A radio frequency coaxial connector and method of assembling the same

Abstract

The application discloses a radio frequency coaxial connector and an assembling method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of radio frequency connectors. The radio frequency coaxial connector comprises a main shell, a tail shell, a wire clamp and an inner conductor assembly; the wire clamp is arranged on the tail shell, and the tail shell and the main shell are assembled into an integrated body before wire connection. During assembly, the tail shell and the main shell are fixedly connected to form a pre-assembled body, then a wire provided with a pin and an insulating spacer is assembled into the pre-assembled body, and finally the shielding layer is compressed by the wire clamp. The wire clamp is integrated on the tail shell, and the tail shell and the main shell are pre-assembled before wire connection, so that the traditional process of "wire connection first and shell assembly later" is changed, the difficulty of wire compression assembly and the risk of wire core stress fracture are avoided, the assembly process is simplified, and the production efficiency and product reliability are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radio frequency connector technology, and more specifically, to a radio frequency coaxial connector and its assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] RF coaxial connectors are widely used in communications, aerospace, medical equipment, and other fields to achieve the transmission of radio frequency signals. When connecting extremely thin coaxial wires, in order to ensure impedance matching, the inner diameter of the housing at the root of the connector needs to be reduced. Therefore, the housing usually needs to be designed as a split structure, for example, consisting of a main housing 1 and a tail housing 2.

[0003] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a typical RF coaxial connector includes a main housing 1 and a tail housing 2. A bushing 3 is provided on the tail housing 2. The inner diameter of the part of the tail housing 2 that mates with the main housing 1 decreases. The two are typically connected by knurled interference fit or threaded engagement (as shown at point A in the figure). During product manufacturing, only the main housing 1 can be pre-assembled, while the tail housing 2 and bushing 3 (which are fixedly connected to the tail housing 2, specifically...) Figure 1-4 The components (including the central one-piece molding), wire clamp 4, pin 5, and insulating spacer 6) are all supplied as individual parts and cannot be pre-assembled. Figure 3 As shown, during wiring, the operator first places the pin 5 onto the wire 7, then sequentially places the insulating spacer 6, the tail housing 2 (including the bushing 3 and the clamp 41), and the clamp 4 onto the wire 7. Next, the wire core 702 of the wire 7 is soldered to the pin 5 (as shown at point B in the figure). Figure 4 As shown, after welding, the shielding layer 701 of the conductor 7 is crimped to the bushing 3, and then the wire clamp 4 is pressed tightly onto the outside of the shielding layer 701. Finally, a special tooling is used to press the entire assembly into the main housing 1 to complete the assembly.

[0004] The existing structure described above has the following technical problems: First, since the tail housing 2 and the main housing 1 must be press-fitted while the wire is in the connected state, the entire wiring process is highly dependent on special tooling, requires high operational skills, is not conducive to users wiring themselves, and is not suitable for large-scale production. Second, there are many loosely assembled parts, which can easily lead to part loss or incorrect matching, increasing the difficulty of material management and production costs. Third, if the main housing 1 and the tail housing 2 are connected by a threaded connection, the weld between the wire core 702 of the conductor 7 and the pin 5 will be subjected to torsional force during the thread tightening process, which can easily lead to the breakage of the wire core 702, posing a serious quality hazard. Fourth, the root cause of the above problems is that in the traditional structure, the wire core 702 of the conductor 7 needs to withstand external force during the press-fitting process while the main housing 1 and the tail housing 2 must be assembled after the wiring is completed, making pre-assembly impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the following technical problems existing in the wiring and assembly process of existing radio frequency coaxial connectors: complex assembly process, reliance on special tooling, large number of loose parts, and quality risks of wire core breakage when the threads are screwed on.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an RF coaxial connector and its manufacturing method, the technical solution of which is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a radio frequency coaxial connector, comprising: main housing; The tail section housing is fixedly connected to the main housing. A wire clamp, disposed on the tail housing, is used to crimp the shielding layer of the wire; An inner conductor assembly for electrical connection with the core of a conductor includes a pin and an insulating spacer for supporting and insulating the pin. The tail housing and the main housing are assembled as one unit before the wires are connected.

