Hairpin connector and antenna module

Abstract

This invention discloses a button connector, comprising a conductor, an outer insulator, an inner insulator, and a button. One end of the conductor is a cylindrical structure with an inner mounting hole. The button is transitionally connected to the inner insulator, and the outer side of the inner insulator is interference-fitted with the inner mounting hole of the conductor. The inner insulator has a slot along its axial direction, and the outer insulator is interference-fitted to the outside of the cylindrical structure of the conductor. The radial cross-section of the slot is stepped. An antenna module using this button connector is also disclosed. The advantages of this invention are: it ensures that the button can be installed vertically, meeting the low profile requirement of the antenna module; the stepped slot avoids electromagnetic leakage at the opening; and the front-mounted button connector can accommodate the problem of warped connection surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and more particularly to a button connector. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of phased array radar technology, increasingly stringent technical requirements are being placed on radar performance, functionality, size, and weight. Currently, as a key component of radar, active array antennas are evolving towards lower profile, lighter weight, higher integration, and modularity. They typically employ a flat layout for components such as passive antennas, transceiver (T / R) modules, radio frequency (RF) components, and low-frequency networks. Specifically, the T / R modules are integrated with the RF and low-frequency networks onto a multi-functional PCB board, achieving high integration of the active array antenna. Connectors interconnect the passive antenna with the multi-functional PCB board, which determines the profile height and lightweight nature of the active array antenna. Multiple antenna elements, the multi-functional board, and backend electronic control units and thermal control boards constitute an antenna module, realizing the modular design of the active array antenna.

[0003] In traditional designs, the interconnection between the metal cavity passive antenna and the connector in the multi-functional PCB board uses SMP or SSMP connector plugs and sockets. The two connectors are interconnected through cable assemblies or blind mating. Due to the limitations of the connector flange structure and the insertion depth of the pins to ensure reliable connection, the thickness of a pair of connectors is at least 15mm, resulting in an excessively high antenna module profile and excessive weight.

[0004] As a reliable and advanced solderless vertical flexible interconnect technology, button connectors are widely used in highly integrated, low-profile, high-density, and high-reliability applications such as aerospace and military. Button connectors transmit radio frequency signals by contacting the passive antenna or the corresponding area on the PCB board via their axial end face.

[0005] The typical method of using hair buttons is to set optical holes in the matching block inside the radiating surface of the passive antenna in a metal cavity low-profile antenna module. Hair buttons are installed in the optical holes. After all the antenna elements in the antenna module are equipped with hair buttons, the multi-functional PCB board is pressed onto the passive antenna and connected by fasteners to ensure that the hair buttons are in a compressed state and to ensure the reliability of the hair button connection.

[0006] While the aforementioned button mounting method enables low-profile connection of the antenna module, it suffers from several problems. First, when the button is installed with a gap between it and the passive antenna, vertical installation of the button cannot be guaranteed, potentially causing tilting or even bending during the press-fitting of the multi-functional PCB board. Second, due to limitations in processing and installation precision, the multi-functional PCB board may warp, resulting in varying degrees of compression among the buttons in the antenna module, and even some buttons failing to make proper contact with the PCB board, affecting the reliability of the antenna module connection. Third, the button installation method between the passive antenna and the multi-functional PCB board... The B-board is in a compressed state, which exerts an expansion force on both the antenna radiating surface and the PCB board. This expansion force is positively correlated with the diameter of the fuzzy button. The relatively weak radiating surface may cause local deformation, affecting the flatness of the antenna array and the antenna's electrical performance. Finally, when individual fuzzy buttons in the antenna module fail, the multi-functional PCB board needs to be removed. At this time, all the fuzzy buttons will spring back into a free state. After replacing the faulty fuzzy button and reinstalling the multi-functional PCB board, all the fuzzy buttons will be squeezed into a compressed state again. Disassembly will cause secondary damage to the fuzzy buttons and reduce their lifespan. In addition, the replacement cycle of the fuzzy buttons is long under this method. As disclosed in announcement number CN207853105U, a button connector integrated module includes an integrated board (5). The integrated board (5) contains multiple connectors, each of which includes a lower inner conductor (1), an upper inner conductor (2), a button (3), an insulator (4), and a housing (6). The housing (6) is installed on the bottom interface of the integrated board (5). A positioning pin (7) for precise positioning between the integrated board (8) and the connected integrated board is provided at the upper tail end. The housing (6) has a connector standard interface. The housing (6) is connected to the insulator (4). The insulator (4) wraps the button (3). The bottom end of the button (3) is connected to the lower inner conductor (1), and the upper end is connected to the upper inner conductor (2). In the embodiment of this patent, the button connection is installed from the rear end of the antenna. The disadvantage of rear-end installation is that there are multiple button assemblies in the antenna module. The button assemblies are installed between the antenna and the multi-function board. When one button is damaged, it is necessary to disconnect the connection between the antenna and the multi-function board to expose all the button assemblies, replace them, and then screw the antenna and the multi-function board back together. This process can easily cause secondary damage to the buttons.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One of the technical problems that this invention aims to solve is: how to solve the problem of deformation of existing raw button after installation.

