Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector includes: an outer conductor including an upper outer conductor and a lower outer conductor; an insulator disposed in the outer conductor and including an upper insulator and a lower insulator; and a center terminal disposed in the insulator. The upper insulator and the lower insulator are assembled together in a sliding fit manner, so that the upper insulator can move relative to the lower insulator; the upper outer conductor and the lower outer conductor are movably engaged together such that the upper outer conductor is movable with the upper insulator. Therefore, bias pressure on the elastic arm on the upper outer conductor can be reduced, so that plastic deformation of the elastic arm on the outer conductor can be effectively prevented. In addition, the size of the insulator can be reduced, and miniaturization of the connector is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly comprising the connector. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a coaxial connector generally includes an outer conductor, an insulator disposed in the outer conductor, and a center terminal disposed in the insulator. A plurality of elastic cantilevers are formed on the outer conductor, and the elastic cantilevers are used to electrically contact the inner wall of the mating outer conductor of the mating connector. The center terminal has an elastic contact portion, and the elastic contact portion is used to electrically contact the mating terminal of the mating connector.

[0003] In the prior art, when there is a large radial deviation between the coaxial connector and the mating connector, the elastic cantilever and the center terminal of the outer conductor of the connector will be offset to one side under the push of the mating connector to absorb the radial deviation between the coaxial connector and the mating connector to ensure reliable electrical contact between the two.

