Receptacle connector and connector

Provided are a receptacle connector and a connector with simple structures, which include an added function such as a waterproofing function. The receptacle connector includes: a signal terminal that transmits signals between a plug connector side and an electronic substrate side in an extension direction; an insulating holder that has a circular column shape extending in the extension direction and that holds the signal terminal by being penetrated thereby; a conductive first shell in the form of a tube that covers the outer circumference in the radial direction, which is orthogonal to the extension direction of the holder; a non-conductive connector case having a cylindrical space that contains the first shell and extends in the extension direction; an inner seal member that seals the inner portion of the first shell in the extension direction; and an outer seal member that seals the inner portion of the cylindrical space in the extension direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-254315 filed on Dec. 27, 2016, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a receptacle connector and a connector in which the receptacle connector is used.

2. Related Art

Accompanying an increase in the processing speed and communication speed of recent electronic devices, receptacle connectors for high-speed transmission that shield signal terminals with a conductive material and have structures that are resistant to noise have been used to connect internal wiring and electronic devices. As disclosed in JP 2016-201193A, this kind of receptacle connector is used widely in particular for connecting internal wiring of a vehicle-mounted device such as a vehicle-mounted camera, a car navigation system, car audio, and other vehicle-mounted devices, and electronic devices.

This kind of receptacle connector has a signal terminal with one side connected to an electronic substrate of an electronic device, and is used as an electronic substrate unit (e.g., a vehicle-mounted camera unit obtained by attaching a receptacle connector to a vehicle-mounted camera module serving as the electronic substrate) in some cases.

Also, this kind of receptacle connector is sometimes used together with a plug connector connected to a connection portion on a side of the receptacle connector corresponding to the plug connector (hereinafter referred to as “plug connector side”), which is the side opposite to a side corresponding to the electronic substrate (hereinafter referred to as “electronic substrate side”), to form a pair of connectors.

In the case of using the above-described receptacle connector to connect the internal wiring of a vehicle-mounted device and electronic devices in this manner, addition of added functions corresponding to the vehicle-mounted application is further required of the receptacle connector.

Examples of added functions include a waterproofing function, ease of attaching an electronic substrate including an electronic circuit (hereinafter referred to as “mountability”), an ability of shielding the electronic circuit from noise, ease of assembly, and safety during use.

SUMMARY

If the above-described added functions are added to the receptacle connector, the structure of the receptacle connector becomes complicated in some cases, which is problematic.

An embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the foregoing circumstance and it is an object thereof to provide a receptacle connector and a connector with simple structures, which include an added function such as a waterproofing function.

A characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object lies in including:

a signal terminal that can fit together with a plug connector in an extension direction and that is configured to transmit a signal between a plug connector side and an electronic substrate side;

an holder made of insulator that has a circular column shape extending in the extension direction and that is configured to hold the signal terminal by being penetrated thereby in the extension direction;

a conductive first shell in the form of a tube that covers an outer circumference in a radial direction of the holder;

a non-conductive connector case including a cylindrical space that contains the first shell and extends in the extension direction; and

an inner seal member that seals an inner portion of the first shell and an outer seal member that seals an inner portion of the cylindrical space,

wherein the inner seal member is an elastic member that has a circular column shape extending in the extension direction, the inner seal member includes an insertion hole into which the signal terminal is press-fit, and the inner seal member seals the inner portion of the first shell in the extension direction in a state in which an outer circumferential portion in the radial direction of the inner seal member is pressed into contact with an inner circumferential surface in the radial direction of the first shell, and

the outer seal member is a circular ring-shaped elastic member and seals the inner portion of the cylindrical space in the extension direction in a state in which an outer circumferential portion in the radial direction is pressed into contact with an inner circumferential surface of the connector case forming the cylindrical space and an inner circumferential portion in the radial direction is pressed into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the first shell.

According to the above-described configuration, the holder is in a state of holding the signal terminal at the approximate center portion in the extension direction of the signal terminal (i.e., a state in which both end portions of the signal terminal are exposed). Also, the holder is covered by the first shell due to being inserted into the tube of the first shell or the like, for example, while holding the signal terminal.

For this reason, when held by the holder, the signal terminal overlaps in a view in the radial direction of the signal terminal with the portion of the tube of the conductive first shell, and the signal terminal is shielded from electrical noise (electromagnetic waves) from the radial direction at the overlapping portion. In this state, the signal terminal and the holder are contained in the connector case via the first shell and function as the receptacle connector.

The receptacle connector is further sealed in the extension direction by an inner seal member and an outer seal member, and are made waterproof due to water being prevented from entering the electronic substrate side from the plug connector side.

Specifically, the signal terminal is press-fit into the insertion hole in the elastic inner seal member, and therefore the inner surface of the insertion hole is pressed into contact with the signal terminal and the gap between the signal terminal and the inner seal member is sealed. Also, since the outer circumferential portion of the inner seal member is pressed into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first shell, the inner seal member seals the gap between the first shell and the inner seal member. That is, the inner side of the tube of the first shell is sealed by the signal terminal and the inner seal member, and thus water is prevented from entering the electronic substrate side from the plug connector side.

Also, the outer circumferential portion of the outer seal member is pressed into contact with the inner circumferential portion of the connector case so as to seal the gap between the outer seal member and the connector case. Also, the inner circumferential portion of the outer seal member is pressed into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first shell so as to seal the gap between the first shell and the outer seal member. In other words, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the connector case and the first shell is sealed by the outer seal member, whereby water is prevented from entering the electronic substrate side from the plug connector side.

Thus, it is possible to provide a receptacle connector including an added function, which is a function of preventing water from entering the electronic substrate side from the plug connector side, with a simple structure obtained by merely adding an inner seal member and an outer seal member.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in that

the connector case includes a first engagement hook that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the connector case forming the cylindrical space to an inner side in the radial direction and has an elastic force along the radial direction,

on the outer circumferential surface of the first shell, the first shell includes a first engagement recessed portion with which the first engagement hook engages, and

due to the engagement between the first engagement hook and the first engagement recessed portion, the first shell is restricted from moving with respect to the connector case in the extension direction and is locked to the connector case.

According to the above-described configuration, the first shell and the connector case can be locked with a simple structure in which the hook portion of the first engaging hook in the cylindrical space and the recessed portion of the first engagement recessed portion of the first shell are engaged, and movement of the first shell with respect to the connector case in the extension direction can be restricted in the state in which the first shell is arranged contained in the cylindrical space of the connector case.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in including

a spacer including a surface portion,

wherein the surface portion includes a support portion that supports the signal terminal by being penetrated thereby, and a second engagement hook having an elastic force in the radial direction,

the second engagement hook protrudes from the surface portion to the plug connector side in the extension direction and is arranged on an outer side in the radial direction of the support portion,

on the outer circumferential surface of the first shell, the first shell includes a second engagement recessed portion with which the second engagement hook engages, and

the spacer is arranged on the signal terminal in a state in which movement in the extension direction with respect to the connector case is restricted due to the engagement between the second engagement hook and the second engagement recessed portion.

With the above-described configuration, an arrangement in which the signal terminal penetrates through the surface portion of the spacer, or in other words, an arrangement in which the surface portion of the spacer intersects with, or is orthogonal to, the extension direction of the signal terminal is achieved. For this reason, an electronic substrate such as a vehicle-mounted camera module can be mounted on the surface portion of the spacer. Also, the support portion located at the surface portion of the spacer supports the signal terminal due to being penetrated thereby, and therefore the position of the signal terminal with respect to the electronic substrate can be accurately restricted.

Also, movement of the spacer in the extension direction with respect to the first shell can be restricted with a simple structure in which the hook portion of the second engagement hook and the recessed portion of the second engagement recessed portion are engaged, and it is possible to maintain the state in which the spacer is arranged on the signal terminal.

