Patent Publication Number: US-11387578-B2

Title: Shielded electrical connector

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a connector. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Patent Document 1 discloses a connector with a plurality of inner conductors, a dielectric and an outer conductor. The plurality of inner conductors are individually connected to front end parts of a plurality of wires constituting a shielded cable. The dielectric accommodates the plurality of inner conductors. The outer conductor surrounds the inner conductors and the dielectric. The outer conductor includes a tubular member for surrounding a front end side region of the dielectric and a pair of divided shells having a half shape and disposed behind the tubular member. A pair of crimping portions formed in rear end parts of the respective divided shells are crimped to the outer periphery of a shield layer constituting the shielded cable. 
     In a crimping process, the pair of crimping portions are pressed in directions toward each other. Since the pair of crimping portions are disposed in the rear end parts of the pair of divided shells, the postures of the pair of divided shells are going to be inclined such that front end parts thereof are separated from each other. However, since the front end parts of the divided shells are locked to the tubular member, there is no possibility that the postures of the pair of divided shells are inclined. 
     PRIOR ART DOCUMENT 
     Patent Document 
     Patent Document 1: JP 2018-125243 A 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved 
     In inserting a connector into a housing, it is necessary to avoid the insertion of the connector in an improper orientation into the housing by visually observing a front end part of the connector to confirm vertical and lateral orientations of the connector. However, since the front end part of the above connector has a vertically and laterally symmetrical rectangular tube shape, it is difficult to confirm the vertical and lateral orientations of the connector by visually observing the front end part of the connector. 
     As a countermeasure against this, it is considered to constitute the outer conductor by a pair of divided shells having asymmetric shapes. However, even if the asymmetric divided shells are united, it is not easy to distinguish the orientation by visual observation since the front end part of the connector is formed into a rectangular tube shape in conformity with the outer shape of the dielectric. 
     The present invention was completed on the basis of the above situation and aims to prevent posture inclination during the crimping of an outer conductor and enable an orientation of a connector to be easily distinguished. 
     Means to Solve the Problem 
     A connector of the present disclosure includes a plurality of inner conductors, a dielectric, an outer conductor, and a multi-functional portion, wherein the plurality of inner conductors are individually connected to front end parts of a plurality of cores constituting a shielded cable, the dielectric accommodates the plurality of inner conductors, the outer conductor is configured by uniting a first divided shell and a second divided shell, the outer conductor surrounds the inner conductors and the dielectric, a first crimping portion to be crimped to an outer periphery of a shield member constituting the shielded cable is formed in a rear end part of the first divided shell, the multi-functional portion is exposed on an outer surface of the outer conductor and in the form of a projection forward of the first crimping portion on an outer surface of the dielectric, the first divided shell is formed with a first locking portion disposed to be able to lock the multi-functional portion, and a locking direction of the first locking portion to the multi-functional portion is a direction opposite to a crimping direction of the first crimping portion to the shield member. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent posture inclination during the crimping of an outer conductor and enable an orientation of a connector to be easily distinguished. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shield terminal of one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a shield terminal. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the shield terminal. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the shield terminal. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the shield terminal. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a state where inner conductors are accommodated in a dielectric. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a state where a second divided shell is assembled with the dielectric. 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of an accommodating member. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the accommodating member. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing a vertically inverted state of a first divided shell. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO EXECUTE THE INVENTION 
     Description of Embodiments of Present Disclosure 
     First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described. 
     (1) The connector of the present disclosure includes a plurality of inner conductors, a dielectric, an outer conductor, and a multi-functional portion, wherein the plurality of inner conductors are individually connected to front end parts of a plurality of cores constituting a shielded cable, the dielectric accommodates the plurality of inner conductors, the outer conductor is configured by uniting a first divided shell and a second divided shell, the outer conductor surrounds the inner conductors and the dielectric, a first crimping portion to be crimped to an outer periphery of a shield member constituting the shielded cable is formed in a rear end part of the first divided shell, the multi-functional portion is exposed on an outer surface of the outer conductor and in the form of a projection forward of the first crimping portion on an outer surface of the dielectric, the first divided shell is formed with a first locking portion disposed to be able to lock the multi-functional portion, and a locking direction of the first locking portion to the multi-functional portion is a direction opposite to a crimping direction of the first crimping portion to the shield member. 