[0004] However, in the prior art, when there is a large radial deviation between the coaxial connector and the mating connector, the elastic cantilever of the outer conductor of the connector will be subjected to a large biasing force, which will cause the elastic cantilever on the outer conductor to undergo plastic deformation. In addition, in order to ensure that the center terminal can be offset in the insulator, a larger inner cavity needs to be formed in the insulator, which will increase the volume of the insulator, thereby increasing the volume of the entire connector, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the connector. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector comprises: an outer conductor, including an upper outer conductor and a lower outer conductor; an insulator, which is arranged in the outer conductor and includes an upper insulator and a lower insulator; and a center terminal, which is arranged in the insulator. The upper insulator and the lower insulator are assembled together in a slidable manner, so that the upper insulator can move relative to the lower insulator; the upper outer conductor and the lower outer conductor are engaged together in a movably manner, so that the upper outer conductor can move together with the upper insulator.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper insulator and the lower insulator are assembled together in a spherical fit, so that the upper insulator can rotate around a sphere center relative to the lower insulator; the upper outer conductor can rotate around the same sphere center together with the upper insulator.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper insulator has a lower port, the lower insulator has an upper end, and the upper end of the lower insulator is inserted into the lower port of the upper insulator; the lower port of the upper insulator has a spherical inner surface, and the upper end of the lower insulator has a spherical outer surface, and the spherical inner surface cooperates with the spherical outer surface.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper outer conductor includes: a cylindrical portion having an axially opposite upper end and a lower end; and a plurality of elastic arms connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion and evenly spaced around the cylindrical portion, the lower end of the cylindrical portion being movably engaged with the lower outer conductor, and the elastic arms being used to electrically contact a mating outer conductor of a mating connector.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper outer conductor and the upper insulator are held together to ensure that the two can rotate together around the same spherical center.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical portion has a neck located at its upper end, and the roots of the multiple elastic arms are connected to the upper periphery of the neck; a first groove is formed on the neck, and a first protrusion is formed on the upper insulator, and the first protrusion is engaged in the first groove.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a second protrusion is further formed on the upper insulator, and the second protrusion is clamped between the roots of two adjacent elastic arms and abuts against the upper periphery of the neck.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower outer conductor includes: a cylindrical portion having an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other in its axial direction; a flange portion connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion; and a welding portion connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion for welding to a circuit board, wherein the flange portion is annular and protrudes radially outward relative to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion, and the flange portion is inserted into the lower end of the cylindrical body portion, and the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion interferes with the inner wall surface of the lower end of the cylindrical body portion to ensure that the cylindrical body portion can always maintain electrical contact with the flange portion when the upper outer conductor rotates.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an inwardly curled flange portion is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion, and the flange portion is suitable for abutting against the bottom of the flange portion to prevent the cylindrical portion from being separated from the flange portion when the upper outer conductor rotates.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of axially extending separation slits are formed on the flange portion, and the plurality of separation slits are spaced around the flange portion so that the flange portion is divided into a plurality of cantilevers; a conical guide slope is formed on the flange portion, and the conical guide slope is used to guide the flange portion to be inserted into the lower end of the cylindrical portion.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower insulator has a cylindrical base, and an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical base is interference-fitted with an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion of the lower outer conductor to hold the lower outer conductor and the lower insulator together.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning groove is formed on the lower periphery of the cylindrical portion of the lower outer conductor, and a positioning protrusion is formed on the cylindrical base of the lower insulator, and the positioning protrusion cooperates with the positioning groove.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the center terminal includes: a main body portion, which is cylindrical and has an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other in its axial direction; an elastic contact portion, which is connected to the upper end of the main body portion and is used to make electrical contact with a mating terminal of a mating connector; and an elastic connecting portion, one end of which is connected to the lower periphery of the main body portion and the other end of which is used to be soldered to a circuit board, and the upper part of the main body portion is retained in the upper insulator so that the center terminal can rotate around the center of the ball together with the upper insulator.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an upper accommodating hole is formed in the upper insulator, and the upper portion of the main body portion of the center terminal and the elastic contact portion are accommodated in the upper accommodating hole; the outer diameter of the main body portion is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the upper accommodating hole, so that there is no gap or the gap is smaller than a predetermined value between the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion and the inner circumferential surface of the upper accommodating hole.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a lower accommodating hole is formed in the lower insulator, and the lower portion of the main body of the center terminal and the elastic connecting portion are accommodated in the lower accommodating hole; the inner diameter of the lower accommodating hole is larger than the outer diameter of the main body to allow the lower portion of the main body to swing radially in the lower accommodating hole, thereby allowing the center terminal to rotate together with the upper insulator.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic connection portion has at least one bending section between its two ends, so that the elastic connection portion can be deformed from an initial state to another state different from the initial state when the center terminal rotates together with the upper insulator.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion is formed on the main body of the center terminal, and a locking groove is formed on the upper insulator, and the protrusion is engaged with the locking groove to retain the main body in the upper insulator.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic contact portion of the center terminal includes: a trumpet-shaped end portion; and a tapered connecting portion connected between the trumpet-shaped end portion and the main body portion, the trumpet-shaped end portion being used to guide the insertion of the mating terminal and to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal, and the diameter of the tapered connecting portion gradually increases from the trumpet-shaped end portion toward the main body portion.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of axial separation slits are formed on the elastic contact portion of the center terminal, and the plurality of axial separation slits are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the elastic contact portion, so that the elastic contact portion is divided into a plurality of elastic cantilevers.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a trumpet-shaped guide inlet opening outward is formed on the upper end surface of the upper insulator, the minimum inner diameter of the trumpet-shaped guide inlet is equal to the maximum inner diameter of the trumpet-shaped end and gradually increases upward from the trumpet-shaped end to guide the mating terminal to be inserted into the elastic contact portion of the center terminal.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning step is formed in the upper insulator, and the flared end portion axially abuts against the positioning step to axially position the center terminal.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly comprises: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector. The mating connector comprises: a mating outer conductor matingly connected with the upper outer conductor of the connector; and a mating terminal disposed in the mating outer conductor for mating with the center terminal of the connector.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper outer conductor is inserted into the matching outer conductor, and the elastic arm of the upper outer conductor is electrically contacted with the inner wall surface of the matching outer conductor; the matching terminal is inserted into the elastic contact portion of the center terminal, and the elastic contact portion of the center terminal is electrically contacted with the matching terminal.

[0029] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the upper outer conductor can move together with the upper insulator, thereby reducing the biasing force on the elastic arm on the upper outer conductor, thereby effectively preventing the elastic arm on the outer conductor from undergoing plastic deformation.

