Module, and connection structure of module and mating connector

The invention provides a module being connectable to a mating connector having a tube and including a case and a connector. The case has a through hole that is larger than the tube so as to receive the tube. The connector fits into the tube along a first direction and includes a tuboid shell that includes a lip, first to fourth corners, and guides. The first and second corners are provided where the distal face of the lip meets outer faces on one and the other sides, respectively, of a second direction of the lip. The third and fourth corners are provided where the distal face of the lip meets outer faces on one and the other sides, respectively, of a third direction of the lip. The guides, each at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector, are provided at the respective first to fourth corners.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-173427 filed on Aug. 23, 2013, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to modules, and connection structures of the modules and mating connectors.

2. Background Art

Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2012-169158 discloses a connection structure including a module and a mating connector. The module includes a flexible printed circuit (FPC) curved in generally U-shape and an elastic member disposed inside the FPC. The mating connector has a pair of terminals. The FPC and the elastic member are received between distal portions of the terminals, and the FPC elastically contacts the distal portions of the terminals. This establishes connection between the module and the mating connector. For convenience of explanation, the term “connecting direction” refers to the direction into which the FPC and the elastic member are inserted between the distal portions of the terminals.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The distal portions of the terminals are bent such that the distance between the distal portions gradually increases toward the distal ends, so that the distal portions of the terminals can guide the FPC and the elastic member therebetween. This arrangement allows the module to be positioned with respect to the mating connector in the aligning direction of the terminals that is orthogonal to the connecting direction. However, this arrangement is not adapted for positioning of the module with respect to the mating connector in the direction orthogonal to the connecting direction and the aligning direction.

There is also a difficulty in connecting the FPC to the circuit board because the FPC needs to be connected to the circuit board with the elastic member disposed inside the FPC. This difficulty should lead to increased cost of the module.

In light of the above circumstances, the invention provides a module including a connector that is readily positionable with respect to a mating connector and can be manufactured at reduced cost. The invention also provides a connection structure of the module and a mating connector.

A first module of the invention is connectable to a mating connector having a tube. The first module includes a case, a circuit board, and a connector. The case has a through hole of larger dimensions than outer dimensions of the tube so as to receive the tube. The circuit board is provided inside the case. The connector is mounted on the circuit board and configured to fit into the tube along a first direction. The connector includes a shell of tuboid shape. The shell includes a lip, a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, a fourth corner, and guides. The first corner is provided where a distal face of the lip meets an outer face on one side of a second direction of the lip. The second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The second corner is provided where the distal face of the lip meets an outer face on the other side of the second direction of the lip. The third corner is provided where the distal face of the lip meets an outer face on one side of a third direction of the lip. The third direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and crossing the second direction. The fourth corner is provided where the distal face of the lip meets an outer face on the other side of the third direction of the lip. The guides are provided at the respective first, second, third, and fourth corners and located inside the through hole of the case. The guides are each at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector.

The first module of this aspect has at least the following technical features and advantages. First, the connector of the first module is readily positionable with respect to the tube of a mating connector. This is because the shell of the connector includes the guides in the first and second corners opposed to each other in the second direction and in the third and fourth corners opposed to each other in the third direction. In other words, the guides are adapted to guide the tube of the mating connector inside the through hole in the four directions—namely, in the one side of the second direction, in the other side of the second direction, in one side of the third direction, and in the other side of the third direction—so as to fit the connector into the tube. Second, the first module can be manufactured at a reduced cost because of a simple structure in which the connector is mounted on the circuit board.

A second module of the invention is connectable to a mating connector having a tube. The second module includes a case, a circuit board, and a connector. The case has a through hole of larger dimensions than outer dimensions of the tube so as to receive the tube. The circuit board is provided inside the case. The connector is mounted on the circuit board and configured to fit into the tube along a first direction. The connector includes a body. The body includes a distal portion, a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, a fourth corner, and guides. The first corner is provided where a distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on one side of a second direction of the distal portion. The second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The second corner is provided where the distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on the other side of the second direction of the distal portion. The third corner is provided where the distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on one side of a third direction of the distal portion. The third direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and crossing the second direction. The fourth corner is provided where the distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on the other side of the third. direction of the distal portion. The guides are provided at the respective first, second, third, and fourth corners and disposed inside the through hole of the case. The guides are each at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector.

The second module of this aspect has at least the following technical features and advantages. First, the connector of the second module is readily positionable with respect to the tube of a mating connector. This is because the body of the connector includes the guides in the first and second corners of the distal portion of the body opposed to each other in the second direction and in the third and fourth corners of the distal portion opposed to each other in the third direction. In other words, the guides are adapted to guide the tube of the mating connector inside the through hole in the four directions—namely, in the one side of the second direction, in the other side of the second direction, in one side of the third direction, and in the other side of the third direction—so as to fit the connector into the tube. Second, the second module can be manufactured with reduced cost because of a simple structure in which the connector is mounted on the circuit board.

The case may further include first and second inner walls of the through hole that are opposed to each other in the second direction. The guides of the shell or of the body may include first and second guides. The first guide may be located on a side of the first inner wall, and the second guide may be located on a side of the second inner wall. Relative positioning of the first inner wall and the second guide may be such that, when a portion on a side of the first inner wall of a tube of a mating connector abuts the first inner wall, a portion on a side of the second inner wall of the tube can be located on the second guide.

The first and second modules of this aspect are further advantageous in positioning the connector of the module with respect to the tube of the mating connector for the following reason. When inserting the tube of the mating connector into the through hole of the case, merely by bringing the portion on the side of the first inner wall of the tube into abutment with the first inner wall, the portion on the side of the second inner wall of the tube will he disposed on the second guide. Therefore, the portion on the side of the second inner wall of the tube can be readily guided by the second guide to readily fit the connector into the tube.

The case may further include third and fourth inner walls of the through hole that are opposed to each other in the third direction. The guides of the shell or of the body may include further third and fourth guides. The third guide may be disposed on a side of the third inner wall, and the fourth guide may be disposed on aside of the second inner wall. Relative positioning of the third inner wall and the fourth guide may be such that, when a portion on a side of the third inner wall of a tube of a mating connector abuts the third inner wall, a portion on a side of the fourth inner wall of the tube can be located on the fourth guide.

The first and second modules of this aspect are further advantageous in positioning the connector of the module with respect to the tube of the mating connector for the following reason. When inserting the tube of the mating connector into the through hole of the case, merely by bringing the portion on the side of the third inner wall of the tube into abutment with the third inner wall, the portion on the side of the fourth inner wall of the tube will be disposed on the fourth guide. Therefore, the portion on the side of the fourth inner wall of the tube can be readily guided by the fourth guide to readily fit the connector into the tube.