[0007] Preferably, the tail housing and the main housing are connected by interference fit, threaded connection, riveting, or integral molding.

[0008] Preferably, the connection between the wire clamp and the tail housing is a knurled, threaded, riveted, or integrally formed structure.

[0009] Preferably, it further includes a bushing, which is provided independently of the tail housing, for fitting onto the wire and placing it inside the shielding layer during wiring, and the wire clamp is used to press the shielding layer against the outside of the bushing.

[0010] Preferably, the bushing is provided with an assembly limiting feature for positioning when assembled into the tail housing.

[0011] Preferably, the assembly limiting feature is a flange extending radially outward on the side of the bushing away from the pin, wherein the outer diameter of the flange is larger than the inner diameter of the clamp.

[0012] Secondly, the present invention provides an assembly method for an RF coaxial connector, comprising the following steps: S1. Pre-assembly step: Fix the tail housing with wire clamps to the main housing to form a pre-assembled body; S2. Wiring preparation steps: Install the pin and insulating spacer on the wire, and electrically connect the wire core to the pin; S3. Assembly steps: Insert the wires with pins and insulating spacers into the pre-assembled body; S4. Shielding layer crimping step: The shielding layer of the wire is crimped by the wire clamp on the pre-assembled body.

[0013] Preferably, step S2 further includes the step of fitting the bushing onto the conductor.

[0014] Preferably, the specific installation method of the bushing is as follows: first, the bushing is put onto the conductor, and then the shielding layer is folded outward at the end face of the bushing near the insulating spacer, so that the bushing is placed between the conductor sheath and the shielding layer.

[0015] Preferably, in step S3, the bushing is positioned to a preset position by means of a limiting feature on the bushing.

[0016] Preferably, after assembly in step S4, the inner wall of the bushing is in close contact with the wire sheath, and the outer wall is in close contact with the wire shielding layer.

[0017] Preferably, in step S2, the pin and the wire core are electrically connected by crimping or welding.

[0018] Beneficial effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) The present invention integrates the wire clamp onto the tail housing and pre-assembles the tail housing and the main housing into a pre-assembled body before wiring. When wiring, the operator does not need to perform assembly operations between the two housing parts, and does not need to use special press-fit tooling, which significantly reduces the technical requirements and tool dependence of the operator, and is conducive to users' self-wiring operation and large-scale production.

[0019] (2) The present invention integrates the wire clamp and the tail housing, reducing the number of independent parts and avoiding problems such as mismatch and loss of parts during turnover and transportation caused by too many parts in the traditional structure.

[0020] (3) In this invention, the tail housing and the main housing are assembled into one unit before wiring. During the wiring process, there is no need for interference fit or thread engagement between the two housing parts. When a threaded connection structure is used, since the thread tightening operation is completed before wiring, the wire core is no longer subjected to torsional force during the wiring process, which completely avoids the risk of the wire core and the pin welding joint breaking due to force.

[0021] (4) The connector of the present invention is also provided with a bushing, which can be selected and used as needed. By adjusting the diameter of the bushing, the shielding layer of the wire can be folded outward at the end face of the bushing, and the wire sheath can be inserted into the inner diameter of the bushing, so that the inner wall of the bushing is in close contact with the wire sheath and the outer wall is in close contact with the shielding layer, forming a firm mechanical fixing structure. When the tail wire is pulled or twisted by external force, the wire sheath will not move out relative to the shielding layer, effectively preventing the shielding layer from being exposed, and improving the reliability and service life of the connector.

[0022] (5) The present invention provides assembly limiting features (such as radially outward extending flanges) on the bushing, which can accurately position the bushing to a preset position during the assembly process, ensuring the relative positional accuracy between the inner conductor assembly and the outer shell, thereby ensuring the stable transmission of radio frequency signals. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing radio frequency coaxial connector.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled design of an existing RF coaxial connector.