[0030] In some of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the upper outer conductor can rotate around the center of the sphere together with the upper insulator, thereby reducing the biasing force on the elastic arm on the upper outer conductor, thereby effectively preventing the elastic arm on the outer conductor from undergoing plastic deformation.

[0031] In addition, in some of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the center terminal can rotate around the center of the sphere together with the upper insulator, so the gap between the center terminal and the upper insulator can be zero or very small, which can reduce the volume of the insulator and is conducive to the miniaturization of the connector.

[0032] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 An axial cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 An exploded cross-sectional view showing a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 An axial cross-sectional view showing an insulator of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 An exploded cross-sectional view showing an insulator of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 An axial cross-sectional view showing an insulator and a center terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a center terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig. 9 An axial cross-sectional view showing a center terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.10An exploded cross-sectional view showing an outer conductor of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.11 An assembled cross-sectional view showing an outer conductor of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Fig.12 An axial cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein there is no radial deviation between the connector and the mating connector;

[0045] Fig.13 An axial cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the radial deviation between the connector and the mating connector is large. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The technical solution of the present invention is further specifically described below by examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0047] In addition, in the detailed description below, for ease of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known structures and devices are embodied in a schematic manner to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0048] According to an overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes: an outer conductor, including an upper outer conductor and a lower outer conductor; an insulator, which is arranged in the outer conductor and includes an upper insulator and a lower insulator; and a center terminal, which is arranged in the insulator. The upper insulator and the lower insulator are assembled together in a slidable manner, so that the upper insulator can move relative to the lower insulator; the upper outer conductor and the lower outer conductor are engaged together in a movably manner, so that the upper outer conductor can move together with the upper insulator.

[0049] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector mating with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating outer conductor matingly connected with the upper outer conductor of the connector; and a mating terminal disposed in the mating outer conductor for mating with the center terminal of the connector.

[0050] Figure 1A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 An axial cross-sectional view showing a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 An exploded schematic diagram showing a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 An exploded cross-sectional view showing a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 An axial cross-sectional view showing an insulator 20 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 An exploded cross-sectional view of an insulator 20 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 1 is disclosed. The connector 1 mainly includes: an outer conductor 10, an insulator 20 and a center terminal 30. The outer conductor 10 includes an upper outer conductor 11 and a lower outer conductor 12. The insulator 20 is arranged in the outer conductor 10 and includes an upper insulator 21 and a lower insulator 22. The center terminal 30 is arranged in the insulator 20.

[0052] Fig.12 An axial cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein there is no radial deviation between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1 ′; Fig.13 An axial cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the radial deviation between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1 ′ is relatively large.

[0053] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 12-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper insulator 21 and the lower insulator 22 are assembled together in a sliding fit manner, so that the upper insulator 21 can move relative to the lower insulator 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper insulator 21 and the lower insulator 22 are assembled together in a spherical fit manner, so that the upper insulator 21 can rotate around a spherical center relative to the lower insulator 22. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, for example, the upper insulator 21 and the lower insulator 22 can also be assembled together in an arc fit manner, so that the upper insulator 21 can slide relative to the matching arc surface between the lower insulator 22.

[0054] Fig.10 An exploded cross-sectional view showing an outer conductor 10 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig.11 An assembled cross-sectional view showing an outer conductor 10 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper outer conductor 11 and the lower outer conductor 12 are movably joined together, so that the upper outer conductor 11 can rotate around the same spherical center together with the upper insulator 21.

[0056] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper insulator 21 has a lower port 202, and the lower insulator 22 has an upper end 222, and the upper end 222 of the lower insulator 22 is inserted into the lower port 202 of the upper insulator 21. The lower port 202 of the upper insulator 21 has a spherical inner surface 202a, and the upper end 222 of the lower insulator 22 has a spherical outer surface 222a, and the spherical inner surface 202a matches the spherical outer surface 222a. In this way, the upper insulator 21 can rotate relative to the lower insulator 22 around the spherical center of the spherical inner surface 202a and the spherical outer surface 222a.

