Self-locking radio frequency connector and self-locking method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a self-locking radio frequency connector which comprises a socket and a plug which are connected in a pluggable mode, a locking assembly is arranged between the socket and the plug, and the locking assembly comprises an elastic piece, a spring bolt and a supporting arm; one end of the elastic sheet is fixedly connected with the plug, and the other end of the elastic sheet is provided with a spring bolt; the supporting arm is movably attached to the outer side of the elastic piece. The socket is provided with a caulking groove; when the plug is connected with the socket in an inserted mode, the elastic piece deforms so that the spring bolt can avoid the socket. After the socket is inserted into the plug, the spring bolt is embedded into the embedding groove, and the supporting arm is moved to cover the elastic piece, so that the spring bolt is kept in a locking state of being embedded into the embedding groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of connectors, and particularly relates to a self-locking RF connector and a self-locking method thereof. Background Art

[0002] RF connectors are generally used to transmit radio wave signals in wireless communication. The transceiver antenna needs to be connected to the main board inside the applied electronic device through a connector to complete signal transceiver, transmission, and processing. Usually, a socket is fixed on the main board, and the corresponding plug that mates with the socket is connected to the transceiver antenna, and electrical conduction is achieved through the connection between the plug and the socket.

[0003] To maintain the fixed state of the plug and the socket, a clamping structure is generally adopted to play a limiting role in the plugging and unplugging direction of the plug and the socket.

[0004] Document 1 discloses an RF connector, an RF component, and an electronic device, and specifically discloses a locking connection between an RF socket and a cable connector through a sliding buckle. A first sliding connection portion is provided on the side of the RF socket. The sliding buckle has a receiving portion. One end of the cable connector connected to the RF socket is located in the receiving portion. A second sliding connection portion is provided on the side wall of the receiving portion. The first sliding connection portion and the second sliding connection portion cooperate to clamp the cable connector and the RF socket.

[0005] Document 2 discloses a terminal device, an RF component, and an RF connector thereof. The RF connector includes a male connector seat and a female connector seat. The male connector seat includes a first body portion, a plug-in terminal, and a first clamping portion. The female connector seat includes a second body portion, a receiving terminal, and a second clamping portion. After the male connector seat and the female connector seat are connected, by relatively rotating the male connector seat and the female connector seat, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are clamped and matched to achieve a detachable connection between the male connector seat and the female connector seat.

[0006] In the prior art, it is inevitable to require space outside the connector to assist in achieving the locking connection. The sliding buckle in Document 1 requires a certain horizontal sliding distance, and the trailing wire at the end of the female connector seat in Document 1 also requires additional avoidance space during rotation. These locking structures are not very applicable in extremely strict limited spaces and are not beneficial to the miniaturization and integration development of equipment.

[0007] Document 1: Chinese Patent Application CN111555082B;

[0008] Document 2: Chinese Patent Application CN208608461U. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This application mainly solves the problem of connector connection and locking in a restricted space. In response to this technical problem, a self-locking RF connector and its self-locking method are proposed. The specific technical solutions are as follows:

[0010] A self-locking RF connector includes a socket and a plug for plugging and unplugging connection. A locking component is arranged between the socket and the plug. The locking component includes a spring piece, a locking tongue, and a support arm;

[0011] One end of the spring piece is fixedly connected to the plug, and a locking tongue is arranged at the other end of the spring piece;

[0012] The support arm is movably attached to the outside of the spring piece;

[0013] The socket has an embedded groove;

[0014] When the plug is inserted into the socket, the spring piece deforms to enable the locking tongue to avoid the socket; after the socket and the plug are inserted and mated, the locking tongue is embedded in the embedded groove, and the support arm is moved to cover the spring piece, so that the locking tongue remains in the locked state of being embedded in the embedded groove.

[0015] Further, the plug has a holding portion, and a through hole penetrating the holding portion in the insertion direction is provided on the holding portion. The support arm is movably arranged in the through hole.