Note that movement of the first shell in the extension direction with respect to the connector case is restricted, and therefore movement of the spacer in the extension direction with respect to the connector case via the first shell is restricted.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in that

a surface on the electronic substrate side of the inner seal member is locked by the support portion and is installed at the signal terminal.

With the above-described embodiment, the surface on the electronic substrate side of the inner seal member is locked by the support portion, and thus the inner seal member can be prevented from moving to the electronic substrate side. As a result, a case in which the inner seal member falls off from the electronic substrate side can be avoided with a simple structure.

Note that the surface on the electronic substrate side of the inner seal member can be locked by the surface on the plug connector side of the support portion, for example.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in that

a surface on the plug connector side of the inner seal member is locked by the surface on the electronic substrate side of the holder.

With the above-described configuration, the surface on the plug connector side of the inner seal member is locked by the surface on the electronic substrate side of the holder, and thus it is possible to prevent the inner seal member from moving to the plug connector side. As a result, a case in which the inner seal member falls off from the plug connector side can be avoided with a simple structure.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in that

the surface on the plug connector side of the outer seal member is locked by the connector case.

With the above-described configuration, the surface on the plug connector side of the outer seal member is locked by the connector case, and thus it is possible to prevent a case in which the outer seal member moves to the plug connector side. As a result, a case in which the outer seal member falls off from the plug connector side can be avoided with a simple structure.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in including

a conductive second shell having a bottomed tube shape with a bottom portion and a side wall portion,

wherein the side wall portion is bent from the periphery of the bottom portion and extends to the electronic substrate side in the extension direction,

the bottom portion includes an opening portion through which the first shell penetrates,

the opening portion includes a protrusion portion that is bent from an edge portion of the opening portion and extends to the electronic substrate side in the extension direction, and

the second shell is arranged on the first shell in a state in which the outer circumferential surface of the first shell and an inner circumferential surface in the radial direction of the protrusion portion are in surface contact.

With the above-described configuration, an arrangement in which the bottom portion of the second shell penetrates through the first shell, or in other words, an arrangement in which the bottom portion of the second shell intersects with, or is orthogonal to, the extension direction of the signal terminal or the like is achieved. For this reason, the conductive second shell, which is in the arrangement, can cover the electronic substrate side (enclose from the plug connector side to the electronic substrate side) with the side wall portion, the protrusion portion, and the bottom portion, which protrude to the electronic substrate side, and the electronic substrate side can be shielded and protected from electrical noise. For example, if an electronic substrate such as a vehicle-mounted camera module is connected to the electronic substrate side, the electronic substrate and the electronic circuit of the camera module can be protected from electrical noise.

Also, the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion portion is arranged on the first shell in surface contact therewith, and therefore the first shell and the second shell are electrically connected and share the ground. For this reason, the first shell and the second shell have approximately the same potential. Also, the gap between the first shell and the second shell can be reduced. Accordingly, when the second shell is used, it is possible to more reliably shield and protect the electronic substrate side from electrical noise.

In other words, it is possible to provide a receptacle connector that includes an added function of shielding and protecting the electronic substrate side from electrical noise with a simple configuration obtained by merely adding a conductive second shell with a bottomed tube shape.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in that

the spacer is arranged on the electronic substrate side with respect to the second shell, and the second shell is arranged on the first shell and is locked by the spacer, so as to be restricted from moving in the extension direction with respect to the first shell.

With the above-described configuration, the second shell is locked by the spacer from the electronic substrate side, and thus it is possible to prevent the second shell from moving to the electronic substrate side. As a result, a case in which the second shell falls off from the electronic substrate side can be avoided with a simple configuration.

A further characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention lies in that

the outer seal member is arranged on the first shell with its surface on the electronic substrate side locked by the second shell.

With the above-described configuration, the surface on the electronic substrate side of the outer seal member is locked by the second shell from the electronic substrate side, and thus it is possible to prevent the outer seal member from moving to the electronic substrate side. As a result, a case in which the outer seal member falls off from the electronic substrate side can be avoided with a simple structure.

A characteristic configuration of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object lies in including

the receptacle connector described above; and the plug connector that is connected to the connector case by being inserted therein from the plug connector side of the receptacle connector,

wherein the plug connector includes a connection tube portion that overlaps in a view in a radial direction with the first shell when inserted into the connector case, and

at a position at which the first shell and the connection tube portion overlap, the first shell includes a socket-side seal member that seals a gap between the first shell and the connection tube portion.

With the above-described configuration, the gap between the first shell and the connection tube portion of the plug module is sealed by the socket-side seal member, and thus water is prevented from entering the inner side of the first shell from the outer side of the connection tube portion.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide a connector including an added function, which is a function of preventing water from entering the electronic substrate side from the plug connector side, with a simple configuration obtained by merely adding an inner seal member, an outer seal member, and a socket-side seal member.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A receptacle connector and a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 9.

As shown schematically inFIG. 1, the present embodiment describes, as an example, a receptacle connector10that is to be attached to a camera module110serving as an example of an electronic substrate, and that is to be used in a camera unit100(e.g., a vehicle-mounted camera to be installed in a car) that is to be mounted in a vehicle (not shown).

First, a schematic configuration of a mode in which the receptacle connector10is used will be described.

Schematic Configuration of Usage Mode of Receptacle Connector

The receptacle connector10according to the present invention is normally used in a connector20(seeFIG. 7), the receptacle connector10being paired with a plug connector120that is connected by being inserted from a plug connector side L1(seeFIG. 2) of the receptacle connector10.

The connector20is used to electrically connect a cable130connected to the plug connector120and the camera module110.

Note that the cable130is a signal line or a power supply line that is obtained by covering an inner conductor (not shown) with an insulator (not shown), and that transmits a signal, is connected to ground (earth), or supplies power. The cable130includes an outer conductor (not shown) serving as an electrical protection member (a so-called shield) that covers the inner conductor together with the insulator and protects the inner conductor from electrical noise from an outer space E1.

As shown inFIG. 7, specifically, for example, the connector20outputs signals from the cable130to the camera module110(seeFIG. 1) and outputs signals from the camera module110to the cable130. Furthermore, the power for driving that is supplied from the cable130is supplied to the camera module110.

Note that examples of signals transmitted by the cable130include signals for controlling the camera module110and image signals including image information received from the camera module110.

Schematic Configuration of Receptacle Connector

A schematic configuration of the receptacle connector10will be described hereinafter.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the receptacle connector10includes: four linear signal terminals1that can fit together with the plug connector120(seeFIG. 7) in an extension direction L and transmit signals between the plug connector side L1and an electronic substrate side L2; an insulating holder2that has a circular column shape extending in the extension direction L, and that holds the signal terminals1by being penetrated by them in the extension direction L; a conductive first shell3having a tube shape that covers the outer circumference of the holder2in a radial direction R that is orthogonal to the extension direction L; and a non-conductive connector case8that includes a cylindrical space E3that extends in the extension direction L and contains the first shell3.

Note thatFIG. 2shows a cross-section taken along the extension direction L of the receptacle connector10.

The receptacle connector10further includes: an inner seal member4that seals the interior of the first shell3in the extension direction L; and an outer seal member6that seals the interior of the cylindrical space E3in the extension direction L, and thus water is prevented from entering the electronic substrate side L2from the plug connector side L1(hereinafter referred to as “waterproofing”). By thus including the waterproofing function, it is possible to prevent accidents such as short-circuiting, for example, and thus high safety can be provided.

Also, the receptacle connector10includes a second shell7, which is an electrical protection member that covers the electronic substrate side L2of the receptacle connector10so as to shield and protect it from electrical noise (electromagnetic waves) oriented from mainly the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2of the outer space E1, and a spacer9for mounting the camera module110.

Hereinafter, the parts of the receptacle connector10will be described in detail.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the connector case8includes a cylindrical space E3partitioned by an inner circumferential surface8a, and a space E2.