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram for wiring preparation in the prior art.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shielding layer crimping in the existing technology.

[0027] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the structure of the radio frequency coaxial connector in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of wiring preparation in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the wiring completed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the bushing structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Main housing, 2. Tail housing, 3. Bushing, 301. Flange, 4. Wire clamp, 5. Pin, 6. Insulating plate, 7. Wire, 701. Shielding layer, 702. Wire core, 703. Wire sheath, 704. Insulation layer.

[0032] The letters in the diagram mean: A represents the area where the main housing 1 and the tail housing 2 are interference-fitted or threaded; B represents the welding point; and C represents the positioning surface. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and 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 protection scope of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0036] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the radio frequency coaxial connector provided by the present invention includes a main housing 1, a tail housing 2, a wire clamp 4, an inner conductor assembly, and a bushing 3 (optional). The wire 7 includes, from the outside to the inside, a wire sheath 703, a shielding layer 701, an insulating layer 704, and a wire core 701. Its specific structure and assembly method are described in detail below.

[0037] The main housing 1 is the external body structure of the RF coaxial connector, and its interior has a cavity for accommodating the inner conductor assembly. One end of the main housing 1 is used to mate with the mating connector, and the other end is used to connect with the tail housing 2.

[0038] The tail housing 2 is fixedly connected to the main housing 1. Specifically, the tail housing 2 and the main housing 1 can be fixedly connected by means of interference fit, threaded connection, riveting, or integral molding. The tail housing 2 and the main housing 1 are assembled as a whole before the wires are connected, forming a pre-assembled body. This pre-assembled structure is one of the core innovations of this invention. It separates the assembly operation between the two housing parts from the wiring operation, avoiding the problem of assembling the housings while the wires are connected in the traditional structure.

[0039] The wire clamp 4 has a cylindrical structure and is mounted on the tail housing 2. The wire clamp 4 and the tail housing 2 can be fixedly connected using assembly methods such as knurling, threaded connection, riveting, or integral molding, depending on actual needs. Figure 5 In the middle, the wire clamp 4 is integrally formed with the tail housing 2, that is, the wire clamp 4 is part of the tail housing 2, and is used to press the shielding layer 701 of the wire 7 from the outside when wiring.

[0040] The inner conductor assembly, used for electrical connection with the core of the conductor 7, includes a pin 5 and an insulating spacer 6. The pin 5 is made of conductive material, with one end for electrical connection to the core of the conductor 7 and the other end for mating with the center conductor of the mating connector. The insulating spacer 6 is made of insulating material (such as polytetrafluoroethylene) and is used to support and insulate the pin 5, ensuring electrical isolation between the pin 5 and the tail housing 2, while also achieving impedance matching. The insulating spacer 6 is typically located inside the main housing 1. The specific function and structure of the insulating spacer 6 are prior art and will not be described further in this invention.

[0041] Bushing 3 has a tubular structure and can be selected according to requirements. Bushing 3 can be used in applications requiring enhanced tensile and torsional resistance at the tail end; it can be omitted in applications where tail performance requirements are not high. When bushing 3 is used, its inner diameter matches the diameter of the wire 7. Bushing 3 is used to fit over the wire 7 during wiring and is positioned inside the shielding layer 701, partially located in the area covered by the wire clamp 4. After installation, the inner wall of bushing 3 is tightly against the wire sheath 703 of the wire 7, and the outer wall of bushing 3 is tightly against the shielding layer 701 of the wire 7.

[0042] like Figure 8 As shown, the bushing 3 may be provided with an assembly limiting feature for positioning when assembled into the tail housing 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly limiting feature is a flange 301 extending radially outward on the side of the bushing 3 away from the pin 5, the outer diameter of the flange 301 being larger than the inner diameter of the wire clamp 4. When the bushing 3 is inserted into the tail housing 2, the flange 301 abuts against the corresponding end face of the tail housing 2 (as shown at point C in the figure), thereby limiting the axial position of the bushing 3 and ensuring assembly accuracy.

