CN115603113A

CN115603113A - Connector set

Info

Publication number: CN115603113A
Application number: CN202210458011.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田中葵
Original assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd
Current assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-25
Filing date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2023-01-13
Also published as: JP2023004309A; JP7392688B2

Abstract

The invention provides a connector set, which is miniaturized, can ensure the connection state of a plug and a socket when in use, and can easily assemble and disassemble the plug relative to the socket when necessary. A connector set (1) is provided with a plug (2) and a socket (3). The plug (2) is provided with a first external terminal (22) having a cylindrical shape with a partial region in the circumferential direction open. At least two protruding portions (221) are provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal (22). At least two undulation portions (222) are provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal (22). The socket (3) is provided with a second external terminal (32) having a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second external terminal (32) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal (22). A recess (321) is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal (32) at a position corresponding to the projection (221) of the first external terminal (22).

Description

Connector set

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a connector set, and more particularly, to a connector set including a plug connected to a transmission line and a receptacle mounted on a circuit board.

Background

The connector group is used to electrically connect the transmission line and the circuit board, and is established by a combination of a plug and a socket. The transmission line is, for example, a coaxial cable including a signal line (center conductor) and a ground conductor (outer conductor). The plug is connected to the transmission line. The circuit board is, for example, a flexible circuit board, and includes signal pads and ground pads. A socket is mounted on the circuit board.

For example, japanese patent laid-open No. 2020-181703 (patent document 1) discloses a conventional connector set. A conventional connector set disclosed in patent document 1 includes an electrical connector corresponding to a plug and an object-side connector corresponding to a socket. The electrical connector has a cylindrical fitting portion to be fitted with the contact of the mating connector as its own contact. The fitting portion is electrically connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The contact of the target-side connector is electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board.

The electric connector is provided with a locking member attached to the electric connector. The lock member is slidable relative to the electrical connector to obtain a standby position where the diameter expansion of the fitting section is not restricted and a restricting position where the diameter expansion of the fitting section is restricted. When the connector is used, the locking component is in the limiting position, and the fitting state of the electric connector and the object side connector is stably maintained. When the lock member slides to the standby position, the firmly fitted state is released, and the electric connector can be attached to and detached from the mating connector.

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2020-181703

In the conventional connector set disclosed in patent document 1, a lock member is indispensable. This is because the connection state between the plug and the receptacle is secured during use, and the plug can be attached to and detached from the receptacle as necessary. In this case, the height of the entire plug increases by the volume of the lock member, and the size of the entire connector set inevitably increases. Therefore, miniaturization is hindered.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector set that is compact, can secure a connection state between a plug and a receptacle when used, and can easily attach and detach the plug to and from the receptacle when necessary. Additionally, it is another object of the present disclosure to provide a tool adapted to remove a plug from a receptacle in the connector set.

The connector set according to the present disclosure includes a plug connected to a transmission line and a socket mounted on a circuit board. The transmission line includes a signal line and a ground conductor. The circuit board includes a signal pad and a ground pad.

The plug includes a housing, a first external terminal, a first internal terminal, a first holder, at least two projections, and at least two undulations. The housing is electrically connected to the ground conductor of the transmission line. The housing includes a bottom wall. The first external terminal is in conduction with the housing. The first external terminal is provided to protrude from a bottom wall of the housing. The first external terminal has a cylindrical shape with a part of a circumferential region open. The first internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal line of the transmission line. The first inner terminal includes a first inner contact portion. The first inner contact portion is disposed inside the first outer terminal. The first bracket holds the first inner terminal and is fixed to the housing. The first support insulates the first inner terminal from the housing and the first outer terminal. The convex portion is provided on an inner periphery of the first external terminal. The convex portions are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal. The undulation portion is provided on an outer periphery of the first external terminal. The respective undulating portions are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and are arranged at positions different from the positions of the convex portions in the circumferential direction.

The socket includes a second external terminal, a second internal terminal, a second holder, and a number of recesses equal to the number of projections of the first external terminal. The second external terminal is electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board. The second external terminal has a cylindrical shape. The second external terminal has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first external terminal. The second internal terminal is electrically connected to the signal pad of the circuit board. The second internal terminal includes a second internal contact portion. The second inner contact portion is disposed inside the second outer terminal. The second holder holds a second external terminal and a second internal terminal. The second support insulates the second internal terminal from the second external terminal. The recess is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal. Each concave portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the convex portion of the first external terminal.

Another connector set according to the present disclosure is a connector set in which some elements of the connector set are modified. Specifically, a concave portion is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal instead of the convex portion. Instead of the concave portion, a convex portion is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal.

According to the connector set of the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve downsizing, to secure a connection state between the plug and the receptacle when used, and to easily attach and detach the plug to and from the receptacle when necessary.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector set of the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the plug of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the plug of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the plug of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the plug of the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the socket of the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the socket of the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the socket of the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the socket of the first embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the receptacle are combined in the first embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a tool used when the plug is removed from the socket in the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged plan view of the tool shown in fig. 11 when viewed from the distal end side.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool and the connector set shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug is removed from the receptacle in the first embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the receptacle are combined in the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool and the connector set used when the plug is removed from the receptacle in the second embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug is removed from the receptacle in the second embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the receptacle are combined in the third embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool and the connector set used when the plug is removed from the receptacle in the third embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug is removed from the receptacle in the third embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the receptacle are combined in the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug and the receptacle are combined in the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug is removed from the receptacle in the fifth embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

1\8230aconnector group; 2 \ 8230and plug; 21 \ 8230and a shell; 211 \ 8230a bottom wall; 22 \ 8230a first external terminal; 221 \ 8230a convex part; 222\8230arelief part; 223, 8230a depressed part; 224 \ 8230a raised portion; 225 8230a concave part; 23, 8230a first internal terminal; 231 \ 8230a first internal contact portion; 24 \ 8230and a first bracket; 3\8230asocket; 32, 8230a second external terminal; 321 \ 8230and concave part; 325 \ 8230a convex part; 33 \ 8230a second internal terminal; 331 \ 8230a second internal contact; 34 \ 8230and a second bracket; 4\8230atransmission line (coaxial cable); 41 8230and a signal line (central conductor); 42 \ 8230and a grounding conductor (outer conductor).