The connector of the first module may further include a body fitting in the shell. The body may include a distal portion, a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, a fourth corner, and guides. The distal portion may be located inside the through hole of the case. The first corner may be provided where a distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on one side of the second direction of the distal portion. The second corner may be provided where the distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on the other side of the second direction of the distal portion. The third corner may be provided where the distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on one side of the third direction of the distal portion. The fourth corner may be provided where the distal face of the distal portion meets an outer face on the other side of the third direction of the distal portion. The guides may be provided at the respective first, second, third, and fourth corners of the body. The guides of the body may each be at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector.

The first module of this aspect is further advantageous in positioning the connector of the module with respect to the tube of the mating connector for the following reason. When the tube of the mating connector is inserted into the through hole of the case, the tube can be guided by the guides of the body of the connector and also by the guides of the shell.

The first and second modules may further include a packing. The packing may be provided at the case and configured to be interposed between the module and the mating connector. The first and second modules of this aspect have improved waterproofness.

The case may further include a first case having the through hole, and a second case welded to the first case. The first and second modules of this aspect can be easily manufactured for the following reason. Since the connector as mounted on the circuit board is connected to the mating connector, there is no need to use a sealing agent for fixing a terminal for connection with the mating connector to the first case. Accordingly, the first and second cases can be fixed to each other by welding, facilitating the manufacture of the first and second modules.

The first and second modules may further include an electronic component mounted on the circuit board. The first and second modules of this aspect, with the electronic component and the connector mounted on the circuit board, can be manufactured with a reduced number of components as compared to the case of connecting the electronic component to the circuit board via a connection member such as an FPC.

The connection structure of the invention includes the first or second module according to any one of the above aspects and a mating connector. The mating connector may include a tube configured to be received in the through hole of the case of the module and to fit with the connector.

The connection structure may further include a fastening mechanism to fasten the mating connector to the case of the module with the connector fitting in the tube of the mating connector.

The fastening mechanism may include a pair of first engaging holes, a pair of second engaging holes, and a pair of engaging portions. The first engaging holes may be made in the case of the module. The second engaging holes may be made in the mating connector. The second engaging holes may communicate with the first engaging holes and be larger in size than the first engaging holes. The engaging parts may be configured to engage with the first and second engaging holes.

in the connection structure of this aspect, even in the case where the connector of the first or second modules is positionally offset from the through hole of the case due to variations within dimensional tolerance or the like, such an offset can be compensated for when connecting the mating connector to the connector of the first or second module. This is because the second engaging hole is larger in size than the first engaging hole and it is therefore easy to position the first engaging hole with respect to the second engaging hole.

The connection structure may further include a packing. The packing may be interposed between the first or second module and the mating connector. The connection structure of this aspect has improved waterproofness.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments 1 and 2 of the invention will be described below.

First, a connection structure of a module and a mating connector in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the invention will be described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 8B. The connection structure as shown inFIG. 1includes a module M, a mating connector P, and a fastening mechanism R.

The module M is a component module. The module M will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6.FIGS. 2A,3,4A,4B,6A,6B,8A, and8B indicate a direction Z-Z′, which is the insertion/removal direction of the module M and the mating connector P and corresponds to the “first direction” as defined in the claims.FIGS. 2A,3,4A,6A,6B, and8B indicate a direction Y-Y′, which is the height direction of the module M and corresponds to the “third direction” as defined in the claims.FIGS. 3,4B,6A,6B, and8A indicate a direction X-X′, which is the width direction of the module M and the mating connector P and corresponds to the “second direction” as defined in the claims. The direction Y-Y′ is orthogonal to the direction Z-Z′. The direction X-X′ is orthogonal to the direction Y-Y′ and the direction Z-Z′. The direction X and the direction X′ correspond to the “one side in the second direction” and the “other side in the second direction,” respectively, as defined in the claims. The direction Y and the direction Y′ correspond to the “one side in the third direction” and the “other side in the third direction,” respectively, as defined in the claims.

The module M includes a connector100, a circuit board200, an electronic component300, a case400, and a packing500.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the connector100is a hexagonal cylindrical connector that can fit into a tube41(to be described) of the mating connector P. As shown inFIGS. 2A to 6B, the connector100includes a body110, a shell120, and a plurality of terminals C.

The body110is made of insulating resin. As best illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the body110includes a basal portion111, a pair of tongues112, a plurality of holding holes113a,113b,a plurality of slits114a,114b,a plurality of engaging protrusions115, and a plurality of mounts116. The basal portion111is a rectangular block extending in the direction Y-Y′. The basal portion111includes a first end on the direction Y side and a second end on the direction Y′ side.

One of the tongues112(upper tongue inFIG. 6A) is a rectangular plate extending from the first end of the basal portion111in the direction Z. The other tongue112(lower tongue inFIG. 6A) is a hexagonal cylindrical plate extending from the second end of the basal portion111in the direction Z. The upper and lower tongues112each include a distal portion110athat is the end portion on the direction-Z-side (i.e. the distal portions110aconstitute the distal portion of the body110). The distal portion110aof the upper tongue112includes a corner112a,acorn:112b,and a corner112c.The distal portion110aof the lower tongue112includes a corner112d,a corner112e,a corner112f,a corner112g,and a corner112h.The corner112acorresponds to the “third corner” of a body as defined in the claims, the corners112band112ccorrespond to the “first corner” of the body as defined in the claims, the corners112cand112fcorrespond to the “second corner” of the body as defined in the claims, and the corner112dcorresponds to the “fourth corner” of the body as defined in the claims.

The corner112ais the corner where the distal face of the upper tongue112meets the direction-Y-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the upper tongue112. As best illustrated inFIG. 5A, the corner112ais provided with a pair of guides112a1(third guide) spaced in the direction X-X′. The guides112a1are chamfers sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and Y′. A housing recess112a2is provided between the guides112a1of the distal portion110aof the upper tongue112. The corner112bis the corner where the distal face of the upper tongue112meets the direction-X-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the upper tongue112. The corner112bis provided with a guide112b1(first guide). The guide112b1is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and X′. The corner112cis the corner where the distal face of the upper tongue112meets the direction-X′-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the upper tongue112. The corner112cis provided with a guide112c1(second guide). The guide112c1is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and X. Housing recesses112b2and112c2are provided in the direction-Y-side areas of the guides112b1and112c1, respectively, of the distal portion110aof the upper tongue112.

