Cable Connector Assembly

A cable connector assembly includes a connector having a casing and a ring-like member and a cable connected to the connector. The cable has an internal cable and a cable shield surrounding the internal cable. The casing accommodates an end of the cable. The ring-like member is positioned around the cable inside the casing. The ring-like member has a flat spring portion extending between the cable shield and the casing and contacting both the cable shield and the casing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-042280, filed on Mar. 16, 2023.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a cable connector assembly and, more particularly, to a cable connector assembly having a cable to be electrically connected.

BACKGROUND

Japanese Patent No. 6814269 (hereinafter “JP 6814269”) discloses a connector for connecting a multicore cable to an electrical apparatus. Such a connector is provided with an electromagnetic shield structure that electrically shields a cable attached to the connector and a terminal provided in the connector in order to suppress emission of electromagnetic waves to the outside and/or penetration of electromagnetic waves from the outside due to signals transmitted to the electrical apparatus.

In the connector described in JP 6814269, for example, a shield braid of the cable and the connector accommodating one end of the cable are electrically connected by a connecting member. The connecting member is composed of a tubular portion and a spring tab, the tubular portion is arranged on an inner peripheral side of the shield braid, the spring tab projects through the shielding braid so as to reach an inner wall of the connector located around an outer peripheral side of the shield braid, and thereby the shield braid and the connector are connected.

Such a connection structure as described above, however, requires making the spring tabs provided on the tubular portion of the connecting member penetrate the shield braid when attaching the connecting member. Such a task can be relatively complicated, and in particular, if the connector is of a small size, the task becomes finicky, and requires significant time to assemble the connector.

SUMMARY

A cable connector assembly includes a connector having a casing and a ring-like member and a cable connected to the connector. The cable has an internal cable and a cable shield surrounding the internal cable. The casing accommodates an end of the cable. The ring-like member is positioned around the cable inside the casing. The ring-like member has a flat spring portion extending between the cable shield and the casing and contacting both the cable shield and the casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A cable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. A variety of elements in the drawings are schematically and illustratively shown only for the purpose of description of the present disclosure, and may be different in appearance, dimension ratio, and/or the like, from actual ones.

Further, in the following description, terms representing particular directions or positions are used where necessary. These terms, however, are used to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the meanings of these terms. In addition, identical or equivalent portions are denoted by an identical reference sign in the plurality of drawings. Sizes, positional relationships, and/or the like, of members shown in each of the drawings may be exaggerated for the purpose of clear description.

In addition, description of an illustrative aspect of the present disclosure is intended to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings (drawings deemed to be part of the entire written description). In a description about an embodiment of the present disclosure disclosed herein, a reference to a direction or orientation is only for convenience of description, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Relative terms, such as “below”, “above”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “up”, “down”, “top”, and “bottom”, and their derivatives, such as “horizontally”, “downward”, and “upward”, should be interpreted as referring to a direction as written or as shown. Such relative terms are only for convenience of description, and do not require an apparatus to be configured or operated in a particular direction, unless otherwise explicitly described. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly described, terms such as “attached”, “added”, “connected”, “coupled”, and “interconnected”, and their similar terms indicate that structures have a relationship in which they are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other with an interposed object therebetween, and/or that they are mutually movably or rigidly attached or have such a relationship.

Features and advantages of the present disclosure are illustrated with reference to an embodiment. Such an embodiment is so fully described in detail that a person skilled in the art can practice the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that another embodiment can also be used, and a process, electrical, or mechanical modification may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Configurations may be shown in separate embodiments for convenience, but those shown in the different embodiments may be partially interchanged or combined. Therefore, the present disclosure is explicitly not limited to an embodiment (an embodiment that stands alone or that is combined with another feature) illustrating a non-limiting combination of possible features. In embodiments described below, a description about a matter in common with an embodiment already described will be omitted, and only a difference therebetween will be described. In particular, like actions and effects attributable to like configurations will not be mentioned every time for each embodiment.

The features of the present disclosure are associated with an electromagnetic shield structure of a cable connector assembly. Here, however, in order to understand an overall structure of the cable connector assembly, the cable connector assembly will be briefly described below with reference to the drawings.