     According to the configuration of the present disclosure, since the multi-functional portion is in the form of a projection and exposed on the outer surface of the outer conductor, an orientation of the connector can be confirmed by visually observing the position of the multi-functional portion. When the first crimping portion is crimped to the shield member, the first locking portion of the first divided shell locks the multi-functional portion in the direction opposite to the crimping direction. Thus, the posture inclination of the first divided shell during crimping can be prevented. 
     (2) Preferably, the multi-functional portion is disposed in a front end part of the dielectric. According to this configuration, since the multi-functional portion is exposed on the outer surface of the outer conductor in a front end part of the connector, visual observation is easier as compared to the case where the multi-functional portion is exposed behind the front end of the connector. Further, since the multi-functional portion is disposed in the front end part of the dielectric, a long distance in a front-rear direction is ensured between the first crimping portion and the multi-functional portion. Thus, a function of preventing the posture inclination of the first divided shell is excellent. 
     (3) Preferably, the multi-functional portions are formed only on two corners, out of four corners of a front wall portion of the dielectric. According to this configuration, the orientation of the connector can be visually confirmed from many directions by the presence of the two multi-functional portions. 
     (4) Preferably, the dielectric includes an accommodating member and a cover, the accommodating member includes accommodation chambers for accommodating the inner conductors, the cover covers the accommodation chambers and the inner conductors, and an opening for exposing the cover is formed between the outer conductor and the inner conductors. According to this configuration, even if the cover is covered by the outer conductor, an assembled state of the cover with the accommodating member can be confirmed by visually observing the orientation and position of the cover through the opening. 
     (5) Preferably, the opening is provided to expose the cover in an axial direction of the cores. According to this configuration, the assembled state of the cover can be easily confirmed by visually observing the connector in the axial direction of the cores. 
     (6) Preferably, the second divided shell is formed with a second crimping portion to be crimped to the outer periphery of the shield member, the cover is formed with a displacement restricting portion disposed in front of the second crimping portion, the second divided shell is formed with a second locking portion disposed to be able to lock the displacement restricting portion, and a locking direction of the second locking portion to the displacement restricting portion is a direction opposite to a crimping direction of the second crimping portion to the shield member. According to this configuration, when the second crimping portion is crimped to the shield member, the second locking portion of the second divided shell locks the displacement restricting portion in the direction opposite to the crimping direction. Thus, the posture inclination of the second divided shell during crimping can be prevented. 
     Details of Embodiments of Present Disclosure 
     Embodiment 
     One specific embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 10 . Note that the present invention is not limited to these illustrations and is intended to be represented by claims and include all changes in the scope of claims and in the meaning and scope of equivalents. In this embodiment, an oblique leftward direction in  FIGS. 1, 5 to 7 and 10  is defined as a forward direction concerning a front-rear direction. Upper and lower sides shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4 to 7 and 10  are directly defined as upper and lower sides concerning a vertical direction. 