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example, but the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described below. In the following description, specific numerical values and specific materials may be exemplified, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

The connector set of the present embodiment includes a plug connected to a transmission line and a socket mounted on a circuit board. The transmission line includes a signal line and a ground conductor. The circuit board includes a signal pad and a ground pad.

The plug includes a housing, a first external terminal, a first internal terminal, a first holder, at least two projections, and at least two undulations. The housing is electrically connected to the ground conductor of the transmission line. The housing includes a bottom wall. The first external terminal is conducted with the housing. The first external terminal is provided to protrude from a bottom wall of the housing. The first external terminal has a cylindrical shape with a part of a circumferential region open. The first internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal line of the transmission line. The first inner terminal includes a first inner contact portion. The first inner contact portion is disposed inside the first outer terminal. The first bracket holds the first inner terminal and is fixed to the housing. The first support insulates the first inner terminal from the housing and the first outer terminal. The convex portion is provided on an inner periphery of the first external terminal. The convex portions are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal. The undulation portion is provided on an outer periphery of the first external terminal. The respective undulating portions are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and are arranged at positions different from the positions of the convex portions in the circumferential direction.

The socket includes a second external terminal, a second internal terminal, a second holder, and a plurality of recesses having the same number of projections as the first external terminal. The second external terminal is electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board. The second external terminal has a cylindrical shape. The second external terminal has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first external terminal. The second internal terminal is electrically connected to the signal pad of the circuit board. The second internal terminal includes a second internal contact portion. The second inner contact portion is disposed inside the second outer terminal. The second holder holds the second external terminal and the second internal terminal. The second support insulates the second internal terminal from the second external terminal. The recess is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal. Each concave portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the convex portion of the first external terminal (first configuration).

In the connector set of the first configuration, in the plug, the first inner terminal is electrically connected to the signal line of the transmission line, and the first outer terminal is electrically connected to the ground conductor of the transmission line via the housing. In the socket, the second internal terminal is electrically connected to a signal pad of the circuit board, and the second external terminal is connected to a ground pad of the circuit board. When in use, the plug and the socket are combined.

When the plug is combined with the receptacle, the first internal contact portion of the first internal terminal contacts the second internal contact portion of the second internal terminal. The signal line of the transmission line is electrically connected to the signal pad of the circuit board by the contact between the first internal contact portion and the second internal contact portion, thereby forming a signal circuit. The convex portions of the first external terminal are engaged with the corresponding concave portions of the second external terminal. The first external terminal and the second external terminal are fitted to each other by the engagement of the convex portions and the concave portions, and the ground conductor of the transmission line is electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board, thereby forming a ground circuit. In this way, according to the connector set of the first configuration, when in use, the respective convex portions of the first external terminal are engaged with the respective corresponding concave portions of the second external terminal, and the connection state of the plug and the receptacle can be secured.

When the plug is removed from the socket, the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched. By pinching the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal, the first external terminal is elastically deformed, and each convex portion of the first external terminal is separated from each corresponding concave portion of the second external terminal. The first external terminal is elastically deformable because the outer diameter of the second external terminal is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal, a gap exists between the inner circumference of the first external terminal and the outer circumference of the second external terminal, and a partial region in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal is open. In this specification, the open region is also referred to as an open region. The convex portions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding concave portions of the second external terminal, and the convex portions are disengaged from the concave portions. Further, the plug can be easily removed from the receptacle in a state where the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched.

When the plug is removed from the receptacle, tweezers can be used as a tool for pinching the portion of the undulating portion of the first external terminal. In this case, the inverted undulation portions corresponding to the undulation portions are provided at the distal end portions of the forceps. In this case, when the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched by the forceps, the undulation portion is guided to the inverted undulation portion at the end of the forceps. Therefore, a desired portion of the undulation portion can be appropriately pinched.

On the other hand, when the plug is attached to the socket, that is, when the plug and the socket are combined, the first external terminal is press-fitted into the second external terminal. When the first external terminal is pressed into the second external terminal, the respective convex portions of the first external terminal are easily engaged with the corresponding respective concave portions of the second external terminal after the first external terminal is elastically deformed so as to expand the diameter. In this way, according to the connector set of the first configuration, the plug can be easily attached to and detached from the receptacle as necessary.

Further, in the connector set of the first configuration, the locking member in the conventional connector set is not required. Therefore, miniaturization can be achieved.

In a typical example, the convex portion is a plate-shaped protruding piece, and the concave portion is a groove. However, the shape of the convex portion and the concave portion is not particularly limited as long as they can be engaged with each other. For example, the convex portion may be a pin, and the concave portion may be a hole.

The number of the projections is not particularly limited as long as it is at least two. The number of the concave portions is not particularly limited as long as it is the same as the number of the convex portions. The arrangement position of the respective convex portions is not particularly limited as long as the convex portions are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The arrangement position of the concave portion is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to the convex portion.

The number of the undulating portions is not particularly limited as long as it is at least two. The undulating portions are not particularly limited as long as they are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction and at positions different from the positions of the convex portions in the circumferential direction.

In a typical example, the transmission line to which the plug is connected is a coaxial cable. The transmission line to which the plug is connected may be a flexible circuit board. In a typical example, the circuit board on which the socket is mounted is a flexible circuit board. The circuit board on which the socket is mounted may be a rigid circuit board.

In the connector set of the first configuration, the number of the convex portions of the first external terminal is preferably two, and the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is preferably three. In this case, when the cylindrical first external terminal having a partial region in the circumferential direction open is viewed in the axial direction, the convex portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal (second configuration).

In the connector set of the second configuration, the two convex portions are arranged at portions of the first external terminal facing each other with the open region therebetween, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center. In the first external terminal, one undulation is disposed in a portion opposite to the open region with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center, and two undulations are disposed in a portion close to the open region.

According to the connector set of the second configuration, when the plug is removed from the receptacle, the portions of the two undulations close to the open area of the first external terminal and the portion of the remaining one undulation are pinched. In this way, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that the portions of the two undulations and the portion of the one undulation approach each other. According to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that portions of the two convex portions are away from each other. Thus, the convex portions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding concave portions of the second external terminal, and the engagement between the convex portions and the concave portions is released. Further, the plug can be easily removed from the receptacle in a state where the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched.

In the second configuration, the protruding portions of the first external terminal are engaged with the recessed portions of the second external terminal at two positions. Therefore, the plug can be attached to and detached from the socket more easily.