The corner112dis the corner where the distal face of the lower tongue112meets the direction-Y′-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the lower tongue112. The corner112dis provided with a pair of guides112d1(fourth guide) spaced in the direction X-X′. The guides112d1are chamfers sloping down in the direction including components of the directions Z and Y. A housing recess112d2is provided between the guides112d1of the distal portion110aof the lower tongue112. The corner112eis the corner where the distal face of the lower tongue112meets the direction-X-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the lower tongue112. The corner112eis provided with a guide112e1(first guide). The guide112e1is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and X. The corner112fis the corner where the distal face of the lower tongue112meets the X′-direction-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the tongue112. The corner112fis provided with a guide112f1(second guide). The guide112f1is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and X. The corner112gis the corner where the distal face of the lower tongue112meets the direction-X-and-Y′-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the lower tongue112. The corner112gis provided with a guide112g1. The guide112g1is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z, Y, and X. The corner112his the corner where the distal face of the lower tongue112meets the direction-X′-and-Y-side outer face of the distal portion110aof the tongue112. The corner112his provided with a guide112h1. The guide112h1is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z, Y, and X.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the slits114aare arranged in the upper tongue112in spaced relation to each other along the direction X-X′. The slits114aare open to the direction Y′ side. The slits114bare arranged in the lower tongue112in spaced relation to each other along the direction. X-X′. The slits114bare open to the direction Y′ side. The slits114hare symmetrically shaped with respect to the slits114a.The holding holes113aare provided in the basal portion111, in communication with the respective slits114a.The holding holes113aare open to the direction Z′. The holding holes113bare provided in the basal portion111, in communication with the respective slits114b.The holding holes113bare symmetrically shaped with respect to the holding holes113aand are open to the direction Z′.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the mounts116are rectangular blocks provided at the respective four corners of the direction Z′ end face of the basal portion111. Two of the engaging protrusions115, located on the direction X side, are rectangular protrusions on the direction-X-side end face of the basal portion111, arranged in spaced relation to each other along the direction Y-Y′ to extend in the direction Z-Z′. The other two engaging protrusions115, located on the direction X′ side, are rectangular protrusions on the direction-X′-side end face of the basal portion111, arranged in spaced relation to each other along the direction Y-Y′ to extend in the direction Z-Z′ from.

As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B, the terminals C are metal plates. The terminals C each have a base C10, first and second arms C20, C30, first and second contact portions C40, C50, engaging portion C60, and a tail C70. The base C10is a plate extending in the direction Y-Y′. The first and second arms C20, C30are plates in spaced relation to each other along the direction Y-Y′, extending from the base C10in the direction Z. The second arm C30has a larger dimension in the direction Z-Z′ than that of the first arm C20. The first and second arms C20, C30are elastically deformable in their alignment direction (i.e. the direction Y-Y′).

The first contact portion C40is a plate extending from the direction Z end (distal end) of the first arm C20to one side in the alignment direction (in the direction Y or Y′). In Embodiment 1, the first contact portion C40extends to one side of the alignment direction (the direction Y or the direction Y′). The second contact portion C50is a plate extending from the direction-Z end of the second arm C30to the one side in the alignment direction. The second contact portion C50is located on the direction-Z side of the first contact portion C40. In Embodiment 1, the second contact portion C50extends in a direction including components of the one side of the alignment direction and the direction Z′. The distal end on the one side of the alignment direction of the second contact portion C50is located at substantially the same height in the alignment direction as, or alternatively slightly further in the alignment direction than, the distal end on the one side of the alignment direction of the first contact portion C40.

The engaging portion C60is a plate extending in the direction Z from the base C10, more particularly from its end on the one side of the alignment direction. The engaging portion C60includes a protrusion protruding to the one side of the alignment direction. The tail C70is a plate extending to the other side in the alignment direction from the base C10, more particularly from its end on other side in the alignment direction.

Each terminal C is configured such that the direction Y-Y′ dimension from the protrusion of the engaging portion C60to the end on the other side of the alignment direction of the base C10is slightly larger than the direction Y-Y′ dimension of the associated holding hole113aor113b.As to two of the terminals C (i.e. upper terminals C as shown inFIG. 4A), each terminal C is configured such that the base C10and the engaging portion C60are press-fitted and held in the associated holding hole113a,that the first and second arms C20, C30are accommodated in the associated slit114a,that the distal portions of the first and second contact portions C40, C50protrude from the associated slit114ato the direction Y′ side (downward inFIG. 4A), and that the tail C70is in contact with the direction-Z′-side end face of the body110. As to the two remaining terminals (i.e. lower terminals C as shown inFIG. 4A), each terminal C is configured such that the base C10and the engaging portion C60are press-fitted and held in the associated holding hole113b,that the first and second arms C20, C30are accommodated in the associated slit114b,that the distal portions of the first and second contact portions C40, C50protrude from the associated slit114bto the direction Y side (upward inFIG. 4A), and that the tail C70is in contact with the direction-T-side end face of the body110. The first and second contact portions C40, C50of the upper terminals C are opposed to the first and second contact portions C40, C50of the lower terminals C. All the terminals C are arranged such that the end faces on the direction Z; side of the tails C70are located substantially at the same height in the direction Z-Z as the end faces on the direction Z side of the mounts116of the body110′. That is, the tails C70and the mounts116are disposed on the same face of the circuit board200. The tails C70are connected to the circuit board200.

As best illustrated inFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B, the shell120is a hexagonal tube formed of a metal plate. The shell120includes a shell body121, guides122ato122h,a plurality of engaging recesses123, and a pair of legs124. The shell body121is a hexagonal tube. The inner shape of the shell body121conforms to the outer shape of the body110. The body110fits in the shell body121. In other words, the shell body121covers the outer periphery of the body110. The shell body121includes a direction-X-side wall W1, a direction-X′-side wall W2, a direction-Y-side wall W3, and a direction-Y′-side wall W4. The direction-X-side wall W1of the shell body121, the direction-X′-side wall W2of the shell body121, and the tongues112of the body110define a connection hole of the connector100. The outer shape of the shell body121conforms to the inner shape of the tube41(to be described) of the mating connector P. The shell body121can fit in the tube41. As shown inFIG. 4A, the direction-Y-side wall W3of the shell body121extends substantially parallel to the second arms C30of the upper terminals C. The direction-Y′-side wall W4of the shell body121extends substantially parallel to the second arms C30of the lower terminals C. In other words, the second arms C30of the terminals C extend along the direction-Y-side wall W3or the direction-Y′-side wall W4to allow for impedance matching of each of the terminals C. This results in matched impedance between the upper terminals C and between the lower terminals C.

The shell body121further includes a lip120aon the direction Z side and a lip on the direction Z′ side. The direction-Z-side lip120aincludes a first portion of generally inverted U-shape, and a second portion that is the remaining portion of generally U-shape. The distal face of the first portion is located further to the direction Z′ side (lower side) than the distal face of the second portion, and further to the direction Z′ side (lower side) than the direction-Z′-side ends (lower ends) of the guides112a1of the body110. The distal face of the second portion is located at substantially the same height in the direction Z-Z′ as the direction-Z′-side ends (lower ends) of the guides112b1,112c1,112d1,112e1,112f1,112g1, and the112h1of the body110. The first portion includes corners121a,121b,and121c.The second portion includes corners121d,121e,121f,121g,and121h.The corner121acorresponds to the third corner of the shell as defined in the claims, the corners121band121ecorrespond to the first corner of the shell in the claims, the corners121cand121fcorrespond to the second corner of the shell in the claims, and the corner121dcorresponds to the fourth corner in the claims.