     A connector A of this embodiment is connected to a front end part of a shielded cable  60 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the shielded cable  60  is composed of four cores  61  constituted by coated wires, a hollow cylindrical sheath  62  and a tubular shield member  63 . The sheath  62  collectively surrounds the four cores  61 . The shield member  63  is inserted into the sheath  62  and collectively surrounds the four cores  61 . A braided wire or the like is used as the shield member  63 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the connector A is configured by assembling four inner conductors  61 , one dielectric  13  and one outer conductor  36 . The inner conductor  10  has an elongated shape in the front-rear direction. The inner conductor  10  is a single member composed of a rectangular tube portion  11  into which a tab (not shown) of a mating inner conductor is inserted to be brought into contact, and a barrel portion  12  extending rearward from the rear end of the rectangular tube portion  11 . A front end part of the core  61  is conductively fixed to the barrel portion  12  by crimping. The crimped core  61  extends rearward from the inner conductor  10 . In this embodiment, an extending direction of this core  61  is defined as an axial direction of the core  61 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the dielectric  13  is configured by assembling an accommodating member  14  made of an insulating material, a first cover  26  (cover as claimed) made of an insulating material and a second cover  29  (cover as claimed) made of an insulating material. The first and second covers  26 ,  29  have the same shape, but are different in color. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5, 8 and 9 , the accommodating member  14  is shaped to be bilaterally symmetric and vertically asymmetric. The accommodating member  14  is a single member composed of a front wall portion  15 , a base portion  16 , a pair of upper and lower separation wall portions  17  and a pair of left and right side wall portions  18 . The front wall portion  15  is in the form of a plate perpendicular to axes of the cores  61 . The base portion  16  is in the form of a plate projecting substantially horizontally rearward from the rear surface of the front wall portion  15 . As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 , the front wall portion  15  is formed with four penetrating tab insertion holes  19  aligned in the vertical and lateral directions. As shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 and 9 , a first lock projection  20  is formed on an upper end part of the outer surface of the side wall portion  18 . A second lock projection  21  is formed on a lower end part of the outer surface of the side wall portion  18 . 
     The pair of upper and lower separation wall portions  17  extend in the front-rear direction (in parallel to the axes of the cores  61 ) and project upward and downward from laterally central parts of the upper and lower surfaces of the base portion  16 . The pair of left and right side wall portions  18  extend rearward from both left and right side edges of the front wall portion  15  and extend both upward and downward from both left and right side edges of the base portion  16 . The accommodating member  14  is formed with four accommodation chambers  22  vertically and laterally partitioned by the base portion  16 , the separation wall portions  17  and the side wall portions  18 . Two accommodation chambers  22  on an upper stage side are open upward and rearward of the accommodating member  14  and two accommodation chambers  22  on a lower stage side are open downward and rearward of the accommodating member  14 . The entire inner conductor  10  and the front end part of the core  61  connected to that inner conductor  10  are accommodated in each accommodation chamber  22 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 to 9 , the front wall portion  15  of the accommodating member  14  is formed with a pair of left and right multi-functional portions  23 . The pair of multi-functional portions  23  are formed only on two upper corners, out of four corners of the front wall portion  15 . In other words, the pair of multi-functional portions  23  are disposed on both left and right end parts of an upper end part of the rear surface of the front wall portion  15 . The pair of multi-functional portions  23  project rearward from the two upper corners of the front wall portion  15  and constitute a vertically asymmetric part of the accommodating member  14  (dielectric  13 ). Any of a plan view shape, a back view shape and a side view shape of the multi-functional portions  23  is rectangular. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 7 , the front wall portion  15  is formed with a pair of bilaterally symmetrical recesses  25 . The pair of recesses  25  are formed by recessing both left and right outer side surfaces of the front wall portion  15 . A formation region of the pair of recesses  25  in the vertical direction is a range below the multi-functional portions  23  and above a lower end part of the front wall portion  15 . By forming the recesses  25 , a pair of bilaterally symmetrical projections  24  are formed on lower end parts of both left and right side surface parts of the front wall portion  15 . The pair of projections  24  are formed only on two lower corners, out of the four corners of the front wall portion  15 . The pair of projections  24  are formed to project laterally outward from lower end parts of outer side surfaces of the front wall portion  15 . The appearance shape of the pair of projections  24  is different from that of the pair of multi-functional portions  23 . Thus, the pair of projections  24  constitute the vertically asymmetric part of the accommodating member  14  (dielectric  13 ) together with the pair of multi-functional portions  23 . 
     The first cover  26  is made of the insulating material and has a bilaterally symmetrical shape. As shown in  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the first cover  26  is a single component with a substantially horizontal first covering portion  27  and a pair of left and right resilient lock pieces  28  extending downward from both left and right side edges of the first covering portion  27 . The first cover  26  is assembled to cover the upper surface of the accommodating member  14  from above. The assembled first cover  26  is locked in a state assembled with the accommodating member  14  by locking the pair of first resilient lock pieces  28  to the first lock projections  20 . The first resilient lock pieces  28  are arranged behind and adjacent to the multi-functional portions  23 . 