The connector set of the first configuration may be configured as follows. The number of the convex portions of the first external terminal is three, and the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is two. In this case, when the cylindrical first external terminal having a partial region in the circumferential direction open is viewed in the axial direction, the convex portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal (third configuration).

In the connector set of the third configuration, the first external terminal has one convex portion disposed in a portion opposite to the open region and two convex portions disposed in a portion close to the open region around the axis of the cylindrical shape. In the first external terminal, two undulation portions are arranged at portions facing each other with an open region therebetween, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center.

According to the connector set of the third configuration, when the plug is removed from the receptacle, the portions of the two undulating portions are pinched. Thus, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that portions of the two undulations approach each other. According to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that the portions of the two convex portions close to the open region are respectively warped outward, and so that the portion of the remaining one convex portion is bulged outward. Thus, the convex portions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding concave portions of the second external terminal, and the engagement between the convex portions and the concave portions is released. Further, the plug can be easily removed from the receptacle in a state where the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched.

In the case of the third configuration, the protruding portions of the first external terminal are engaged with the recessed portions of the second external terminal at three positions. Therefore, the connection state of the plug and the socket is more stable.

Another connector set according to the present disclosure is a connector set in which some elements of the connector set of the first configuration are modified. Specifically, a concave portion is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal instead of the convex portion. Instead of the concave portion, a convex portion is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal (a fourth configuration).

In the connector set of the fourth configuration, when the plug is combined with the receptacle, the convex portions of the second external terminals are engaged with the corresponding concave portions of the first external terminals. The first external terminal and the second external terminal are fitted by the engagement of the convex portions and the concave portions. In this way, according to the connector set of the fourth configuration, even when in use, the respective convex portions of the second external terminal are engaged with the respective corresponding concave portions of the first external terminal, and the connection state between the plug and the receptacle can be secured.

When the plug is removed from the socket, the first external terminal is elastically deformed by pinching the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal, and the concave portions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding convex portions of the second external terminal. The concave portions of the first external terminal are separated from the convex portions of the second external terminal, and the convex portions and the concave portions are disengaged from each other. Further, the plug can be easily detached from the receptacle in a state where the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched. On the other hand, when the plug is mounted to the socket, the first external terminal is press-fitted into the second external terminal, and after the first external terminal is elastically deformed so as to expand its diameter, the respective convex portions of the second external terminal are easily engaged with the corresponding respective concave portions of the first external terminal. In this way, according to the connector set of the fourth configuration, the plug can be easily attached to and detached from the receptacle as necessary.

Further, in the connector set of the fourth configuration, the lock member in the conventional connector set is not required. Therefore, miniaturization can be achieved.

In the connector set of the fourth configuration, it is preferable that the number of the concave portions of the first external terminal is two, and the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is three. In this case, when the cylindrical first external terminal having a partial region in the circumferential direction open is viewed in the axial direction, the concave portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal (fifth configuration).

In the connector set of the fifth configuration, two recesses are disposed in portions of the first external terminal that face each other with an open region therebetween, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center. In the first external terminal, one undulation is disposed in a portion opposite to the open region with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center, and two undulations are disposed in a portion near the open region.

According to the connector set of the fifth configuration, when the plug is removed from the receptacle, the portions of the two undulations close to the open area of the first external terminal and the portion of the remaining one undulation are pinched. Thus, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that the portions of the two undulations and the portion of the one undulation approach each other. According to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that portions of the two concave portions are away from each other. Thus, the concave portions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding convex portions of the second external terminal, and the engagement between the convex portions and the concave portions is released. Further, the plug can be easily detached from the receptacle in a state where the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched.

In the fifth configuration, the protruding portions of the second external terminal are engaged with the recessed portions of the first external terminal at two positions. Therefore, the plug can be attached to and detached from the socket more easily.

The connector set of the fourth configuration may be configured as follows. The number of the concave portions of the first external terminal is three, and the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is two. In this case, when the cylindrical first external terminal having a partial region in the circumferential direction open is viewed in the axial direction, the concave portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal (sixth configuration).

In the connector set having the sixth configuration, one recess is disposed in a portion of the first external terminal opposite to the open area with the axis of the cylindrical shape as a center, and two recesses are disposed in portions close to the open area. In the first external terminal, two undulation portions are arranged at portions facing each other with an open region therebetween, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center.

According to the connector set of the sixth configuration, when the plug is removed from the receptacle, the portions of the two undulations are pinched. Thus, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that portions of the two undulations come close to each other. According to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal is elastically deformed so that the portions of the two concave portions close to the open region are respectively warped outward, and so that the portion of the remaining one concave portion is bulged outward. Thus, the concave portions of the first external terminal are separated from the corresponding convex portions of the second external terminal, and the engagement between the convex portions and the concave portions is released. Further, the plug can be easily detached from the receptacle in a state where the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal is pinched.

In the sixth configuration, the protruding portions of the second external terminal are engaged with the recessed portions of the first external terminal at three positions. Therefore, the plug and the socket have the advantage of more stable connection state.

In any one of the connector sets of the first to sixth configurations, the undulation portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is preferably a depression portion (seventh configuration).

When the plug is removed from the receptacle, tweezers can be used as a tool for pinching the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal. In the case where the undulating portions are recesses as in the seventh configuration, the ridges corresponding to the recesses are provided at the distal end of the forceps. In this case, when the portion of the undulation (recess) of the first external terminal is pinched by the forceps, the recess as the undulation is guided to the ridge at the end of the forceps. Therefore, a desired portion of the undulation portion can be appropriately pinched.

In any one of the connector sets of the first to sixth configurations, the undulation portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is preferably a ridge portion (eighth configuration).

When the plug is removed from the receptacle, tweezers can be used as a tool for pinching the portion of the undulation portion of the first external terminal. In the case where the undulating portion is a raised portion as in the eighth configuration, a recessed portion corresponding to the raised portion is provided at the distal end portion of the forceps. In this case, when the portion of the undulating portion (raised portion) of the first external terminal is pinched by the forceps, the raised portion serving as the undulating portion is guided to the recessed portion at the end of the forceps. Therefore, a desired portion of the undulation portion can be appropriately pinched.

The tool of this embodiment is used to remove a plug from a receptacle in the second or fifth connector set. The tool is provided with two arms and three inverted undulations. The three inverted portions are provided at two positions of the tip end portion of one of the two arms and one position of the tip end portion of the other arm, respectively. Each inverted undulation reversely reflects the shape of the corresponding undulation of the first external terminal (ninth configuration).