The connector case8is a container for the receptacle connector10that contains a terminal module30composed of the first shell3in the cylindrical space E3, and into which the plug connector120is inserted. Note that “terminal module30” refers to a module obtained by assembling the holder2holding the signal terminal1and the inner seal member4in the first shell3.

Also, the second shell7and the spacer9are contained in the space E2of the connector case8.

The connector case8is formed of an insulating (non-conductive) material such as resin. The purpose of this is to insulate the signal terminal1, the first shell3, and the second shell7from the exterior of the receptacle connector10because the signal terminal1, the first shell3, and the second shell7are conductive.

If the connector case8is made of resin, the connector case8can be formed of nylon, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide resin, vinyl chloride resin, or the like, and the present embodiment indicates a case of being formed of nylon as one embodiment.

The connector case8includes first engagement hooks81and an outer seal contact surface86on the inner circumferential surface8aof the connector case8that forms the cylindrical space E3(seeFIG. 6).

The first engagement hooks81are multiple (in the present embodiment, four) hook-shaped protrusions that protrude to an inner side R1in the radial direction R from the inner circumferential surface8aand have elastic forces along the radial direction R. The first engagement hooks81engage with later-described first engagement recessed portions31, which are groove-shaped recessed portions of the first shell3and lock the first shell3(terminal module30) in the cylindrical space E3.

Jutting portions83that slightly protrude from the inner circumferential surface8ato the inner side R1in the radial direction R are provided between respective adjacent first engagement hooks81of the connector case8(seeFIG. 6).

The outer seal contact surface86is a surface provided on the inner circumferential surface8aof the connector case8and is provided as a surface that intersects the extension direction L and opposes the space E2(a surface that faces the electronic substrate side L2). In the present embodiment, the outer seal contact surface86is orthogonal to the extension direction L in one mode of intersecting. The outer seal member6comes into contact with the outer seal contact surface86.

The connector case8includes protrusions85and a ring-shaped extension portion82, for example, as members that support the second shell7when the second shell7is contained in the space E2(seeFIG. 6).

The ring-shaped extension portion82supports a bottom portion71of the second shell7toward the electronic substrate side L2, and the protrusions85support the second shell7relatively from the sides with respect to the extension direction L.

The protrusions85are provided in a mode of protruding from the inner circumferential surface8ato the inner side R1in the radial direction R, for example.

The ring-shaped extension portion82extends in the extension direction L from the connector case8, for example, and is provided as a ring-shaped member that extends to the electronic substrate side L2.

The space E2is a space for containing the second shell7and the spacer9. In the present embodiment, the space E2is a space that is on the electronic substrate side L2with respect to the leading end portion on the electronic substrate side L2of the ring-shaped extension portion82.

Also, in order for the receptacle connector10to function as the connector20together with the plug connector120, the connector case8includes a retaining reception portion88that engages with a retaining pin of the plug connector120and prevents separation of the plug connector120from the connector case8.

Also, the connector case8sometimes includes a main body case89, which is a case that covers the electronic substrate side L2of the receptacle connector10and contains the camera module110when the receptacle connector10is attached to the camera module110and is used as the camera unit100.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the signal terminals1are members that transmit at least signals between the cable130(seeFIG. 7) connected from the plug connector side L1and the camera module110connected to the electronic substrate side L2.

A case is shown in which the signal terminals1of the present embodiment are linear conductive members the transmit signals and supply power, and are so-called contact pins. In the present embodiment, the signal terminals1have gold serving as a conductive coating material plated on copper serving as a metal.

In the present embodiment, the signal terminals1correspond to the inner conductor of the cable130.

The diameters of the signal terminals1are 0.3 mm to 5 mm, for example. In the case of using the receptacle connector10with the camera module110, the diameters of the signal terminals1are typically 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm.

The signal terminals1each include at least a first terminal portion11that is electrically connected to a connection terminal (not shown) of the plug connector120, and a second terminal portion12that is electrically connected to a receptacle (not shown) of the camera module110.

In the present embodiment, the signal terminals1each further include a first bulging portion13, a second bulging portion14, an adjustment portion15, and a retaining protrusion16(seeFIG. 3).

The signal terminals1each include a first terminal portion11, a retaining protrusion16, a second bulging portion14, an adjustment portion15, a first bulging portion13, and a second terminal portion12, in the stated order from the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2.

In the present embodiment, the second terminal portion12is arranged in a state in which the leading end portion extends (protrudes) from the spacer9to the electronic substrate side L2. The purpose of this is to electrically connect to the camera module110.

The first bulging portion13and the second bulging portion14are portions of the signal terminal1that are formed so as to be relatively thicker than the first terminal portion11and the second terminal portion12respectively.

The adjustment portion15is a portion of the signal terminal1that is formed so as to be relatively thicker than the first terminal portion11or the second terminal portion12and to be relatively thinner than the first bulging portion13.

The retaining protrusion16is a protrusion that is provided at a position shifted toward the electronic substrate side L2of the first terminal portion11(the approximate central portion of the signal terminal1, in the vicinity of the plug connector side L1of the second bulging portion14).

Note that the diameter of the signal terminal1refers to the diameter of the first terminal portion11or the second terminal portion12.

The signal terminal1can adjust the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10by adjusting the diameter or length of the first bulging portion13or the adjustment portion15in the extension direction L of the signal terminal1.

As will be described later, the second bulging portion14is a portion that is supported by the inner seal member4by being inserted through the inner seal member4.

Additional description of the adjustment of the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10by the first bulging portion13and the adjustment portion15will be given.

If the diameter of the signal terminal1increases, the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10decreases. Conversely, if the diameter of the signal terminal1decreases, the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10increases.

That is, if the diameter of the first bulging portion13and the adjustment portion15, which are portions of the signal terminal1, increase, the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10decreases. Conversely, if the diameters of the first bulging portion13and the adjustment portion15decrease, the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10increases.

Also, if the value of the total of the length of the first bulging portion13and the length of the adjustment portion15is fixed and the diameter of the first bulging portion13and the diameter of the adjustment portion15are fixed, when the length of the adjustment portion15is increased (when the length of the first bulging portion13is reduced), the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10will increase. Conversely, when the length of the adjustment portion15is reduced (when the length of the first bulging portion13is increased), the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10will decrease.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the holder2is an insulator that covers the signal terminals1and corresponds to the insulator of the cable130. In the present embodiment, the holder2is formed of resin serving as an insulator. For example, nylon resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, or the like can be used as the resin.

Also, the holder2is a holding member that accurately positions and holds the signal terminals1due to the signal terminals1being inserted so as to penetrate through holding holes29(seeFIG. 3). Note that the holding holes29are holes that extend in the extension direction L.

In the present embodiment, one signal terminal1is allocated to one holding hole29. In other words, the holder2includes the same number of holding holes29as signal terminals1.

The holder2has a column shape that extends in the extension direction L, and includes a circular column-shaped body portion23that is the main body portion of the holder2, a locking portion25that is arranged on the end portion on the electronic substrate side L2of the body portion23and is relatively thicker than the body portion23(the diameter in the radial direction R that is orthogonal to the extension direction L is larger), holding holes29that are holes that extend in the extension direction L, and leg portions28that serve as three-dimensional barriers for the plug connector120and determine the insertion state of the plug connector120.

The body portion23is inserted into the first shell3from the electronic substrate side L2of the first shell3to the plug connector side L1. When the body portion23is inserted into the tube-shaped first shell3, the locking portion25engages with the first shell3and determines the insertion position of the body portion23with respect to the first shell3.

The leg portions28are members that extend in the form of columns along the extension direction L from the body portion23toward the plug connector side L1. As will be described later, the leg portions28are positioning portions that determine mutual insertion positions in the case where the plug connector120is inserted into and fit into the receptacle connector10.

The first terminal portions11of the signal terminals1are inserted into the holding holes29of the holder2.