The corner121ais the corner where the distal face of the first portion of the lip120ameets the direction-Y-side outer face of the first portion. As best illustrated inFIG. 6A, the corner121aincludes a guide122a(third guide), which is a curved portion that extends in the direction Z and then curves in the direction Y′ (inwards of the connector100). The distal portion of the guide122ais housed in a housing recess112a2in the upper tongue112of the body110(seeFIG. 5A). The corner121bis the corner where the distal face of the first portion of the lip120ameets the direction-X-side outer face of the first portion. The corner121bincludes a guide122b(first guide), which is a curved portion that extends in the direction Z and then curves in the direction X′ (inwards of the connector100). The distal portion of the guide122bis housed in a housing recess112b2in the upper tongue112of the body110(seeFIG. 5A). The corner121cis the corner where the distal face of the first portion of the lip120ameets the direction-X′-side outer face of the first portion. The corner121cincludes a guide122c(second guide), which is a curved portion that extends in the direction Z and then curves in the direction X (inwards of the connector100). The distal portion of the guide122cis housed in a housing recess112c2in the upper tongue112of the body110(seeFIG. 5A).

The corner121dis the corner where the distal face of the second portion of the lip120aand the direction-Y′-side outer face of the second portion. The corner121dis centrally provided with a guide122d1(fourth guide). The corner121dfurther includes a pair of guides122d2(fourth guide), one at either end of the guide122d1. The guide122d1is a curved portion that extends in the direction Z and then curves in the direction Y (inwards of the connector100). The distal portion of the guide122d1is housed in the housing recess112d2in the lower tongue112of the body110(seeFIG. 5A). The guides122d2are chamfers sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and Y. The guides122d2are located on the direction Z′ side of the guides112d1of the body110. The corner121eis the corner where the distal face of the second portion of the lip120ameets the direction-X-side outer face of the second portion. The corner121eincludes a guide122e(first guide), which is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and X′. The guide122eis located on the direction Z′ side of the guides112b1,112e1of the body110. The corner121fis the corner where the distal face of the second portion of the lip120aand the direction-X′-side outer face of the second portion. The corner121fincludes a guide122f(second guide), which is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z and X. The guide122fis located on the direction Z′ side of the guide112c1,112f1of the body110. The corner121ais the corner where the distal face of the second portion of the lip120ameets the outer face on the directions X and Y′ side of the second portion. The corner121gincludes a guide122g,which is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z, Y, and X′. The guide122gis located on the direction Z′ side of the guide112g1of the body110. The corner121his the corner where the distal face of the second portion of the lip120ameets the outer face on the X′ and Y′ direction side of the second portion. The corner121hincludes a guide122h,which is a chamfer sloping down in a direction including components of the directions Z, Y, and X. The guide122his located on the direction Z′ side of the guide112h1of the body110.

Of the engaging recesses123, the two ones on the direction X side are recesses in the direction-X-side wall W1of the shell body121, extending in the direction Z-Z′ at spaced relation to each other along the direction Y-Y′. These engaging recesses123fit over the respective engaging protrusions115on the direction X side. The two engaging recesses123on the direction X′ side are recesses in the direction-X′-side wall W2of the shell body121, extending in the direction Z-Z′ at spaced relation to each other along the direction Y-Y′. These engaging recesses123fit over the respective engaging protrusions115on the direction X′ side.

Of the legs124, the one on the direction X side is provided between the engaging recesses123in the direction-X-side wall W1of the shell body121and bent at substantially right angles to the shell body121. The leg124on the direction X′ side is provided between the engaging recesses123in the direction-X′-side wall W2of the shell body121and bent at substantially right angles to the shell body121. Both legs124are electrically connected to the circuit board200.

The circuit board200is a printed circuit board as best illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B. The circuit board200includes first and second faces opposite to each other. The connector100is mounted on the first face of the circuit board200. The electronic component300is mounted on the second face of the circuit board200.

The electronic component300is an electronic component for automobile, mounted on the first face of the circuit board200. For example, the electronic component300may be a camera unit used to take images of the rear and/or surrounding views of an automobile.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 3 to 4B, the case400includes a first case410and a second case420. The first case410is a generally rectangular box. The first case410includes a bottom and a peripheral wall standing on and along the periphery of the bottom. The bottom of the first case410is provided therethrough with a rectangular through-hole411. The through-hole411has larger dimensions than the outer dimensions of the connector100and than the outer dimensions of the tube41(to be described) of the mating connector P. The through-hole411includes inner walls411a,411b(third and fourth inner walls) opposed to each other in the direction Y-Y′ and inner walls411c,411d(first and second inner walls) opposed to each other in the direction X-X′ The inner wall411ais adjacent and spaced apart from the guides112a1of the body110and the guide122aof the shell120of the connector100. The inner wall411bis adjacent and spaced apart from the guides112d1of the body110and the guides122d1,122d2of the shell120of the connector100. The inner wall411cadjacent and spaced apart from the guides112b1,112e1of the body110and the guides122b,122eof the shell120of the connector100. The inner wall411dis adjacent and spaced apart from the guide112c1,112f1of the body110and the guides122c,122fof the shell120of the connector100.

In the module M, the relative positioning of the first inner wall (inner wall411c) with respect to the second guide (the guides112c1,112f1of the body110and the guides122c,122fof the shell120) is such that, as shown inFIG. 8A, when the tube41(to be described) abuts the first inner wall at its wall41c(a portion on the side of the first inner wall), its wall41b(a portion on the side of the second inner wall) can be located on the second guide. Also in the module M, the relative positioning of the second inner wall (inner wall411d) with respect to the first guide (the guides112b1,112e1of the body110and the guides122b,122cof the shell120) is such that when the tube41abuts the second inner wall at its wall41b(the portion on the side of the second inner wall), its wall41c(the portion on the side of the first inner wall) can be located on the first guide. Also in the module M, the relative positioning of the third inner wall (inner wall411a) and the fourth guide (the guides112d1of the body110and the guides122d1,122d2of the shell120) is such that, as shown inFIG. 80, when the tube41abuts the third inner wall at its wall41a(a portion on the side of the third inner wall), its wall41d(a portion on the side of the fourth inner wall) can be located on the fourth guide. Also in the module M, the relative positioning of the fourth inner wall (inner wall411b) and the third guide (the guides112a) of the body110and the guide122aof the shell120) is such that when the tube41abuts the fourth inner wall at its wall41d(the portion on the side of the fourth inner wall), its wall41a(the portion on the side of the third inner wall) of the tube41can be located on the third guide.