According to the tool of the ninth configuration, when the plug is removed from the receptacle, the portion of the undulating portion of the first external terminal is pinched by the tool. At this time, the relief portion is guided to the inverted relief portion at the arm end portion of the tool. Therefore, a desired portion of the undulation portion can be appropriately pinched.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the connector set according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same description will not be repeated.

[ first embodiment ]

[ connector group 1]

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector set 1 of a first embodiment. A condition before the plug 2 is combined with the receptacle 3 is shown in fig. 1. In short, fig. 1 shows a state where the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3. The connector group 1 is used to electrically connect the transmission line 4 and a circuit board (not shown). The connector set 1 includes a plug 2 and a receptacle 3. The plug 2 is connected to the transmission line 4, and the socket 3 is mounted on the circuit board. The transmission line 4 includes a signal line and a ground conductor (both shown in the drawings are omitted). The circuit board includes signal pads and ground pads (both not shown).

The transmission line 4 to which the plug 2 is connected is, for example, a coaxial cable. Fig. 1 and the following drawings show examples in which a coaxial cable is applied as the transmission line 4. Hereinafter, the transmission line 4 is also referred to as a coaxial cable. The circuit board on which the socket 3 is mounted is, for example, a flexible circuit board. The transmission line 4 and the circuit board are electrically connected to each other by combining the plug 2 and the socket 3.

[ plug 2]

Fig. 2 to 5 show a plug 2 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the plug 2. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the header 2. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the header 2. Fig. 5 is a side view of the header 2.

In this specification, the upper surface of the header 2 means a surface facing the socket 3. The bottom surface of the header 2 means a surface opposite to a surface facing the socket 3. Therefore, in a state where the plug 2 is disposed above the receptacle 3, the upper surface of the plug 2 faces downward, and in a state where the plug 2 is disposed below the receptacle 3, the upper surface of the plug 2 faces upward. In the direction of the drawing, for convenience of explanation, the direction in which the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable) extends is referred to as a front-rear direction. The side of the front-back direction on which the transmission line 4 exists is referred to as "back", and the opposite side thereof is referred to as "front". The direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In each drawing, U represents the upper side, D represents the lower side, fr represents the front side, re represents the rear side, ri represents the right side, and Le represents the left side.

Referring to fig. 2, the transmission line 4 includes a signal line 41 and a ground conductor 42. When the transmission line 4 is a coaxial cable, the central conductor corresponds to the signal line 41, and the outer conductor corresponds to the ground conductor 42. Hereinafter, the signal line 41 is also referred to as a center conductor, and the ground conductor 42 is also referred to as an outer conductor. The coaxial cable as the transmission line 4 includes a signal line 41 (central conductor), an insulator 43, a ground conductor 42 (outer conductor), and a protective film 44 in this order from the axial center. The signal line 41 (central conductor) is insulated from the ground conductor 42 (outer conductor) by an insulator 43.

Referring to fig. 2 to 5, the plug 2 includes a housing 21, a first external terminal 22, a first internal terminal 23, and a first bracket 24. The case 21 has conductivity. The housing 21 includes a bottom wall 211 and two side walls 212. The planar shape of the bottom wall 211 is substantially rectangular. The case 21 includes two first caulking portions 213, two second caulking portions 214, and two third caulking portions 215 in order from the side close to the side wall 212 behind the bottom wall 211 and the two side walls 212.

The first caulking portion 213 sandwiches the rear end portions (not shown) of the first holder 24 and the first inner terminal 23 together with the exposed insulator 43 of the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable). The transmission line 4, the first holder 24, and the first internal terminal 23 are held by the housing 21 by being held by the first caulking portions 213. A raised socket portion (not shown) is formed at a rear end portion of the first inner terminal 23. The socket portion pierces the insulator 43 of the transmission line 4 by being sandwiched by the first caulking portion 213. Thereby, the signal line 41 (center conductor) of the transmission line 4 is inserted into the socket portion of the first inner terminal 23 and electrically connected to the first inner terminal 23. The second caulking portion 214 sandwiches the exposed ground conductor 42 (outer conductor) of the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable). By the clamping of the second caulking section 214, the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 is in contact with the second caulking section 214 and electrically connected to the case 21. The third caulking portion 215 sandwiches the transmission line 4 (coaxial cable) together with the protective film 44. The transmission line 4 is firmly held by the housing 21 by being held by the third caulking portion 215.

The housing 21 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The case 21 is manufactured by performing processing such as punching, bending, and drawing on a metal plate. The material of the case 21 (metal plate) is, for example, copper alloy. The case 21 (metal plate) may be plated (e.g., ni (nickel) plating or Au (gold) plating).

The first external terminal 22 is provided to protrude from the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21. The first external terminal 22 has a cylindrical shape with a part of its circumferential region open. The axial direction of the first external terminal 22 is a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21, i.e., a vertical direction. In the first external terminal 22, an open area is formed on the rear side of the first external terminal 22.

The first external terminal 22 has conductivity and is electrically connected to the case 21. As described above, the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 is electrically connected to the housing 21. Therefore, the first external terminal 22 is electrically connected to the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 via the housing 21.

The first external terminal 22 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The material of the first external terminal 22 (metal plate) is, for example, copper alloy. The first external terminal 22 (metal plate) may be plated (e.g., ni (nickel) plating or Au (gold) plating). The first external terminal 22 is formed integrally with the housing 21 by performing processing such as punching, bending, and drawing on a metal plate integrated with the housing 21. However, the first external terminal 22 may be formed separately from the housing 21 and welded to the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21.

The first inner terminals 23 extend in the front-rear direction of the housing 21. As described above, the rear end of the first inner terminal 23 is formed with the jack portion, and the signal line 41 (center conductor) of the transmission line 4 is inserted into the jack portion of the first inner terminal 23 and electrically connected to the first inner terminal 23. That is, the first internal terminal 23 is electrically connected to the signal line 41 of the transmission line 4.

The first inner terminal 23 includes a first inner contact portion 231 at its front end portion. The first inner contact portion 231 is disposed inside the first outer terminal 22. The first inner contact portion 231 has a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the first inner contact portion 231 is a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21, i.e., a vertical direction. The axial center of the first inner contact 231 coincides with the axial center of the first outer terminal 22. That is, the first inner contact portion 231 is disposed inside the first outer terminal 22 and concentric with the first outer terminal 22.