[0009] The second technical problem to be solved by this invention is: how to solve the problem that the connection method of the existing button connector cannot adapt to the warping of the PCB board, resulting in low reliability and low adaptability.

[0010] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical means:

[0011] A button connector includes a conductor, an outer insulator, an inner insulator, and a button. One end of the conductor is a cylindrical structure with an inner mounting hole inside. The button is transitionally connected to the inner insulator. The outer side of the inner insulator is interference-fitted with the inner mounting hole of the conductor. The inner insulator has a slot along its axial direction. The outer insulator is interference-fitted to the outside of the cylindrical structure of the conductor. The radial cross-section of the slot is stepped.

[0012] This invention reduces the difficulty of installing the button by using a transition fit between the button and the inner insulator. Then, the inner insulator is interference-fitted with the conductor, and the conductor exerts a compressive force on the inner insulator, causing the inner insulator to slightly contract inward. This ensures that the button will not fall off after installation. When the inner insulator is interference-fitted with the conductor, the inner insulator with a stepped opening has a space for directional inward contraction, reducing the deformation of the button due to compression and ensuring that the button can be installed vertically, meeting the requirements of the low profile of the antenna module. Furthermore, the stepped slot ensures that the button will not be squeezed out of the slot of the inner insulator before or after the inner insulator is compressed, and will not come into contact with the inner wall of the conductor, thus avoiding electromagnetic leakage at the opening.

[0013] Preferably, after the conductor is heated, the button and the inner insulator are assembled and installed into the inner mounting hole of the conductor. After the conductor cools, the inner mounting hole of the conductor and the inner insulator are interference-fitted.

[0014] This invention involves heating the conductor, which enlarges the inner mounting hole. After the button and the inner insulator are connected, the button is installed into the inner mounting hole of the conductor. After the conductor cools, the inner insulator is squeezed. Due to the Z-shaped groove, the inner insulator can shrink inward, tightly connecting the button. This installation method is simple and reliable.

[0015] Preferably, the slot includes a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot connected in sequence. The first slot and the third slot are located at opposite ends of the second slot and are located on different diameters of the inner insulator. The first slot penetrates the outer surface of the inner insulator, and the third slot penetrates the inner surface of the inner insulator and communicates with the inner mounting hole.

[0016] Preferably, the end of the conductor away from the cylindrical structure is a threaded section, and the outer diameter of the threaded section is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical structure.

[0017] The conductor has a threaded section, which can be threaded to connect with the passive antenna. This avoids the gap fit between the conductor and the passive antenna in the existing technology, which causes the button to tilt or even bend after the PCB board is pressed. The threaded connection can ensure the perpendicularity of the conductor, and thus ensure the vertical installation of the button.

[0018] Preferably, the ends of the outer insulator, the inner insulator, and the cylindrical structure are flush.

[0019] Preferably, the end of the bobby button extends beyond the end of the conductor.

[0020] The present invention also discloses an antenna module using the above-mentioned button connector, including a passive antenna and a PCB board. After the passive antenna is connected to the PCB board, a plurality of button connectors connect the passive antenna and the PCB board. The button connectors pass through the front of the passive antenna and abut against the PCB board.

[0021] In this invention, the button connector is installed from the front of the passive antenna. The multiple button connectors are independent of each other, and the button connectors are also independent of the passive antenna and the PCB board. When some button connectors are damaged, it is not necessary to disconnect the connection between the passive antenna and the PCB board. It is only necessary to replace the damaged button connector from the front of the passive antenna. Furthermore, each button is an independent component, which can adapt to the problem of warping and deformation of the PCB board.

[0022] Preferably, the passive antenna is fixedly connected to the PCB board by multiple bolts, the end of the conductor away from the cylindrical structure is connected to the passive antenna, and one end of the button abuts against the PCB board; the PCB board is fixedly connected to the back of the passive antenna, and after the button connector abuts against the PCB board, the button connector continues to advance towards the PCB board by a distance of 10%-20% of the button length.

