Protective sleeve for coaxial cable and electronic device using the same

Abstract

A protective sleeve includes a sleeve body and a first protruding portion. The sleeve body has a central axis and an inner peripheral surface surrounding the central axis. The first protruding portion is connected to the inner peripheral surface and protrudes relative to the inner peripheral surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a protective sleeve for a coaxial cable and an electronic device using the same. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Currently, in the process of attaching a coaxial cable to a coaxial cable connector, a wrench is needed to turn the nut of the coaxial cable to lock it into the coaxial cable connector. However, sometimes the wrench's movement is hindered due to limited operating space. Therefore, improving the aforementioned conventional problem is one of the goals of those in the art. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] One embodiment of the present invention provides a protective sleeve for a coaxial cable. The protective sleeve includes a sleeve body and a first protrusion. The sleeve body has a central axis and an inner peripheral surface surrounding the central axis. The first protrusion is connected to the inner peripheral surface and protrudes relative to the inner peripheral surface.

[0004] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing, a fixing member, a coaxial cable connector, and a protective sleeve. The housing has a side surface. The fixing member is connected to the housing. The coaxial cable connector is disposed within the housing and protrudes opposite the side surface. The protective sleeve includes a sleeve body and a first protrusion. The sleeve body has a central axis and an inner peripheral surface surrounding the central axis. The first protrusion is connected to the inner peripheral surface and protrudes opposite the inner peripheral surface.

[0005] In order to better understand the above and other aspects of the present invention, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

Implementation Method

[0006] Please refer to Figures 1A to 4B. Figure 1A illustrates a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the solid lines represent a wiring structure 10A of the electronic device 10. In one embodiment, the electronic device 10 is, for example, a network communication device. Although not shown, the electronic device 10 further includes electronic components related to network communication, such as circuit boards, communication chips disposed on the circuit boards, etc.

[0007] Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of the wiring structure 10A of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives. Figure 2A shows an exploded view of the wiring structure 10A in Figure 1A. Figure 2B shows an exploded view of the wiring structure 10A in Figure 1B. Figure 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the housing 11 and the fixing member 12 of the electronic device in Figure 2A along the direction 2C-2C'. Figure 3A shows a front view of the wiring structure 10A in Figure 1A viewed in the -Z direction. Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the wiring structure 10A in Figure 3A along the direction 3B-3B'. Figure 4A shows a front view of the protective sleeve 100 in Figure 2B viewed in the -Z direction, and Figure 4B shows a front view of the protective sleeve 100 in Figure 2B viewed in the +Z direction.

[0008] As shown in Figures 1A-2B, the electronic device 10 includes a wiring structure 10A and a housing 10B. The wiring structure 10A includes a housing 11, a fastener 12, a coaxial cable connector 13, and a protective sleeve 100. The housing 11 has a side 11s. The fastener 12 is connected to the housing 11. The coaxial cable connector 13 is disposed within the housing 11 and protrudes relative to the side 11s. The protective sleeve 100 is fixed to the fastener 12 and covers a portion of the coaxial cable 15 (e.g., connector 15A), protecting that portion of the coaxial cable 15. Because the connector 15A is covered by the protective sleeve 100, contact with the connector 15A is prevented (and if the connector 15A has high temperature or leakage, injury due to contact is prevented).

[0009] As shown in Figure 1A, in one embodiment, the outer casing 11 is, for example, a side panel of the electronic device 10, which can be assembled to the housing 10B of the electronic device 10; or, the outer casing 11 is, for example, a part of the housing 10B of the electronic device 10. As shown in Figure 2A, the outer casing 11 and the fastener 12 are, for example, integrally formed structures. In terms of manufacturing method, the outer casing 11 and the fastener 12 can be formed, for example, by injection molding. Alternatively, the outer casing 11 and the fastener 12 are completed independently, and then combined together by means of adhesive, snap-fit, screwing, welding, etc. In terms of material, the outer casing 11 and / or the fastener 12 are, for example, made of plastic or metal.

[0010] As shown in Figures 2B and 3B, the protective sleeve 100 includes a sleeve body 110, at least one first protrusion 120, and at least one second protrusion 130. The sleeve body 110 has a central axis 110Z and an inner peripheral surface 110s, wherein the inner peripheral surface 110s surrounds the central axis 110Z. The first protrusion 120 is connected to the inner peripheral surface 110s and protrudes relative to the inner peripheral surface 110s. Thus, the first protrusion 120 can be engaged with the fastener 12, preventing the protective sleeve 100 from easily separating from the fastener 12.