[0016] Further, the spring piece has a warping portion facing outward, and the support arm has a recessed portion facing inward. When the warping portion is embedded in the recessed portion, the movement of the support arm in the separation direction is restricted. The separation direction is the reverse of the connector insertion direction.

[0017] Further, a sliding groove is provided on the support arm, and a sliding slide is arranged in the sliding groove. The sliding groove is arranged on the contact surface with the spring piece, and the sliding groove covers the recessed portion. The sliding direction of the slide is the same as the plugging and unplugging direction. An arc-shaped protrusion is provided at the lower end of the slide, and the highest point of the arc-shaped protrusion is flush with the surface of the support arm. The end of the warping portion is also set as an arc surface.

[0018] Further, a folding portion is provided at the upper end of the support arm.

[0019] Further, a clamping block and a clamping groove formed by the clamping block are provided on the plug, and the folding portion can be clamped and fixed in the clamping groove.

[0020] Further, the recessed portion is a groove or a hole.

[0021] Further, two sets of the locking components are provided, respectively located on both sides of the plug, and the tops of the support arms in the two sets of locking components are fixedly connected by a connecting rod.

[0022] On the other hand, this application also provides a self-locking method, and the self-locking method is as follows:

[0023] Insert the socket and the plug, and keep the elastic piece exposed outside the support arm, and the locking tongue corresponds to the slot in position;

[0024] When the socket and the plug are inserted in place, the locking tongue is engaged with the slot, press down the support arm to cover the elastic piece to complete the locking.

[0025] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the locking component adopted by the connector of the present invention operates in the plugging and unplugging direction when locking the socket and the plug, without occupying additional horizontal space for locking and unlocking operations, and the locking component itself does not need to occupy obvious additional horizontal space, which is extremely beneficial for installation in a limited space. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 The figure shows the completed state diagram of the self-locking RF connector in Embodiment 1;

[0027] Figure 2 The figure shows the state diagram of the self-locking RF connector before assembly in Embodiment 1;

[0028] Figure 3 The figure shows the connection schematic diagram of the locking component and the plug in Embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 4 The figure shows the schematic diagram of the setting of the sliding piece on the support arm in Embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 5 The figure shows the structural schematic diagram of the support arm in Embodiment 2. Detailed Embodiments

[0031] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and the appended claims, the word "comprising" shall be interpreted in an open, inclusive sense, i.e., as "including but not limited to".

[0032] As used throughout this specification, the phrase "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Moreover, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Further, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] The self-locking RF connector in this application includes a socket 10 and a plug 20, where the socket 10 and the plug 20 are a pair for mating plugging and unplugging connections. Corresponding plug-in components are provided inside the socket 10 and the plug 20 respectively. When the socket 10 and the plug 20 complete the plugging action, the plug-in components inside them will also synchronously complete electrical contact for signal transmission.

[0034] A locking assembly is provided between the socket 10 and the plug 20. The locking assembly is used to lock the socket 10 and the plug 20 in the plugged state after the socket 10 and the plug 20 are plugged together, to ensure the stable connection of the connector and the stability of signal transmission. At the same time, the locking assembly should also have an operable unlocking process to ensure that under a certain operation mode, the locked state of the socket 10 and the plug 20 can be released, and then the plug 20 can be separated from the socket 10.

[0035] In an embodiment, the locking assembly includes a spring piece 31, a locking tongue 32, and a support arm 33. One end of the spring piece 31 is fixed to the plug 20, and the other end is connected to the locking tongue 32. The socket 10 correspondingly has a groove 34 for cooperating with the locking tongue 32. The support arm 33 is movably arranged outside the spring piece 31, and the support arm 33 should maintain a fitting state with the spring piece 31.

[0036] It should be noted that the locking assembly is arranged based on the shell structures of the socket 10 and the plug 20. No improvement is made to the functional components or structures inside the socket 10 and the plug 20 for electrical contact and signal transmission in this application.

