JP2021061151A - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a coaxial connector improved in shield performance against noise.SOLUTION: An electrical connector includes: a conductor having an approximately cylindrical fitting tubular part; a center terminal located in the center of the fitting tubular part; and a housing holding the conductor and the center terminal. The conductor has: a shield line of a coaxial cable having one end on which a mating fitting tubular part of a mating connector is disposed when fitting with the mating connector; and a ground contact part electrically contacting with any part other than the one end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical connector, particularly to a coaxial connector used to connect a coaxial cable to a substrate.

In recent years, the development of electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook personal computers (PCs), and tablet PCs has been active. Electrical connectors used in such electronic devices include antennas, RF circuits, central processing devices, etc. in mobile phones, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, etc., which have become common for communication in recent years. It is widely and generally used for connecting various electronic components.

As an example of such an electric connector, a coaxial connector disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6446729 (Patent Document 1) can be mentioned. The coaxial connector described in Patent Document 1 is an L-shaped connector, and is composed of an outer conductor having a fitting tubular portion, a housing inside the fitting tubular portion, a central conductor held in the housing, and the like. Will be done. The fitting tubular portion of the outer conductor is formed with open portions at positions on the cable extending direction side at intervals in the circumferential direction. On the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion, a lock portion that engages with an annular lock groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer conductor of the mating connector is provided as an annular ridge portion extending in the circumferential direction. ..

When the receptacle connector attached to the circuit board or the like is fitted with the plug connector which is a coaxial connector during use, the fitting tubular portion of the outer conductor of the plug connector expands in diameter due to elasticity and the outer conductor of the receptacle connector is expanded. An annular ridge provided on the inner peripheral surface of the fitting tubular portion, which comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the receptacle, fits into an annular lock groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer conductor of the receptacle connector to prevent it from coming off. It is designed to be locked.

Japanese Patent No. 6446729

The coaxial connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 also has a problem that noise is likely to be generated as the signal transmission speed is increased, like a general electric connector. In particular, the gap between the bottom surface (board side) of the surrounding portion of the coaxial connector connected to the coaxial cable and the fitting tubular portion of the coaxial connector tends to be a source of noise due to the return current.
In addition, due to demands for improved portability, coaxial connectors are also required to be miniaturized in the same way as general electrical equipment parts, but on the other hand, they are used for products that require high reliability such as in-vehicle fields. If this is the case, the configuration of the coaxial connector, that is, only the locking mechanism of the fitting tubular portion and the lock groove, may release the fitting when a strong pulling force is applied. Therefore, there is a demand for a coaxial connector having a complete locking mechanism that is difficult to be removed even when a strong tensile force is applied.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a coaxial connector having improved shielding performance against noise. Another secondary object is to provide a coaxial connector that can reliably maintain shielding performance by providing a more complete locking mechanism while being compact.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description and accompanying drawings herein.

A brief overview of typical examples disclosed in the present application is as follows.

That is, the electric connector according to a typical embodiment holds a conductor having a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion, a central terminal located at the center of the fitting tubular portion, the conductor, and the central terminal. The conductor includes a housing, and the conductor is other than the shielded wire of the coaxial cable in which the mating tubular portion of the mating connector is arranged at one end and the one end of the shielded wire when mating with the mating connector. It has a ground contact portion that makes electrical contact at any part of the above.
According to this configuration, it is not due to the mating tubular part separated from the shielded wire of the coaxial cable, but near the shielded wire of the coaxial cable, especially the bottom surface of the surrounding portion of the coaxial connector (board side) which is likely to generate noise. ), It is possible to make a ground contact at a position closer to the shield to form a short-circuit path of the shield, so that the shield performance against noise can be effectively improved.

The ground contact portion may be in direct contact with the shielded wire, or may indirectly contact the shielded wire via an outer conductor shell including a mating tubular portion of the mating connector. You may be.

It is preferable that the ground contact portion elastically protrudes along the fitting direction between the fitting tubular portion and the mating tubular portion of the mating connector.
In this case, the ground contact portion may exhibit elasticity along the fitting direction of the mating tubular portion and the mating tubular portion of the mating connector, or the ground contact portion. Is one that exhibits elasticity along a direction that intersects both the mating direction of the mating tubular portion and the mating tubular portion of the mating connector and the extending direction of the coaxial cable. Good. In the latter case, the ground contact portion preferably comprises a pair of portions that are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the shielded wire at the time of fitting with the mating connector.

The electric connector of the above aspect further includes a lock member that holds the mating state by pressing the mating connector when mating with the mating connector, and the fitting tubular portion is provided on an outer peripheral surface. It is preferable that the structure is such that the outer conductor of the mating connector is engaged with and fitted with the locking groove at the time of fitting with the mating connector.
By providing such a locking mechanism, it is possible to provide a coaxial connector capable of reliably maintaining the shielding performance by providing a more complete locking mechanism while being compact.
Further, on the outside of the fitting tubular portion, a pair of guide portions are provided apart from the fitting tubular portion, the lock member is provided with a pair of guided portions, and the guided portion is the guide portion. The locking member is between a non-locking position where the mating connector can be inserted and removed and a locked position which restricts the movement of the mating connector. It is movable with.