[0011] As shown in Figures 2B and 4B, a plurality of first protrusions 120 surround the central axis 110Z of the sleeve body 110 (e.g., parallel to the Z-axis). The sleeve body 110 has opposing first end faces 110e1 and second end faces 110e2. In one embodiment, the first protrusions 120 connect to the first end face 110e1, making it easier for the first protrusions 120 to be attached to the fastener 12. In other words, the first protrusions 120 may extend to the first end face 110e1. Furthermore, the number of first protrusions 120 may be one or more. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the number of first protrusions 120.

[0012] As shown in Figures 2A, 2C, and 3B, the fastener 12 includes a fastening body 12A and a flange 12B, wherein the fastening body 12A has an outer peripheral surface 12As. The flange 12B is connected to the fastening body 12A and protrudes relative to the outer peripheral surface 12As. In an embodiment, the first protrusion 120 of the protective sleeve 100 overlaps with the flange 12B along the extension direction of the central axis 110Z of the sleeve body 110. In this way, the protective sleeve 100 and the fastener 12 will not separate along the extension direction of the central axis 110Z. Specifically, when the coaxial cable 15 and the fastener 12 are subjected to an external force along the Z-axis, because the first protrusion 120 and the flange 12B overlap along the extension direction of the central axis 110Z of the sleeve body 110, the first protrusion 120 and the flange 12B will abut against each other, thus preventing the coaxial cable 15 from easily separating from the fastener 12. Furthermore, the first protrusion 120 and the flange 12B are not fixed, so they can rotate relative to each other.

[0013] As shown in Figures 2A, 3B, and 4A, these second protrusions 130 are connected to the inner peripheral surface 110s of the sleeve body 110 and protrude relative to the inner peripheral surface 110s and surround the central axis 110Z of the sleeve body 110. The extension direction of each second protrusion 130 is substantially parallel to the central axis 110Z. In one embodiment, the second protrusions 130 and the first protrusions 120 are spaced apart from each other, for example, the second protrusions 130 and the first protrusions 120 are spaced apart from each other about the central axis 110Z.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2A and 4A, these second protrusions 130 can drive the connector 15A of the coaxial cable 15 to rotate. Furthermore, the distance between any two of these second protrusions 130 is substantially equal to the distance between any other two of these second protrusions 130, and the line connecting the two opposite protrusions passes through the central axis 110Z. Thus, these second protrusions 130 can be adapted to restrict the rotational freedom of the connector 15A of the coaxial cable 15, wherein the connector 15A is, for example, a polygonal element, such as a polygonal nut. The number of second protrusions 130 depends on the number of sides of the polygonal element. For example, if the polygonal element is hexagonal (e.g., connector 15A is a hexagonal nut), then the number of second protrusions 130 is six.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2A and 4A, these second protrusions 130 include at least second protrusions 130A, 130B, 130C, and 130D. The distance D1 between second protrusions 130A and 130B is substantially equal to the distance D2 between second protrusions 130C and 130D, and the central axis 110Z of the line connecting second protrusions 130A and 130B is also the same as the central axis 110Z of the line connecting second protrusions 130C and 130D. Thus, second protrusions 130A and 130B can respectively abut or approach the opposite two sides 15A1 and 15A2 of the connector 15A, and second protrusions 130C and 130D can respectively abut or approach the opposite two sides 15A3 and 15A4 of the connector 15A. Thus, when the protective sleeve 100 rotates (e.g., about the Z-axis), these second protrusions 130 can abut against multiple sides of the connector 15A to drive the connector 15A to rotate. Through the protective sleeve 100, the connector 15A can be rotated without additional tools (e.g., a hex wrench). Furthermore, the outer surface of the sleeve body 110 may have a non-slip structure (e.g., a roughened structure) to prevent fingers from sliding relative to the sleeve body 110 when rotating it.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3B, connector 15A has an internal thread 15A5, while coaxial cable connector 13 has an external thread 13A. The internal thread 15A5 and the external thread 13A are screwed together. When connector 15A rotates about the Z-axis, it can move along the +Z-axis or -Z-axis through the helical movement of the internal thread 15A5 and the external thread 13A. When connector 15A continues to move along the +Z-axis, it can disengage from coaxial cable connector 13. Alternatively, when connector 15A continues to move along the -Z-axis, it can press against coaxial cable connector 13 to fix the relative position of coaxial cable connector 13 and connector 15A, thereby maintaining the electrical connection between coaxial cable connector 13 and coaxial cable 15.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4B, the first protrusion length L1 of the first protrusion 120 relative to the inner peripheral surface 110s is less than the second protrusion length L2 of the second protrusion 130 relative to the inner peripheral surface 110s (the inner peripheral surface 110s is indicated in Figure 3B). In another embodiment, the first protrusion length L1 may be equal to or greater than the second protrusion length L2. The relationship between the first protrusion length L1 and the second protrusion length L2 may depend on the relative relationship of the peripheral elements, and is not limited in this embodiment of the invention.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2A, 3B, and 4B, the sleeve body 110 has at least one groove 110t. The groove 110t extends from a first end face 110e1 to a second end face 110e2 of the sleeve body 110. A flexible portion 111 is formed between adjacent grooves 110t. Due to the deformability of the flexible portion, the flexible portion 111 can adaptably deform during the process of the sleeve body 110 being engaged with the fastener 12, so that the sleeve body 110 is engaged with the fastener 12 with less effort.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2A, 2C, and 3B, in one embodiment, the fastener 12 has a plurality of slots 12C. These slots 12C form a plurality of flexible portions 12D through the fastener body 12A and the flange 12B, wherein each flexible portion 12D includes a portion of the fastener body 12A and a portion of the flange 12B. These flexible portions 12D are separated from each other, thus increasing the flexibility of the fastener 12. The flexible portion 12D has a fixed end 12D1a and a free end 12D1b. The fixed end 12D1a is fixed to the housing 11, while the free end 12D1b is flexible relative to the fixed end 12D1a. Because the flexible portion 12D is flexible, it can be easily coupled to the sleeve body 110.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 5, which shows a schematic diagram of the housing 21 and the fastener 22 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the fastener 12 and housing 11 of the wiring structure 10A of the aforementioned embodiment can be replaced by the fastener 22 and housing 21 of this embodiment.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the fastener 22 is connected to the housing 21. The housing 21 and the fastener 22 are, for example, an integrally formed structure. In terms of manufacturing method, the housing 21 and the fastener 22 can be formed, for example, by injection molding. Alternatively, the housing 21 and the fastener 22 can be manufactured independently and then joined together by means of gluing, snapping, screwing, welding, etc. In terms of material, the housing 21 and / or the fastener 22 are, for example, made of plastic or metal.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, the fastener 22 includes a fastening body 22A and a flange 22B. The fastening body 22A is connected to the outer shell 21, and the flange 22B is connected to the fastening body 22A and protrudes relative to the outer peripheral surface 22As of the fastening body 22A. Unlike the fastener 12 in the previous embodiment, the fastener 22 in this embodiment is a complete (intact) annular body and does not have a groove that would form a flexible portion.