The first inner terminal 23 is formed of a conductive member. The first inner terminal 23 is formed of a metal plate, for example. That is, the first inner terminal 23 has conductivity. The first inner terminal 23 is manufactured by performing processes such as punching, bending, and drawing on a metal plate. In this case, the first inner contact portion 231 is bent to be rolled into a cylindrical shape. The material of the first inner terminal 23 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The first inner terminal 23 (metal plate) may be plated (e.g., ni (nickel) plating or Au (gold) plating).

The first bracket 24 has insulation properties. The first bracket 24 is disposed on the bottom wall 211 of the housing 21. The first bracket 24 holds the first inner terminal 23 and is fixed to the housing 21. The first inner terminal 23 is insulated from the housing 21 and the first outer terminal 22 by the first holder 24.

The first bracket 24 is made of, for example, resin. The first bracket 24 is manufactured by injection molding. The material of the first holder 24 is, for example, liquid crystal polymer. The first bracket 24 may also be insert-molded so as to be integral with the first inner terminal 23.

The plug 2 further includes at least two projections 221. In the present embodiment, the number of the convex portions 221 is two. The convex portion 221 is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22. The convex portion 221 is a plate-shaped protruding piece. The convex portion 221 is integrally molded with the first external terminal 22, and protrudes radially inward from the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22. As will be described in detail later, when the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined, the convex portion 221 is used for fitting the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal of the receptacle 3.

The two convex portions 221 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22. In another aspect, the two convex portions 221 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, two convex portions 221 are arranged at portions facing each other with an open region therebetween around the axis of the cylindrical shape. In another aspect, when the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open region is viewed in the axial direction (vertical direction), the convex portions 221 are arranged line-symmetrically in the left-right direction of the first external terminal 22 (see fig. 3). That is, the convex portions 221 are symmetrically arranged.

The plug 2 is further provided with at least two undulations 222. In the present embodiment, the number of the undulating portions 222 is three. The undulation portion 222 is provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22. In the present embodiment, the undulating portions 222 are recessed portions 223. The recessed portion 223 as the undulating portion 222 is a portion recessed from the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22. The depression 223 has, for example, a concave spherical crown shape. As will be described in detail later, the undulation portion 222 (the depression portion 223) is used when the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3.

Each of the three undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) is arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22 and at a position different from the position of the convex portion 221 in the circumferential direction. In another aspect, the three undulating portions 222 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first outer terminal 22. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, one undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) is arranged in a portion opposite to the open region, and two undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) are arranged in a portion close to the open region, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center. In another aspect, when the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open region is viewed in the axial direction (vertical direction), the undulating portions 222 are arranged line-symmetrically in the left-right direction of the first external terminal 22 (see fig. 3). That is, the undulations 222 are symmetrically arranged.

[ socket 3]

Fig. 6 to 9 show a socket 3 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the socket 3. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the socket 3. Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the receptacle 3. Fig. 9 is a side view of the socket 3.

In this specification, the upper surface of the receptacle 3 means a surface facing the plug 2. The bottom surface of the receptacle 3 means a surface opposite to a surface facing the plug 2. Therefore, the upper surface of the receptacle 3 faces upward in a state where the plug 2 is disposed above the receptacle 3, and the upper surface of the receptacle 3 faces downward in a state where the plug 2 is disposed below the receptacle 3.

Referring to fig. 6 to 9, the socket 3 includes a second external terminal 32, a second internal terminal 33, and a second holder 34. The second external terminal 32 has a cylindrical shape. The bottom plate 31 extends in the left-right direction from the lower end of the second external terminal 32. The axial direction of the second external terminal 32 is a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate 31, i.e., a vertical direction. The outer diameter of the second external terminal 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first external terminal 22.

The second external terminal 32 is formed of a conductive member together with the bottom plate portion 31. The second external terminal 32 is constituted by a metal plate, for example. That is, the second external terminal 32 has conductivity. The second external terminal 32 is manufactured by performing processes such as punching, bending, and drawing on a metal plate. The material of the second external terminal 32 (metal plate) is, for example, a copper alloy. The second external terminals 32 (metal plates) may be plated (e.g., ni (nickel) plating, au (gold) plating).

The second inner terminal 33 has conductivity and includes a second inner contact portion 331. The second internal contact 331 is disposed inside the second external terminal 32. The second inner contact portion 331 has a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the second inner contact portion 331 is a direction perpendicular to the bottom plate portion 31 of the second external terminal 32, i.e., a vertical direction. The axial center of the second inner contact portion 331 coincides with the axial center of the second external terminal 32. That is, the second inner contact portion 331 is disposed inside the second external terminal 32, concentrically with the second external terminal 32. The outer diameter of the second inner contact portion 331 is the same as the inner diameter of the first inner contact portion 231.

The second inner terminal 33 extends in the front-rear direction. The second inner terminal 33 includes a lead portion 332 at its front end portion. The lead portion 332 is exposed to the outside.

The second inner terminal 33 is formed of, for example, a metal plate. The second inner terminal 33 is manufactured by performing processes such as punching, bending, and drawing on a metal plate. The material of the second inner terminal 33 (metal plate) is, for example, copper alloy. The second inner terminal 33 (metal plate) may be plated (e.g., ni (nickel) plating or Au (gold) plating).

The second holder 34 has insulation. The second holder 34 holds the second external terminal 32 and the second internal terminal 33. The second internal terminals 33 are insulated from the second external terminals 32 by the second holder 34.

The second bracket 34 is made of, for example, resin. The second bracket 34 is manufactured by injection molding. The material of the second support 34 is, for example, liquid crystal polymer. The second holder 34 may be insert-molded so as to be integrated with the second external terminal 32 and the second internal terminal 33.

As described above, the socket 3 is mounted on the circuit board. In the socket 3 mounted on the circuit board, the bottom plate 31 of the second external terminal 32 is soldered to a ground pad of the circuit board. Thus, the second external terminal 32 is electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board via the bottom plate portion 31. The lead portions 332 of the second inner terminals 33 are soldered to the signal pads of the circuit board. Thereby, the second inner terminal 33 is electrically connected to the signal pad of the circuit board.

The socket 3 further includes the same number of concave portions 321 as the number of convex portions 221 of the first external terminal 22. In the present embodiment, the number of the convex portions 221 is two, and thus the number of the concave portions 321 is two. The recess 321 is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32. The recess 321 is a groove.