<Basic Structure of a Cable Connector Assembly>

FIG.1is an isometric view schematically showing a cable connector assembly1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIGS.2and3are each an exploded isometric view of a cable connector assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cable connector assembly1includes a connector10and a cable20connected to the connector10. Though not shown, the cable connector assembly1may be combined with a device (for example, electrical equipment such as a servomotor), and the device may be electrically connected to an internal cable230included in the cable20. For example, the cable connector assembly I may be combined with the device, and may be fixed thereto with a suitable fastener, such as a bolt150.

It should be noted that the “assembly” in the present disclosure is equivalent to a composite article or a combined article that is composed of a plurality of components. Therefore, the cable connector assembly1of the present disclosure may be equivalent to a connector composite article or a connector combined article that is at least composed of the cable20and the connector10attached to an end of the cable20.

The connector10may include a casing110and an internal housing120arranged inside the casing110, as shown inFIG.3. The internal housing120accommodates a terminal130electrically connected to the internal cable230of the cable inserted into the casing110. The casing110and the internal housing120may also be referred to as an outer housing and an inner housing, respectively, because of their relative positional relationship.

The casing110may have a hollow substantially boxy shape, and may be opened in its main face located in a direction in which the cable connector assembly1is combined with the device. In addition, an insertion port through which the cable20can be passed may be formed in at least one side face of the casing110. In the cable connector assembly1of the present disclosure, the cable20combined with the connector10is led out of the casing110through the insertion port112(seeFIG.1). The insertion port112may have a tubular shape protruding to the outside of the casing110. One end of the cable20inserted into the casing110through the insertion port112is accommodated in the casing110. From this end of the cable20, the internal cable230extends toward the internal housing120by a predetermined length, and a leading end of the internal cable230is electrically connected to the terminal130accommodated in the internal housing120.

The casing110may be formed from an electrically conductive material. Alternatively, the casing110may be formed from a material having a surface plated or otherwise treated so as to have electrical conductivity. For example, the casing110can be a member whose surface has electrical conductivity imparted by plating a resin material with metal. That is, the casing110may be so formed as to have electrical conductivity at least on its outer surface and inner surface.

The internal housing120is configured to support the terminal130connected to the internal cable230(seeFIG.3). With the device combined with the connector10, each terminal130accommodated in the internal housing120may be connected to its corresponding terminal130included in the device.

The internal housing120may be formed from an electrically insulating material. For example, the electrically insulating material may be a resin material having an electrical insulation property. Though not particularly limited, the resin material can be, for example, at least one kind of thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a silicone resin, and an unsaturated polyester resin.

In addition, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector10may have a sealing member such as a watertight packing140. The packing140may be provided at a joint between the casing110and the device, for example along a peripheral edge of the casing110. This fills a gap that may occur at a place where the connector10and the device are combined, so that electrical elements such as the internal cable230and the terminal130accommodated in the connector10can be properly waterproofed.

FIG.4is a schematic isometric view of a cable20according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cable20in a cross section A-A shown inFIG.4. The cable20includes an internal cable bundle240composed of a plurality of internal cables230, a cable shield220surrounding the internal cable bundle240, and an electrically insulating covering member210surrounding the cable shield220. As shown, each of the plurality of internal cables230may be formed by covering an outer periphery of a conducting wire231such as a pure copper wire or a tinned copper wire with an electrically insulating internal cable coating232. The plurality of internal cables230constitute the internal cable bundle240, and an outer periphery of the internal cable bundle240is surrounded by the cable shield220. The covering member210covers an outer periphery of the cable shield220and defines an outer periphery of the cable20. Such a covering member210may also be referred to as a cable jacket. It should be noted that, for the purpose of clear description, an illustration of the internal cables may be omitted in the following drawings.

The cable shield220is formed from an electrically conductive material in order to electrically shield the internal cable bundle240. In an embodiment, the electrically conductive material used for the cable shield220be an electrically conductive material having flexibility because it is advantageous in routing to equipment or the like arranged in a narrow space. In particular, the cable shield220according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a braid formed from a plurality of electrically conductive wires such as electrically conductive strands or fibers having excellent durability and flexibility. Though not particularly limited, the braid used for the cable shield of the present disclosure may be formed from a material having excellent electrical conductivity, such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. In addition, the material may be formed with an electrically conductive plating layer on its surface, such as tin plating, nickel plating, or sliver plating, in order to prevent oxidation or rust formation.