[0037] During the insertion process of the socket 10 and the plug 20, the locking tongue 32 contacts the socket 10 and is pressed, causing the elastic piece 31 to deform outward. When the socket 10 and the plug 20 are fully inserted, the locking tongue 32 moves to the groove 34 and is inserted into the groove 34 under the action of the elastic piece 31, completing the preliminary locking. At this time, there will also be collision feedback sounds such as "click" and "tick" to indicate that the preliminary locking has been completed. Subsequently, the support arm 33 is pushed so that the support arm 33 completely covers the elastic piece 31. Since the support arm 33 is a rigid body and remains in contact with the elastic piece 31, the elastic piece 31 loses the space to deform outward, and thus the locking tongue 32 and the groove 34 always remain in the engaged state, and the socket 10 and the plug 20 complete the final locking.

[0038] In an embodiment, the elastic piece 31, the locking tongue 32, the support arm 33, and the groove 34 are provided in groups, and at least one group is provided.

[0039] In one embodiment, the elastic piece 31, the locking tongue 32, the support arm 33, and the groove 34 are provided as a group; in one embodiment, the elastic piece 31, the locking tongue 32, the support arm 33, and the groove 34 are provided in two groups, and the two locking components are arranged on the opposite sides of the plug 20; in one embodiment, the elastic piece 31, the locking tongue 32, the support arm 33, and the groove 34 are provided in two groups, and the two locking components are arranged on the adjacent sides of the plug 20; in one embodiment, the elastic piece 31, the locking tongue 32, the support arm 33, and the groove 34 are provided in three groups, and the three locking components are arranged on the continuously adjacent sides of the plug 20; in one embodiment, the elastic piece 31, the locking tongue 32, the support arm 33, and the groove 34 are provided in two groups, and the two locking components are arranged on the same side of the plug 20.

[0040] In one embodiment, the fixing method of the elastic piece 31 and the plug 20 is integral molding. Generally speaking, when the housing of the plug 20 is formed by an injection molding process, the elastic piece 31 can be integrally molded with the housing of the plug 20 through the injection molding process to achieve the purpose of fixing each other; in one embodiment, the fixing method of the elastic piece 31 and the plug 20 is external connection, and the elastic piece 31 monomer and the housing of the plug 20 are fixed together through an auxiliary fixing structure or process, such as screw fixing, welding fixing, and bonding fixing.

[0041] In an embodiment, the portion of the elastic piece 31 connected to the locking tongue 32 should have the ability of elastic deformation, and it should be satisfied that when the locking tongue 32 is pressed by the elastic piece 31 on one side to cause the elastic piece 31 to deform, the locking tongue 32 can completely move to the other side of the elastic piece 31. In particular, when the elastic piece 31 is deformed by the force on the side of the locking tongue 32, the locking tongue 32 can completely move to the other side of the elastic piece 31. For example, the entire elastic piece 31 is set to have the ability of elastic deformation; for example, the elastic piece 31 is segmented, so that the section connected to the locking tongue 32 has the ability of elastic deformation, and the section connected to the plug 20 has no ability of elastic deformation or has a poor ability of elastic deformation.

[0042] In an embodiment, the plug 20 has a holding portion 21 and a through hole 21a formed in the holding portion 21. The through direction of the through hole 21a is the same as the insertion direction of the plug 20, and the support arm 33 is slidably disposed in the through hole 21a, so that the support arm 33 can control the coverage of the elastic piece 31 by moving in the through hole 21a. When the support arm 33 moves completely downward, the elastic piece 31 can be completely covered. When the support arm 33 moves upward, the elastic piece 31 can be exposed. Herein and in this application, the direction towards the socket 10 when the plug 20 is inserted is defined as the lower side of the plug 20.