[0023] Based on the deformation of the PCB board, the button connectors are further tightened to ensure that each button is in contact with the PCB board. This keeps the compression of each button within a suitable range, ensuring the reliability of the connection and reducing the problem of local deformation.

[0024] Preferably, the passive antenna includes an antenna radiating surface and an antenna cavity. The antenna radiating surface is welded to the antenna cavity. The antenna radiating surface includes a plurality of threaded sleeves. The antenna cavity includes a plurality of smooth holes corresponding to the threaded sleeves. The threaded sleeves and the smooth holes are located on the same axis.

[0025] Preferably, the end of the conductor away from the cylindrical structure is a threaded section, the conductor and the threaded sleeve are connected by threads, and the end face of the threaded section of the conductor is lower than the surface of the antenna radiating surface.

[0026] By controlling the height of the conductor thread section with machining precision, it is ensured that the connector does not exceed the antenna radiating surface after installation, thus avoiding interference with the electrical performance of the antenna module.

[0027] The advantages of this invention are:

[0028] (1) The present invention reduces the installation difficulty of the button by transitioning the button to the inner insulator. Then, the inner insulator is interference-fitted with the conductor. The conductor exerts a squeezing force on the inner insulator, causing the inner insulator to shrink slightly inward, ensuring that the button will not fall off after installation. When the inner insulator is interference-fitted with the conductor, the inner insulator with the stepped opening has a space for directional inward shrinkage, reducing the deformation of the button by squeezing, ensuring that the button can be installed vertically, meeting the requirements of the low profile of the antenna module. Moreover, the stepped slot can ensure that the button will not be squeezed out from the slot of the inner insulator before and after the inner insulator is compressed, and will not come into contact with the inner wall of the conductor, thus avoiding electromagnetic leakage at the opening.

[0029] (2) In this invention, after heating the conductor, the inner mounting hole becomes larger. After the button and the inner insulator are connected in a transitional manner, the button is installed into the inner mounting hole of the conductor. After the conductor cools down, the inner insulator is squeezed. The inner insulator can shrink inward due to the Z-shaped groove, which tightly connects the button. This installation method is simple and reliable.

[0030] (3) The conductor is provided with a threaded section, which can be threaded to the passive antenna. This avoids the gap fit between the conductor and the passive antenna in the prior art, which causes the button to tilt or even bend after the PCB board is pressed. The threaded connection can ensure the perpendicularity of the conductor, thereby ensuring the vertical installation of the button and achieving a low profile of the antenna.

[0031] (4) In this invention, the button connector is installed from the front of the passive antenna. The multiple button connectors are independent of each other, and the button connectors are also independent of the passive antenna and the PCB board. When some button connectors are damaged, it is not necessary to disconnect the connection between the passive antenna and the PCB board. It is only necessary to replace the damaged button connector from the front of the passive antenna, which makes the replacement method simple. Furthermore, each button is an independent part, which can adapt to the problem of warping and deformation of the PCB board. According to the amount of deformation of the PCB board, the button connector is further screwed to ensure that each button is in contact with the PCB board. Thus, the compression of each button is controlled within a suitable range, ensuring the reliability of the connection and reducing the problem of local deformation.

[0032] (5) Control the height of the conductor thread section by machining precision to ensure that the connector does not exceed the antenna radiation surface after installation, thus avoiding interference with the electrical performance of the antenna module. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the button connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the button connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view at point AA;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the insulator in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a top view of the insulator in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a front view of the antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the passive antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Sectional view at point BB;

[0043] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view at point I;

[0044] Numbering on the map:

[0045] 1. Button connector; 11. Conductor; 12. Outer insulator; 13. Inner insulator; 131. Groove; 1311. First groove; 1312. Second groove; 1313. Third groove; 14. Button;

[0046] 2. Passive antenna; 21. Antenna radiating surface; 22. Antenna cavity;

[0047] 3. PCB board; 4. Screws; Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] Example 1:

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the button connector 1 includes a conductor 11, an outer insulator 12, an inner insulator 13, and a button 14;

[0051] The upper part of the conductor 11 is a threaded section, which allows for a threaded connection with the passive antenna 2. This avoids the gap fit between the conductor 11 and the passive antenna 2 in the prior art, which causes the button 14 to tilt or even bend after the PCB board 3 is press-fitted. The threaded connection ensures the perpendicularity of the conductor 11, thereby ensuring the vertical installation of the button. The outer diameter of the threaded section is relatively large. The lower part of the conductor 11 is a cylindrical structure with a hole at the bottom. The inner mounting hole is used to install the inner insulator 13 and the button 14. The outer insulator 12 is fitted onto the outside of the cylindrical structure. The top surface of the conductor 11 is a slotted groove for easy installation with a flathead screwdriver. The outer insulator 12 is a cylindrical tube with open ends, and the inner insulator 13 also has open ends. The button 14 is a cylindrical body.