     With the first cover  26  assembled with the accommodating member  14 , the first covering portion  27  covers the two accommodation chambers  22  on the upper stage side. A front end part of the first covering portion  27  is fit between the pair of multi-functional portions  23 . The lower surface of the first covering portion  27  is formed with a first retaining portion (not shown) in the form of a projecting rib extending in the lateral direction. With the first cover  26  assembled with the accommodating member  14 , the first retaining portion locks rear end parts of the rectangular tube portions  11  of two inner conductors  10  accommodated in the accommodation chambers  22  on the upper stage side from behind. By this locking action, the two inner conductors  10  on the upper stage side are retained and held by the first cover  26 . 
     The second cover  29  is made of the insulating material and shaped to be bilaterally symmetric and vertical symmetric with respect to the first cover  26 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second cover  29  is a single component with a substantially horizontal second covering portion  30 , a pair of left and right second resilient lock pieces  31 , a pair of left and right supporting wall portions  32  and a pair of left and right restricting projections  33  (displacement restricting portion as claimed). The pair of left and right second resilient lock pieces  31  extend upward from both left and right side edges of the second covering portion  30 . The pair of left and right supporting wall portions  32  project upward from the both left and right side edges of the second covering portion  30 . The pair of left and right restricting projections  33  are formed on the outer surfaces of the both left and right supporting wall portions  32 . The second cover  29  is assembled to cover the lower surface of the accommodating member  14  from below. The assembled second cover  29  is locked in a state assembled with the accommodating member  14  by locking the pair of second resilient lock pieces  31  to the second lock projections  21 . 
     The second resilient lock pieces  31  are arranged adjacent to the projections  24  while being spaced rearward of the projections  24 . Rear end parts of the second resilient lock pieces  31  extend in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cores  61  and substantially parallel to crimping directions of first and second crimping portions  43 ,  50  to be described later), and function as restricting edge parts  34 . 
     With the second cover  29  assembled with the accommodating member  14 , the second covering portion  30  covers the two accommodation chambers  22  on the lower stage side. A front end part of the second covering portion  30  is fit between the pair of projections  24 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a second retaining portion  35  in the form of a projecting rib extending in the lateral direction is formed on the upper surface of the second covering portion  30 . With the second cover  29  assembled with the accommodating member  14 , the second retaining portion  35  locks rear end parts of the rectangular tube portions  11  of two inner conductors  10  accommodated in the accommodation chambers  22  on the lower stage side from behind. By this locking action, the two inner conductors  10  on the lower stage side are retained and held by the second cover  29 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5 , the outer conductor  36  is formed into a rectangular tube shape as a whole by vertically uniting a first divided shell  37  made of a conductive material and a second divided shell  44  made of a conductive material. A uniting direction of the first and second divided shells  37 ,  44  is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the cores  61 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first divided shell  37  has a half shape having a space open toward a lower surface side. As shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 10 , a front end side region of the first divided shell  37  serves as a first shell  38 . A rear end part of the first divided shell  37  serves as the substantially arcuate first crimping portion  43  extending rearward from the rear end of the first shell portion  38 . The first shell portion  38  is composed of a substantially horizontal first base plate portion  39  and a pair of left and right first side plate portions  40 . The pair of left and right first side plate portions  40  extend downward substantially at a right angle from both left and right side edges of the first base plate portion  39 . The first crimping portion  43  extends rearward from the rear end edge of the first base plate portion  39 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 to 5 and 10 , a front end part of the first shell portion  38  is formed with a pair of bilaterally symmetrical cut portions  41 . The pair of cut portions  41  are formed by cutting both left and right end parts of the front end edge of the first base plate portion  39  and upper end parts of the front end edges of the both left and right first side plate portions  40  in a communicating state. A plan view shape of the cut portions  41  is substantially rectangular, similarly to the plan view shape of the multi-functional portions  23 . A side view shape of the cut portions  41  is also substantially rectangular, similarly to the side view shape of the multi-functional portions  23 . A lower edge part in the cut portion  41  functions as a locking step portion  42  (first locking portion as claimed) facing upward. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 , the second divided shell  44  has a half shape having a space open toward an upper surface side. A front end side region of the second divided shell  44  serves as a second shell portion  45 . A rear end part of the second divided shell  44  serves as the second crimping portion  50  elongated rearward from the rear end of the second shell portion  45 . The second shell portion  45  is composed of a substantially horizontal second base plate portion  46  and a pair of left and right second side plate portions  47  extending upward substantially at a right angle from both left and right side edges of the second base plate portion  46 . The second crimping portion  50  extends rearward from the rear end edge of the second base plate portion  46 . 