As best illustrated inFIG. 3, a ring-shaped recess412is provided around the through-hole411in the bottom of the first case410. In other words, the through-hole411is provided inside the recess412. The recess412is adapted to receive a ring-shaped packing500. The thickness of the packing500is larger than the depth of the recess412, so that the packing500protrudes at its direction-Z end from the recess412. A pair of cylindrical engaging holes413(first engaging holes) are formed on the direction X side and on the direction X′ side in the recess412of the bottom of the first case410.

The second case420is a generally rectangular box to be combined with the first case410in the direction Z-Z′. The second case420includes a bottom and a peripheral wall standing on and along the periphery of the bottom. The peripheral wall of the second case420is welded to the peripheral wall of the first case410. The combined first and second cases410,420provide inner space to house the connector100, the circuit board200, and the electronic component300. The circuit board200is affixed to at least one of the first and second cases410,420such that the distal portions110aof the tongues112of the body110of the connector100and the second portion of the direction-Z-side lip120aof the shell120are located inside the through-hole411of the first case410. The circuit board200will be hereinafter described as fixed to the second case420.

The module M as described above may be assembled in the following steps. For convenience of description, the electronic component300will be described as a camera module. First, the connector100may be assembled as follows. The body110and the plurality of terminals C are prepared. Two of the terminals C are pressed into the respective holding holes113aof the body110. The bases C10and the engaging portions C60of the terminals C are thus held in the respective holding holes113a.Also, the first and second contact portions C40, C50of the terminals C are received in the respective slits114a,and the distal portions of the first and second contact portions C40, C50protrude from the respective slits114a.That is, the distal portions of the first and second contact portions C40, C50are located in the connection hole of the connector100. The first and second arms C20, C30of the terminals C are housed in the respective slits114a.Similarly, the remaining terminals C are inserted into the holding holes113band the slits114bof the body110to be attached to the body110. Next, the shell120is prepared and fitted over the body110. Then, the guides122a,122b,and122care accommodated in the housing recesses112a2,112b2, and112c2of the body110, respectively. The second arms C30of the terminals C are disposed along the direction-Y-side wall W3or the direction-Y′-side wall W4of the shell120.

Next, this assembled connector100, the circuit board200, and the electronic component300are prepared. The electronic component300is mounted on the second face of the circuit board200, and the connector100is mounted on the first face of the circuit board200. The tails C70of the terminals C of the connector100are connected to associated electrodes on the first face of the circuit board200, and the legs124of the shell120are soldered to ground electrodes on the first face of the circuit board200.

The second case420is also prepared. Accommodated into the second case420are the circuit board200, the electronic component300, and the connector100, with the second face of the circuit board200facing the bottom of the second case420. The circuit board200is affixed to the second case420such that the center of an imaging device (for example, CCD, CMOS or the like) of the electronic component300is aligned with the optical axis of a lens (not shown) provided in the second case420. The first case410is also prepared and combined with the second case420. Specifically, the peripheral wall of the first case410is confronted with the peripheral wall of the second case420. Upon combining the first and second cases410,420, the distal portion (the distal portions110aof the tongues112of the body110and the second portion of the direction-Z-side lip120aof the shell120collectively) of the connector100is disposed into the through-hole411of the first case410. Then, the guides112a1of the body110of the connector100and the guide122aof the shell120are disposed on the side of the inner wall411ain the through-hole411; the guides112d1of the body110of the connector100and the guides122d1,122d2of the shell120are disposed on the side of the inner wall411bin the through-hole411; the guides112b1,112e1of the body110of the connector100and the guides122b,122eof the shell120are disposed on the side of the inner wall411cin the through-hole411; and the guides112c1,112f1of the body110of the connector100and the guides122c,122fof the shell are disposed on the side of the inner wall411din the through-hole411. Finally, the peripheral wall of the first case410is welded to the peripheral wall of the second case420. The module M is now assembled.

Next, the mating connector P will be described below with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B. The mating connector P includes a molded part10, a body20, a plurality of terminals30, a shield case40, and a cable50.

The body20is made of insulating resin. As best illustrated inFIG. 7B, the body20includes a base21, a protrusion22, and a support23. The base21is a rectangular plate extending in the direction Y-Y′ The protrusion22is a plate that is provided the direction-T-side end face of the base21and extends in the direction Z′. The protrusion22has an outer shape conforming to the shape of the connection hole of the connector100of the module M, so that protrusion22is insertable into the connection hole. As shown inFIG. 7A, the direction-Y-side face of the protrusion22has a pair of grooves22aspaced apart from each other in the direction X-X′. The direction-Y′-side face of the protrusion22also has a pair of grooves22aspaced apart from each other in the direction X-X′. The support23is a plate on the direction-Z-side end face of the base21, extending in the direction Z.

As best illustrated inFIG. 2B, the terminals30are metal plates extending in the direction Z-Z′. The terminals30each have an intermediate portion31, a contact portion32, and a connecting portion33. The intermediate portions31are held in the base21of the body20. The contact portions32extend in the direction-Z′ from the direction-Z′-side ends of the intermediate portions31to be received in the respective grooves22aof the protrusion22of the body20(see alsoFIG. 7A). The connecting portions33extend in the direction-Z from direction-Z-side ends of the intermediate portions31and are disposed on the support23of the body20.

As best illustrated inFIG. 2A, the cable50includes a plurality of signal wires51and an outer insulator covering the signal wires51. Each of the signal wires51includes a core wire52and an inner insulator covering the core wire52. A lengthwise end portion of each signal wire51protrudes from the outer insulator. A lengthwise end portion of each core wire52protrudes from the end portion of the signal wire51. The protruded portions of the core wires52are soldered to the associated connecting portions33of the terminals30.

The shield case40, as best illustrated inFIG. 2A, is formed of a metal plate. The shield case40includes the tube41and a cover42. The tube41is a hexagonal tube having an inner shape conforming to the outer shape of the connector100. The tube41fittingly receives the base21of the body20and accommodates the protrusion22and the contact portions32of the terminals30. The tube41is adapted to be received in the through-hole411of the case400of the module M to fit over the connector100. The tube41includes the walls41a,41b,41c,41d,41e,and41f.The wall41ais a wall on the direction Y side of the tube41. The wall41bis a wall on the direction X′ side of the tube41. The wall41cis a wall on the direction X side of the tube41. The wall41dis a wall on the direction Y′ side of the tube41. The wall41eis a wall on a direction X′ and Y′ side of the tube41. The wall41fis a wall on a direction X and Y′ side of the tube41. The cover42is a generally L-shaped plate contiguous with the tube41in sectional view. The cover42covers the support23of the body20, the connecting portions33of the terminals30, and the above-mentioned end portions of the signal wires51of the cable50.