The lock member has a first gap having a first width inside the outer wall, and when the lock member is in the lock position, the first gap covers the outer circumference of the outer conductor of the mating connector. It may be configured to be pressed and locked.

Further, the housing is provided with a pair of shaft support portions at an end portion of an outer wall, the lock member is provided with a pair of shaft portions at the end portion, and the lock member is engaged with the shaft support portion and the shaft portion. The lock member can be rotationally moved around the shaft portion, and the lock member is located between a non-locked position where the mating connector can be inserted and removed and a locked position which restricts the movement of the mating connector. It may be configured to open and close.

Further, the lock member is composed of a pair of elastic members standing up from the outer wall of the housing, and the lock member has a locking portion protruding inward, and when fitted with the mating connector, the lock member is said to be the same. The locking portion may be engaged with the top surface of the mating connector to restrict the movement of the mating connector.

Further, the electric connector assembly according to a typical embodiment is an electric connector assembly including a first electric connector connected to a coaxial cable and a second electric connector mounted on a substrate, and the first electric connector assembly. The electric connector 1 includes a terminal connected to the core wire of the coaxial cable and an external conductor shell, and the second electric connector is fitted with a conductor having a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion. When the central terminal located at the center of the tubular portion, the conductor and the housing holding the central terminal, and the first electric connector are fitted, the first electric connector is pressed to maintain the fitted state. The fitting tubular portion has an annular locking groove provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and when fitting with the first electric connector, the eighth electric connector is fitted. The combined tubular portion has a structure in which it is engaged with and fitted to the locking groove.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coaxial connector having improved shielding performance against noise. Further, by providing a more complete locking mechanism while being compact, it is possible to provide a coaxial connector capable of reliably maintaining the shielding performance.

It is a perspective view which shows the receptacle connector (electrical connector) before fitting which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention together with a plug connector (counterpart connector). It is a perspective view which shows the receptacle connector (electrical connector) after fitting which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention together with a plug connector (the other side connector). It is a top view which shows the state which fitted the plug connector to the receptacle connector of FIG. 1 (unlocked position). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I cut surface of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the receptacle connector (electrical connector) before fitting which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention together with a plug connector (counterpart connector). It is a perspective view which shows the receptacle connector (electrical connector) after fitting which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention together with a plug connector (counterpart connector). It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the receptacle connector and the plug connector which concerns on the structure of the lock mechanism, which can be used in Embodiments 1 and 2 of this invention and a modification. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plug connector is fitted to a receptacle connector in the first configuration mode (unlocked position). FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which a plug connector is fitted to a receptacle connector in the first configuration mode (unlocked position). It is sectional drawing in the AA cut plane of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the BB cut plane of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration aspect 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration aspect 1. It is sectional drawing in the AA cut plane of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the BB cut plane of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the housing of the receptacle connector in the configuration aspect 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the receptacle connector and the plug connector which concerns on the configuration aspect 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plug connector is fitted to a receptacle connector in the second configuration (non-locking position). FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which a plug connector is fitted to a receptacle connector in the first configuration mode (unlocked position). FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA cut surface of FIG. 21. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration aspect 2. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration aspect 2. It is sectional drawing in the AA cut plane of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) and plug connector (counting side connector) which concerns on configuration aspect 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is opened and the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration aspect 3 (unlocked position). FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is closed and locked in the configuration aspect 3. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) and plug connector (counting side connector) which concerns on configuration embodiment 4. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is opened and the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration aspect 4 (locked state). FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lock member is opened by using a jig in order to remove the plug connector from the receptacle connector in the configuration aspect 4 (unlocked state).

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, only suitable embodiments are shown, but of course, this is not intended to limit the invention. In the following description, the locking mechanism, more specifically, when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are fitted, is for preventing the fitting from being released even if a force is applied in the direction of separating them. A receptacle having a mechanism will be described as an example, but the locking mechanism is not indispensable, and it is optional whether or not it is provided.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a receptacle connector (electrical connector) 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention together with a plug connector 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the plug connector 1 is fitted to the receptacle connector 100A in the first embodiment (unlocked position). FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the plug connector 1 is fitted to the receptacle connector 100A in the first embodiment (unlocked position). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the I-I cut surface of FIG.

The coaxial cable 2 is the same as a general coaxial cable, and has an insulating coating 8, a shielded wire 6, an insulator 9, and a core wire 3 from the outermost shell toward the center. The plug connector 1 is a general L-shaped coaxial connector used for connecting the coaxial cable 2, and is an insulating housing that accommodates the terminal 4 that is electrically connected to the core wire 3 of the coaxial cable 2 and the terminal 4. 5 is electrically connected to the shielded wire 6 of the coaxial cable 2, and is composed of an outer conductor shell 7 and the like that cover the housing 5. The plug connector 1 is common to all of the second embodiment, the modified examples, and the first to fourth configurations described below.