     The front ends of the pair of second side plate portions  47  are located behind that of the second base plate portion  46 . Front end edge parts of the pair of second side plate portions  47  extend in the vertical direction (direction parallel to the restricting edge parts  34  of the second cover  29 ) and function as locking edge parts  48 . Each of the pair of second side plate portions  47  is formed with a locking hole  49  (second locking portion as claimed). 
     Next, an assembling procedure of the connector A is described. The inner conductors  10  are respectively individually fixed to tip parts of the four cores  61  and the four entire inner conductors  10  and the front end parts of the four cores  61  are respectively accommodated into the accommodation chambers  22 . Subsequently, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the first and second covers  26 ,  29  are assembled with the accommodating member  14 . By this assembling, the dielectric  13  is configured and the four inner conductors  10  are held accommodated in the dielectric  13 . The dielectric  13  and the four inner conductors  10  constitute a terminal module  51 . 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the second divided shell  44  is assembled with the terminal module  51 . In assembling, the second divided shell  44  is brought closer to the terminal module  51  from above, the pair of second side plate portions  47  are overlapped on the outer surfaces of the pair of supporting wall portions  32  while being resiliently expanded, and the locking holes  49  are fit to the restricting projections  33  to achieve a locked state. By this locking action, the second divided shell  44  is held assembled with the dielectric  13  (second cover  29 ). The upper surface of the second base plate portion  46  is overlapped on the lower surface of the second covering portion  30 . The locking edge parts  48  are in line contact with the restricting edge parts  34  from behind or adjacent to the restricting edge parts  34  while facing from behind with tiny clearances defined therebetween. 
     After the second divided shell  44  is assembled, the first divided shell  37  is assembled with the dielectric  13  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 . In assembling, the first divided shell  37  is brought closer to the dielectric  13  from above, and the first base plate portion  39  is overlapped on the upper surface of the first covering portion  27 . Simultaneously with this, the front end parts of the first side plate portions  40  are slipped under the multi-functional portions  23  and the front end part of the first base plate portion  39  is fit between the both left and right multi-functional portions  23 . In this way, the pair of multi-functional portions  23  are fit into the pair of cut portions  41  and exposed on the outer surface (upper surface and side surfaces) of the first divided shell  37  (outer conductor  36 ). The pair of first side plate portions  40  are overlapped on the outer surfaces of the pair of second side plate portions  47 . 
     The first crimping portion  43  is located to correspond to the second crimping portion  50  in the front-rear direction (axial direction of the cores  61 ). After the first and second divided shells  37 ,  44  are assembled with the dielectric  13 , the first and second crimping portions  43 ,  50  are crimped to the outer periphery of the shield member  63  of the shielded cable  60 . In a crimping process, as shown in  FIG. 4 , an upward pressing force F 2  is applied to the second crimping portion  50  at the same time as a downward pressing force F 1  is applied to the first crimping portion  43 . 