The covering member210may be formed from an electrically insulating material. If importance is placed on an advantage in routing of the cable20, the covering member210be a flexible electrically insulating material. For example, the covering member210may be formed from a polymer or the like, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, a fluoropolymer, polyethylene, and/or the same kind of polymer as those.

The cable shield220may be exposed at the end of the cable20accommodated in the casing110(seeFIG.4). For example, as shown inFIG.4, the outermost peripheral covering member210may be removed from the end of the cable20, and the cable shield220, as a whole, may be folded over the covering member210. Consequently, at the end of the cable20, the cable shield220is arranged around the outermost periphery of the cable20. A ring-like member160may be arranged around the exposed cable shield220.

Alternatively, an electrically conductive tape250may be arranged around the exposed cable shield220. For example, as shown inFIG.2, the electrically conductive tape250may be wrapped around the folded cable shield220. The ring-like member160may be arranged around the electrically conductive tape250. That is, the cable shield220and the ring-like member160may have electrical continuity via the electrically conductive tape250. Though the material of the electrically conductive tape250is not particularly limited, a metal foil such as a copper foil, for example, can be used.

The cable connector assembly of the present disclosure has a feature in an electromagnetic shield structure for electrically shielding the internal cable230and the terminal130connected to the internal cable230. In particular, the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure has a feature in a connection mechanism between the cable shield220surrounding the internal cable bundle240and the casing110surrounding the internal cable230and the terminal130inside the connector10.

<Features of the Cable Connector Assembly of the Present Disclosure>

The casing110, the cable shield220, and the ring-like member160connecting the casing110and the cable shield220are involved in an electromagnetic shield configuration in the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a threaded member180combined with the insertion port112of the casing is further involved. In another embodiment, an intermediate sealing member170arranged between the threaded member180and the ring-like member160is also used in the electromagnetic shield configuration. The electromagnetic shield configuration in the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

In the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure, an electrical connection between the cable shield220and the casing110to configure an electromagnetic shield is achieved using the ring-like member160arranged inside the casing110. As shown inFIG.2, the ring-like member160with the cable20passed therethrough is arranged inside the casing110. Hence, the ring-like member160can also be referred to as an “internal ring-like member” or the like.FIGS.6A to6Care schematic views of the ring-like member160according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ring-like member160is an electrically conductive member, and includes a base portion161through which the cable20is passed, and a flat spring portion165extending from an end of the base portion161along an extension direction X of the cable20as a whole.

Though a contact structure between the ring-like member160and the cable shield220will be described below, this structure is similar to a contact structure between the ring-like member160and the electrically conductive tape250in a mode including the electrically conductive tape250. That is, in a case where the electrically conductive tape250is applied to the cable shield220, features and their effects regarding connection between the ring-like member160and the electrically conductive tape250are similar to features and their effects regarding connection between the ring-like member160and the cable shield220that will be described below.

The base portion161of the ring-like member160may have a ring-like shape including a through-hole163through which the cable20can be passed. That is, the ring-like member160of the present disclosure is positioned around the cable20at the through-hole163of the base portion161. In other words, the cable20may extend through the through-hole163of the ring-like member160inside the casing110. The term “ring-like” herein may not necessarily mean a perfect circle, and it includes an imperfect circular shape such as an elliptical shape, and any shape such as a polygonal shape. In addition, ring-like may not necessarily mean being completely continuous in its peripheral direction, and it may be a partially cutaway shape (for example, a C-ring-like or the like).

In an embodiment, the base portion161has a shape whose entire periphery is closed. In other words, the through-hole163through which the cable20is passed may be a hole whose entire periphery is closed. That is, as seen from the extension direction X of the cable20, the base portion161may have such a continuous shape as to close the entire periphery of the through-hole163, not a partially cutaway discontinuous shape. Such a structure can distribute a force that may be applied to the base portion161more evenly over the entire base portion161, so that the ring-like member160that is more favorable in terms of strength can be achieved.

As shown inFIGS.6A to6C, the flat spring portion165extending from the end of the base portion161extends as a whole in a direction crossing an extension direction of the base portion161. For example, the extension direction of the flat spring portion165may be a direction substantially perpendicular to an extension direction of a main face of the base portion161including the through-hole163.