The outer conductor shell 7 is made by bending and molding a metal plate after externally attaching it, and has a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion 10 and a fitting tubular portion arranged at one end of the coaxial cable 2. It has a top surface 11 that closes the upper part of the ten, a surrounding portion 12 located on the extending side of the coaxial cable 2 from one end thereof, and a cable gripping portion 15 (15a, 15b) as a unit. The cable gripping portion 15 is a member that grips a predetermined portion of the coaxial cable 2 from the outside, and has a relatively small diameter first gripping portion 15a located near the fitting tubular portion 10 and a fitting tubular portion. The second grip portion 15b having a relatively large diameter located on the side far from 10 is included. The second grip portion 15b grips the insulating coating 8 of the coaxial cable 2 and is not electrically connected to the shielded wire 6 or any other portion of the coaxial cable 2, whereas the first grip portion 15a is the insulating coating 8. The coaxial cable 2 is gripped in a state of being in contact with a part 6a of the shielded wire 6 exposed by removing a part thereof, and is therefore conducting with the shielded wire 6. Through the contact between the first grip portion 15a and the shielded wire 6, the outer conductor shell 7 is electrically connected to the shielded wire 6, and as a result, the fitting tubular portion 10 which is a part of the outer conductor shell 7 is also provided. It is electrically connected to the shielded wire 6. The fitting tubular portion 10 approaches the substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion 101A of the receptacle connector 100A in the “α1” direction along the fitting direction “α”, and is a substantially cylindrical fitting cylinder. It is connected to the ground by fitting with the shape portion 101A. The fitting tubular portion 10 has elasticity, is formed by bending a metal plate along a circular shape, and is formed in a substantially C shape on a "β-γ" plane orthogonal to the fitting direction "α".

Next, the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In the receptacle connector 100A of the first embodiment, each terminal is electrically connected by fitting with the plug connector 1 of the mating connector, and the substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion 101A is formed. When the conductor 130A, the center terminal 102A located at the center of the fitting tubular portion 101A, the housing 103A holding the conductor 130 and the center terminal 102A, and the plug connector 1 which is the mating connector are fitted, the plug connector It is composed of a lock member 104A or the like that holds the top surface 11 of 1 and holds the fitted state.

The central terminal 102A has a shaft-shaped contact portion 111 and a connecting portion 112A forming an L-shaped arm portion at one position in the circumferential direction from the lower end thereof. The connection portion 112A is connected to a terminal on the board.

The fitting tubular portion 101A is formed to be substantially cylindrically curved so as to be joined at one position in the circumferential direction, and has an annular locking groove 105A on the outer periphery thereof, and when mated with the plug connector 1, the fitting tubular portion 101A is formed. The fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 surrounds the fitting tubular portion 101A and engages with the locking groove 105A to be fitted. The receptacle connector 100A is usually mounted on a circuit board.

A part 132A of the conductor 130A extends toward the cable gripping portion 15 along the extending direction “γ” of the coaxial cable 2 in a state of being continuous with the fitting tubular portion 101A. The tip of the extending portion 131B is bent in a substantially C shape in the side view to form the ground contact portion 131A. The ground contact portion 131A elastically protrudes in the fitting direction “α” toward the “α2” direction, and exhibits elasticity at least in the fitting direction “α”. When the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 100A are fitted, the ground contact portion 131A elastically contacts the cable grip portion 15, especially the first grip portion 15a that conducts with the shielded wire 6 of the coaxial cable 2, and through this elastic contact. , Electrically connected to the shielded wire 6. As described above, according to this configuration, the electrical contact between the shielded wire 6 and the conductor 130A is with the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 separated from the shielded wire 6 like a general coaxial connector. , Not only between the receptacle connector 100A and the fitting tubular portion 101A, but also in addition to this, the first grip portion 15a, that is, the portion that is in direct contact with the shielded wire 6, in other words, the fitting tubular portion. Any part of the shielded wire 6 other than one end provided with 10, especially the position closer to the bottom surface (board side) of the surrounding part 12 of the coaxial connector that tends to generate noise, and the line between the ground contact part 131A. Therefore, by forming a short-circuit path of the shield between them, the shield performance against noise can be effectively improved. Further, since this contact is due to elastic contact, more reliable contact can be expected.

The housing 103A includes a pair of convex guide portions 107A on the outer sides of the outer walls 106A on both sides. The guide portion 107A serves as a rail when the lock member 104A slides and moves. The guide portion 107A may be provided at a location other than the outer wall 106A of the housing 103A. For example, the guide portion 107A may be provided at any position on the outside of the fitting tubular portion 101A as long as it is separated from the fitting tubular portion 101A. Further, the material of the guide portion 107A may be metal instead of resin. At the bottom of the outer wall 106A of the housing 103A, a reinforcing metal fitting 116A for being soldered to the substrate is provided.