The retaining protrusions16of the first terminal portions11are press-fit into the holding holes29from the electronic substrate side L2of the holder2, the holding holes29and the retaining protrusions16are engaged, and the signal terminals1are fixed to the holder2.

The diameters of the holding holes29are formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the diameters of the signal terminals1. Also, the diameters of the holding holes29are slightly smaller than the diameters of the portions of the retaining protrusions16. This is done to enable the first terminal portions11of the signal terminals1to be inserted through the holding holes29without strain and to prevent the signal terminals1from easily falling off in the case where the retaining protrusions16of the first terminal portions11are press-fit into the holding holes29.

Note that in the present embodiment, the insertion positions of the signal terminals1in the holder2are determined due to the end portions on the plug connector side L1of the second bulging portions14being locked at the opening portions on the electronic substrate side L2of the holding holes29. That is, the holder2holds the portions on the electronic substrate side of the first terminal portions11of the signal terminals1, or in other words, the approximate central portions of the signal terminals1in the holding holes29. That is, the leading end portions on the plug connector side L1of the first terminal portions11are not covered by the holder2, but penetrate through and are exposed from the holder2to serve as terminal portions.

In the present embodiment, the holder2includes multiple (in the present embodiment, four) holding holes29, which are holes that extend in the extension direction L in the body portion23, and one signal terminal1is accurately positioned and held by one holding hole29.

Also, the leg portions28are provided between some of the adjacent signal terminals1. In the present embodiment, the leg portions28are provided between three of the four signal terminals1.

As shown inFIGS. 2 to 5, the first shell3is a member that covers the outer circumferential side in the radial direction R of the holder2. In other words, the first shell3is a member that corresponds to the outer conductor of the cable130and is an electrical protection member that protects the signal terminal1from electrical noise from the outer space E1.

The first shell3includes a body portion38serving as a main body portion of the first shell3, and the body portion38includes, in order from the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2, a polyhedron portion36, a first engagement recessed portion31that is a groove-shaped recessed portion, a connection portion37, and a second engagement recessed portion39that is a groove-shaped recessed portion. Leading-end protrusions33(seeFIGS. 3 and 5) and engagement grooves34are provided on the leading end on the electronic substrate side L2of the body portion38(seeFIG. 3).

The first shell3is used as an electrical protection member and is formed of a material that shields electrical noise. Examples of materials that block electrical noise include resin compounds with a metal or a metal powder kneaded in, resin with metal plating, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the first shell3is formed of copper serving as a metal, and the surface thereof is plated with tin serving as a metal. The tin plating also prevents rusting of the first shell3. The first shell3can be formed by cutting (i.e., formed by carving) a copper material, or can be molded in a mold, for example. The present example illustrates a case in which the first shell3is formed by cutting a copper material.

The first shell3is a tube-shaped member that extends in the extension direction L. As described above, the circular column-shaped holder2into which the signal terminal1is press-fit is inserted into the first shell3. In other words, the axial center extending in the extension direction L of the column of the holder2and the axial center extending in the extension direction L of the cylinder of the first shell3match. That is, the axial center extending in the extension direction L of the cylinder of the first shell3matches the axial center direction of the cylinder of the first shell3.

When the holder2is inserted into the first shell3from the electronic substrate side L2, the locking portion25of the holder2is locked by the engagement surface32(seeFIG. 2) of the first shell3and thus movement toward the plug connector side L1in the extension direction L is restricted.

The engagement surface32is a surface that is provided on the inner circumferential surface3a(seeFIG. 2) of the first shell3, and is provided as a surface that intersects the extension direction L and opposes the space E2(a surface that faces the electrode substrate side L2). In the present embodiment, the engagement surface32is orthogonal to the extension direction L in one mode of intersecting.

In order from the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2, the first shell3includes: the tube-shaped body portion38into which the plug connector120fits; the polyhedron portion36that restricts rotation using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L of the first shell3as a rotation axis P; the first engagement recessed portion31with which the first engagement hooks81engage; the tube-shaped connection portion37that is electrically connected to the second shell7; the second engagement recessed portion39that engages with the spacer9; the engagement groove34located at the end portion on the electronic substrate side L2of the first shell3; and the leading-end protrusions33, which are located at the end portion on the electronic substrate side L2of the first shell3and are protruding portions that extend in the extension direction L toward the electronic substrate side L2.

The first engagement recessed portion31is a ring-shaped groove portion (recessed portion) that is provided on the outer circumferential surface3bof the first shell3. The cross-section of the groove of the first engagement recessed portion31is approximately rectangular.

The first engagement recessed portion31is an engagement portion with which the first engagement hooks81engage.

The first engagement recessed portion31is located between the polyhedron portion36and the connection portion37and is a groove relative to the polyhedron portion36and the connection portion37.

The first shell3is contained in the connector case8in a state of being locked by the connector case8due to the engagement between the first engagement hooks81and the first engagement recessed portion31(seeFIG. 2). In the state in which the first shell3is contained in (mounted in, attached to) the connector case8, movement in the extension direction L of the first shell3(signal terminals1) with respect to the connector case8is restricted.

If the first shell3is inserted in the extension direction L from the electronic substrate side L2of the connector case8to be contained in and mounted in the connector case8, the first engagement hooks81of the connector case8engage with the first engagement recessed portion31of the first shell3.

The polyhedron portion36includes multiple (in the present embodiment, four) flat portions36bthat extend in the extension direction L. In the present embodiment, planar chamfered portions36aobtained by chamfering the peaks of adjacent flat portions36bare included. In the present embodiment, four flat portions36bare included.

The first shell3is contained in the connector case8in a state in which the chamfered portions36aoppose the protruding portions83of the connector case8. The flat portion36bengages with the protruding portion83(seeFIG. 6) in the manner of a three-dimensional barrier, and thus prevents rotation using the axis extending in the extension direction L of the first shell3as the rotation axis P.

The second engagement recessed portion39is provided as a circular ring-shaped recessed portion on the outer circumferential surface3bof the first shell3, the second engagement recessed portion39being the portion with which the later-described second engagement hooks96engage.

The engagement grooves34are cut-outs provided along the circumferential direction of the connection portion37of the first shell3on the end portion on the electronic substrate side L2of the first shell3. In the present embodiment, the engagement grooves34are provided between adjacent leading end protrusions33at regular intervals. The present embodiment shows a case in which the leading-end protrusions33and the engagement grooves34are provided alternatingly. Also, the present embodiment shows a case in which four each of the leading-end protrusions33and the engagement grooves34are provided at regular intervals.

Note that the outer conductor of the cable130is electrically connected to the first shell3. Also, since the first shell3and the second shell7are electrically connected as will be described later, if the second shell7is connected to the ground of the camera module110, the grounds of the first shell3and the cable130are also electrically connected to the ground of the camera module110.

The inner seal member4is an elastic member, and as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, it is a sealing member that seals the gap between the first shell3and the connector case8in the extension direction L. In the present embodiment, a circular column-shaped rubber-like member that extends in the extension direction L is used as the inner seal member4.

The inner seal member4is formed of a rubber-like member, which is an example of an elastic member, for example. In particular, a rubber material is used as the rubber-like member. For example, silicone rubber or a silicone sponge is preferable as the rubber material. A rubber impregnated with an oil such as silicone oil is more preferably used as the rubber material.

In the present embodiment, silicone rubber impregnated with silicone oil is used as the inner seal member4.

The inner seal member4includes insertion holes49(seeFIG. 3) into which the signal terminals1are press-fit, and in a state in which the outer circumferential portion4aof the outer side R2in the radial direction R of the inner seal member4is pressed into contact with the inner circumferential surface3aof the inner side R1in the radial direction R of the first shell3, the interior of the first shell3is sealed in the extension direction L and is thus waterproofed.