The molded part10is insulating resin that is filled around and inside the cover42. The molded part10includes a tab11and a body12. The body12is a rectangular parallelepiped block made of insulating resin, and extends in the direction (direction Y-Y′) substantially vertical to the length direction of the tube41(direction Z-Z′). Embedded in the body12are the support23of the body20, the connecting portions33of the terminals30, the end portions of the signal wires51of the cable50, and the cover42. This embedding may be given by insert molding, potting, or any other means that renders the mating connector P waterproof. The tab11surrounds the body12. The tab11includes a pair of engaging holes11aat positions corresponding to the engaging holes413of the case400of the module M. As shown inFIG. 8A, the engaging holes11aare larger in diameter than the engaging holes413.

The fastening mechanism R includes the pair of engaging holes413(first engaging holes) of the case400of the module M, the pair of engaging holes11a(second engaging holes) of the molded part10of the mating connector P, and a pair of pins R1(engaging part (seeFIG. 1)). The pins R1are engageable with the engaging holes11aand the engaging holes413.

The mating connector P as described above may be connected to the module M in the following manner. The tube41of the mating connector P can be smoothly inserted into the through-hole411of the case400of the module M in any of the following manners (1)-(4). (1) If the wall41aof the tube41is brought into abutment with the inner wall411aof the through-hole411as shown inFIG. 8B, the wall41dof the tube41is disposed near the guides112d1of the body110and the guides122d1,122d2of the shell120of the module M. Upon further inserting the tube41of the mating connector P into the through-hole411of the case400of the module M, the wall41dof the tube41is brought into contact with and guided on the guides112d1of the body110and the guides122d1,122d2of the shell120of the module M. The connector100is thus fitted into the tube41and the mating connector P is connected to the connector100of the module M, specifically in the following arrangement. The protrusion22of the body20of the mating connector P is received in the connection hole of the connector100, and the contact portions32of the terminals30of the mating connector P are in abutment with the first and second contact portions C40, C50of the terminals C of the connector100; the first and second contact portions C40, C50are pressed by the contact portions32(i.e. subjected to load) to elastically deform in the direction away from the contact portions32(i.e. in the alignment direction of the first and second arms C20, C30); and the pressed first and second contact portions C40, C50are in contact with the contact portions32with a predetermined contact pressure.

(2) If the wall41dof the tube41is brought into abutment with the inner wall411bof the through-hole411, the wall41aof the tube41is disposed near the guides112a1of the body110and the guide122aof the shell120of the module M. Upon further inserting the tube41of the mating connector P into the through-hole411of the case400of the module M, the wall41aof the tube41is brought into abutment with and guided on the guides112a1of the body110and the guide122aof the shell120of the module M. The connector100is thus fitted into the tube41and the mating connector P is connected to the connector100of the module M, specifically in the above-described arrangement.

(3) If the wall41cof the tube41is brought into abutment with the inner wall411cof the through-hole411as shown inFIG. 8A, the wall41bof the tube41is disposed near the guides112c1,112f1of the body110and the guides122c,122fof the shell120of the module M. Upon further inserting the tube41of the mating connector P into the through-hole411of the case400of the module M, the wall41bof the tube41is brought into abutment with and guided on the guides112c1,112f1of the body110and the guides122c,122fof the shell120of the module M. The connector100is thus fitted into the tube41and the mating connector P is connected to the connector100of the module M, specifically in the above-described arrangement.

(4) If the wall41bof the tube41is brought into abutment with the inner wall411dof the through-hole411, the wall41cof the tube41is disposed near the guides112b1,112e1of the body110and the guides122b,122eof the shell120of the module M. Upon further inserting the tube41of the mating connector P into the through-hole411of the case400of the module M, the wall41cof the tube41is brought into abutment with and guided on the guides112b1,112e1of the body110and the guides122b,122eof the shell120of the module M. The connector100is thus fitted in the tube41and the mating connector P is connected to the connector100of the module M, specifically in the above-described arrangement.

When the mating connector P is connected to the connector100of the module M, the engaging holes11aof the tab11of the mating connector P communicate with the engaging holes413of the case400of the module M. Then, by engaging the pins R1with the engaging holes11aand the engaging holes413, the mating connector P is fastened to the case400as connected to the module M. The packing500is thereby held and compressed between the case400of the module M and the molded part10of the mating connector P. It is described above that the assembly of the module M includes aligning the center of the imaging device (e.g. CCD, CMOS, or the like) of the electronic component300with the optical axis of the lens (not shown) in the second case420. This alignment may result in a slight positional offset of the connector100from the desirable position in the through-hole411of the first case410. When the connector100is connected to a mating connector P, the engaging holes11aof the tab11of the mating connector P will be accordingly offset from the desirable positions for communication with the engaging holes413of the case400of the module M. Specifically, the center axes of the engaging holes11aare offset from the center axes of the engaging holes413. However, this offset is unlikely to cause the engaging holes413to be blocked by the peripheral area of the engaging holes11abecause the engaging holes11ahave larger diameters than those of the engaging holes413. Therefore, even if there is a positional offset as described above during the assembly, the engaging holes413can engage the engaging holes11awith the pins R1without difficulty.

The connection structure as described above has the following technical features and advantages. First, the connector100of the module M can be readily positioned with respect to the tube41of the mating connector P for the following reasons. When inserting the tube41of the mating connector P into the through-hole411of the case400of the module M, the tube41can be guided inside the through hole411, by the guides112h1,112e1,122b,and112eof the connector100in the X direction, by the guides112c1,112f1,122c,and112fof the connector100in the X direction, by the guides112a1and122aof the connector100in the Y direction, and/or by the guides112d1,122a1, and122a2of the connector100in the Y′ direction.

Second, the tube41can be readily positioned with respect to the guides of the connector100. Specifically, when inserting the tube41into the through-hole411, the tube41can be positioned in any of the following manners (1)-(4). (1) By bringing the wall41aof the tube41on the Y direction into abutment with the inner wall411aof the through hole411, the wall41don the Y′ direction side is positioned with respect to and therefore guidable by the guides112d1,122d1, and122d2. (2) By bringing the wall41dof the tube41on the Y′ direction side into abutment with the inner wall411bof the through hole411, the wall41aon the Y direction side is positioned with respect to and therefore guidable by the guides112a1,122a.(3) By bringing the wall41cof the tube41on the X direction side into abutment with the inner wall411cof the through hole411, the wall41bon the X′ direction side is positioned with respect to and therefore guidable by the guides112c1,112f1,122e,and122f.(4) By bringing the wall41bof the tube41on the X′ direction side into abutment with the inner wall411dof the through hole411, the wall41con the X direction side is positioned with respect to and therefore guidable by the guides112b1,112e1,122b,and122e.

Third, the module M can be manufactured at reduced cost for the following reasons. The module M has a simple configuration that the connector100is mounted on the first face of the circuit board200and the electronic component300is mounted on the second face of the circuit board200. Moreover, the module M does not require any sealing agent, so that the first and second cases410,420can be welded together. This facilitates the assembly of the module M.