[0057] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper outer conductor 11 includes: a barrel portion 111 and a plurality of elastic arms 112. The barrel portion 111 has an upper end and a lower end that are axially opposite. The plurality of elastic arms 112 are connected to the upper end of the barrel portion 111 and are evenly spaced around the barrel portion 111. The lower end of the barrel portion 111 is movably engaged with the lower outer conductor 12, and the elastic arms 112 are used to electrically contact with the mating outer conductor 10' of the mating connector 1'.

[0058] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper outer conductor 11 and the upper insulator 21 are held together to ensure that the two can rotate together around the same spherical center.

[0059] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the barrel portion 111 has a neck portion 113 located at its upper end, and the roots of a plurality of elastic arms 112 are connected to the upper periphery of the neck portion 113. A first groove 11a is formed on the neck portion 113, and a first protrusion 21a is formed on the upper insulator 21, and the first protrusion 21a is engaged in the first groove 11a.

[0060] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a second protrusion 21 b is further formed on the upper insulator 21 , and the second protrusion 21 b is clamped between the roots of two adjacent elastic arms 112 and abuts against the upper periphery of the neck 113 .

[0061] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower outer conductor 12 includes: a cylindrical portion 121, a flange portion 122 and a welding portion 12a. The cylindrical portion 121 has an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other in its axial direction. The flange portion 122 is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 121. The welding portion 12a is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 121 and is used for welding to a circuit board (not shown).

[0062] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the flange portion 122 is annular and radially protrudes outward relative to the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 121, and the flange portion 122 is inserted into the lower end of the cylindrical portion 111. The outer circumference of the flange portion 122 is interference-fitted with the inner wall surface of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 111 to ensure that the cylindrical portion 111 can always maintain electrical contact with the flange portion 122 when the upper outer conductor 11 rotates.

[0063] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, an inwardly curled flange portion 111a is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 111, and the flange portion 111a is suitable for abutting against the bottom 122a of the flange portion 122 to prevent the cylindrical portion 111 from being separated from the flange portion 122 when the upper outer conductor 11 rotates.

[0064] like Figure 1-6 and Figure 10-13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of axially extending separation slits 122b are formed on the flange portion 122, and the plurality of separation slits 122b are spaced apart around the flange portion 122, so that the flange portion 122 is divided into a plurality of cantilevers. A conical guiding slope 122c is formed on the flange portion 122, and the conical guiding slope 122c is used to guide the flange portion 122 to be inserted into the lower end of the barrel portion 111.

[0065] Figure 7 An axial cross-sectional view showing an insulator 20 and a center terminal 30 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a center terminal 30 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 An axial cross-sectional view of a center terminal 30 of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower insulator 22 has a cylindrical base 221 whose outer circumference is interference-fitted with the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 121 of the lower outer conductor 12 to hold the lower outer conductor 12 and the lower insulator 22 together.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 13As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning groove 121a is formed on the lower periphery of the cylindrical portion 121 of the lower outer conductor 12, and a positioning protrusion 221a is formed on the cylindrical base 221 of the lower insulator 22, and the positioning protrusion 221a cooperates with the positioning groove 121a.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the center terminal 30 includes: a main body 33, an elastic contact portion 31 and an elastic connection portion 32. The main body 33 is cylindrical and has an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other in its axial direction. The elastic contact portion 31 is connected to the upper end of the main body 33 and is used to make electrical contact with the mating terminal 30' of the mating connector 1'. One end of the elastic connection portion 32 is connected to the lower periphery of the main body 33, and the other end 32a is used to be soldered to the circuit board. The upper part of the main body 33 is retained in the upper insulator 11, so that the center terminal 30 can rotate around the center of the ball together with the upper insulator 11.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, an upper receiving hole 203 is formed in the upper insulator 11, and the upper portion of the main body 33 of the center terminal 30 and the elastic contact portion 31 are received in the upper receiving hole 203. The outer diameter of the main body 33 is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the upper receiving hole 203, so that there is no gap or the gap is smaller than a predetermined value between the outer circumference of the main body 33 and the inner circumference of the upper receiving hole 203. In this way, the volume of the upper insulator 11 and the volume of the entire connector 1 can be reduced, and in particular, the radial dimension of the entire connector 1 can be reduced.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a lower receiving hole 204 is formed in the lower insulator 12, and the lower portion of the main body 33 of the center terminal 30 and the elastic connecting portion 32 are received in the lower receiving hole 204. The inner diameter of the lower receiving hole 204 is larger than the outer diameter of the main body 33, so as to allow the lower portion of the main body 33 to swing radially in the lower receiving hole 204, thereby allowing the center terminal 30 to rotate together with the upper insulator 11.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic connecting portion 32 has at least one bending section located between its two ends, so that the elastic connecting portion 32 can be moved from the initial state ( Fig.12 state shown) to a state different from the initial state (e.g., Fig.13 status shown).