Note that the insertion holes49are pressed into contact with the signal terminals1at the second bulging portions14, at which the signal terminals1have larger outer diameters than at other portions. Since the inner seal member4is an elastic member, it is pressed into contact with the signal terminals1by being flexibly deformed according to the outer diameters of the second bulging portions14. The diameters of the insertion holes49are the same as or slightly smaller than the diameters of the second bulging portions14. This is because if the signal terminals1are inserted into the insertion holes49, a state is entered in which the signal terminals1are pressed into contact therewith by the inner seal member4.

In the present embodiment, one signal terminal1is allocated to one insertion hole49. In other words, there are as many insertion holes49as there are signal terminals1.

In the present embodiment, the inner seal member4is arranged by being inserted between the holder2and the spacer9.

The surface42on the electronic substrate side L2of the inner seal member4is locked by a surface97aon the connector side of the support portion97of the spacer9. In the present embodiment, as one mode of locking, the surface42on the electronic substrate side L2is in contact with the surface97aon the connector side of the support portion97of the spacer9. In other words, the inner seal member4is restricted from moving to the electronic substrate side L2by the spacer9. Note that the support portion97of the spacer9will be described later.

Also, the surface41on the plug connector side L1of the inner seal member4is locked by the surface22on the electronic substrate side L2of the holder2. In the present embodiment, as a mode of locking, the surface41on the plug connector side L1is in contact with the surface22on the electronic substrate side L2of the holder2. In other words, the inner seal member4is restricted from moving to the plug connector side L1by the holder2.

In other words, the inner seal member4is restricted from moving in the extension direction L due to being interposed between the spacer9and the holder2. Since the inner seal member4can be fixed in this manner by merely being interposed between the spacer9and the holder2, it has excellent ease of assembly.

An integrated terminal module30(seeFIG. 4) is obtained when the holder2through which the signal terminals1are inserted and the inner seal member4are inserted into the first shell3from the electronic substrate side L2. The terminal module30can be assembled easily by merely inserting the signal terminals1, the holder2, and the inner seal member4into the first shell3.

With a simple operation of merely inserting the terminal module30into the cylindrical space E3from the electronic substrate side L2of the connector case8so that it is contained in the connector case8, the terminal module30can be mounted in the connector case8, and excellent ease of assembly is achieved.

Note that in the case of connecting the receptacle connector10and the plug connector120, the first shell3sometimes includes a socket-side seal member5that seals the gap between the first shell3and the plug connector120and makes it waterproof. A case in which the first shell3includes the socket-side seal member5will be described hereinafter.

The outer seal member6is an elastic member, and as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, it is a sealing member that seals the portion on the inner side R1of the first shell3in the extension direction L. In the present embodiment, a circular ring-shaped rubber-like member is used as the outer seal member6.

The outer seal member6is formed of a rubber-like member, which is an example of an elastic member, for example. In particular, a rubber material is used as the rubber-like member. For example, silicone rubber or a silicone sponge is preferable as the rubber material. A rubber impregnated with an oil such as silicone oil is more preferably used as the rubber material.

In the present embodiment, silicone rubber impregnated with silicone oil is used as the outer seal member6.

The outer seal member6seals and waterproofs the interior of the cylindrical space E3in the extension direction L in a state in which the outer circumferential portion6bon the outer side R2in the radial direction R is pressed into contact with the inner circumferential surface8a(inner circumferential surface of the ring-shaped extension portion82) of the connector case8that forms the cylindrical space E3and the inner circumferential portion6aon the inner side R1in the radial direction R is pressed into contact with the outer circumferential surface3bon the outer side R2in the radial direction R of the first shell3.

The outer seal member6is arranged on the plug connector side L1with respect to the second shell7and the spacer9.

The outer shell seal6is installed on the first shell3. And the surface61on the plug connector side L1is locked by the connector case8. In the present embodiment, as a mode of locking, the surface61on the plug connector side L1comes into contact with the connector case8.

In the present embodiment, the surface61is a surface that is provided on the inner circumferential surface8aof the connector case8, and the outer seal member6is locked by the outer seal contact surface86, which is a surface that is orthogonal to and intersects the extension direction L and faces the space E2. In other words, the outer seal member6is restricted from moving toward the plug connector side L1by the inner circumferential surface8aof the connector case8.

The surface62on the electronic substrate side L2is locked by the second shell7and the outer seal member6is installed on the first shell3. In the present embodiment, as a mode of locking, the surface62on the electronic substrate side L2is in contact with the second shell7. In other words, the outer seal member6is restricted from moving to the electronic substrate side L2by the second shell7.

In this manner, the outer seal member6is restricted from moving in the extension direction L due to being interposed between the connector case8and the second shell7.

The outer seal member6is mounted with a simple operation of being inserted into the terminal module30(first shell3) contained in the connector case8from the electronic substrate side L2of the connector case8and being enclosed by the second shell7from the electronic substrate side L2of the connector case8, and thereby excellent ease of assembly is achieved.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the second shell7is an electrical protection member (a so-called shield) that shields the electronic substrate side L2from electrical noise and protects the electrical signals flowing in the signal terminals1and the members on the electronic substrate side L2in the extension direction L with respect to the second shell7, such as the camera module110serving as the electronic substrate, from electrical noise.

The second shell7is supported by and contained in the portion of the space E2of the connector case8while being accurately positioned by the ring-shaped extension portion82and the protrusions85.

The second shell7is used as an electrical protection member and is formed of a material that blocks electrical noise. Examples of materials that block electrical noise include resin compounds with a metal or a metal powder kneaded in, resin with metal plating, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the second shell7is formed of copper serving as a metal, and the surface thereof is plated with tin serving as a metal. The tin plating also prevents rusting of the first shell3. The second shell7can be formed by bending a copper material, for example.

The second shell7is provided on the electronic substrate side L2of the connector case8so as to cover the space E2on the electronic substrate side L2of the receptacle connector10from the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2(such that one surface is surrounded from the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2). The connector case8includes a rectangular tube-shaped space as the space E2, for example, and the second shell7is contained in the rectangular tube-shaped space.

The second shell7is provided as a bottomed tube-shaped conductive member that has a bottom portion71and side wall portions72, an inner side of the tube facing the electronic substrate side.

The side wall portions72are provided so as to be bent from the periphery of the bottom portion71and extend to the electronic substrate side L2in the extension direction L. In other words, the side wall portions72are a body portion serving as a tube of the bottomed tube-shaped second shell7.

The second shell7protects the electrical signals that flow in the signal terminals1and the electrical signals that are to be processed by the electronic substrate by covering the space E2with a bottomed tube shape formed mainly by the bottom portion71and the side wall portions72and shielding the space E2from electrical noise in the outer space E1.

An opening portion73whose center is penetrated by the first shell3is included on the bottom portion71, and the opening portion73includes a protruding portion75that is bent from the opening edge portion73eof the opening portion73and extends to the electronic substrate side L2in the extension direction L.

The second shell7is joined by being fit over the first shell3at the protruding portion75.

The second shell7is arranged on the first shell3in a state in which the outer circumferential surface3bof the first shell3and the inner circumferential surface75ain the radial direction R of the protruding portion75are in surface contact with each other (in a fit-together state). The first shell3and the second shell7are both formed of a conductive material, such as a metal, and therefore the first shell3and the second shell7are also electrically connected by being fit together in this manner.

The connection portion37of the first shell3is press-fit into the containing space E4(seeFIG. 4) of the protruding portion75of the second shell7, and the outer circumferential surface3bof the first shell3(connection portion37) is pressed into contact with the inner circumferential surface75aof the protruding portion75. Accordingly, the first shell3and the second shell7are joined without there being a gap at the edge portion (opening edge portion73e) of the opening portion73in the bottom portion71of the second shell7. Accordingly, entrance of electromagnetic waves from the outer space E1into the space E2, leakage of electromagnetic waves from the space E2to the outer space E1, and the like can be suitably suppressed.