Each of the two recesses 321 is disposed at a position corresponding to the convex portion 221 of the first external terminal 22. Specifically, the two recesses 321 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second outer terminal 32. In another aspect, the two recesses 321 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second external terminal 32. More specifically, in the second external terminal 32, two recesses 321 are disposed in mutually facing portions around the axis of the cylindrical shape. In another aspect, when the cylindrical second external terminal 32 is viewed in the axial direction (vertical direction), the concave portions 321 are arranged in line symmetry in the lateral direction of the second external terminal 32 (see fig. 10 described later). That is, the concave portions 321 are symmetrically arranged.

[ mounting of plug 2 to socket 3]

In use, the plug 2 is combined with the socket 3. When the plug 2 is combined with the receptacle 3, that is, when the plug 2 is mounted to the receptacle 3, the first external terminals 22 are press-fitted into the second external terminals 32.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the first embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 10 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction, and includes the convex portions 221 of the first external terminal 22 and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. In fig. 10, elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 10, after the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so as to expand its diameter by pressing the first external terminal 22 into the second external terminal 32, the respective convex portions 221 of the first external terminal 22 are easily engaged with the corresponding respective concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. The first external terminals 22 are elastically restored to their original shapes as the convex portions 221 and the concave portions 321 are engaged with each other. By the engagement of the convex portions 221 and the concave portions 321, the first external terminal 22 is fitted to the second external terminal 32, and the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 is electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board, thereby forming a ground circuit.

Although not shown, the first internal contact portion 231 of the first internal terminal 23 is press-fitted into the second internal contact portion 331 of the second internal terminal 33 by press-fitting the first external terminal 22 into the second external terminal 32. Thereby, the first internal contact portion 231 is in contact with and fitted to the second internal contact portion 331. The signal line 41 of the transmission line 4 is electrically connected to a signal pad of the circuit board by the contact between the first inner contact 231 and the second inner contact 331, thereby forming a signal circuit.

In use, the convex portions 221 of the first external terminal 22 are engaged with the corresponding concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32, and the connection state between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be secured. In the present embodiment, the first internal contact portion 231 is fitted to the second internal contact portion 331, so that the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be connected to each other.

[ removal of the header 2 from the socket 3]

When the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3, the portion of the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 is pinched. As a tool for pinching the portion of the undulating portion 222 of the first external terminal 22, tweezers can be used.

Fig. 11 to 13 show a tool 6 used when the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3 in the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the tool 6. Fig. 12 is an enlarged plan view of the tool 6 as viewed from the distal end side. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool 6 and the connector set 1. The cross section shown in fig. 13 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (concave portions 223) of the first external terminal 22, and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32.

Referring to fig. 11 and 12, the tool 6 is a forceps. The tool 6 is provided with two arms 61. A raised portion 63 is provided inside each of the distal end portions 62 of the two arms 61.

Referring to fig. 11 to 13, the ridge 63 of the tool 6 is provided at a position corresponding to the recess 223 as the undulation 222 of the first external terminal 22, and has a shape corresponding to the recess 223. Therefore, the ridge portion 63 of the tool 6 can be said to be an inverted ridge portion that inversely reflects the shape of the ridge portion 222 (the recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22.

In the present embodiment, as described above, there are three recessed portions 223 as the undulating portions 222. In the first external terminal 22, one recessed portion 223 is disposed in a portion opposite to the open region with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center, and two recessed portions 223 are disposed in a portion near the open region. In this case, in the tool 6, one raised portion 63 (inverted raised and lowered portion) corresponding to one recessed portion 223 of the first external terminal 22 is provided at the tip portion 62 of one 61 of the two arms 61. Two raised portions 63 (inverted raised portions) corresponding to the two recessed portions 223 of the first external terminal 22 are provided at the distal end portion 62 of the other arm 61. The tip end portion 62 of the arm 61 provided with the two raised portions 63 (inverted raised portions) is divided into two.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the first embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 14 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (concave portions 223) of the first external terminal 22, and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. In fig. 14, elements other than the first external terminal 22, the second external terminal 32, and the tool 6 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 14, when the plug 2 is detached from the receptacle 3, the tool 6 pinches a portion of the undulation portion 222 (concave portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 (see an open arrow in the figure). Thereby, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed. Specifically, the portions of the two undulations 222 (recesses 223) near the open region of the first external terminal 22 and the portion of the remaining one undulation 222 (recess 223) are pinched. Thus, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so that the portions of the two undulations 222 and the portion of the one undulation 222 approach each other. According to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so that portions of the two convex portions 221 are separated from each other. The first external terminal 22 is elastically deformable because the outside diameter of the second external terminal 32 is smaller than the inside diameter of the first external terminal 22, a gap exists between the inside circumference of the first external terminal 22 and the outside circumference of the second external terminal 32, and a part of the area (open area) of the first external terminal 22 in the circumferential direction is open.

By such elastic deformation of the first external terminal 22, each convex portion 221 of the first external terminal 22 is separated from each corresponding concave portion 321 of the second external terminal 32 (see solid arrows in the figure). The convex portions 221 are separated from the concave portions 321, and the engagement between the convex portions 221 and the concave portions 321 is released. Further, the plug 2 can be easily detached from the receptacle 3 in a state where the portion of the undulation portion 222 (the recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 is pinched.

In the case of the present embodiment, when the portion of the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 is pinched by the tool 6, the recessed portion 223 as the undulating portion 222 is guided to the raised portion 63 (inverted undulating portion) of the tip portion 62 of the tool 6. Therefore, a desired portion of the undulating portion 222 can be appropriately pinched.

As described above, according to the connector set 1 of the present embodiment, the plug 2 can be easily attached to and detached from the receptacle 3 as necessary. In addition, in the connector set 1 of the present embodiment, a lock member in the conventional connector set is not required. Therefore, miniaturization can be achieved.

In the present embodiment, the protruding portions 221 of the first external terminal 22 and the recessed portions 321 of the second external terminal 32 engage with each other at two locations. Therefore, there is an advantage that the plug can be attached to and detached from the receptacle 3 more easily.