Fourth, the connection structure provides an improved waterproofness. This is because the module M is connected to the mating connector P such that the case400of the module M and the mold10of the mating connector P holds therebetween the packing500. Fifth, the connection structure also provides an improved reliability electrical connection for the following reasons. Both the first and second contact portions C40, C50of each terminal C are adapted to contact the associated terminal30of the mating connector P. The first and second contact portions C40, C50are aligned in the direction Z-Z′. Therefore, even if the mating connector P is offset from the module M in the direction Z-Z′, it is more likely that at least one of the first and second contact portions C40, C50is kept in contact with the associated terminal30of the mating connector P. In addition, the first and second arms C20, C30of the terminals C have different lengths and therefore have different natural vibration frequencies. Thus, even when the connection structure is under vibration conditions, the first and second arms C20, C30vibrate in different manners, increasing the possibility of maintaining the contact between at least one of the first and second contact portions C40, C50and the terminal30of the mating connector P.

A connection structure of the module and the mating connector in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the invention will be described below with reference toFIGS. 9A to 9B. The connection structure shown inFIGS. 9A and 9Bhas the same configuration as the connection structure in Embodiment 1, except that a mating connector P′ has a different configuration from the mating connector P of Embodiment 1. Only the differences will be described below in detail, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted. A prime symbol (′) is added to reference numerals for the mating connector and some of its elements to distinguish them from the mating connector and its elements of Embodiment 1.

The mating connector P′ includes the same configuration as the mating connector P except the following differences. The body12′ of the molded part10′ is of different shape from the body12of the molded part10. The cover42′ of the shield case40′ is of different shape from the cover42of the shield case40.

More particularly, the cover42′ is contiguous with the tube41and extends in the direction Z-Z′. The cover42° covers the support23of the body20, the connecting portions33of the terminals30, and the end portions of the signal wires51of the cable50. The body12′ is a rectangular parallelepiped block of insulating resin extending in the length direction of the tube41((i.e. the direction Z-Z′). Embedded in the body12′ are the support23of the body20, the connecting portions33of the terminals30, the end portions of the signal wires51of the cable50, and the cover42′.

The mating connector P′ described above can be connected to the module M in the same manner as the mating connector P of Embodiment 1. Therefore, the connection structure of the mating connector P′ and the module M of this embodiment provides substantially the same technical features and advantages as the connection structure of the mating connector P and the module M of Embodiment 1.

The module and the connection structure described above are not limited to the above Embodiments but may be modified in any manner within the scope of the claims. Specific modifications will be described below in detail.

The connector of the module of the invention may be any connector that is mountable on a circuit board, configured to fit into a tube of a mating connector along a first direction, and includes at least one of a shell or a body as described below. For example, the connector may include a shell, a body fitting in the shell, and a terminal held in the body. Alternatively, the connector may include a body and a terminal held in the body. That is, the shell may be omitted.

The shell of the connector of the invention may be of any configuration that meets the following conditions. First, the shell is tuboid. Second, the shell includes a lip on the distal side; first, second, third, and fourth corners as described below; and guides as described below. For example, the shell may be a metal tube of polygonal or circular tuboid shape. Further, the lip of the shell of the invention may or may not include first and second portions. That is, the lip of the shell of the invention may take any tuboid shape corresponding to the shape of the shell. For example, the lip may be a tube of polygonal or circular tuboid shape. Even in the case where the shell is of circular tuboid shape or of polygonal tuboid shape other than the hexagonal tuboid shape as in Embodiments 1 and 2, the lip of the invention may have first and second portions of different heights at their distal faces.

The first corner of the shell of the connector of the invention may be any portion where a distal face of the above-described lip meets an outer face on one side of a second direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction, of the lip. The second corner of the shell of the invention may be any portion where the distal face of the above-described lip meets an outer face on the other side of the second direction of the lip. The third corner of the shell of the invention may be any portion where the distal face of the above-described lip meets an outer face on one side of a third direction of the lip. The fourth corner of the shell of the invention may be any portion where of the distal face of the above-described lip meets an outer face on the other side of the third direction of the lip. If the shell is of circular tuboid shape, the shell includes a ring-shaped corner where the ring-shaped distal face of the lip of the shell meets the circular tubular outer face of the lip. Such a ring-shaped corner can include first to fourth corners. Particularly, the first corner may be a partial region on one side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the lip meets a portion on one side of the second direction of the outer face of the lip), the second corner may be a partial region on the other side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the lip meets a portion on the other side of the second direction of the outer face of the lip), the third corner may be a partial region one side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the lip meets a portion on one side of the third direction of the outer face of the lip), and the fourth corner may be a partial region on the other side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the lip meets a portion on the other side of the third direction of the outer face of the lip).

The guides of the shell of the connector of the invention may be of any configuration that meets the following conditions. First, the first, second, third, and fourth corners as described above are each provided with a guide or guides. Second, the guides are located inside the through hole of the case. Third, the guides are each at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector. For example, if the lip of the shell is a polygonal tuboid, the lip may be provided with a guide or guides at each corner where the distal face of the lip meets the outer face of each side of the lip. These guides may also each be at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector. If the lip of the shell is of circular tubular shape with a ring-shaped corner where the ring-shaped distal face of the lip meets the circular tubular outer face of the lip, the corner may be provided with a ring-shaped chamfer, a ring-shaped rounded face, or a ring-shaped curved portion curved inward of the connector. In this case, the guides may be chamfers, rounded faces, or curved portions curved inward of the connector provided in the first to fourth corners, wherein the first corner may be a partial region on the one side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner, the second corner may be a partial region on the other side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner, the third corner may be a partial region one side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner on, and the fourth corner may be a partial region on the other side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner. In other words, the guides of the shell of the connector of the invention may be partial regions of the ring-shaped chamfer, rounded face, or curved portion.

The body of the connector of the invention may be of any shape adapted to hold the terminal and fit in the shell. In the case where the shell is omitted, the body of the connector of the invention may be of any shape adapted to hold the terminal and fit in the tube of the mating connector. The body of the connector of the invention may have a distal portion; first, second, third, and fourth corners as described below; and guides as described below. The distal portion of the body may not be located inside the through hole.