The lock member 104A includes a pair of substantially L-shaped guided portions 109A protruding inward on the outside of the arm portions 108A on both sides. The guided portion 109A engages with the guide portion 107A and can move along the guide portion 107A, and the lock member 104A has a non-locking position (FIGS. 1 to 4) in which the plug connector 1 can be inserted and removed. , The plug connector 1 can be slid to and from the lock position (see FIG. 14 and the like) that restricts the movement of the plug connector 1.

The lock member 104A includes a top plate-shaped pressing portion 110A, and is configured to press and lock the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1 when the lock member 104A is in the locked position. The pressing portion 110A suppresses elastic protrusion by the ground contact portion 131A that tends to project in the "α2" direction when the locking member 104A is in the locked position, and presses the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1. is there. By providing such a locking mechanism, a compact but more complete locking mechanism is provided, and the contact between the shielded wire 6 of the coaxial cable 2 and the ground contact portion 131A is made more reliable, and the shielding performance is improved. A coaxial connector that can be reliably held can be provided.

5 and 6 show a modified example of the first embodiment. These figures correspond to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. As described above, the locking mechanism is not essential, and it is optional whether or not it is provided. Therefore, in the receptacle connector 100B according to the modified example, the lock member 104A is removed from the first embodiment. This modification differs from the receptacle connector 100A only in that it does not have the lock member 104A, and has the same configuration as the receptacle connector 100A in other respects. In the drawings, the same reference number is used for the member corresponding to the first embodiment, and the letter "B" is added instead of "A".

7 and 8 show a perspective view of the receptacle connector 100C according to the second embodiment of the present invention together with the plug connector 1. These figures correspond to FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. The receptacle connector 100C is based on the configuration of the receptacle connector 100B of the second modification, and in such a configuration, the ground contact portion 131C is provided instead of the ground contact portion 131A of the first embodiment. The receptacle connector 100C is substantially different from the receptacle connector 100B only for the ground contact portion 131C, and is the same as the receptacle connector 100B in other respects. Therefore, detailed description other than the matters relating to the ground contact portion will be omitted here. In the drawings, the same reference numbers are used for the members corresponding to the first embodiment and the modified examples, and the letters "C" are added instead of "A" and "B".

The ground contact portion 131C is provided in a state of being continuous from the guide portion 107C and by bending the upper portion of the guide portion 107C downward in a substantially L shape, and is provided with the fitting direction "α" of the plug connector 1. It elastically protrudes toward the installation side of the coaxial cable 2 along the direction "β" that intersects both of the extending directions "γ" of the coaxial cable 2. As shown in the second embodiment, the ground contact portion 131C is formed of, for example, a pair of portions 131Ca and 131Cb arranged so as to sandwich the coaxial cable 2 at the time of fitting with the plug connector 1. When mated with the plug connector 1, the shielded wire 6 of the coaxial cable 2, more specifically, the cable gripping portion 15 that grips the shielded wire 6, especially the first gripping portion 15a, is formed from both sides by these portions 131Ca and 131Cb. It is installed in a sandwiched state and in elastic contact with them, and is electrically connected to the shielded wire 6 through these elastic contacts. As described above, according to this configuration, the electrical contact between the shielded wire 6 and the conductor 130C is with the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 separated from the shielded wire 6 like a general coaxial connector. , Not only between the receptacle connector 100C and the fitting tubular portion 101C, but also in addition to this, the first grip portion 15a, that is, the portion that is in direct contact with the shielded wire 6, in other words, the fitting tubular portion. Since it is also performed between any part of the shielded wire 6 other than the one end provided with 10 and the ground contact portion 131C, the shielding performance against noise can be effectively improved. Further, since this contact is due to elastic contact, more reliable contact can be expected.

Hereinafter, a configuration mode of the locking mechanism that can be used in the first and second embodiments and the modified examples will be described.
(Structure mode 1 of the lock mechanism)
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) and the plug connector (counterpart connector) according to the configuration mode 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 1 (unlocked position). FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 1 (unlocked position). FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA cut surface of FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB cut surface of FIG.

The plug connector 1 as the mating connector has already been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The receptacle connector 100 of the first configuration is a conductor in which each terminal is electrically connected by fitting with the plug connector 1 of the mating connector, and has a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion 101. When the 130, the center terminal 102 located at the center of the fitting tubular portion 101, the housing 103 holding the conductor 130 and the center terminal 102, and the plug connector 1 which is the mating connector are fitted, the plug connector 1 It is composed of a lock member 104 or the like that holds the top surface 11 and holds the fitted state. The fitting tubular portion 101 has an annular locking groove 105 provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and when mating with the plug connector 1, the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 has a fitting tubular shape. The structure is such that the portion 101 is surrounded and engaged with the locking groove 105 to be fitted. The receptacle connector 100 is usually mounted on a circuit board.

