Connector internal waterproof sealing structure

Abstract

The application provides a connector internal waterproof sealing structure and relates to the technical field of radio frequency connectors.The connector internal waterproof sealing structure comprises a glue shell, an O-shaped ring, a fixing ring, an outer conductor assembly, a waterproof plug and a rear cover, the outer conductor assembly is inserted through the fixing ring, the axis of the fixing ring is coincident with that of the outer conductor assembly, the waterproof plug is located between the fixing ring and the outer conductor assembly, and the fixing ring is provided with an anti-falling mechanism.The application provides a connector internal waterproof sealing structure, so that the outer conductor assembly and the fixing ring are coaxial, the stable transmission of radio frequency signals is ensured, the anti-falling mechanism of the fixing ring can constrain the outer conductor assembly and prevent it from falling off during assembly, the assembly stability is improved, the gap between the glue shell and the fixing ring is radially sealed by the O-shaped ring, the waterproof plug blocks the gap at the tail of the connector and blocks the inward intrusion of water vapor, the rear cover axially positions the internal assembly, maintains the effective work of the sealing and anti-falling mechanisms, the whole relies on elastic members for sealing, the amount of sealing materials is reduced, and a structural basis is provided for the lightweight sealing materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radio frequency connector technology, and in particular to a waterproof sealing structure inside a connector. Background Technology

[0002] MINIFAKRA connectors are used for radio frequency signal transmission and are widely applied in communications, automotive electronics, and other fields. The sealing structure of a MINIFAKRA connector is the core structure for achieving mechanical connection, waterproofing, and stable operation. Its structural design directly affects the connector's waterproof performance, assembly compatibility, and service life.

[0003] Existing MINIFAKRA connectors lack an effective axial restraint structure between the female outer conductor and the retaining component during assembly. This allows the outer conductor assembly to easily move axially after insertion into the retaining component, potentially causing it to detach during assembly or use, thus affecting the connector's electrical performance and mechanical stability. Furthermore, the internal sealing structure of existing MINIFAKRA connectors typically uses a single seal, resulting in a short sealing path and limited sealing effectiveness, making it difficult to meet high-level waterproofing requirements. Additionally, the existing sealing structures require a large amount of sealing material, hindering lightweight product design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the technical problems existing in the background art, the present invention proposes an internal waterproof sealing structure for connectors.

[0005] The present invention proposes an internal waterproof sealing structure for a connector, comprising a housing, an O-ring, a retaining ring, an outer conductor assembly, a waterproof plug, and a back cover. The outer conductor assembly is inserted through the retaining ring, and the axis of the retaining ring coincides with that of the outer conductor assembly. The waterproof plug is located between the retaining ring and the outer conductor assembly. The retaining ring is provided with an anti-detachment mechanism to prevent the outer conductor assembly from falling off during assembly. The rubber shell is fitted onto the retaining ring, and the O-ring is disposed between the rubber shell and the retaining ring; The back cover is fitted onto the outer conductor assembly and the end of the housing.

[0006] Preferably, the anti-detachment mechanism includes an outer conductor front stop buckle; the number of the outer conductor front stop buckles is two, and the two outer conductor front stop buckles are symmetrically connected to the front end of the fixing ring. The outer conductor assembly is provided with a front stop buckle outer ring, and the lateral section of the outer conductor front stop buckle abuts against the front stop buckle outer ring.

[0007] Preferably, the anti-detachment mechanism further includes an outer conductor backstop; the number of the outer conductor backstops is two, and the two outer conductor backstops are symmetrically connected in the fixing ring. The outer periphery of the outer conductor assembly is provided with a backstop groove, and the lateral section of the outer conductor backstop can be inserted into the backstop groove.

[0008] Preferably, the outer periphery of the fixing ring is provided with an O-ring groove, the O-ring is fitted in the O-ring groove, and the outer periphery of the O-ring is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the rubber shell.

[0009] Preferably, a waterproof plug groove is formed on the inner wall of the end of the outer conductor assembly away from the outer conductor stop buckle, the waterproof plug is located in the waterproof plug groove, and the outer periphery of the waterproof plug is interference-fitted with the ring wall of the waterproof plug groove.

[0010] Preferably, the inner wall of the housing is provided with a stop step, and the end of the outer conductor stop buckle abuts against the stop step.

[0011] Preferably, the rear cover includes an inner ring; the inner ring is fitted onto the outer conductor assembly, and the end of the inner ring abuts against the waterproof plug.

[0012] Preferably, the rear cover further includes an outer ring sleeve; the outer ring sleeve is fitted onto the end of the rubber shell, the outer periphery of the rubber shell is provided with snap-fit ​​protrusions, and the outer ring sleeve is provided with snap-fit ​​grooves that are adapted to the snap-fit ​​protrusions.

[0013] Preferably, the front end of the housing is further provided with a front waterproof structure, which cooperates with the socket end.