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view of the cable connector assembly1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition,FIG.12is a partially enlarged view of a portion I inFIG.11. As shown, the flat spring portion165of the ring-like member may extend along the extension direction X of the cable in a gap between the cable20and the casing110. The flat spring portion165can contact both the cable20and the casing110in this gap. More specifically, the flat spring portion165may be capable of elastic contact with both the cable shield220exposed at the end of the cable20and the casing110. As shown inFIGS.11and12, the flat spring portion165is configured to contact the cable shield220folded over the covering member210, and also to be capable of contact with an inner side face117of the casing110. That is, the flat spring portion165may include a first contacting portion166that mutually contacts the cable shield220located around the outermost periphery of the cable20, and a second contacting portion167that mutually contacts the inner side face of the casing110. As described above, the ring-like member160is an electrically conductive member. Therefore, in such a structure, the cable shield220and the casing110can be electrically connected to each other via the flat spring portion165.

According to such a structure, the flat spring portion165is arranged inside the casing110between the cable shield220and the casing110, and thereby the cable shield220and the casing110are electrically connected to each other to configure an electromagnetic shield of the cable connector assembly. This can be achieved by positioning the ring-like member160around the cable20with the cable shield220exposed inside the casing110. That is, according to the present disclosure, the electromagnetic shield can be more easily configured without necessarily requiring a task that is performed using an additional tool, such as swaging or welding. In the present disclosure, with the ring-like member160positioned around the cable20inserted in the casing110, the connection between the cable shield220and the casing110can be achieved simply by an easy operation of moving the ring-like member160into the casing110along the cable20. Therefore, the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure can include an electromagnetic shield configuration that is more favorable in terms of case of assembly.

The flat spring portion165, though extending along the extension direction X of the cable as a whole, may be partially bent. More specifically, as shown inFIG.12, the flat spring portion165may include a bend that is so bent as to form a peak along a radial direction of the cable. The flat spring portion165may be bent at least at part thereof so as to protrude in a substantially V-shape along the radial direction of the cable. The flat spring portion165may be in mutual clastic contact with the cable shield220and/or the casing110at the bend. For example, the flat spring portion165, at the first contacting portion166, may be so angled as to be inclined toward the cable shield220(that is, toward the inside of the casing110), brought into contact with the cable shield220, and then so angled as to be folded toward the casing110(that is, toward the outside of the casing110). In addition, for example, the flat spring portion165, at the second contacting portion167, may be angled toward the casing110, brought into contact with the casing110, and then so angled as to be folded toward the cable shield220.

The flat spring portion165may be bent at the first contacting portion166and/or the second contacting portion167. For example, as shown inFIG.12, the flat spring portion165may be so bent as to form a peak at either one of the first contacting portion166and the second contacting portion167, while extending along the extension direction X of the cable with no bend at the other contacting portion. In an embodiment, the flat spring portion165is so bent as to protrude toward the cable shield220at the first contacting portion166, while extending along an internal face of the casing110at the second contacting portion167(seeFIGS.6A to6C, and12). Alternatively, the flat spring portion165may include bends at both the first contacting portion166and the second contacting portion167. The flat spring portion165includes the above-described bend at least at part thereof, and thereby the flat spring portion165can more favorably exert an elastically biasing force on the casing110and the cable shield220. That is, the above-described structure enables the flat spring portion165to come into tight contact with both the casing110and the cable shield220more favorably, so that connection reliability between the cable shield220and the casing110can be improved.

It should be noted that “bend” or “bent” in the present disclosure encompasses angled, curved, or even folded. That is, in a side view shown inFIG.6B, or in a cross-sectional view as shown inFIG.12, the flat spring portion165may be substantially curvilinearly (for example, in an arc-like manner) bent in a rounded manner, or may be substantially linearly bent in an angular manner. Such a bent shape can also be referred to as, for example, a “folded shape”, “dogleg shape”, “substantially U-shape”, “substantially V-shape”, or “a curvilinear shape having a vertex”, or the like.

In addition, as shown inFIGS.6A to6C, the flat spring portion165may include at least one bump167at a portion in contact with the casing110. The bump167may protrude toward the casing110from a main face of the flat spring portion165facing the inner surface of the casing110. In such a structure, the flat spring portion165and the casing110may be in contact with each other at the bump167. In other words, the second contacting portion167of the flat spring, which contacts the casing110, can be the bump167provided on the flat spring portion165.