Further, the housing 103 includes a pair of convex guide portions 107 inside the outer walls 106 on both sides. The guide portion 107 serves as a rail when the lock member 104 slides and moves. Further, the bottom surface 117 of the guide portion 107 is inclined downward so that the engagement between the guide portion 107 and the guided portion 109 cannot be easily disengaged. Further, a step 118 is provided on the bottom surface 117 of the guide portion 107 of the outer wall 106 on both sides, and when the lock member 104 is in the locked position (see FIG. 16 and the like), FIGS. 9 and 16 of the lock member 104. It is designed to be double-locked by restricting the movement of the to the left side. The guide portion 107 may be provided at a location other than the outer wall 106 of the housing 103. For example, the guide portion 107 may be provided at any position on the outside of the fitting tubular portion 101 as long as it is separated from the fitting tubular portion 101. Further, the material of the guide portion 107 may be metal instead of resin.

The lock member 104 includes a pair of concave guided portions 109 on the outside of the arm portions 108 on both sides. The guided portion 109 engages with the guide portion 107 and can move along the guide portion 107, and the lock member 104 has a non-locking position (FIGS. 10 to 13) in which the plug connector 1 can be inserted and removed. , The plug connector 1 can be slid to and from the lock position (FIGS. 14 to 17) that restricts the movement of the plug connector 1.

The lock member 104 includes a top plate-shaped pressing portion 110, and is configured to press and lock the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1 when the lock member 104 is in the locked position. Further, the lock member 104 is provided with a stopper 120 at the left end portion so that the stopper 120 abuts on the outer conductor shell 7 of the plug connector 1 at the time of locking so that the lock member 104 does not go too far to the right. The lock member 104 is formed of a resin mold.

The central terminal 102 has a shaft-shaped contact portion 111 and a connecting portion 112 forming an L-shaped arm portion at one position in the circumferential direction from the lower end thereof. The connection portion 112 is connected to a terminal on the board.

The fitting tubular portion 101 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to be joined at one position in the circumferential direction, and a locking groove 105 is formed on the outer periphery thereof. The conductor 130 has a connecting portion 113 forming an L-shaped arm portion at one position in the circumferential direction from the lower end thereof. The connection portion 113 is connected to a terminal on the board.

A locking convex portion 114 for temporary fixing is provided on the upper surface of the outer wall 106 of the housing 103 so as to engage with the locking convex portion 115 of the locking member 104 so that the locking member 104 does not easily come off from the housing 103. It has become. At the time of assembly, the guided portion 109 slides along the guide portion 107 from the right side (cable side) of FIG. 9, and the lock member 104 is inserted into the housing 103. Further, a reinforcing metal fitting 116 for being soldered to the substrate is provided at the bottom of the outer wall 106 of the housing 103.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 18, a mechanism for locking the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 100 so that they are not released even if a force is applied in the direction of separation while the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 100 are fitted will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration mode 1. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration mode 1. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA cut surface of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB cut surface of FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the housing of the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the plug connector 1 is fitted into the receptacle connector 100 from above. In this state, the lock member 104 is still in the unlocked position, and if the plug connector 1 is lifted upward, the fitting is easily disengaged. Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the lock member 104 is slid to the right. At this time, the locking convex portion 115 of the locking member 104 moves over the locking convex portion 114 of the housing 103 and is pushed by the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1, so that the locking member 104 is slightly lifted upward ( (See FIG. 16). Then, the end surface 119 of the lock member 104 bites into the step 118, the movement of the lock member 104 to the left is restricted, and the lock member 104 is doubly locked. In this state, the pressing portion 110 of the lock member 104 presses the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1, and the receptacle connector 100 and the plug connector 1 are not disengaged and are completely locked. Further, the stopper 120 of the lock member 104 comes into contact with the side surface of the outer conductor shell 7 of the plug connector 1 so that the lock member 104 does not go too far to the right.

In the first configuration, the case where the material of the lock member 104 is resin has been described, but the material of the lock member 104 may be metal. Further, instead of providing the guide portion 107 in the housing 103, the outer wall 106 and a part of the guide portion 107 may be made of a metal extending from the bottom of the conductor 130. In this case, the guide portion 107 and the guided portion 109 are made of metals to improve the strength, and the metal lock member 104 is in contact with the conductor or the reinforcing metal fitting, so that the electric shielding effect is also improved. Further, the pressing portion 110 can be made into a spring shape.

(Structure mode 2 of lock member)
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) and the plug connector (counterpart connector) according to the configuration mode 2. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 2 (unlocked position). FIG. 21 is a front view showing a state in which the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 1 (unlocked position). FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 21.

First, the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) according to the configuration mode 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22. In the receptacle connector 200 of the present configuration aspect 2, each terminal is electrically connected by fitting with the plug connector 1 of the mating connector, and the substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion 201 and the fitting tubular portion 201 When the center terminal 202 located at the center of the fitting tubular portion 201, the housing 203 holding the conductor 230 and the center terminal 202, and the plug connector 1 which is the mating connector are fitted, the fitting cylinder of the plug connector 1 is fitted. It is composed of a lock member 204 or the like that holds the fitted state by sandwiching (pressing) the shape portion 10 from both sides. The fitting tubular portion 201 has an annular locking groove 205 provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and when mating with the plug connector 1, the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 has a fitting tubular shape. The structure is such that the portion 201 is surrounded and engaged with the locking groove 205 to be fitted.