     Directions of the pressing forces F 1 , F 2  during crimping are directions orthogonal to the axial direction of the cores  61 . Particularly, the direction of the pressing force F 1  pressing the first crimping portion  43  is a direction substantially parallel to an assembling direction of the first divided shell  37  with the dielectric  13 . Since the first crimping portion  43  is disposed in the rear end part of the first divided shell  37 , if the downward pressing force F 1  is applied to the first crimping portion  43 , the posture of the first divided shell  37  is going to be inclined to displace the front end part of the first divided shell  37  upward. A displacing direction of the front end part of the first divided shell  37  at this time is vertically opposite to an applying direction of the pressing force F 1  to the first crimping portion  43 , i.e. a direction to move the first divided shell  37  away from the dielectric  13 . However, since the locking step portions  42  formed in the front end part of the first divided shell  37  come into contact with the multi-functional portions  23  of the dielectric  13  from below, the posture inclination of the first divided shell  37  is restricted. 
     Further, the direction of the second pressing force F 2  pressing the second crimping portion  50  is a direction substantially parallel to an assembling direction of the second divided shell  44  with the dielectric  13 . Since the second crimping portion  50  is disposed in the rear end part of the second divided shell  44 , if the upward pressing force F 2  is applied to the second crimping portion  50 , the posture of the second divided shell  44  is going to be inclined to displace the front end part of the second divided shell  44  downward. A displacing direction of the front end part of the second divided shell  44  at this time is vertically opposite to an applying direction of the pressing force F 2  to the second crimping portion  50 , i.e. a direction to move the second divided shell  44  away from the dielectric  13 . 
     However, since the locking holes  49  formed forward of the second crimping portion  50  in the second divided shell  44  are fit to the restricting projections  33 , the posture inclination of the second divided shell  44  is restricted. Further, if the posture of the second divided shell  44  starts to be inclined, the locking edge parts  48  of the second divided shell  44  are displaced to be inclined forward in a side view and interfere with the restricting edge parts  34  of the dielectric  13 . Thus, the posture inclination of the second divided shell  44  is also restricted by this interference. 
     If the first and second divided shells  37 ,  44  are assembled with the terminal module  51  and the first and second crimping portions  43 ,  50  are crimped to the shield member  63 , the first and second divided shells  37 ,  44  are united to constitute the outer conductor  36  and the assembling of the connector A is completed. In a front end part of the connector A, the multi-functional portions  23  of the dielectric  13  are exposed on the upper surface and side surface upper end parts of the outer conductor  36 . The projections  24  are exposed on the lower surface and side surface lower end parts of the outer conductor  36 . 
     Since exposed areas of the projections  24  on the outer surface of the outer conductor  36  are smaller than those of the multi-functional portions  23  on the outer surface of the outer conductor  36 , it is difficult to visually observe the projections  24 . In contrast, it is easy to visually observe the multi-functional portions  23  having a larger exposed area on the outer surface of the outer conductor  36 . In this way, vertical and lateral orientations of the connector A can be easily confirmed by visual observation, using the multi-functional portions  23  as indices. Thus, in inserting the connector A into a housing (not shown), it can be avoided that the connector A is inserted in an improper posture with respect to the vertical and/or lateral direction(s). 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , openings  52  are formed between the first side plate portions  40  of the first divided shell  37  (outer conductor  36 ) and the recesses  25  in the side surfaces of the dielectric  13  (accommodating member  14 ) in the front end surface (front surface) of the connector A. Lower end parts of the first resilient lock pieces  28  and upper end parts of the second resilient lock pieces  31  surrounded by the outer conductor  36  can be visually observed through the openings  52  from the front of the connector A. Since the first and second covers  26 ,  29  are different in color, it can be confirmed whether or not the first and second covers  26 ,  29  are properly assembled with the accommodating member  14  by looking into the inside of the outer conductor  36  through the openings  52  after confirming the vertical orientation of the connector A by the positions of the multi-functional portions  23 . 
     The connector A of this embodiment includes the plurality of inner conductors  10 , the dielectric  13  and the outer conductor  36 . The plurality of inner conductors  10  are individually connected to the front end parts of the plurality of cores  61  constituting the shielded cable  60 . The dielectric  13  accommodates the plurality of inner conductors  10 . Since the multi-functional portions  23  and the projections  24  different in shape are formed on an outer peripheral surface part of the dielectric  13 , the outer surface shape of the dielectric  13  is asymmetric with respect to the axes (not shown) of the cores  61  parallel to the front-rear direction. The outer conductor  36  is configured by uniting the first divided shell  37  having a half shape and the second divided shell  44  having a half shape into a tubular shape, and surrounds the inner conductors  10  and the dielectric  13 . 