[0023] In summary, this disclosure provides an embodiment of an electronic device comprising a protective sleeve, a housing, and a fixing member, wherein the fixing member is coupled to the housing. The protective sleeve can be coupled to the fixing member and become part of the electronic device, that is, the protective sleeve can be normally held on the fixing member. By operating the protective sleeve, the connector of the coaxial cable can be rotated without the need for additional tools.

[0024] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0025] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention from different viewing angles. Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device of Figure 1A. Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device of Figure 1B. Figure 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the housing and fastener of the electronic device of Figure 2A along direction 2C-2C'. Figure 3A illustrates a front view of the electronic device of Figure 1A. Figure 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of Figure 3A along direction 3B-3B'. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate front views of the protective sleeve of Figure 1A from different viewing angles. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the housing and fastener according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective sleeve for a coaxial cable, comprising: A cylindrical body having a central axis and an inner peripheral surface surrounding the central axis; And a first protrusion connected to and protruding relative to the inner peripheral surface; wherein the sleeve body has a plurality of grooves extending from a first end face of one of the sleeve bodies toward a second end face of one of the sleeve bodies, and a flexible portion is formed between adjacent grooves.

2. The protective sleeve as described in claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of the first protrusions surround the central axis of the sleeve body.

3. The protective sleeve as described in claim 1, wherein the first protrusion is connected to the first end face.

4. The protective sleeve as described in claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of second protrusions are connected to the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body and protrude relative to the inner peripheral surface and surround the central axis of the sleeve body.

5. The protective sleeve as described in claim 1, further comprising: A second protrusion is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body and protrudes relative to the inner peripheral surface; wherein the second protrusion is spaced apart from the first protrusion and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface.

6. An electronic device comprising: An outer shell, having one side; A fastener is attached to the housing; A coaxial cable connector is disposed within the housing and protrudes relative to this side; And a protective sleeve, comprising: a sleeve body having a central axis and an inner peripheral surface surrounding the central axis; and a first protrusion connected to the inner peripheral surface and protruding relative to the inner peripheral surface; wherein the first protrusion of the protective sleeve is connected to the fixing member; wherein the fixing member comprises: a fixing body having an outer peripheral surface; and a flange connected to the fixing body and protruding relative to the outer peripheral surface; wherein the first protrusion of the protective sleeve and the flange overlap along the extending direction of the central axis of the sleeve body.

7. The electronic device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the protective sleeve further comprises: A plurality of the first protrusions surround the central axis of the sleeve body.

8. The electronic device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sleeve body has a first end face and the first protrusion is connected to the first end face.

9. The electronic device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the protective sleeve further comprises: A plurality of second protrusions are connected to the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve body and surround the central axis of the sleeve body.

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