[0072] like Figures 1 to 13As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a protrusion 33 c is formed on the main body 33 of the center terminal 30 , and a locking groove 21 c is formed on the upper insulator 11 , and the protrusion 33 c engages with the locking groove 21 c to hold the main body 33 in the upper insulator 11 .

[0073] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic contact portion 31 of the center terminal 30 includes: a flared end portion 311 and a tapered connecting portion 312. The tapered connecting portion 312 is connected between the flared end portion 311 and the main body portion 33. The flared end portion 311 is used to guide the insertion of the mating terminal 30' and to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal 30'. The diameter of the tapered connecting portion 312 gradually increases from the flared end portion 311 toward the main body portion 33.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of axial separation slits 31a are formed on the elastic contact portion 31 of the center terminal 30, and the plurality of axial separation slits 31a are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the elastic contact portion 31, so that the elastic contact portion 31 is divided into a plurality of elastic cantilevers.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a trumpet-shaped guide inlet 201 opening outward is formed on the upper end surface of the upper insulator 21, and the minimum inner diameter of the trumpet-shaped guide inlet 201 is equal to the maximum inner diameter of the trumpet-shaped end 311. The inner diameter of the trumpet-shaped guide inlet 201 gradually increases upward from the trumpet-shaped end 311 to guide the mating terminal 30' to be inserted into the elastic contact portion 31 of the center terminal 30.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning step 203 a is formed in the upper insulator 21 , and the flared end portion 311 axially abuts against the positioning step 203 a to axially position the center terminal 30 .

[0077] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly mainly includes: a connector 1 and a mating connector 1'. The mating connector 1' is mated with the connector 1. The mating connector 1' includes: a mating outer conductor 10' and a mating terminal 30'. The mating outer conductor 10' is mated and connected with the upper outer conductor 11 of the connector 1. The mating terminal 30' is arranged in the mating outer conductor 10', and is used to mate and connect with the center terminal 30 of the connector 1.

[0078] like Figures 1 to 13As shown, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the upper outer conductor 11 is inserted into the matching outer conductor 10', and the elastic arm 112 of the upper outer conductor 11 is in electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the matching outer conductor 10'. The matching terminal 30' is inserted into the elastic contact portion 31 of the center terminal 30, and the elastic contact portion 31 of the center terminal 30 is in electrical contact with the matching terminal 30'.

[0079] like Fig.12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, there is no radial deviation between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1', that is, the central axis of the connector 1 coincides with the central axis of the mating connector 1'. At this time, during the mating process of the mating connector 1' and the connector 1, the upper outer conductor 11, the upper insulator 21 and the center terminal 30 of the connector 1 will not rotate around the center of the sphere.

[0080] like Fig.13 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, there is a large radial deviation between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1'. At this time, during the mating process of the mating connector 1' and the connector 1, the upper outer conductor 11, the upper insulator 21 and the center terminal 30 of the connector 1 will rotate together around the center of the ball to absorb the radial deviation between the connector 1 and the mating connector 1'.