The housing 203 includes a pair of concave guide portions 207 inside the outer wall 206. The lock member 204 includes a pair of convex guided portions 209 on the outside of the arm portion 208, and the guided portion 209 engages with the guide portion 207 and can move along the guide portion 207. The lock member 204 can be moved between a non-locking position where the plug connector 1 which is a mating connector can be inserted and removed and a locked position which restricts the movement of the plug connector 1. Further, the lock member 204 has a first gap 210 having a first width W1 inside the arm portion 208, and when the lock member 204 is in the locked position, the plug connector 1 is fitted by the first gap 210. The outer circumference of the combined tubular portion 10 is pressed and locked. The first width W1 is substantially the same as the diameter of the outer circumference of the fitting tubular portion 10.

Further, the lock member 204 has a second gap 211 having a second width W2 wider than the first width W1 inside the arm portion 208, and when the lock member 204 is in the unlocked position, the second gap W2 is provided. When the gap 211 is located near the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 and the lock member 204 is in the locked position, the first gap 210 comes into contact with the outer periphery of the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1. It is configured to be located.

Further, the lock member 204 includes a pressing operation unit 212 for operating the lock member 204 when sliding and moving, a pair of unlocking operation units 213 for operating when the lock member 204 is released, and a pair of concave engagement members. A stop 214 and the like are provided. The unlocking operation unit 213 is operated by moving up and down or left and right. The locked portion 214 is for fitting with the convex locking portion 215 of the housing 203 at the time of locking to double lock.

The central terminal 202 has a connecting portion 217 forming an L-shaped arm portion at one position in the circumferential direction from the lower end. The connection portion 217 is connected to a terminal on the board. The fitting tubular portion 201 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to be joined at one position in the circumferential direction, and a locking groove 205 is formed on the outer periphery thereof. The conductor 230 has a connecting portion 218 forming an L-shaped arm portion at one position in the circumferential direction from the lower end thereof. The connection portion 218 is connected to a terminal on the board. Further, a reinforcing metal fitting 216 for being soldered to the substrate is provided at the bottom of the outer wall 206 of the housing 203.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 20 to 25, a mechanism for locking the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 200 so that they are not released even if a force is applied in the separating direction will be described. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration aspect 2. FIG. 24 is a front view showing a state in which the lock member is slid and locked in the configuration aspect 2. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA cut surface of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the plug connector 1 is fitted into the receptacle connector 200 from above. In this state, the lock member 204 is located on the leftmost side and is still in the unlocked position, and if the plug connector 1 is lifted up, the fitting is easily disengaged. At this time, the fitting tubular portion 201 and the fitting tubular portion 10 are located between the second gaps 211. Next, as shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, the pressing operation unit 212 is operated to slide the lock member 104 to the right. At this time, the outer circumference of the fitting tubular portion 10 is sandwiched and locked by the first gap 210. Further, the locked portion 214 and the locked portion 215 are fitted to each other and are doubly locked. In this state, the arm portion 208 (first gap 210) of the lock member 204 presses the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 from both sides, and the receptacle connector 200 and the plug connector 1 are fitted together. It will not come off and will be completely locked. In order to release the lock, the locking release operation unit 213 is pressed inward from both sides or pushed down to release the locking between the locked portion 214 and the locking portion 215, and the locking member 204 is released. Slide movement is possible.

(Structure mode 3 of the lock member)
FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) and the plug connector (counterpart connector) according to the configuration mode 3.

First, the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) according to the configuration mode 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 26. The receptacle connector 300 of the present configuration aspect 3 is such that each terminal is electrically connected by fitting with the plug connector 1 of the mating connector, and has a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion 301. When mating the conductor 330, the center terminal 302 located at the center of the fitting tubular portion 301, the housing 303 holding the conductor 330 and the center terminal 302, and the plug connector 1 which is the mating connector, the plug connector 1 It is composed of a lid-shaped lock member 304 or the like that presses the top surface 11 of the above and holds the fitted state. The fitting tubular portion 301 has an annular locking groove 305 provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and when mating with the plug connector 1, the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 has a fitting tubular shape. The structure is such that the portion 301 is surrounded and engaged with the locking groove 305 to be fitted.

Further, the housing 303 is provided with a pair of shaft support portions 307 and shaft cam portions 309 which are opened in a fan shape at the ends of the outer walls 306 on both sides. The lock member 304 is provided with a pair of shaft portions 308 whose sections are bent inward at its ends. Further, in the lock member 304, the shaft support portion 307 and the shaft portion 308 are engaged with each other, and the shaft portion 308 can be rotated around the shaft portion 308. Further, the lock member 304 is configured to open and close between a non-locking position where the plug connector 1 can be inserted and removed and a locked position which restricts the movement of the plug connector 1.