[0043] The following is combined with Figures 5 to 7 The assembly method of the radio frequency coaxial connector of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0044] When bushing 3 is selected, the assembly method includes the following steps: S1. Pre-assembly step: The tail housing 2, equipped with wire clamp 4, is fixedly connected to the main housing 1 to form a pre-assembled body. This step is completed before the wiring operation, that is, the tail housing 2 and the main housing 1 are assembled as one unit before the wires are connected. Specifically, the tail housing 2 and the main housing 1 can be fixedly connected by methods such as interference fit, threaded connection, riveting, or integral molding. This sequential arrangement is one of the core innovations of this invention, which separates the assembly operation between the two housing parts from the wiring operation, avoiding the problem in traditional structures where housing assembly must be performed while the wires are connected. S2. Wiring preparation steps: Strip one end of the wire 7 to expose the core 702, retaining the shielding layer 701; install the pin 5, insulating spacer 6, and bushing 3 on the wire 7, wherein the pin 5 is connected to the core 702 of the wire 7, the insulating spacer 6 passes through the core 702, and the bushing 3 passes through the wire 7, with its inner wall tightly against the wire sheath 703 of the wire 7; fold the shielding layer 701 of the wire 7 outward at the end face of the bushing 3 near the insulating spacer 6; the bushing 3 is placed inside the shielding layer 701; S3. Assembly steps: Insert the wire 7, which is equipped with the pin 5, insulating spacer 6 and bushing 3, into the pre-assembled body, and position it to the preset position (as shown at point C in the figure) through the flange 301 on the bushing 3 to ensure assembly accuracy. S4. Shielding layer crimping step: The folded shielding layer 701 is pressed onto the bushing 3 by the wire clamp 4 on the pre-assembled body to form a multi-layer clamping structure, which significantly enhances the mechanical connection strength.

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown, after the conductor 7 is assembled, the inner wall of the bushing 3 is tightly attached to the wire sheath 703 of the conductor 7, and the outer wall of the bushing 3 is tightly attached to the shielding layer 701 of the conductor 7. This tightly fitted structure ensures that when the tail conductor 7 is pulled or twisted by external force, the wire sheath 703 will not move or fall off relative to the shielding layer 701, effectively preventing the shielding layer 701 from being exposed.

[0046] When bushing 3 is not used, i.e., for applications where the tensile and torsional resistance requirements of the tail section are not high, the shielding layer 701 of the conductor 7 can be directly crimped at the clamp 4. In this case, the clamp 4 directly presses the shielding layer 701 onto the outer sheath of the conductor 7, achieving both electrical connection and mechanical fixation between the shielding layer 701 and the tail housing 2. This structure is simpler and less expensive.

[0047] This invention fixes the wire clamp 4, located outside the shielding layer 701 in a traditional connector, to the tail housing 2, and pre-assembles the tail housing 2 and the main housing 1 as a single unit before wiring. This structural innovation fundamentally changes the wiring sequence, transforming it from the traditional "wiring first, then assembling the housing" to "assembling the housing first, then wiring." Specifically, in the traditional structure, because the wire clamp 4 is separate from the tail housing 2, and the bushing 3 is fixedly connected to the tail housing 2, the tail housing 2 must be crimped with the shielding layer 701 by the wire clamp 4 before it can be assembled with the main housing 1, causing difficulties in crimping with wires. This invention integrates the wire clamp 4 onto the tail housing 2, allowing the tail housing 2 to be fixedly connected to the main housing 1 before wiring, forming a pre-assembled body. During wiring, the operator only needs to directly insert the inner conductor assembly with the wire core 702 already connected into the pre-assembled body, and then use the wire clamp 4 on the pre-assembled body to press the shielding layer 701. Throughout the wiring process, there is no need for any relative movement between the tail housing 2 and the main housing 1, thus completely avoiding the problem of stress on the wire core 702.