The first corner of the body of the connector of the invention may be any portion where a distal face of the distal portion of the body meets an outer face on one side of the second direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction, of the distal portion. The second corner of the body of the connector of the invention may be any portion where the distal face of the distal portion of the body meets an outer face on the other side of the second direction of the distal portion. The third corner of the body of the connector of the invention may be any portion where the distal face of the distal portion of the body meets an outer face on one side of the third direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction and crossing the second direction, of the distal portion. The fourth corner of the body of the connector of the invention may be any portion where the distal face of the distal portion of the body meets an outer face on the other side of the third direction of the distal portion. If the body is of circular columnar or circular tubular shape, the body has a ring-shaped corner where the circular or ring-shaped distal face of the distal portion of the body meets the circular tubular outer face of the distal portion. Such a ring-shaped corner can include first to fourth corners. Particularly, the first corner may be a partial region on the one side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the distal portion meets a portion on the one side of the second direction of the outer face of the distal portion), the second corner may be a partial region on the other side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the distal portion meets the outer face on the other side of the second direction of the distal portion), the third corner may be a partial region on the one side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the distal portion meets the outer face on the one side of the third direction of the distal portion), and the fourth corner may be a partial region on the other side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner (a region where the distal face of the distal portion meets the outer face on the other side of the third direction of the distal portion).

The guides of the body of the connector of the invention may be of any configuration that meets the following conditions. First, the first, second, third, and fourth corners as described above are each provided with a guide or guides. Second, the guides are located inside the through hole of the case. Third, the guides are each at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector. For example, if the body is of polygonal column or polygonal tubular shape, the body may be provided with a guide or guides at each corner where the distal face of the distal portion of the body meets an outer face of each side of the distal portion. These guides may also each be at least one of a chamfer, a rounded face, and a curved portion curved inward of the connector. When the body is of circular columnar or circular tubular shape with a ring-shaped corner where the circular or ring-shaped distal face of the distal portion of the body meets the circular tubular outer face of the distal portion, the corner may be provided with a ring-shaped chamfer, a ring-shaped rounded face, or a ring-shaped curved portion curved inward of the connector. In this case, the guides may be chamfers, rounded faces, or curved portions curved inward of the connector provided in the first to fourth corners, wherein the first corner may be a partial region on the one side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner, the second corner may be a partial region on the other side of the second direction of the ring-shaped corner, the third corner may be a partial region one side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner, and the fourth corner may be a partial region on the other side of the third direction of the ring-shaped corner. In other words, the guides of the body of the connector of the invention may be partial regions of the ring-shaped chamfer, rounded face, or curved portion.

The terminals of the connector of the invention may any terminal adapted to be held in the body and connected to connection means (to be described) of the mating connector. The electronic component of the connector of the invention may be omitted. Alternatively, the electronic component of the invention may be any electrical component for automobile other than a camera unit, or any other electronic component. The electronic component may be a camera, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a sensor, a switch, a microphone unit, a loudspeaker unit, a sensor unit, or a switch unit.

The case of the invention may be of any configuration if they meet the following conditions. First, the case has a through hole of larger dimensions than the outer dimensions of the tube so as to receive the tube of a mating connector. Second, the case can house the circuit board and the connector mounted thereon. If the through hole is polygonal tuboid having a plurality of inner walls, the first and second inner walls of the case of the invention may he opposed inner walls in the second direction. If the through hole is circular tuboid having a circular tuboid inner wall, the first and second inner walls of the invention may be opposed portions in the second direction of the inner wall. Similarly, the third and fourth inner walls of the case of the invention may be opposed inner walls in the second direction of the polygonal tuboid through hole, or alternatively opposed portions in the second direction of the inner wall of the circular tuboid through hole.

The relative positioning of the first inner wall and the second guide and of the second inner wall and the first guide may be modified to such that when a portion on the side of the first inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the first inner wall, a portion on the side of the second inner wall of the tube will not be located on the second guide, and when a portion on the side of the second inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the second inner wall, a portion on the side of the first inner wall of the tube will not be located on the first guide. Alternatively, the relative positioning of the first inner wall and the second guide and of the second inner wall and the first guide may be modified to such that when a portion on the side of the first inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the first inner wall, a portion on the side of the second inner wall of the tube can be located on the second guide, and when a portion on the side of the second inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the second inner wall, a portion on the side of the first inner wall of the tube will not be located on the first guide. It should be appreciated that the first guide may be a guide of any aspect described above that is located on the side of the first inner wall. The second guide may be a guide of any aspect described above that is located on the side of the second inner wall.

The relative positioning of the third inner wall and the fourth guide and of the fourth inner wall and the third guide may be modified to such that when a portion on the side of the third inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the third inner wall, a portion on the side of the fourth inner wall of the tube will not be located on the fourth guide, and when a portion on the side of the fourth inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the fourth inner wall, a portion on the side of the third inner wall of the tube will not be located on the third guide. Alternatively, the relative positioning of the third inner wall and the fourth guide and of the fourth inner wall and the third guide may be modified to such that when a portion on the side of the third inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the third inner wall, a portion on the side of the fourth inner wall of the tube can be located on the fourth guide, and when a portion on the side of the fourth inner wall of the tube of the mating connector abuts the fourth inner wall, a portion on the side of the third inner wall of the tube will not be located on the third guide. It should be appreciated that the third guide may be a guide of any aspect described above that is located on the side of the third inner wall. The fourth guide may be a guide of any aspect described above that is located on the side of the fourth inner wall.

The mating connector of the invention may be any connector with a tube. For example, the mating connector may include a tube and connection means disposed inside the tube. The connection means may be one or more terminals, which may be configured like the terminals of Embodiment 1 or 2, or a circuit board, If the connection means is a circuit board, the circuit board may include a conductive part formed thereon for contact with the terminals of the module of the connector.

The tube of the mating connector of the invention may of any configuration adapted to fit with the connector of the module. For example, the tube of the mating connector may be of polygonal or circular tuboid shape. Further, the tube of the mating connector is not limited to part of a shield case, but may be a tube of insulating resin.

The fastening mechanism of the invention may be omitted. If omitted, the mating connector may be welded to the case of the module or fixed to the case with an adhesive. Alternatively, the fastening mechanism of the invention may be of any configuration adapted to fasten the mating connector to the case of the module with the connector of the module fitting with the tube of the mating connector. For example, the fastening mechanism may include a generally U-shaped plate spring. This spring may be adapted to receive the mating connector and the case of the module with the connector of the module fitting with the tube of the mating connector and thereby fasten the mating connector to the case of the module. The fastening mechanism may have same-sized engaging holes both on the mating connector side and the module side. Alternatively, the engaging holes on the mating connector side may be smaller in size than those on the module side. The engaging holes on either side of the fastening mechanism are not limited to circular holes. The engaging part of the fastening mechanism of the invention may be screws in place of the pins.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments and modifications thereof are described above by way of examples only. The materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, arrangements, and other configurations of the constituents of the terminal and the connector of the invention may be modified in any manner if they can perform similar functions. The configurations of the embodiments and the modifications described above may be combined in any possible manner. The first direction of the invention may be any direction in which the mating connector is connected to the connector of the module. The second direction of the invention may be any direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The third direction of the invention may be any direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction and crosses the second direction.

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