The flat spring portion165includes the bump167that can abut the casing110, and thereby a point of contact between the flat spring portion165and the casing110can be achieved more reliably than in a case where they come into surface contact with each other. Further, the presence of the bump167enables the flat spring portion165to exert the elastic biasing force more favorably on the casing110. Further, the elastic biasing force on the cable shield220located on the opposite side to the casing110can also be increased. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, an electromagnetic shield configuration can be achieved that has, in addition to a high degree of case of assembly, higher connection reliability in the electrical connection between the cable shield220and the casing110. Though not shown, alternatively, the flat spring portion165may also include a bump at the portion166in contact with the cable shield220.

If more importance is placed on case of assembly, connection reliability, and the like of the ring-like member160, the first contacting portion166and the second contacting portion167may be adjacent to each other in the extension direction of the flat spring portion165(that is, the extension direction X of the cable20). For example, the first contacting portion166may be located relatively at a proximal end side of the flat spring portion165(that is, the base portion161side), and the second contacting portion167may be located relatively at a distal end side of the flat spring portion165, or they may have a positional relationship opposite to the above. That is, as shown inFIG.12, the flat spring portion165may contact the cable shield220at its proximal end side, and may mutually contact the casing110at its distal end side.

In addition, the base portion161of the ring-like member may be arranged nearer to the internal housing120than the flat spring portion165. On the other hand, the flat spring portion165may be arranged farther from the internal housing120than the base portion161. That is, the base portion161may be located at the one end side of the cable20accommodated in the casing110, and the flat spring may extend toward an other end of the cable20. In such a structure, the flat spring portion165can also be understood to extend in a direction in which the cable20is led out of the casing110.

According to such a configuration, when the cable connector assembly is assembled, the ring-like member160is positioned around the cable20, with the cable20extending through the ring-like member160, in such a manner that the base portion161is located at the leading end side of the cable20, and the ring-like member160is inserted into the casing110along the cable20. At this time, since the ring-like portion160is inserted into the casing110with the base portion161first, the flat spring portion165is inserted into the casing110with the proximal end side first. Therefore, the flat spring portion165having the elastic biasing force in the radial direction of the cable can be more smoothly inserted into the casing110, so that the members for constituting the electromagnetic shield can be more easily assembled.

The ring-like member160of the present disclosure is an electrically conductive member. The base portion161of the ring-like member and the flat spring portion165extending from the base portion161may be an integrated article. The ring-like member160may be formed by processing a sheet metal material. More specifically, for example, the through-hole163may be formed by punching a sheet metal material, and the flat spring portion165may be formed by bending an elongated tab extending from the base portion161including the through-hole163.

A plurality of flat spring portions165described above may be provided. That is, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ring-like member160may include the plurality of flat spring portions165arranged at a predetermined interval along the contour of the base portion161. The ring-like member160includes the plurality of flat spring portions165, and thereby a plurality of connection locations between the cable shield220and the flat spring portions165and a plurality of connection locations between the casing110and the flat spring portions165can be provided. Further, since the flat spring portions165can exert the elastic biasing force on the cable20from a plurality of directions, the position of the cable20is favorably retained, and even the connection reliability can also be improved.

As described above, the ring-like member160of the present disclosure achieves the electromagnetic shield configuration that is more favorable in terms of case of assembly, using the flat spring portion165connecting the cable shield220and the casing110. The cable connector assembly of the present disclosure may further include a feature that, though not directly involved in the electrical connection, can achieve a further improvement of the case of assembly. For example, the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure further includes features that will be described below about the base portion161continuous from the flat spring portion165, and about other members associated with the ring-like member160, and can thereby achieve a further improvement of the case of assembly.

In the ring-like member160of the present disclosure, the base portion161may include an abutting face164extending along a direction crossing the extension direction X of the cable (for example, the radial direction of the cable passed through the through-hole163) and capable of abutting an inner wall face116of the casing110(seeFIGS.6B and12). In other words, the casing110may be capable of abutting the abutting face164of the base portion of the ring-like member160on the inner wall face116extending along the radial direction of the cable. For example, the base portion161may include the abutting face164around a peripheral edge of the through-hole163.