[0052] The button 14 is transitionally connected to the inner insulator 13. The outer side of the inner insulator 13 is interference-fitted with the inner mounting hole of the conductor 11. The outer insulator 12 is interference-fitted to the outside of the cylindrical structure of the conductor 11. That is, the cylindrical structure, the outer insulator 12, the inner insulator 13, and the button 14 are coaxially connected. The bottom ends of the outer insulator 12, the inner insulator 13, and the conductor 11 are flush, and the bottom end of the button 14 extends beyond the bottom end of the cylindrical structure.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner insulator 13 has a slot 131 along its axial direction, and the radial cross-section of the slot 131 is stepped. In this embodiment, the slot 131 has a Z-shaped structure, as shown... Figure 5As shown, the slot 131 includes a first slot 1311, a second slot 1312, and a third slot 1313 connected in sequence. The first slot 1311 and the third slot 1313 are located at opposite ends of the second slot 1312, and the first slot 1311 and the third slot 1313 are located on different diameters of the inner insulator 13. The first slot 1311 penetrates the outer surface of the inner insulator 13, and the third slot 1313 penetrates the inner surface of the inner insulator 13 and communicates with the inner mounting hole. In this embodiment, the first slot 1311 is located on the outer surface of the inner insulator 13, and because the inner insulator 13 has a cylindrical structure, the wider the first slot 1311 is, the closer it is to the outer surface. Similarly, the third slot 1313 is located on the inner surface of the inner insulator 13, and the wider it is, the closer it is to the inner surface. The second slot 1312 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the inner insulator 13, therefore the width of the second slot 1312 is uniform. The inner insulator 13 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0054] In this embodiment, the cylindrical structure of the conductor 11 is first heated, and then the button 14 and the inner insulator 13 are installed in a transition fit and then installed into the inner mounting hole of the conductor 11. During the cooling process of the conductor 11, the inner mounting hole of the conductor 11 continuously shrinks, squeezing the inner insulator 13. The inner insulator 13 can shrink inward due to the Z-shaped slot 131, tightly connecting the button 14, realizing the interference fit between the outer part of the inner insulator 13 and the cylindrical structure of the conductor 11. This installation method is simple and reliable.

[0055] In this embodiment, the transition fit between the button 14 and the inner insulator 13 reduces the installation difficulty of the button 14. Then, the inner insulator 13 and the inner mounting hole of the conductor 11 achieve interference fit through thermal expansion and contraction. The cylindrical structure of the conductor 11 exerts a compressive force on the inner insulator 13, causing the inner insulator 13 to slightly shrink inward, ensuring that the button 14 will not fall off after installation. When the inner insulator 13 and the conductor 11 are interference fitted, the inner insulator 13 with a stepped opening has a space for directional inward shrinkage, reducing the deformation of the button 14 and ensuring that the button 14 can be installed vertically, meeting the requirements of the low profile of the antenna module. Moreover, the stepped slot 131 can ensure that the button 14 will not be squeezed out from the slot 131 of the inner insulator 13 before and after the inner insulator 13 is compressed, and will not come into contact with the wall of the inner mounting hole of the conductor 11, thus avoiding electromagnetic leakage at the opening.

[0056] Example 2:

[0057] like Figures 6-11As shown, this embodiment discloses an antenna module using the button connector 1 from the above embodiment one, including a passive antenna 2, a PCB board 3, and screws 4. After the passive antenna 2 and the PCB board 3 are connected by multiple screws 4 or bolts, multiple button connectors 1 connect the passive antenna 2 and the PCB board 3. The specific installation process is as follows: the PCB board 3 is fixedly connected to the back of the passive antenna 2, and the button connector 1 passes through the front of the passive antenna 2 and abuts against the PCB board 3. After abutting, the button connector 1 is advanced towards the PCB board 3 by a distance of 10%-20% of the button length.

[0058] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, the passive antenna 2 includes an antenna radiating surface 21 and an antenna cavity 22. The antenna radiating surface 21 and the antenna cavity 22 are vacuum brazed together. The side of the antenna cavity 22 near the antenna radiating surface 21 includes multiple box-shaped cavities. The bottom surface of each box-shaped cavity is provided with a smooth hole. The antenna radiating surface 21 includes multiple threaded sleeves. The threaded sleeves have M4 threaded holes inside, which are used to connect with the threaded section of the conductor 11. The number and position of the threaded sleeves correspond to the smooth holes. The threaded sleeves and the smooth holes are located on the same axis.