In this manner, the second shell7is arranged such that the first shell3penetrates through the bottom portion71of the second shell7, or in other words, is arranged such that the bottom portion71of the second shell7intersects (in the present embodiment, is orthogonal to, as a mode of intersecting) the extension direction L of the signal terminal1, and the second shell7in this arrangement covers the electronic substrate side L2with the side wall portions72, the protruding portion75, and the bottom portion71, which protrude to the electronic substrate side L2. The second shell7protects the members on the electronic substrate side L2in the extension direction L with respect to the second shell7, such as the signal terminal1(the second terminal portion12) and the camera module110, and electrical signals to be processed by those members by shielding them from electrical noise.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the spacer9is a base on which the camera module110serving as the electronic substrate is mounted.

The spacer9includes a surface portion91serving as the base, and a spacer wall92that extends in the extension direction L from the outer circumference of the surface portion91to the plug connector side L1.

The spacer9is formed of resin serving as an insulator. For example, nylon resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, or the like can be used as the resin. In the present embodiment, the spacer9is formed of the same resin as the connector case8is.

The surface portion91is a circular flat plate with the same axial center as the axial center that extends in the extension direction L of the cylinder of the first shell3. The surface portion91is orthogonal to and intersects the extension direction L.

The surface portion91includes: a support portion97that includes insertion holes99that are penetrated by the signal terminals1and accurately position and support the signal terminals1; second engagement hooks96that are hooks that engage with the second engagement recessed portion39and have elastic forces along the radial direction R; and beam portions95that hold the support portion97on the surface portion91. Also, in the surface portion91, one opening portion93is formed for one second engagement hook96.

The second engagement hooks96are bent at portions relatively on the inner side R1starting from a position displaced relatively toward the outer side R2of the surface portion91, and the second engagement hooks96protrude (extend) in the extension direction L to the plug connector side L1and are arranged on the outer side R2in the radial direction R of the support portion97. The second engagement hooks96engage with the second engagement recessed portions39and the second engagement hooks96and the second engagement recessed portions39mutually restrict movement in the extension direction L.

The spacer9is locked to the first shell3due to the engagement between the second engagement hooks96and the second engagement recessed portions39, and thus movement in the extension direction L with respect to the connector case8is restricted.

In the present embodiment, the adjacent second engagement hooks96are arranged at even intervals.

In the present embodiment, four second engagement hooks96are provided.

One opening portion93is formed on a portion in the periphery of each second engagement hook96(portion on the inner side R1of the surface portion91).

The beam portions95are portions of the surface portion91between adjacent opening portions93.

The beam portions95engage with the engagement grooves34and restrict the spacer9from rotating with respect to the first shell3using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P.

Specifically, in the state in which the second engagement hooks96and the second engagement recessed portions39are engaged, or in other words, in the state in which the spacer9is attached to the first shell3, a case in which the spacer9rotates with respect to the first shell3using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P is restricted using a mode in which the beam portions95fit into the engagement grooves34.

In this manner, the spacer9is restricted from moving in the extension direction L with respect to the first shell3and from rotating with respect to the first shell3using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P. Here, as described above, the first shell3is restricted from moving with respect to the connector case8in the extension direction L of the first shell3, and is restricted from rotating with respect to the connector case8using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P. For this reason, the spacer9is restricted from moving with respect to the connector case8in the extension direction L and from rotating with respect to the connector case8using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P.

In other words, due to the engagement between the second engagement hooks96and the second engagement recessed portion39, the spacer9is restricted from moving in the extension direction L with respect to the connector case8, and due to the engagement between the beam portions95and the engagement grooves34, the spacer9is restricted from rotating with respect to the connector case8using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P.

The insertion holes99are holes that are penetrated by and support the signal terminals1and that extend in the extension direction L.

In the state in which the leading end portions of the second terminal portions12are caused to protrude toward the electronic substrate side L2, the signal terminals1are accurately positioned and arranged by being inserted through the insertion holes99of the support portion97. The purpose of this is to electrically connect to the camera module110mounted on the surface portion91.

In the present embodiment, one signal terminal1is allocated to one insertion hole99.

If the spacer9is inserted in the terminal module30(first shell3) contained in the connector case8from the electronic substrate side L2of the connector case8, it can be mounted easily due to the engagement between the second engagement hooks96and the second engagement recessed portion39. In the case of mounting the spacer9in the terminal module30, the signal terminals1are positioned accurately by being held by the holding holes29, and therefore it is easy to perform an operation of inserting the multiple signal terminals1into the corresponding insertion holes99.

The spacer9thus has excellent ease of assembly.

Since there are multiple, that is, four signal terminals1, four insertion holes99are provided as the insertion holes99of the spacer9of the present embodiment. In this case, the number of holding holes29of the holder2that are provided is the same as the number of insertion holes99. Also, the insertion holes99and the holding holes29are provided at corresponding positions. In other words, the distance and positional relationship between the adjacent insertion holes99are the same as the distance and positional relationship between the adjacent holding holes29. In other words, the arrangement of the multiple insertion holes99and the arrangement of the holding holes29are the same.

Note that the insertion holes49also similarly have an arrangement similar to those of the insertion holes99and the holding holes29.

Accordingly, if there are two or more signal terminals1, the spacer9and the holder2restrict each other via the two or more signal terminals1in the direction of rotation using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L of the first shell3as the rotation axis P. That is, the spacer9and the holder2are in a relationship of being mutually fixed in the direction of rotation using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L of the first shell3as the rotation axis P.

Here, since the spacer9is in a state of being restricted from moving with respect to the connector case8in the extension direction L and from rotating with respect to the connector case8using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P, the connector case8and the holder2are in a relationship of being mutually fixed in the direction of rotation using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L of the first shell3as the rotation axis P.

In other words, in a state in which the signal terminals1penetrate the multiple insertion holes99, the spacer9restricts rotation of the holder2with respect to the connector case8using the axis (axial center) extending in the extension direction L as the rotation axis P. Accordingly, the holder2and the signal terminals1are accurately positioned with a simple structure, a high assembly accuracy is maintained, a case in which the positions of the signal terminals1shift is avoided during use, accidents such as short-circuiting can be prevented, and high safety can be provided.

The support portion97is formed so as to protrude in the form of a circular column in the extension direction L from the surface portion91to the plug connector side L1. The spacer9of the present embodiment is arranged in a state in which a portion of the support portion97that protrudes in the form of a circular column toward the plug connector side L1is inserted into the first shell3. For this reason, the inner seal member4enters an arrangement state of being pressed into the first shell3by the support portion97that protrudes in the form of a circular column toward the plug connector side L1.

In the present embodiment, the insertion holes99are supported so as to cover the first bulging portions13and the adjustment portions15of the signal terminals1. Accordingly, the diameters of the insertion holes99are larger than the diameters of the first terminal portions11and the second terminal portions12of the signal terminals1.

The support portion97including the insertion holes99is a circular column that extends in the extension direction L, but in some cases, the lengths of the first bulging portions13and the adjustment portions15of the signal terminals1are changed by changing the length in the extension direction L of the circular column-shaped support portion97. Also, in some cases, the diameters of the first bulging portions13and the adjustment portions15of the signal terminals1are changed by changing the diameters of the insertion holes99. In other words, in some cases, the characteristic impedance of the receptacle connector10is adjusted by changing the length in the extension direction L or the diameter of the support portion97.

Additional description of the arrangement of the holder2, the inner seal member4, the outer seal member6, the second shell7, and the spacer9according to the present embodiment will be included here.

In the present embodiment, the spacer9is arranged on the electronic substrate side L2with respect to the holder2, and the inner seal member4is arranged between the spacer9and the holder2.

This is because the inner seal member4is interposed between the spacer9and the holder2to restrict the movement of the inner seal member4in the extension direction.

In the present embodiment, the surface97aon the plug connector side L1of the support portion97of the spacer9is brought into contact with the surface42on the electronic substrate side L2of the inner seal member4from the electronic substrate side L2, whereby movement of the inner seal member4toward the electronic substrate side L2in the extension direction L is restricted.