     The first crimping portion  43  to be crimped to the outer periphery of the shield member  63  constituting the shielded cable  60  is formed in the rear end part of the first divided shell  37 . The multi-functional portions  23  are formed in a part of the outer surface of the dielectric  13  constituting an asymmetric shape (front end part of the dielectric  13 ). The multi-functional portions  23  are exposed on the outer surface of the outer conductor  36  and in the form of projections forward of the first crimping portion  43  on the outer surface of the dielectric  13 . The first divided shell  37  is formed with the locking step portions  42  disposed to be able to lock the multi-functional portions  23 . A locking direction of the locking step portions  42  to the multi-functional portions  23  is a direction opposite to the crimping direction of the first crimping portion  43  to the shield member  63 . Thus, when the pressing force F 1  acts on the first divided shell  37  in the crimping direction (downward direction), the locking step portions  42  of the first divided shell  37  lock the multi-functional portions  23  in a direction (upward direction) opposite to the pressing force F 1 . 
     The multi-functional portions  23  constituting the asymmetric part of the dielectric  13  are in the form of projections and exposed on the outer surface of the outer conductor  36 . Thus, the vertical orientation of the connector A can be confirmed by visually observing the positions of the multi-functional portions  23 . When the pressing force F 1  acts on the first crimping portion  43  in the crimping direction and the first crimping portion  43  is crimped to the shield member, the locking step portions  42  of the first divided shell  37  lock the multi-functional portions  23  in the direction opposite to the pressing force F 1  (crimping direction of the first crimping portion  43  to the shield member  63 ). Thus, the posture inclination and improper deformation of the first divided shell  37  during crimping can be prevented. 
     Further, the multi-functional portions  23  are disposed in the front end part of the dielectric  13 . In inserting the connector A into the housing (not shown), the orientation of the connector A is confirmed by visually observing the front end part of the connector A laterally or from above. Since the multi-functional portions  23  are exposed on the outer surface of the outer conductor  36  in the front end part of the dielectric  13 , visual observation is easier as compared to the case where the multi-functional portions  23  are exposed behind the front end of the connector A. Further, since the multi-functional portions  23  are formed only on two corners, out of the four corners of the front wall portion  15  of the dielectric  13 , the orientation of the connector A can be visually confirmed from many directions by the presence of the two multi-functional portions  23 . Further, since a long distance in the front-rear direction is ensured between the first crimping portion  43  and the multi-functional portions  23  by disposing the multi-functional portions  23  in the front end part of the dielectric  13 , a function of preventing the posture inclination of the first divided shell  37  is excellent. 
     Further, the dielectric  13  includes the accommodating member  14  and the first cover  26 . The accommodating member  14  includes the accommodation chambers  22  for accommodating the inner conductors  10 . The first cover  26  is assembled with the accommodating member  14  to cover the accommodation chambers  22  and the inner conductors  10 . The multi-functional portions  23  are formed to locally project laterally from the outer surface of the accommodating member  14  (outer side surfaces of the front wall portion  15 ). By this form of the multi-functional portions  23 , the openings  52  enabling the visual observation of the first and second covers  26 ,  29  are formed between the outer surface of the accommodating member  14  (outer side surfaces of the front wall portion  15 ) and the inner surface(s) of the outer conductor  36  (first side plate portions  40 ). 
     In other words, the openings  52  are formed between the outer conductor  36  and the inner conductors  10 . The openings  52  are provided to expose the first and second covers  26 ,  29  in a direction (forward direction) parallel to the axial direction of the cores  61  in the front surface of the dielectric  13 . That is, the openings  52  expose the first and second covers  26 ,  29  to the outside of the outer conductor  36 . According to this configuration, even if the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second covers  26 ,  29  are covered by the outer conductor  36 , the orientations and positions of the first and second covers  26 ,  29  can be visually observed in the openings  52  open in the front surface of the dielectric  13 . In this way, an assembled state of the first and second covers  26 ,  29  with the accommodating member  14  can be easily confirmed from the front surface side (front side) of the connector A. 