The lock member 304 includes a pressing portion 310 for pressing the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1 from above when locked, and is bent at a position opposite to the shaft portion 308 with a pair of locked portions 311 opened. It includes a pair of unlocking operation units 316.

The housing 303 includes a pair of locking portions 312 for locking the locking member 304 on the opposite side of the shaft support portion 307. The locking portion 312 has a slope 313 only on the upper surface, and is easy to move in the closing direction and difficult to move in the opening direction. At the bottom of the housing 303, a connecting portion 314 extending from the conductor 330 and a reinforcing metal fitting 315 are provided.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 27 to 28, a mechanism for locking the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 300 so that they are not released even if a force is applied in the direction of separation while the plug connector 1 and the receptacle connector 300 are fitted will be described. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is opened and the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 3 (unlocked position). FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is closed and locked in the configuration mode 3.

As shown in FIG. 27, the plug connector 1 is fitted into the receptacle connector 300 from above with the lock member 304 open. In this state, the lock member 304 is still in the unlocked position, and if the plug connector 1 is lifted upward, the fitting is easily disengaged. Next, as shown in FIG. 28, the lock member 404 is closed. At this time, the locked portion 311 and the locking portion 312 are engaged and completely locked. In this state, the pressing portion 310 of the lock member 304 presses the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1, and the receptacle connector 300 and the plug connector 1 are not disengaged and are completely locked.

(Structure mode 4 of the lock member)
FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) and the plug connector (counterpart connector) according to the configuration mode 4. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is opened and the plug connector is fitted to the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 4 (locked state). FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lock member is opened by using a jig in order to remove the plug connector from the receptacle connector in the configuration mode 4 (unlocked state).

First, the configuration of the receptacle connector (electrical connector) according to the configuration mode 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 29. The receptacle connector 100 of the configuration aspect 1 is fitted with a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion 401, in which each terminal is electrically connected by fitting with the plug connector 1 of the mating connector. When the center terminal 402 located at the center of the combined tubular portion 401, the housing 403 holding the conductor 430 and the center terminal 402, and the plug connector 1 which is the mating connector are fitted, the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1 is pressed. It is composed of a pair of lock members 404 and the like that are pressed to hold the fitted state. The fitting tubular portion 401 has an annular locking groove 405 provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and when mating with the plug connector 1, the fitting tubular portion 10 of the plug connector 1 has a fitting tubular shape. The structure is such that the portion 401 is surrounded and engaged with the locking groove 405 to be fitted.

The lock member 404 is composed of a pair of elastic members that stand up from the bottom of the outer wall of the housing 403. The lock member 404 has a locking portion 406 projecting inward at the end, and when mated with the plug connector 1, the locking portion 406 engages with the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1 to form a plug connector 1. It has a structure that regulates movement. The lock member 404 is formed by bending a metal plate, and is composed of the same metal plate as the conductor 430. The locking portion 406 is formed by punching from the outside. The locking portion 406 has a slope on the upper side and a substantially right angle on the lower side. Further, the fitting tubular portion 401, the center terminal 402, the housing 403, and the lock member 404 are integrally molded. Further, a part 407 of the conductor 430401 is exposed from the housing 403.

When mating the receptacle connector 400 and the plug connector 1, the plug connector 1 may be pressed from above. Since the lock member 404 has elasticity and the locking portion 406 has a slope on the upper side, the lock member 404 opens to the left and right and can be easily fitted. Further, after the fitting is completed, the lower side of the locking portion 406 is substantially at a right angle, so that the locking portion 406 engages with the top surface 11 of the plug connector 1 and is completely locked.

When removing the plug connector 1, as shown in FIG. 31, the plug connector 1 can be removed by using a jig 408 and widening the interval between the lock members 404.

Therefore, since the receptacle connectors 100, 200, 300, and 400 of the configurations 1 to 4 include the lock members 104, 204, 304, and 404, respectively, the lock member holds the plug connector when the plug connector 1 is fitted. The reliability of the electric connector is improved because it can be pressed to hold the mated state and completely locked.

Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiment thereof, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof. Needless to say. For example, in the above embodiment, the ground contact portions 131A and 131B indirectly contact the shielded wire 6 via the outer conductor shell 7, and more specifically, the cable gripping portion 15a. Direct contact may be made. In addition, the configuration modes 1 to 4 of the lock mechanism may be combined as appropriate.