Such an abutting face164can assist in retaining the position of the ring-like member160inside the casing110. Specifically, the ring-like member160accommodated in the casing110with the cable passed therethrough is prevented from entering the casing110further by the abutting face164of the base portion abutting the inner wall face116of the casing110. In such a structure, the inner wall face116of the casing110can abut the abutting face164of the base portion, and hence can also be referred to as an abutted face116. That is, when the ring-like member160is attached, the abutting face164of the base portion and the abutted face116of the casing110abut each other, and thereby the ring-like member160can be arranged in position.

FIG.6Cis a side view of the ring-like member160according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the extension direction X of the cable. The base portion161, as seen from the extension direction X of the cable, may include a corner162at least at part thereof. The base portion161, as seen from the extension direction X of the cable, may have, at least at part thereof, a contour shape including the corner162protruding toward the inner side face117of the casing. That is, the contour shape of the base portion161may not be circular. The base portion161may be capable of abutting the inner side face117of the casing at the corner162. It should be noted that the inner side face117of the casing means a side face extending along the extension direction X of the cable inside the casing110. More specifically, the inner side face117encompasses a side face inside the insertion port112of the casing which the ring-like member160is arranged. According to the structure of the present disclosure, the corner162abuts the inner surface of the casing110, and thereby movements of the ring-like member160inside the casing110can be restricted. In particular, the ring-like member160can be prevented from rotating in the radial direction of the cable.

A relative movement such as rotation of the ring-like member160inside the casing110can cause a resistance value increase due to a connection failure and/or rubbing of the members against each other at a point of contact between the flat spring portion165and the cable shield220or between the flat spring portion165and the casing110. According to the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure, however, since the ring-like member160is properly retained inside the casing110, occurrence of such a connection failure or rubbing is suppressed, so that the electromagnetic shield that is more favorable in terms of connection reliability can be achieved.

For example, the contour shape of the base portion161may be a polygonal shape. For example, the contour shape of the base portion161may be substantially hexagonal, as shown inFIG.6C, or may be another polygonal shape, such as a quadrilateral or pentagon. The at least one corner162in a polygonal shape abuts the inner surface of the casing110, and thereby the position of the ring-like member160can be favorably retained inside the casing110.

In an embodiment, an internal space in the casing110where the ring-like member160is located may have a shape complementary to the contour shape of the base portion161(seeFIGS.8and9). As shown, a ring-like member accommodation region115where the ring-like member160is positioned inside the casing110, as seen from the extension direction X of the cable, may have a shape matching with the contour shape of the base portion161of the ring-like member. In such a structure, the ring-like member accommodation region115, as seen from the extension direction X of the cable, may have a shape including at least one corner162.

When the base portion161of the ring-like member is polygonal, the ring-like member accommodation region115of the casing110may have a space in a polygonal prismatic shape corresponding to the polygonal shape of the base portion161. For example, as shown inFIGS.6C and8, respectively, the base portion161of the ring-like member and the ring-like member accommodation region115of the casing110, as seen from the extension direction X of the cable, may both have a substantially hexagonal shape. The base portion161of the ring-like member is so accommodated as to fit in the ring-like member accommodation region115defined by inner side faces117of the casing110. This causes the plurality of inner side faces117to restrict movements of the corner162of the base portion, so that a relative movement such as rattling or rotation of the ring-like member160can be more favorably suppressed.

The threaded member180(seeFIG.11) combined with the insertion port112of the casing may be further involved in the electromagnetic shield configuration in the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure. The threaded member180includes a hollow structure, and the cable20led out of the casing110can be passed through a hollow portion of the threaded member180. Hence, the threaded member180may also be referred to as a “hollow threaded member” or the like. A thread ridge185may be formed on an outer peripheral face of the threaded member180. In addition, a thread groove113capable of engaging with the thread ridge185of the threaded member180may be formed in an inner peripheral face in the insertion port112of the casing (seeFIG.9). Such a structure enables the threaded member180to be combined with the inner peripheral face in the insertion port112of the casing. That is, when the threaded member180and the casing110are screwed to each other, the threaded member180is so combined as to enter the insertion port112.