[0059] The installation process in this embodiment:

[0060] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the antenna radiating surface 21 is vacuum brazed to the antenna cavity 22. The PCB board 3 is fixed to the back of the passive antenna 2D with screws 4. The button connector 1 is installed from the front end of the passive antenna 2D using a flathead screwdriver. The button connector 1 passes through the smooth hole on the bottom surface of the antenna cavity 22, ensuring that the button 14 contacts the pad of the PCB board 3. Continue to screw it down to a certain depth to press the button 14 to ensure a reliable connection. This depth is preferably 10%-15% of the length of the button 14. In the installed antenna module, the end face of the threaded section of the conductor 11 is recessed relative to the antenna radiating surface 21. In this embodiment, the height of the threaded section of the conductor 11 is controlled by machining precision to ensure that the button connector 1 does not exceed the antenna radiating surface 21 after installation, thus avoiding interference with the electrical performance of the antenna module.

[0061] In this embodiment, the button connector 1 is installed from the front of the passive antenna 2. The multiple button connectors 1 are independent of each other, and the button connector 1 is also independent of the passive antenna 2 and the PCB board 3. When some button connectors 1 are damaged, it is not necessary to disconnect the connection between the passive antenna 2 and the PCB board 3. It is only necessary to replace the damaged button connector 1 from the front of the passive antenna 2. Furthermore, each button 14 is an independent component, which can adapt to the problem of warping and deformation of the PCB board 3. According to the amount of deformation of the PCB board 3, the button connector 1 is further screwed to ensure that each button 14 is in contact with the PCB board 3. Thus, the compression of each button 14 is controlled within a suitable range, ensuring the reliability of the connection and reducing the problem of local deformation.

[0062] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pin connector characterized by, The utility model provides a conductor, outer insulator, inner insulator, the button, one end of the conductor is the tubular structure, the tubular structure is inside the inner installation hole, the button is connected in the inner insulator, the outer portion of the inner insulator is connected with the inner installation hole of the conductor and is in interference, the inner insulator is along the axis direction and sets up the notch, the outer insulator is connected in the tubular structure outside the conductor and is in interference, the radial section of notch is stepped; The notch includes the first notch, the second notch, the third notch connected in proper order, the first notch and the third notch are located at both ends of the second notch, and the first notch and the third notch are located on different radial lines of the inner insulator, the first notch penetrates the outer surface of the inner insulator, and the third notch penetrates the inner surface of the inner insulator and communicates with the inner installation hole.

2. The hair clip connector according to claim 1, wherein After the conductor is heated, the button and the inner insulator are assembled and installed into the inner installation hole of the conductor after the conductor is cooled, and the inner installation hole of the conductor is in interference with the inner insulator.

3. The hair-bud connector of claim 1, wherein The end of the conductor away from the tubular structure is a threaded segment, and the outer diameter of the threaded segment is greater than the outer diameter of the tubular structure.

4. The hair-bud connector of claim 1, wherein The end of the outer insulator, the end of the inner insulator, and the end of the tubular structure are flush.

5. The hair-bud connector of claim 1, wherein The end of the button protrudes from the end of the conductor.

6. An antenna module employing the hair-nut connector according to any one of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that, The utility model provides a passive antenna, PCB board, after the passive antenna is connected with the PCB board, a plurality of button connectors are connected with the passive antenna and the PCB board, the button connector passes through the passive antenna from the front of the passive antenna and abuts against the PCB board.

7. The antenna module of claim 6, wherein, The passive antenna and the PCB board are fixedly connected through a plurality of bolts, one end of the conductor away from the tubular structure is connected with the passive antenna, one end of the button abuts against the PCB board, the PCB board is fixedly connected to the back of the passive antenna, and the button connector abuts against the PCB board and then continues to advance 10%-20% of the length of the button towards the PCB board.

8. The antenna module of claim 6, wherein, The utility model provides a passive antenna, PCB board, after the passive antenna is connected with the PCB board, a plurality of button connectors are connected with the passive antenna and the PCB board, the button connector passes through the passive antenna from the front of the passive antenna and abuts against the PCB board.

9. The antenna module of claim 8, wherein, The end of the conductor away from the tubular structure is a threaded segment, and the conductor is connected with the threaded sleeve through threads; the end face of the threaded segment of the conductor is lower than the surface of the antenna radiation surface.

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