[0081] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above are exemplary and may be improved upon by those skilled in the art. The structures described in the various embodiments may be freely combined without causing any conflicts in structure or principle, and these changes should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the accompanying drawings are intended to exemplify the preferred implementations of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0083] Although some embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0084] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that: include: An outer conductor (10), comprising an upper outer conductor (11) and a lower outer conductor (12); an insulator (20) disposed in the outer conductor (10) and comprising an upper insulator (21) and a lower insulator (22); and A central terminal (30) is disposed in the insulator (20). The upper insulator (21) and the lower insulator (22) are assembled together in a slidable manner, so that the upper insulator (21) can move relative to the lower insulator (22). The upper outer conductor (11) and the lower outer conductor (12) are movably joined together, so that the upper outer conductor (11) can move together with the upper insulator (21).

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper insulator (21) and the lower insulator (22) are assembled together in a spherical matching manner, so that the upper insulator (21) can rotate around a spherical center relative to the lower insulator (22); The upper outer conductor (11) can rotate around the same spherical center together with the upper insulator (21).

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper insulator (21) has a lower port (202), the lower insulator (22) has an upper end (222), and the upper end (222) of the lower insulator (22) is inserted into the lower port (202) of the upper insulator (21); The lower port (202) of the upper insulator (21) has a spherical inner surface (202a), and the upper end (222) of the lower insulator (22) has a spherical outer surface (222a), and the spherical inner surface (202a) matches the spherical outer surface (222a).

4. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper outer conductor (11) comprises: A cylindrical body (111) having an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other in the axial direction; and A plurality of elastic arms (112) are connected to the upper end of the barrel portion (111) and are evenly spaced around the barrel portion (111). The lower end of the cylindrical portion (111) is movably joined to the lower outer conductor (12), and the elastic arm (112) is used to electrically contact the mating outer conductor (10') of the mating connector (1').

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper outer conductor (11) and the upper insulator (21) are held together to ensure that they can rotate together around the same spherical center.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cylindrical body (111) has a neck (113) located at the upper end thereof, and the roots of the plurality of elastic arms (112) are connected to the upper periphery of the neck (113); A first locking groove (11a) is formed on the neck (113), and a first protrusion (21a) is formed on the upper insulator (21), wherein the first protrusion (21a) is engaged with the first locking groove (11a).

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: A second protrusion (21b) is also formed on the upper insulator (21), and the second protrusion (21b) is clamped between the roots of two adjacent elastic arms (112) and abuts against the upper periphery of the neck (113).

8. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lower outer conductor (12) comprises: A cylindrical portion (121) having an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other in the axial direction thereof; a flange portion (122) connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion (121); and The welding portion (12a) is connected to the lower end of the cylindrical portion (121) and is used for welding to a circuit board. The flange portion (122) is annular and protrudes radially outward relative to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion (121). The flange portion (122) is inserted into the lower end of the cylindrical portion (111). The outer peripheral surface of the flange portion (122) is in interference fit with the inner wall surface of the lower end of the barrel portion (111) to ensure that the barrel portion (111) can always maintain electrical contact with the flange portion (122) when the upper outer conductor (11) rotates.

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: An inwardly rolled flange portion (111a) is formed at the lower end of the barrel portion (111), and the flange portion (111a) is suitable for abutting against the bottom (122a) of the flange portion (122) to prevent the barrel portion (111) from being separated from the flange portion (122) when the upper outer conductor (11) rotates.

10. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: A plurality of axially extending separation slits (122b) are formed on the flange portion (122), and the plurality of separation slits (122b) are spaced apart around the flange portion (122), so that the flange portion (122) is divided into a plurality of cantilevers; A conical guide slope (122c) is formed on the flange portion (122), and the conical guide slope (122c) is used to guide the flange portion (122) to be inserted into the lower end of the cylindrical portion (111).

11. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower insulator (22) has a cylindrical base (221), the outer peripheral surface of which is interference-fitted with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion (121) of the lower outer conductor (12) to hold the lower outer conductor (12) and the lower insulator (22) together.