[ second embodiment ]

A second embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 15 to 17. The second embodiment is a modification of the plug 2 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, description of the structure overlapping with that of the first embodiment is appropriately omitted. The same applies to the embodiments described later.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the second embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 15 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction. In fig. 15, elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 15, in the plug 2 of the present embodiment, the undulation portion 222 provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22 is a ridge portion 224. That is, the undulating portion 222 of the present embodiment is configured by replacing the depressed portion 223 of the first embodiment with the raised portion 224. The ridge portion 224 as the undulation portion 222 is a portion protruding from the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22. The bulge 224 has, for example, a convex spherical cap shape. The number and arrangement of the ridges 224 as the undulations 222 are the same as those of the recesses 223 of the first embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool 6 and the connector set 1 used when the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3 in the second embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 16 is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction.

Referring to fig. 16, the tool 6 is a forceps as in the first embodiment. In the tool 6, instead of the ridge 63 of the first embodiment, a recessed portion 64 is provided as an inverted raised portion inside each of the distal end portions 62 of the two arms 61. The recessed portion 64 of the tool 6 is provided at a position corresponding to the ridge portion 224 as the undulating portion 222 of the first external terminal 22, and has a shape corresponding to the ridge portion 224.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the second embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 17 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (the elevated portions 224) of the first external terminal 22, and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. In fig. 17, elements other than the first external terminal 22, the second external terminal 32, and the tool 6 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 17, when the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3, the tool 6 holds the portion of the undulating portion 222 (the elevated portion 224) of the first external terminal 22 (see the open arrow in the figure). Thereby, as in the first embodiment, the first external terminals 22 are elastically deformed, and the respective convex portions 221 of the first external terminals 22 are separated from the corresponding respective concave portions 321 of the second external terminals 32 (see solid arrows in the figure). Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the case of the present embodiment, when the portion of the undulating portion 222 (the raised portion 224) of the first external terminal 22 is pinched by the tool 6, the raised portion 224 as the undulating portion 222 is guided to the recessed portion 64 (the inverted undulating portion) of the tip portion 62 of the tool 6. Therefore, a desired portion of the undulating portion 222 can be appropriately pinched.

[ third embodiment ]

A third embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 18 to 20. The third embodiment is a modification of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 of the first embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the third embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 18 is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction. In fig. 18, elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 18, in the plug 2 of the present embodiment, the number of the convex portions 221 provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22 is three. The three convex portions 221 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, one convex portion 221 is arranged in a portion opposite to the open region with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center, and two convex portions 221 are arranged in a portion close to the open region. In another aspect, when the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open region is viewed in the axial direction (vertical direction), the convex portions 221 are arranged line-symmetrically in the left-right direction of the first external terminal 22. That is, the convex portions 221 are symmetrically arranged.

The number of the undulating portions 222 (recessed portions 223) provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22 is two. The two undulations 222 (the recesses 223) are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal 22, and are arranged at positions different from the positions of the projections 221 in the circumferential direction. More specifically, in the first external terminal 22, two undulations 222 (recesses 223) are arranged at portions facing each other with an open region therebetween, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center. In another aspect, when the cylindrical first external terminal 22 including the open region is viewed in the axial direction (vertical direction), the undulating portions 222 are arranged line-symmetrically in the left-right direction of the first external terminal 22. That is, the undulations 222 are symmetrically arranged.

In the socket 3 of the present embodiment, the number of the recesses 321 provided in the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32 is three. This is because the number of the concave portions 321 is the same as the number of the convex portions 221 of the first external terminal 22. Each of the three concave portions 321 is disposed at a position corresponding to the convex portion 221 of the first external terminal 22. Specifically, the three recesses 321 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second outer terminal 32. More specifically, the second external terminal 32 has recesses 321 arranged in three portions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis of the cylindrical shape. In another aspect, when the cylindrical second external terminal 32 is viewed in the axial direction (vertical direction), the concave portions 321 are arranged linearly symmetrically in the horizontal direction of the second external terminal 32. That is, the concave portions 321 are symmetrically arranged.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view schematically showing the arrangement relationship between the tool 6 and the connector set 1 used when the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3 in the third embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 19 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Referring to fig. 19, the tool 6 is a forceps as in the first embodiment. The ridge portion 63 of the tool 6 is provided at a position corresponding to the recess portion 223 as the undulation portion 222 of the first external terminal 22. In the present embodiment, as described above, there are two recessed portions 223 as the undulating portions 222. In the first external terminal 22, two undulations 222 (recesses 223) are arranged at portions facing each other with an open region therebetween, with the axis of the cylindrical shape as the center. In this case, in the tool 6, the tip portions 62 of the two arms 61 are each provided with one raised portion 63 corresponding to the recessed portion 223 of the first external terminal 22.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the third embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 20 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction, and includes the convex portions 221 and the undulating portions 222 (concave portions 223) of the first external terminal 22, and the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. In fig. 20, elements other than the first external terminal 22, the second external terminal 32, and the tool 6 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 20, when the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3, the tool 6 pinches the portion of the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 (see the open arrow in the figure). Thereby, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed. Specifically, the portions of the two undulations 222 (the recesses 223) are pinched. In this way, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so that portions of the two undulations 222 approach each other. According to this elastic deformation, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so that the portions of the two convex portions 221 close to the open region are respectively warped outward, and so that the portion of the remaining one convex portion 221 is bulged outward.

By such elastic deformation of the first external terminal 22, the respective convex portions 221 of the first external terminal 22 are separated from the corresponding respective concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32, as in the first embodiment (see solid arrows in the figure). Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, three positions are provided at which the convex portions 221 of the first external terminal 22 engage with the concave portions 321 of the second external terminal 32. Therefore, there is an advantage that the connection state of the header 2 and the socket 3 is more stable.

[ fourth embodiment ]

A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 21. The fourth embodiment is a modification of the plug 2 of the third embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 21 is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction. In fig. 21, elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 21, in the plug 2 of the present embodiment, the undulating portion 222 provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal 22 is a ridge portion 224. That is, the undulating portion 222 of the present embodiment is configured by replacing the depressed portion 223 of the third embodiment with the raised portion 224. The ridge portions 224 as the undulating portions 222 are the same as the ridge portions 224 of the second embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment can be said to be an embodiment in which the structure of the undulating portion 222 of the second embodiment is applied to the connector set 1 of the third embodiment.