1 Plug connector 2 Coaxial cable 3 Core wire 4 Terminal 5 Housing 6 Shield wire 7 External conductor shell 8 Insulation coating 9 Insulation 10 Fitting tubular part 11 Top surface 12 Surrounding part 100 Receptacle connector 101 Fitting tubular part 102 Center terminal 103 Housing 104 Lock member 105 Locking groove 106 Outer wall 107 Guide part 108 Arm part 109 Guided part 110 Holding part 111 Contact part 112 Connection part 113 Connection part 114 Locking convex part 115 Locking convex part 116 Reinforcing metal fitting 117 Bottom surface 118 Step 119 End face 120 Stopper 130 Conductor 131A, 131B Ground contact part 200 Receptacle connector 201 External conductor 202 Center terminal 203 Housing 204 Lock member 205 Locking groove 206 Outer wall 207 Guide part 208 Arm part 209 Guided part 210 First gap 211 Second Gap 212 Pressing operation unit 213 Unlocking operation unit 214 Locked part 215 Locking part 216 Reinforcing metal fitting 217 Connection part 218 Connection part 300 Receptacle connector 301 External conductor 302 Center terminal 303 Housing 304 Lock member 305 Locking groove 306 Outer wall 307 Shaft support 308 Shaft 309 Shaft cam 310 Holding part 311 Locked part 312 Locking part 313 Slope 314 Connection part 315 Reinforcing metal fitting 316 Unlocking operation part 400 Receptacle connector 401 External conductor 402 Center terminal 403 Housing 404 Lock member 405 Locking groove 406 Locking part 407 Part of the outer conductor 408 Jig

Claims (14)

A conductor having a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion,
A central terminal located at the center of the fitting tubular portion, a housing for holding the conductor and the central terminal, and the housing.
With
When mated with the mating connector, the conductor electrically contacts the shielded wire of the coaxial cable in which the mating tubular portion of the mating connector is arranged at one end at any part other than the one end. An electrical connector characterized by having a ground contact portion. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the ground contact portion is in direct contact with the shielded wire. The electric connector according to claim 1, wherein the ground contact portion indirectly contacts the shielded wire via an outer conductor shell including a mating tubular portion of the mating connector. The electric connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ground contact portion elastically protrudes along the mating direction of the mating tubular portion and the mating tubular portion of the mating connector. The electric connector according to claim 4, wherein the ground contact portion exhibits elasticity along the fitting direction of the mating tubular portion and the mating tubular portion of the mating connector. The ground contact portion exhibits elasticity along a direction that intersects both the mating direction of the mating tubular portion and the mating tubular portion of the mating connector and the extending direction of the coaxial cable. The electrical connector according to claim 4. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein the ground contact portion comprises a pair of portions that are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the shielded wire when mated with the mating connector. Further provided with a lock member that holds the mating state by pressing the mating connector when mating with the mating connector.
The fitting tubular portion has an annular locking groove provided on the outer peripheral surface, and has an annular locking groove.
The electric connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which has a structure in which the outer conductor of the mating connector is engaged with and fitted in the locking groove when mating with the mating connector. .. A pair of guide portions are provided on the outside of the fitting tubular portion so as to be separated from the fitting tubular portion.
The lock member includes a pair of guided portions and includes a pair of guided portions.
The guided portion engages with the guide portion and can move along the guide portion.
The electric connector according to claim 8, wherein the lock member can move between a non-locking position where the mating connector can be inserted and removed and a locked position which restricts the movement of the mating connector. The lock member includes a top plate-shaped pressing portion and has a top plate-like pressing portion.
The electric connector according to claim 9, wherein when the lock member is in the lock position, the top surface of the mating connector is pressed to lock the lock member. The lock member has a first gap of a first width inside the outer wall.
The electric connector according to claim 9, wherein when the lock member is in the lock position, the outer circumference of the outer conductor of the mating connector is pressed and locked by the first gap. The housing has a pair of shaft supports at the ends of the outer wall.
The lock member has a pair of shafts at the ends and has a pair of shafts.
In the lock member, the shaft support portion and the shaft portion are engaged with each other, and the shaft portion can be rotationally moved around the shaft portion.
The eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the lock member is configured to open and close between a non-locking position where the mating connector can be inserted and removed and a locked position which restricts the movement of the mating connector. Electric connector. The lock member is composed of a pair of elastic members that stand up from the outer wall of the housing.
The lock member has a locking portion protruding inward and has a locking portion.
The electric connector according to claim 8, wherein the locking portion engages with the top surface of the mating connector at the time of fitting with the mating connector to restrict the movement of the mating connector. .. An electrical connector assembly comprising a first electrical connector connected to a coaxial cable and a second electrical connector mounted on a substrate.
The first electrical connector includes a terminal connected to the core wire of the coaxial cable and an outer conductor shell.
The second electrical connector is
A conductor having a substantially cylindrical fitting tubular portion,
A central terminal located at the center of the fitting tubular portion and
A housing that holds the conductor and the center terminal,
A lock member that presses the first electric connector to hold the fitted state at the time of fitting with the first electric connector is provided.
The fitting tubular portion has an annular locking groove provided on the outer peripheral surface, and has an annular locking groove.
An electric connector assembly having a structure in which a fitting tubular portion of the eighth electric connector is engaged with and fitted with the locking groove at the time of fitting with the first electric connector.

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