[0043] In an embodiment, the elastic piece 31 has a warping portion 31a. The warping portion 31a naturally warps towards the support arm 33 side when not subjected to external force. The warping portion 31a has the same or similar elasticity as the elastic piece 31, so that it will deform when subjected to external force and return to its original state after the external force is removed; the warping portion 31a forms an angle with the main body of the elastic piece 31, that is, the root of the warping portion 31a completely coincides with the main body of the elastic piece 31, and the other end gradually moves away from the elastic piece 31 and opens, and the opening direction faces the locking tongue 32.

[0044] In one embodiment, the elastic piece 31 is a metal sheet, and the warping portion 31a is formed by stamping, that is, after forming a warping portion 31a with three sides disconnected on the elastic piece 31 by stamping, the warping portion 31a is warped on the elastic piece 31 by stamping; in another embodiment, the elastic piece 31 is plastic, and the warping portion 31a and the elastic piece 31 are obtained by one-time injection molding.

[0045] In an embodiment, a warping portion 31a is fitted on the elastic piece 31, and a recessed portion 33a is correspondingly formed on the support arm 33. The recessed portion 33a and the warping portion 31a cooperate to lock the support arm 33. After the socket 10 and the plug 20 are fully inserted, the locking tongue 32 and the slot 34 are also in a fitted state. When the support arm 33 is pressed downward, the support arm 33 will squeeze the warping portion 31a through the root of the warping portion 31a, causing the warping portion 31a to deform and coincide with the elastic piece 31. When the recessed portion 33a on the support arm 33 corresponds to the warping portion 31a, the warping portion 31a will snap into the recessed portion 33a, restricting the upward movement of the support arm 33. At this time, the support arm 33 also partially or completely covers the elastic piece 31, making it impossible for the locking tongue 32 to disengage from the slot 34 through the deformation of the elastic piece 31.

[0046] In one embodiment, the recessed portion 33a is in the shape of a groove, that is, the recessed portion 33a does not penetrate the support arm 33; in another embodiment, the recessed portion 33a is in the shape of a hole, that is, the recessed portion 33a penetrates the support arm 33.

[0047] In an embodiment, a sliding piece 35 is further provided on the contact surface between the support arm 33 and the elastic piece 31. A sliding groove 33b for accommodating the sliding of the sliding piece 35 is provided on the support arm 33. The sliding piece 35 is always slidably arranged in the sliding groove 33b. The sliding groove 33b covers the recessed portion 33a. At the same time, an arc-shaped protrusion 35a is provided at the lower end of the sliding piece 35. The highest point of the arc-shaped protrusion 35a is flush with the surface of the support arm. The end of the warping portion 31a is also correspondingly set as an arc surface. Here, the end of the warping portion 31a is the end far from the root.

[0048] In the fully inserted state, when the warping portion 31a is located in the recessed portion 33a, the sliding piece 35 is located above the warping portion 31a. When the support arm 33 is pressed downward again, the support arm 33 drives the sliding piece 35 to squeeze the warping portion 31a again until the end of the warping portion 31a slides past the arc-shaped protrusion 35a. During this process, there will also be a force feedback and a sound feedback formed due to the deformation of the warping portion 31a. When the support arm 33 is lifted upward, the end of the warping portion 31a abuts against the arc-shaped protrusion 35a, causing the sliding piece 35 to slide downward along the sliding groove 33b and cover the recessed portion 33a until the sliding piece 35 slides to the lower end of the sliding groove 33b. By continuously lifting upward, the arc surface of the end of the warping portion 31a and the arc-shaped protrusion 35a squeeze each other, causing the warping portion 31a to deform inward again until it coincides with the elastic piece 31. The support arm 33 can be completely lifted, releasing the support for the elastic piece 31, and then the plug 20 can be pulled out in the reverse direction.

[0049] Embodiment 1

[0050] This embodiment only provides a more complete and detailed solution in combination with the drawings, and does not serve as the only limitation to the inventive content of this application, nor as the only combination method limitation of the above-mentioned components or structures.