In the present embodiment, the spacer9is arranged on the electronic substrate side L2with respect to the second shell7.

This is because the second shell7is locked by the spacer9. Also, this is because the second shell7is arranged on the first shell3in the state in which the second shell7is restricted from moving with respect to the first shell3in the extension direction L.

In the present embodiment, the surface on the electronic substrate side L2of the second shell7is locked by the end portion92aon the plug connector side L1of the spacer wall92.

In other words, in a state in which the second shell7is penetrated by the first shell3(terminal module30) at the opening portion73, the second shell7is interposed between the connector case8and the spacer9, whereby movement of the second shell7in the extension direction is restricted.

The second shell7is arranged on the electronic substrate side L2with respect to the outer seal member6.

This is because the surface62on the electronic substrate side L2of the outer seal member6is locked by the surface on the plug connector side L1of the bottom portion71of the second shell7and is thus installed on the first shell3.

In other words, the outer seal member6is interposed between the connector case8(inner circumferential surface8a) and the bottom portion71of the second shell7, whereby movement of the outer seal member6in the extension direction is restricted.

Since the outer seal member6can be fixed in this manner by merely being interposed between the second shell7and the connector case8, it has excellent ease of assembly.

Additional description of one mode of assembly of the receptacle connector10will be given next mainly with reference toFIGS. 2 to 4.

The receptacle connector10can be assembled through the following simple procedure.

First, the holder2is inserted into the first shell3. In this state, the signal terminal1is inserted through the holder2through press-fitting.

Next, the inner seal member4is press-fit into the signal terminals1. In other words, the signal terminals1inserted through the holder2are press-fit into the inner seal member4.

Thus assembly of the terminal module30is complete.

Next, the terminal module30(first shell3) is contained by being inserted into the connector case8from the electronic substrate side L2. When the terminal module30is contained in the connector case8, the terminal module30and the connector case8are engaged, and the terminal module30is fixed to and installed in the connector case8.

Next, the outer seal member6is fit into the terminal module30(first shell3).

Thereafter, the second shell7is press-fit into the terminal module30(first shell3) and is contained in the space E2of the connector case8.

Thereafter, the spacer9is attached to the terminal module30(first shell3) from the electronic substrate side L2.

Thus assembly of the receptacle connector10is complete.

Description of Connector

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 9, the receptacle connector10and the plug connector120can be used as a pair of connectors20, using the receptacle connector10and the plug connector120that is connected by being inserted into the cylindrical space E3of the connector case8from the plug connector side L1of the receptacle connector10.

To give an illustrative example of a mode of the plug connector120, the plug connector120includes a connection tube portion122that overlaps with the body portion38of the first shell3in a view in the radial direction in a state of being inserted into at least the connector case8(seeFIGS. 8and9).

In the present embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the first shell3and the connection tube portion122overlap (in the present invention, as a mode of overlapping, the first shell3is fit into the connection tube portion122) in a view in the radial direction in a state in which the connection tube portion122fits over the body portion38of the first shell3, but in some cases, the first shell3and the connection tube portion122overlap in a state in which the connection tube portion122fits inside of the body portion38of the first shell3(not shown).

In this manner, in a state in which the first shell3and the connection tube portion122overlap in a view in the radial direction, the connection terminal portion (not shown) of the plug connector120is electrically connected to the plug connector side L1of the signal terminal1.

Hereinafter, the state in which the connection terminal portion (not shown) of the plug connector120is electrically connected to the plug connector side L1of the signal terminal1with the first shell3and the connection tube portion122overlapping will simply be written as “connection is complete”.

In the present embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the plug connector120includes: a retaining pin121that includes a protrusion121aand engages with the retaining reception portion88, which is a retaining mechanism on the receptacle connector10side; a gripping portion124by which the user grips the plug connector120; and positioning portions123that engage with the positioning grooves8bprovided on the inner circumferential surface8aof the connector case8to determine the position of inserting the plug connector120into the receptacle connector10.

The retaining pin121is a retaining mechanism on the plug connector120side for preventing unintended falling out in the state in which the plug connector120is connected to the receptacle connector10and for ensuring maintenance of the state in which connection is complete.

In the state in which the retaining pin121is inserted into the retaining reception portion88, the protrusion121aengages with the recessed portion of the retaining reception portion88, and movement of the plug connector120in the direction of falling out of the receptacle connector10is restricted.

When the connection is complete, it is possible to perform communication and power supply with the camera module110that serves as the electronic substrate and to which the cable130and the receptacle connector10are attached.

Thus, in the state in which connection is complete, if the first shell3further includes the socket-side seal member5that seals the gap between the first shell3and the connection tube portion122, the gap between the first shell3and the connection tube portion122of the plug connector120is sealed by the socket-side seal member5, whereby water is prevented from entering the inner side R1of the second shell7from the outer side R2of the connection tube portion122, which is preferable.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the socket-side seal member5is arranged at the position at which the first shell3and the connection tube portion122overlap.

The socket-side seal member5is a circular column-shaped elastic member that extends in the extension direction L. In the present embodiment, a rubber member is used as the elastic member. In particular, a rubber material is used as the rubber member. For example, silicone rubber or a silicone sponge is preferable as the rubber material. A rubber impregnated with an oil such as silicone oil is more preferably used as the rubber material.

In the present embodiment, silicone rubber impregnated with silicone oil is used as the socket-side seal member5.

The socket-side seal member5is fixed by being fit into a waterproofing recessed portion35of the first shell3.

In the present embodiment, a case is shown in which a waterproofing recessed portion35is relatively formed as a groove portion by a surface35bon the connector side of the polyhedron portion36and a waterproofing protrusion35athat is located on the connector side relative to the surface35band protrudes from the outer circumferential surface3bof the first shell3to the outer side R2.

Note that the waterproofing recessed portion35is provided on the outer circumferential surface3bof the body portion38as a groove portion.

That is, with the socket-side seal member5, the plug connector side L1of the socket-side seal member5is locked by the waterproofing protrusion35aand the electronic substrate side L2of the socket-side seal member5is locked by the surface35bof the polyhedron portion36.

In the state in which the socket-side seal member5is fit into the waterproofing recessed portion35, the inner circumferential portion5a, which is the inner side R1of the socket-side seal member5seals the gap between the first shell3and the socket-side seal member5by being pressed into contact with the outer circumferential surface3bof the first shell3.

In the state in which the socket-side seal member5is connected to the plug connector120, the outer circumferential portion5b, which is the outer side R2of the socket-side seal member5seals the gap between the connection tube portion122and the socket-side seal member5due to being pressed into contact with the surface on the inner-side R1of the connection tube portion122(seeFIG. 9).

In other words, in the state in which connection with the plug connector120is complete, the socket-side seal member5exhibits a waterproofing effect from the outer side of the connection tube portion122to the inner side of the first shell (hereinafter referred to as the “waterproofing effect of the socket-side seal member5”) due to the gap between the first shell3and the connection tube portion122of the plug module being sealed by the socket-side seal member5.

Note that in the case where the first shell3includes the socket-side seal member5that seals the gap between the first shell3and the connection tube portion122, if a connection tube portion122in which the end portion on the electronic substrate side of the connection tube portion122is located on the connector side relative to the waterproofing protrusion35ain the state in which connection is complete, it is possible to disable the waterproofing function of the socket-side seal member5.

For example, the waterproofing function is enabled in the case of using the plug connector120having a length in the extension direction L of a degree such that the connection tube portion122overlaps with the socket-side seal member5in the state in which connection is complete (seeFIG. 9), and the waterproofing function can be disabled in the case of using the plug connector120having a length in the extension direction L of a degree such that the connection tube portion122does not overlap with the socket-side seal member5in the state in which connection is complete (e.g., a length according to which the end portion on the electronic substrate side of the connection tube portion122is located on the connector side with respect to the waterproofing protrusion35ain the state in which connection is complete) (seeFIG. 8).