     Further, the second divided shell  44  is formed with the second crimping portion  50  to be crimped to the outer periphery of the shield member  63 . The second cover  29  is formed with the restricting projections  33  and the restricting edge parts  34  disposed in front of the second crimping portion  50 . The second divided shell  44  is formed with the locking edge parts  48  disposed to be able to lock the restricting projections  33  and the locking holes  49  disposed to be able to lock the restricting edge parts  34 . A locking direction of the locking holes  49  to the restricting projections  33  is a direction opposite to the crimping direction of the second crimping portion  50  to the shield member  63 . When the pressing force F 2  acts on the second crimping portion  50  in the crimping direction and the second crimping portion  50  is crimped to the shield member  63 , the locking holes  49  of the second divided shell  44  lock the restricting projections  33  in the direction opposite to the pressing force F 2  (crimping direction of the second crimping portion  50  to the shield member  63 ). In this way, the posture inclination of the second divided shell  44  during crimping can be prevented. 
     Other Embodiments 
     The present invention is not limited to the above described and illustrated embodiment and is represented by claims. The present invention includes all changes in the meaning of equivalents to the scope of claims and in the scope of claims and is intended to also include the following embodiments. 
     Although the multi-functional portions are formed in the front end part of the dielectric in the above embodiment, multi-functional portions may be formed at positions behind the front end part of the dielectric. 
     Although the openings enabling the visual observation of the first and second covers are formed between the accommodating member (inner conductors) and the outer conductor in the above embodiment, such openings may not be formed. 
     Although the openings enabling the visual observation of the first and second covers are open in the front surface of the connector in the above embodiment, an opening enabling the visual observation of the first and second covers may be open in a side surface (any one of upper, lower, left and right surfaces) of the connector. 
     Although the four inner conductors are accommodated in the dielectric in the above embodiment, the number of the inner conductors to be accommodated into one dielectric may be three or less or five or more. 
     Although the dielectric is configured by uniting a plurality of components (accommodating member, first cover and second cover) in the above embodiment, a dielectric may be composed only of one component. 
     Although the pair of covers (first and second covers) have the same shape in the above embodiment, a pair of covers (first and second covers) may have mutually different shapes. 
     Although the dielectric includes the pair of covers (first and second covers) in the above embodiment, a dielectric may be composed of only one cover or three or more covers. 
     List of Reference Numerals 
     
         
           10  inner conductor 
           11  rectangular tube portion 
           12  barrel portion 
           13  dielectric 
           14  accommodating member 
           15  front wall portion 
           16  base portion 
           17  separation wall portion 
           18  side wall portion 
           19  tab insertion hole 
           20  first lock projection 
           21  second lock projection 
           22  accommodation chamber 
           23  multi-functional portion 
           24  projection 
           25  recess 
           26  first cover (cover) 
           27  first covering portion 
           28  first resilient lock piece 
           29  second cover (cover) 
           30  second covering portion 
           31  second resilient lock piece 
           32  supporting wall portion 
           33  restricting projection (displacement restricting portion) 
           34  restricting edge part 
           35  second retaining portion 
           36  outer conductor 
           37  first divided shell 
           38  first shell portion 
           39  first base plate portion 
           40  first side plate portion 
           41  cut portion 
           42  locking step portion (first locking portion) 
           43  first crimping portion 
           44  second divided shell 
           45  second shell portion 
           46  second base plate portion 
           47  second side plate portion 
           48  locking edge part 
           49  locking hole (second locking portion) 
           50  second crimping portion 
           51  terminal module 
           52  opening 
           60  shielded cable 
           61  core 
           62  sheath 
           63  shield member 
         A connector 
         F 1  pressing force 
         F 2  pressing force