 5, the first object to be attached, the second connector, and the second object to which the second connector is attached, wherein the first connector is directly connected only to the first object to be attached and the second connector.

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