When the cable connector assembly is assembled, the cable20is inserted into the casing110, and then the ring-like member160positioned around the cable20is moved along the cable20and introduced into the casing110through the insertion port112. Thereafter, the threaded member180is screwed to the insertion port112, and thereby the position of the cable20led out through the insertion port112is retained. At this time, the threaded member180is so combined as to be inserted into the insertion port112, and thereby the ring-like member160can be moved deep into the casing110as the threaded member180is inserted. In other words, when the threaded member180enters the insertion port112in a rotating manner to be fastened to the insertion port112, the threaded member180abuts the ring-like member160at its end, and can thereby push the ring-like member160deeper into the casing110. This causes the ring-like member160to move to the ring-like member accommodation region115inside the casing110, so that the ring-like member160can be arranged in position for an electrical connection to the cable shield220and the casing110. That is, according to the above-described structure, the ring-like member160can be arranged in position by fastening the threaded member180without a special tool and a complicated operation.

FIGS.7A and7Bare schematic views of the ring-like member in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a distal end of the flat spring portion165that can abut the threaded member180may be so bent as to be folded toward the cable20. The distal end of the flat spring portion165may be angled and folded in a substantially J-shape so as to form a peak toward the extension direction X of the cable. The flat spring portion165may include a fold at its distal end, and may be capable of abutting the threaded member180in the vicinity of a vertex of the fold. According to such a structure, since a larger abutment area of the threaded member180and the flat spring portion165against each other is ensured, the movement of the ring-like member160into the casing110by the threaded member180can be more favorably performed. Further, since deformation of the flat spring portion165due to the abutment against the threaded member180can be suppressed, the present structure can also be favorable in terms of an increase in service life of the cable connector assembly.

FIG.15is a schematic view of a cable connector assembly in another embodiment of the present disclosure. The cable connector assembly of the present disclosure may further include the intermediate sealing member170arranged between the ring-like member160and the threaded member180, as a component involved in assembling the electromagnetic shield.FIGS.16A to16Care schematic views of the intermediate sealing member170in an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that “intermediate” in the intermediate sealing member170means that such a sealing member170is positioned between the ring-like member160and the threaded member180in an assembled state of the cable connector assembly. The intermediate sealing member170can also be understood to be a member interposed between the ring-like member160and the threaded member180, and hence can also be referred to as an “interposed sealing member” or the like.

The intermediate sealing member170may include a hollow tubular structure, and the cable can be passed through this hollow. The intermediate sealing member170positioned around the cable is positioned between the ring-like member160and the threaded member180inside the insertion port112(seeFIGS.18and19). A ridge172acapable of abutting the inner peripheral face in the insertion port112may be provided on an outer peripheral face of the intermediate sealing member170. In addition, a ridge172bcapable of abutting the outer periphery of the cable may be provided on an inner peripheral face of the intermediate sealing member170. The ridges (172a,172b) tightly contact the inner peripheral face in the insertion port112and/or the outer periphery of the cable, thereby sealing the inside of the casing110, so that the electrical elements, including the terminal130in the casing110, and the connection locations of the casing110and the cable shield220with the ring-like member160, can be favorably protected.

When the cable connector assembly including the intermediate sealing member170is assembled, the cable is inserted into the casing110, and then the ring-like member160and the intermediate sealing member170positioned around the cable are introduced into the casing110in this order through the insertion port112. Thereafter, by fastening the threaded member180, the ring-like member160and the intermediate sealing member170are pushed together into the insertion port112. That is, the fastening operation of the threaded member180causes the intermediate sealing member170to be press-fitted into the insertion port112, and thereby the ring-like member160is indirectly moved deep into the casing110. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present disclosure, an electrical connection between the casing110and the cable shield220, and sealing inside the casing110can be achieved simply by an easy operation of combining the threaded member180and the insertion port112. Thus, a more favorable cable connector assembly including an electromagnetic shield configuration with great case of assembly can be achieved.

The intermediate sealing member170and the threaded member180may be so combined as to overlap partially with each other in the radial direction of the cable. For example, as shown inFIG.18, the intermediate sealing member170may be combined in such a manner that a portion thereof contacts an inner peripheral face of the threaded member180. More specifically, the intermediate sealing member170and the threaded member may be combined in such a manner that a tubular portion171of the intermediate sealing member170is located on an inner peripheral side of the threaded member.

In addition, a leading end of the threaded member180may be capable of abutting the ridge172alocated around an outer peripheral side of the intermediate sealing member170. According to such a structure, when the threaded member180is moved into the casing110as the threaded member180is fastened, the leading end of the threaded member180and the ridge172aabut each other, and thereby the intermediate sealing member170can be moved into the casing110.