[ fifth embodiment ]

The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 22 and 23. The fifth embodiment is a modification of the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 of the first embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined in the connector set 1 according to the fifth embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 22 is a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction. In fig. 22, elements other than the first external terminal 22 and the second external terminal 32 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 22, in the plug 2 of the present embodiment, a concave portion 225 is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22 instead of the convex portion 221 of the first embodiment. The number and arrangement of the concave portions 225 are the same as those of the convex portions 221 of the first embodiment. In the socket 3 of the present embodiment, a convex portion 325 is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32 instead of the concave portion 321 of the first embodiment. The number and arrangement of the convex portions 325 are the same as those of the concave portions 321 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 221 of the first embodiment is replaced with the concave portion 225, and the concave portion 321 of the first embodiment is replaced with the convex portion 325.

In the present embodiment, when the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 are combined, the first external terminal 22 is pressed into the second external terminal 32, and after the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed so as to expand the diameter, the respective convex portions 325 of the second external terminal 32 are easily engaged with the respective corresponding concave portions 225 of the first external terminal 22. The first external terminals 22 are elastically restored to their original shapes as the convex portions 325 and the concave portions 225 engage with each other. By the engagement of the projections 325 and the recesses 225, the first external terminal 22 is fitted to the second external terminal 32, and the ground conductor 42 of the transmission line 4 is electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board, thereby forming a ground circuit. As described above, according to the connector set 1 of the present embodiment, even when in use, the convex portions 325 of the second external terminal 32 are engaged with the corresponding concave portions 225 of the first external terminal 22, and the connection state between the plug 2 and the receptacle 3 can be secured.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3 in the connector set 1 according to the fifth embodiment. The cross section shown in fig. 23 is a cross section perpendicular to the vertical direction, and includes the concave portions 225 and the undulating portions 222 (concave portions 223) of the first external terminal 22, and the convex portions 325 of the second external terminal 32. In fig. 23, elements other than the first external terminal 22, the second external terminal 32, and the tool 6 are not shown.

Referring to fig. 23, when the plug 2 is removed from the receptacle 3, the portion of the undulating portion 222 (recessed portion 223) of the first external terminal 22 is pinched by the tool 6 (see the open arrow in the drawing) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Thereby, as in the first embodiment, the first external terminal 22 is elastically deformed, and the convex portions 325 of the second external terminal 32 are separated from the corresponding concave portions 225 of the first external terminal 22 (see solid arrows in the figure). Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, the configuration of the second embodiment may be applied to the connector set 1 of the fifth embodiment. In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the concave portions 223 as the undulating portions 222 are replaced with the elevated portions 224.

The structure of the third embodiment may be applied to the connector set 1 of the fifth embodiment. In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the number of the concave portions 225 provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22 and the number of the convex portions 325 provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32 are three, respectively, and the number of the undulating portions 222 is two.

The structure of the fourth embodiment may be applied to the connector set 1 of the fifth embodiment. In this case, in the fifth embodiment, the concave portions 223 as the undulating portions 222 are replaced with the elevated portions 224. The number of the concave portions 225 provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal 22 and the number of the convex portions 325 provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal 32 are three, respectively, and the number of the undulating portions 222 is two.

The transmission line 4 to which the plug 2 is connected is not limited to a coaxial cable, and may be a circuit board (e.g., a flexible circuit board). The circuit board on which the socket 3 is mounted is not limited to a flexible circuit board, and may be a rigid circuit board.

Claims

1. A connector set comprising a plug connected to a transmission line including a signal line and a ground conductor, and a socket mounted on a circuit board including a signal land and a ground land,

the plug is provided with:

a housing electrically connected to the ground conductor of the transmission line, the housing including a bottom wall;

a first external terminal that is in electrical communication with the housing, the first external terminal being provided to protrude from the bottom wall of the housing and having a cylindrical shape with a partial area in the circumferential direction being open;

a first internal terminal electrically connected to the signal line of the transmission line, the first internal terminal including a first internal contact portion disposed inside the first external terminal;

a first holder holding the first inner terminal and fixed to the housing, the first holder insulating the first inner terminal from the housing and the first outer terminal;

at least two convex portions provided on an inner periphery of the first external terminal, the convex portions of the at least two convex portions being arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the first external terminal; and

at least two undulations provided on an outer periphery of the first external terminal, each of the at least two undulations being disposed at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction of the first external terminal and at a position different from a position of the convex portion in the circumferential direction,

the socket is provided with:

a second external terminal electrically connected to the ground pad of the circuit board, the second external terminal having a cylindrical shape and an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first external terminal;

a second internal terminal electrically connected to the signal pad of the circuit board, the second internal terminal including a second internal contact portion disposed inside the second external terminal;

a second holder holding the second external terminal and the second internal terminal, the second holder insulating the second internal terminal from the second external terminal; and

and a plurality of concave portions provided on an outer periphery of the second external terminal and having the same number as the number of the convex portions of the first external terminal, wherein each of the concave portions is arranged at a position corresponding to the convex portion of the first external terminal.

2. The connector set of claim 1,

the number of the convex portions of the first external terminal is two, the number of the undulation portions of the first external terminal is three,

when the first external terminal has a cylindrical shape with a partial region in the circumferential direction being open as viewed in the axial direction, the convex portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal.

3. The connector set of claim 1,

the number of the convex portions of the first external terminal is three, the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is two,

when the first external terminal has a cylindrical shape in which a partial region in the circumferential direction is open as viewed in the axial direction, the convex portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal.

4. The connector set of claim 1,

a concave portion is provided on the inner periphery of the first external terminal instead of the convex portion,

instead of the concave portion, a convex portion is provided on the outer periphery of the second external terminal.

5. The connector set of claim 4,

the number of the concave portions of the first external terminal is two, the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is three,

when the first external terminal has a cylindrical shape in which a partial region in the circumferential direction is open as viewed in the axial direction, the concave portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are symmetrically arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal.

6. The connector set of claim 4,

the number of the concave portions of the first external terminal is three, the number of the undulating portions of the first external terminal is two,

when the first external terminal has a cylindrical shape with a partial region in the circumferential direction being open as viewed in the axial direction, the concave portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal, and the undulating portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first external terminal.

7. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the undulation portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is a recessed portion.

8. The connector set according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the undulation portion provided on the outer periphery of the first external terminal is a ridge portion.

9. A tool for removing a plug from the socket in the connector set recited in claim 2 or 5,

the tool is provided with:

two arms; and

and three inverted undulations provided at two positions of a tip end portion of one of the two arms and one position of a tip end portion of the other arm, respectively, each of the inverted undulations reversely reflecting a shape of the corresponding undulation of the first external terminal.