[0051] See also Figure 1 The self-locking RF connector of this embodiment includes a socket 10 and a plug 20. The socket 10 and the plug 20 are plug-in connected. A locking assembly is also provided between the socket 10 and the plug 20 for locking the plugged state after the socket 10 and the plug 20 are plugged in.

[0052] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3 The locking assembly includes a spring piece 31, a locking tongue 32 and a support arm 33. The locking assembly is provided with two groups, which are respectively located on both sides of the plug 20; the spring piece 31 has a fixed end and a free end, the locking tongue 32 is arranged at the free end of the spring piece 31, and the fixed end of the spring piece 31 is arranged on the plug 20. The socket 10 has a corresponding groove 34 that cooperates with the locking tongue 32. During the plug-in process of the plug 20 and the socket 10, the spring piece 31 is deformed to make the locking tongue 32 avoid the socket 10. When the plug 20 and the socket 10 are fully inserted, the spring piece 31 is deformed to make the locking tongue 32 embed into the groove 34.

[0053] The plug 20 has a retaining portion 21, which has a through hole 21a that penetrates the retaining portion 21 along the insertion direction. A slidable support arm 33 is provided in the through hole 21a. The support arm 33 remains in contact with the spring sheet 31. During the insertion of the plug 20 and the socket 10, the spring sheet 31 and the lock tongue 32 are exposed outside the support arm 33. When the plug 20 and the socket 10 are fully inserted, the support arm 33 is moved to completely or partially cover the spring sheet 31, so that the lock tongue 32 cannot be deformed by the spring sheet 31 and escape from the embedding groove 34.

[0054] The spring piece 31 and the housing of the plug 20 are integrally formed by injection molding. The spring piece 31 is made of a metal sheet having elasticity. The locking tongue 32 is made of a rigid material and is fastened to the free end of the spring piece 31 by a screw.

[0055] A warping portion 31a is formed on the spring sheet 31 by a metal stamping process, the opening of the warping portion 31a faces the locking tongue 32, and the warping direction of the warping portion 31a faces the support arm 33; a recessed portion 33a is provided on the support arm 33, and the opening of the recessed portion 33a faces the warping portion 31a; when the support arm 33 moves to cover the spring sheet 31, the support arm 33 will squeeze the warping portion 31a to overlap with the spring sheet 31 until the warping portion 31a slides into the recessed portion 33a, and the warping portion 31a is reset and embedded in the recessed portion 33a, resisting the recessed portion 33a to limit the reverse movement of the support arm 33.

[0056] The recessed portion 33 a is provided in the shape of a hole penetrating the support arm 33 .

[0057] See also Figure 4, a chute 33b is further provided on the support arm 33, and a sliding piece 35 is slidably arranged in the chute 33b. The chute 33b is arranged on the contact surface with the elastic piece 31, and the chute 33b covers the recess 33a. The sliding direction of the sliding piece 35 is the same as the insertion and extraction direction. An arc-shaped protrusion 35a is arranged at the lower end of the sliding piece 35. The highest point of the arc-shaped protrusion 35a is flush with the surface of the support arm, and the end of the warping portion 31a is also correspondingly set as an arc surface.

[0058] A folding portion 33c is provided at the upper end of the support arm 33. The folding portion 33c can be folded into a vertical state and coincide with the support arm 33 to extend the length of the support arm 33 for relieving the support on the elastic piece 31; the folding portion 33c can be folded into a horizontal state to limit the length of the support arm 33 for accurately locking the elastic piece 31.

[0059] More specifically, during insertion and locking, the folding portion 33c is in a horizontal state. After the socket 10 and the plug 20 are inserted and combined, the support arm 33 is pressed down to the bottom, so that the support arm 33 can cover the elastic piece 31. At the same time, the warping portion 31a is embedded in the recess 33a. In this state, the folding portion 33c is also inserted and combined with the plug 20, compressing the top space, which is beneficial to the release of the space above the plug 20 and improves the integration degree; during unlocking, the folding portion 33c is folded into a vertical state, and then the support arm 33 can be pressed down again until the warping portion 31a slides onto the sliding piece 35, and then the support arm 33 is pulled up.