As shown inFIGS.16A to16C, the intermediate sealing member170may include the tubular portion171including the ridge, and a supporting portion175extending from the tubular portion171along the cable. The supporting portion175may have a substantially elongated shape protruding from the tubular portion171toward the ring-like member160. More specifically, the supporting portion175may protrude from the tubular portion171toward the base portion161of the ring-like member (seeFIGS.16A to19). The supporting portion175can retain the position of the cable extending between the ring-like member160and the intermediate sealing member170, so that a state of connection between the cable shield220and the casing110via the ring-like member160can be more favorably retained.

FIG.17is a side view showing a combined state of the ring-like member160and the intermediate sealing member170in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The supporting portion175may be positioned in a region where the flat spring portion165of the ring-like member is absent. In other words, the flat spring portion165may be positioned in a region where the supporting portion175of the intermediate sealing member170is absent. That is, inside the insertion port112of the casing110, the flat spring portion165may extend toward the tubular portion171of the intermediate sealing member170, whereas the supporting portion175may extend toward the base portion161of the ring-like member in the region where the flat spring portion165is not located. According to such a structure, the supporting portion175can contribute to favorable retention of the position of the cable under the elastic biasing force exerted by the flat spring portion165.

In an embodiment, the supporting portion175, in the region where the flat spring portion165is absent, may extend so as to be held in a gap between the cable20and the casing110. In other words, the supporting portion175may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the gap between the cable20and the casing110. This enables the cable position to be more favorably retained.

More specifically, the supporting portion175may be adjacent to the flat spring portion165in a peripheral direction of the cable (seeFIGS.17and20). That is, the supporting portion175and the flat spring portion165may be arranged adjacently to each other along the peripheral direction of the cable. In other words, the supporting portion175and the flat spring portion165adjacent to each other along the outer periphery of the cable20may cover at least a portion of the outer periphery of the cable20. It should be noted that “adjacent” herein includes not only a case where the supporting portion175and the flat spring portion165are in contact with each other, but also a case where the supporting portion175and the flat spring portion165are not in contact with each other and are arranged side by side at a distance from each other.

In an embodiment, a plurality of supporting portions175may be provided. In addition, a plurality of flat spring portions165of the ring-like member may also be provided. That is, the ring-like member160may include a plurality of flat spring portions165, and the intermediate sealing member170may also include a plurality of supporting portions175. More specifically, the ring-like member160may include a plurality of flat spring portions165spaced at a predetermined interval along the contour of the base portion161. Similarly, the intermediate sealing member170may also include a plurality of supporting portions175spaced at a predetermined interval. In such a structure, the flat spring portion165may be positioned between the plurality of supporting portions175. In other words, the supporting portions175may be positioned on opposite sides of the flat spring portion165in the peripheral direction of the cable.

In an embodiment, the ring-like member160and the intermediate sealing member170are combined in such a manner that the flat spring portions165and the supporting portions175are alternate with each other. That is, as shown inFIGS.17and20, the ring-like member160and the intermediate sealing member170may be combined in such a manner that the supporting portion175fits in between the plurality of flat spring portions165. The cable20may be surrounded, at a portion thereof passed through the ring-like member160and the intermediate sealing member170, by the flat spring portions165and the supporting portions175arranged alternately.

The flat spring portions165and the supporting portions175can be alternately combined, and thereby the position of the cable20can be favorably retained. Further, according to the above-described structure, since the supporting portions175can be arranged on the opposite sides of the flat spring portion165, a relative movement of the flat spring portion165in the peripheral direction of the cable is restricted, so that the connection reliability can be more improved. Therefore, a state of electrical continuity between the flat spring portion165and the cable shield220can be favorably retained, so that the connection reliability between the cable shield220and the ring-like member160can be more improved.

In the cable connector assembly of the present disclosure, the ring-like member positioned around the cable is capable of contacting both the cable shield and the casing at the flat spring portion. Therefore, according to this configuration, the cable shield and the casing can be electrically connected to each other via the flat spring portion simply by moving the ring-like member into the casing while positioning the ring-like member around the cable. That is, according to the present disclosure, a more favorable electromagnetic shield that can be assembled by an easier operation of moving the ring-like member along the cable can be provided.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications based on knowledge of a person skilled in the art, such as combining the above-described configurations, may be made without departing from the spirit of the scope of the patent claims.