[0048] Furthermore, the bushing 3 is designed as an optional component, meaning it can be selected for use according to actual needs during wiring. When enhanced tensile and torsional resistance at the tail is required, the bushing 3 can be used. By adjusting the diameter of the bushing 3, the wire sheath 703 can be inserted into the inner diameter of the bushing 3, and the shielding layer 701 is turned outward at the end face of the bushing 3 and crimped by the wire clamp 4, thereby forming a tight mechanical fixing structure, effectively preventing the wire sheath 703 from shifting and coming out when the wire 7 is under force.

[0049] The radio frequency coaxial connector and its assembly method of the present invention have a reasonable structural design, simple assembly process, high production efficiency, and good reliability. They can be widely used in fields such as communications, aerospace, and medical equipment that require radio frequency signal transmission, and have good industrial applicability.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A radio frequency coaxial connector, characterized in that, include: Main shell (1); The tail housing (2) is fixedly connected to the main housing (1); A wire clamp (4) is disposed on the tail housing (2) for crimping the shielding layer (701) of the wire (7). The inner conductor assembly for electrical connection with the core (702) of the conductor (7) includes a pin (5) and an insulating spacer (6) for supporting and insulating the pin (5). The tail housing (2) and the main housing (1) are assembled as one unit before the wires are connected.

2. The RF coaxial connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tail housing (2) and the main housing (1) are connected by interference fit, threaded connection, riveting or integral molding.

3. The RF coaxial connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire clamp (4) and the tail housing (2) are connected by knurling, threaded connection, riveting, or integral molding.

4. The RF coaxial connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bushing (3), which is set independently of the tail housing (2) and is used to be fitted onto the wire (7) and placed inside the shielding layer (701) when wiring. The wire clamp (4) is used to press the shielding layer (701) against the outside of the bushing (3).

5. The RF coaxial connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bushing (3) is provided with an assembly limiting feature for positioning when assembled into the tail housing (2).

6. The RF coaxial connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The assembly limiting feature is a flange (301) that extends radially outward on the side of the bushing (3) away from the pin (5), and the outer diameter of the flange (301) is larger than the inner diameter of the clamp (4).

7. An assembly method for a radio frequency coaxial connector as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Pre-assembly step: The tail housing (2) with wire clamp (4) is fixedly connected to the main housing (1) to form a pre-assembled body; S2. Wiring preparation steps: Install the pin (5) and insulating spacer (6) on the wire (7) and electrically connect the wire core (702) of the wire (7) to the pin (5); S3. Assembly steps: Insert the wire (7) with the pin (5) and insulating spacer (6) into the pre-assembled body; S4, Shielding layer crimping step: The shielding layer (701) of the conductor (7) is crimped by the wire clamp (4) on the pre-assembled body.

8. The assembly method of the RF coaxial connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, Step S2 also includes the step of fitting the bushing (3) onto the wire (7).

9. The assembly method of the RF coaxial connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The specific installation method of the bushing (3) is as follows: First, the bushing (3) is put on the conductor (7), and then the shielding layer (701) is folded outward at the end face of the bushing (3) near the insulating spacer (6), so that the bushing (3) is placed between the wire sheath (703) of the conductor (7) and the shielding layer (701).

10. The assembly method of the RF coaxial connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step S3, the bushing (3) is positioned to a preset position by means of the limiting feature on the bushing (3).

11. The assembly method of the RF coaxial connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the assembly is completed in step S4, the inner wall of the bushing (3) is in close contact with the wire sheath (703) of the wire (7), and the outer wall is in close contact with the shielding layer (701) of the wire (7).

12. The assembly method of the RF coaxial connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S2, the pin (5) and the wire core (702) of the wire (7) are electrically connected by crimping or welding.

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