[0060] A clamping block 22 is arranged on the plug 20, and a clamping groove is formed between at least two clamping blocks 22 for fixing the folding portion 33c.

[0061] The usage method of the self-locking RF connector in this embodiment is as follows:

[0062] Insert the socket 10 and the plug 20, and keep the elastic piece 31 exposed outside the support arm 33, and the locking tongue 32 corresponds to the insertion groove 34 in position;

[0063] When the socket 10 and the plug 20 are inserted in place, the locking tongue 32 is engaged with the insertion groove 34, and the support arm 33 is pressed downward to make the support arm 33 cover the elastic piece 31 until the warping portion 31a is embedded in the recess 33a to complete the locking;

[0064] Press the support arm 33 downward to make the warping portion 31a slide into the sliding piece 35, and then lift the support arm 33 upward to make the warping portion 31a slide out of the support arm 33 to complete the unlocking.

[0065] Embodiment 2

[0066] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the different structure of the support arm 33.

[0067] See Figure 4, the length of the support arm 33 should be greater than that in the first embodiment, and its length should be approximately equivalent to the sum of the lengths of the support arm 33 and the folding part 33c in the first embodiment. The support arms 33 are connected into one body by a connecting rod 36, and the connecting rod 36 can be used to control the activities of the support arms 33 on both sides simultaneously, improving the operational convenience when the connector is inserted.

[0068] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than limiting it.

Claims

1. A self-locking radio frequency connector, comprising a plug-in connected socket and a plug, wherein a locking assembly is arranged between the socket and the plug, characterized in that: The locking assembly includes a spring, a locking tongue and a support arm; One end of the spring sheet is fixedly connected to the plug, and the other end of the spring sheet is provided with a locking tongue; The support arm is movably fitted to the outer side of the spring sheet; The socket is provided with an embedding groove; When the plug is plugged into the socket, the spring sheet is deformed to allow the lock tongue to avoid the socket; after the socket is plugged into the plug, the lock tongue is embedded in the embedding groove, and the support arm is moved to cover the spring sheet, so that the lock tongue remains in a locked state embedded in the embedding groove.

2. The self-locking RF connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug is provided with a holding portion, the holding portion is provided with a through hole penetrating the holding portion along the plugging direction, and the support arm is movably arranged in the through hole.

3. The self-locking RF connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring sheet has a warping portion facing outward, and the support arm has a recessed portion facing inward. When the warping portion is embedded in the recessed portion, the movement of the support arm along the separation direction is restricted.

4. The self-locking RF connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support arm is provided with a slide groove, a sliding slide is provided in the slide groove, the slide groove is provided on the contact surface with the spring sheet, the slide groove covers the recessed portion, the sliding direction of the slide is the same as the plugging and unplugging direction, an arc-shaped protrusion is provided at the lower end of the slide, the highest point of the arc-shaped protrusion is flush with the surface of the support arm, and the end of the warped portion is also provided with an arc surface.

5. The self-locking radio frequency connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The upper end of the support arm is provided with a folding portion.

6. The self-locking radio frequency connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plug is provided with a clamping block and a clamping slot formed by the clamping block, and the folding portion can be clamped and fixed in the clamping slot.

7. The self-locking radio frequency connector according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The recessed portion is a groove or a hole.

8. The self-locking radio frequency connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking components are arranged in two groups, which are respectively located at two sides of the plug, and the top ends of the support arms in the two groups of locking components are fixedly connected by a connecting rod.

9. A self-locking method, characterized in that: The self-locking method is applied to the self-locking RF connector according to claim 1, and the self-locking method is: Plug the socket and the plug together, keeping the spring exposed outside the support arm and the lock tongue corresponding to the position of the groove; When the socket and the plug are plugged into place, the locking tongue engages with the embedding groove, pressing the support arm downward so that the support arm covers the spring sheet, thus completing the locking.

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