12. The connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: A positioning groove (121a) is formed on the lower periphery of the cylindrical portion (121) of the lower outer conductor (12), and a positioning protrusion (221a) is formed on the cylindrical base (221) of the lower insulator (22), and the positioning protrusion (221a) cooperates with the positioning groove (121a).

13. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that: The central terminal (30) comprises: The main body (33) is cylindrical and has an upper end and a lower end opposite to each other in the axial direction thereof; an elastic contact portion (31), connected to the upper end of the main body portion (33), and used for electrically contacting a mating terminal (30') of a mating connector (1'); and The elastic connecting part (32) has one end connected to the lower periphery of the main body (33) and the other end (32a) used for welding to the circuit board. The upper portion of the main body (33) is held in the upper insulator (11), so that the center terminal (30) can rotate around the spherical center together with the upper insulator (11).

14. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: An upper receiving hole (203) is formed in the upper insulator (11), and the upper portion of the main body (33) of the center terminal (30) and the elastic contact portion (31) are received in the upper receiving hole (203); The outer diameter of the main body (33) is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the upper receiving hole (203), so that there is no gap or the gap is smaller than a predetermined value between the outer circumference of the main body (33) and the inner circumference of the upper receiving hole (203).

15. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: A lower receiving hole (204) is formed in the lower insulator (12), and the lower part of the main body (33) of the center terminal (30) and the elastic connecting part (32) are received in the lower receiving hole (204); The inner diameter of the lower receiving hole (204) is greater than the outer diameter of the main body (33) to allow the lower part of the main body (33) to swing radially in the lower receiving hole (204), thereby allowing the center terminal (30) to rotate together with the upper insulator (11).

16. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The elastic connection portion (32) has at least one bending section between its two ends, so that the elastic connection portion (32) can be deformed from an initial state to another state different from the initial state when the central terminal (30) rotates together with the upper insulator (11).

17. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: A protrusion (33c) is formed on the main body (33) of the center terminal (30), and a groove (21c) is formed on the upper insulator (11). The protrusion (33c) engages with the groove (21c) to retain the main body (33) in the upper insulator (11).

18. The connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The elastic contact portion (31) of the central terminal (30) comprises: a flared end portion (311); and A conical connecting portion (312) is connected between the flared end portion (311) and the main body portion (33). The flared end (311) is used to guide the mating terminal (30') to be inserted and to make electrical contact with the inserted mating terminal (30'). The diameter of the tapered connecting portion (312) gradually increases from the flared end portion (311) toward the main body portion (33).

19. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: A plurality of axial separation slits (31a) are formed on the elastic contact portion (31) of the central terminal (30), and the plurality of axial separation slits (31a) are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the elastic contact portion (31), so that the elastic contact portion (31) is divided into a plurality of elastic cantilevers.

20. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: A trumpet-shaped guide inlet (201) opening outward is formed on the upper end surface of the upper insulator (21), wherein the minimum inner diameter of the trumpet-shaped guide inlet (201) is equal to the maximum inner diameter of the trumpet-shaped end (311) and gradually increases upward from the trumpet-shaped end (311) to guide the mating terminal (30') to be inserted into the elastic contact portion (31) of the center terminal (30).

21. The connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: A positioning step (203a) is formed in the upper insulator (21), and the flared end (311) axially abuts against the positioning step (203a) to axially position the center terminal (30).

22. A connector assembly, characterized in that: include: The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21; and A mating connector (1') is mated with the connector (1), The mating connector (1') comprises: A matching outer conductor (10') is matched and connected with the upper outer conductor (11) of the connector (1); and A mating terminal (30') is arranged in the mating outer conductor (10') and is used for mating and connecting with the central terminal (30) of the connector (1).

23. The connector assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that: The upper outer conductor (11) is inserted into the matching outer conductor (10'), and the elastic arm (112) of the upper outer conductor (11) is in electrical contact with the inner wall surface of the matching outer conductor (10'); The mating terminal (30') is inserted into the elastic contact portion (31) of the central terminal (30), and the elastic contact portion (31) of the central terminal (30) is in electrical contact with the mating terminal (30').

Images