That is, different plug connectors120can be used in the case of exhibiting the waterproofing function (the case ofFIG. 9) and in the case of not exhibiting the waterproofing function (the case ofFIG. 8).

In other words, the receptacle connector10illustrated in the present embodiment can be fit together in both the case in which the plug connector120exhibits the waterproofing function and the case in which the plug connector120does not exhibit the waterproofing function.

For example, the receptacle connector10can be used as a receptacle connector10that is interchangeable with both a new plug connector120of a relatively new standard for exhibiting the waterproofing function, and a relatively old model of plug connector120(e.g., a plug connector120that has conventionally been used) that does not include the waterproofing function.

Description of Case of being Used in Camera Unit

Hereinafter, one mode of a case in which the receptacle connector10is attached to the camera module110and used as the camera unit100(vehicle-mounted camera) mounted in a vehicle will be described with reference toFIG. 1.

Hereinafter, a mode of such a camera unit100will be described as an example.

For example, the receptacle connector10(connector20) transmits the signals transmitted by the cable130to the camera module110and receives the signals transmitted by the cable130from the camera module110. Furthermore, in order for the power for driving that is supplied from the cable130to be supplied to the camera module110, the receptacle connector10is used while connected to the camera module110.

The camera module110can be used in a mode in which an electronic substrate (not shown; a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board can be given as an example of the electronic substrate) is mounted on the spacer9. For example, in a state in which engagement portions (not shown) corresponding to the leading end protrusions33are provided in the substrate of the camera module110and the camera module110is mounted on the spacer9(seeFIG. 5), the camera module110is locked (being fixed is an example of being locked) to the leading end protrusions33. In this manner, since the receptacle connector10includes the spacer9, which includes a flat surface on the electronic substrate side L2, the receptacle connector10can easily mount the substrate of the camera module110and thus has excellent mountability. Moreover, the signal terminals1are electrically connected to the circuit wiring on the substrate through a method such as soldering.

In the camera unit100, the connector case8is located on the plug connector side L1relative to the camera module110, and therefore is referred to as a “rear case” in some cases.

The camera module110is preferably contained in the main body case89.

In the camera unit100, the main body case89is sometimes referred to as a “front case” in contrast to the connector case8, which is referred to as the “rear case”. The containing space inside of which the terminal module30, the second shell7, the camera module110, and the like are contained is formed due to the connector case8and the main body case89coming into contact with each other.

Hereinafter, an example of the camera module110will be described.

The camera module110is an example of an electronic substrate, and includes at least an image sensor101, an electronic circuit102that performs control for driving the image sensor101and processes image signals output from the image sensor101, and an optical system104that includes a lens103that focuses light on the image sensor101.

The camera unit100is connected to an image processing apparatus (not shown) and a monitor apparatus (not shown) via the cable130. The cable130supplies power to the image sensor101of the camera unit100and the electronic circuit102from the image processing apparatus and the monitor apparatus, and outputs signals of images output from the image sensor101and the electronic circuit102to the image processing apparatus and the monitor apparatus via the cable130. In other words, the camera unit100is an image capturing apparatus using a known power source superposition scheme.

The image sensor101of the camera module110is a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CIS (CMOS Image Sensor). There is no limitation to using one lens103, and multiple lenses103may be used. The electronic circuit102includes a clock driver for driving the image sensor101and an analog signal processing circuit for carrying out analog signal processing such as sample holding or clamp processing on analog signals output from the image sensor101. The electronic circuit102may further include an A/D converter for converting analog signals into digital signals. Also, the electronic circuit102may include a power source circuit for performing processing such as rectification on the power source supplied using the power source superposition scheme.

Note that the electronic circuit102is configured as an electronic substrate obtained by mounting electronic components on one or multiple substrates (e.g., printed circuit boards). In the case of using multiple electronic substrates, flexible circuit boards may be used to electrically connect the electronic substrates. The receptacle connector (not shown) for connecting the cable130via the plug connector120is also mounted on the electronic substrate on which the electronic circuit102is formed. The plug connector120is connected to the receptacle connector10and is connected to the cable130as well, whereby the camera module110including the electronic circuit102and the cable130are electrically connected.

Additional description will be given hereinafter for the role (effect) of the second shell7in the camera unit100.

As described above, as one mode, on the electronic substrate side of the spacer9in the receptacle connector10, the camera unit100(vehicle-mounted camera) includes a camera module110having the image sensor101, the electronic circuit102for performing driving control on the image sensor101and processing image signals output from the image sensor101, and an optical system104that includes a lens103for collecting light in the image sensor101.

The second shell7functions to protect the members (at least a portion of the electronic circuit102) that are included in the camera module110and are located on the electronic substrate side in the extension direction L relative to the second shell7, by shielding them from electrical noise in the outer space E1.

In this manner, with a simple structure in which the inner seal member4and the outer seal member6are merely added, it is possible to provide a receptacle connector10including an added function of preventing water from entering from the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2.

Also, with a simple structure in which the inner seal member4, the outer seal member6, and the socket-side seal member5are merely added, it is possible to provide a connector20that includes an added function of preventing water from entering from the plug connector side L1to the electronic substrate side L2.

Other Embodiments

Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described. Note that the configurations of the embodiments described hereinafter are not limited to being applied separately, and can be applied in combination with configurations of other embodiments as long as no discrepancies occur.

(1) The above-described embodiment illustrates a case in which the connection portion37of the first shell3is press-fit into the containing space E4of the protruding portion75of the second shell7as the joining between the first shell3and the second shell7.

However, the joining between the first shell3and the second shell7is not limited to being achieved by press-fitting. The first shell3and the second shell7may be joined by welding, adhering, or soldering the opening edge portion73eafter the first shell3is inserted into the containing space E4of the protruding portion75.

(2) The above-described embodiment illustrates a case in which the spacer9is locked to the first shell3due to engagement between the second engagement hooks96and the second engagement recessed portion39.

However, instead of locking the spacer9to the first shell3by engaging the second engagement hooks96and the second engagement recessed portion39, the spacer9may be locked to the first shell3by fitting the support portion97into the first shell3(e.g., fitting the support portion97into the first shell3through press-fitting), for example.

(3) The above-described embodiment illustrates a case in which the support portion97is formed so as to protrude in the form of a circular column from the surface portion91to the plug connector side L1in the extension direction L.

However, the support portion97is not limited to a case of protruding. For example, instead of causing the support portion97to protrude, the inner seal member4, which is a rubber member that has a circular column shape extending in the extension direction L, may be formed longer in the extension direction L, for example.

(4) The above-described embodiment illustrates a case in which the signal terminal1is a linear conductive member that transmits signals and power.

However, the signal terminal1is not limited to being a conductive member. For example, instead of using the signal terminal1, which is a conductive member, it is possible to use optical fibers, for example. Also, in the case of including multiple signal terminals1, signal terminals1composed of conductive members and signal terminals1composed of optical fibers may be used in combination.

(5) The above-described embodiment illustrates a case in which the electronic substrate is the camera module110.

However, the electronic substrate is not limited to the camera module110. For example, the electronic substrate is a vehicle-mounted collision prevention sensor in some cases. Examples of collision prevention sensors include ultrasound sensors and terahertz wave sensors.

(6) The above-described embodiment illustrates a case in which the first engagement hooks81, which are protrusions that protrude from the inner circumferential surface8ato the inner side R1in the radial direction R, engage with the first engagement recessed portion31and the first shell3is locked in the cylindrical space E3of the connector case8.

However, instead of the first engagement hooks81and the first engagement recessed portion31being engaged, the first shell3may be locked in the cylindrical space E3of the connector case8through engagement in a mode of performing a screw connection using male screw portions corresponding to the first engagement hooks81and female screw portions corresponding to the first engagement recessed portion31.