[0014] The connector internal waterproof sealing structure proposed in this invention has the following beneficial effects: By inserting the outer conductor assembly through the retaining ring with their axes aligned, the RF impedance consistency of the MINIFAKRA female connector can be ensured, reducing RF signal reflection and transmission loss, and guaranteeing stable RF signal transmission. The anti-detachment mechanism on the retaining ring provides axial constraint on the outer conductor assembly during assembly, preventing it from detaching from the retaining ring and improving the mechanical stability and yield of the assembly process. The O-ring positioned between the housing and the retaining ring forms a radial sealing barrier over the assembly gap, preventing external moisture from seeping into the connector. The waterproof plug positioned between the retaining ring and the outer conductor assembly seals the connector tail gap, forming a tail sealing barrier to prevent moisture from entering the connector from the cable insertion end. The rear cover, fitted onto both the outer conductor assembly and the housing, provides axial constraint and positioning for the entire internal assembly, maintaining the assembly positions of the seals and the outer conductor assembly, ensuring the sealing structure and anti-detachment mechanism remain in effective working condition. The entire assembly adopts a combination of a housing, O-ring, retaining ring, outer conductor assembly, waterproof plug, and back cover. It relies on elastic sealing elements to achieve the sealing function, eliminating the need for extensive potting and reducing the use of sealing materials. This provides a structural basis for achieving lightweight sealing materials. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of a waterproof sealing structure inside a connector proposed in this invention. Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of an internal waterproof sealing structure for a connector proposed in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the retaining ring and the outer conductor assembly in the internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector proposed in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the front end structure of the fixing ring in the internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector proposed in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rear end structure of the fixing ring in the internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector proposed in this invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 2. O-ring; 3. Retaining ring; 4. Outer conductor assembly; 5. Waterproof plug; 6. Outer conductor front stop buckle; 7. Outer ring of the front stop buckle; 8. Outer conductor rear stop buckle; 9. Rear stop ring groove; 10. O-ring groove; 11. Waterproof plug groove; 12. Back cover; 13. Front waterproof structure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Reference Figures 1-5This invention proposes an internal waterproof sealing structure for a connector, including a housing 1, an O-ring 2, a retaining ring 3, an outer conductor assembly 4, a waterproof plug 5, and a rear cover 12. The outer conductor assembly 4 is inserted through the retaining ring 3, with the axes of the retaining ring 3 and the outer conductor assembly 4 coinciding. The waterproof plug 5 is located between the retaining ring 3 and the outer conductor assembly 4. The retaining ring 3 is equipped with an anti-detachment mechanism to prevent the outer conductor assembly 4 from falling off during assembly. The housing 1 is fitted onto the retaining ring 3, the O-ring 2 is positioned between the housing 1 and the retaining ring 3, and the rear cover 12 is fitted onto the outer conductor assembly 4 at the end of the housing 1. This structure is an internal waterproof sealing structure for a MINIFAKRA female connector, mainly used in the fields of automotive electronics and communications for radio frequency signal transmission. It directly uses the main component frame of the existing MINIFAKRA female connector without modifying the external shape of the connector, and is compatible with existing wiring harness assembly conditions. The coaxial arrangement avoids radio frequency performance degradation caused by component eccentricity, providing subsequent anti-detachment limiting and multi-level sealing functions.

[0018] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the anti-detachment mechanism includes an outer conductor front stop 6; there are two outer conductor front stop 6s, which are symmetrically connected to the front end of the fixing ring 3. The outer conductor assembly 4 is provided with a front stop outer ring 7. The transverse section of the outer conductor front stop 6 abuts against the front stop outer ring 7. The outer conductor front stop 6 is integrally formed on the fixing ring 3. During the assembly process of the outer conductor assembly 4 being installed into the fixing ring 3, the front stop outer ring 7 contacts the transverse stop edge of the outer conductor front stop 6. The outer conductor front stop 6 forms an axial limit in the forward direction on the front stop outer ring 7, preventing the outer conductor assembly 4 from continuing to move forward, thus achieving the front stop function and avoiding excessive forward displacement of the outer conductor assembly 4, which would cause damage to the internal radio frequency contact structure.

[0019] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the anti-detachment mechanism also includes an outer conductor rear stop buckle 8; there are two outer conductor rear stop buckles 8, which are symmetrically connected inside the fixing ring 3. The outer periphery of the outer conductor assembly 4 is provided with a rear stop groove 9. The transverse section of the outer conductor rear stop buckle 8 can be inserted into the rear stop groove 9. The outer conductor rear stop buckle 8 is an elastic buckle integrally formed with the fixing ring 3. During assembly, the outer conductor assembly 4 is pushed into the fixing ring 3 from the rear end, and the outer wall of the outer conductor assembly 4 opens the outer conductor rear stop buckle 8. When the rear stop groove 9 moves to the outer conductor rear stop buckle 8... Position: The outer conductor rear stop buckle 8 elastically resets and engages with the rear stop ring groove 9, hooking the outer conductor assembly 4 from the rear to achieve the rear stop anti-retraction function; the outer conductor front stop buckle 6 cooperates with the outer conductor rear stop buckle 8, and through the front and rear stop bidirectional limiting structure, prevents the outer conductor assembly 4 from falling off the fixing ring 3 during assembly; relying on the fixing ring 3 itself to integrate the front and rear stop limiting structure, there is no need for additional retaining rings, snap rings and other parts, which not only achieves anti-fall-off during the assembly of the outer conductor assembly 4, but also reduces the number of parts, providing a structural basis for the lightweight sealing system.

[0020] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer circumference of the retaining ring 3 is provided with an O-ring groove 10, and the O-ring 2 is fitted into the O-ring groove 10. The outer circumference of the O-ring 2 is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the housing 1. The O-ring 2 is pre-assembled inside the O-ring groove 10. When the retaining ring 3 is installed into the housing 1, the O-ring 2 is squeezed by the inner wall of the housing 1 and undergoes elastic deformation, filling the assembly gap between the outer circle of the retaining ring 3 and the inner wall of the housing 1, preventing moisture from seeping inward along the gap between the housing 1 and the retaining ring 3. The O-ring groove 10 constrains the O-ring 2, so that the O-ring 2 will not shift or twist under the vibration condition of the connector, ensuring that the radial seal remains effective. As a radial sealing element, the O-ring 2 differs from traditional potting sealant, using less sealing material, achieving the goal of lightweight sealing material. The sealing element is limited by the groove, resulting in good vibration resistance.

[0021] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, a waterproof plug groove 11 is provided on the inner wall of the end of the outer conductor assembly 4 away from the outer conductor stop buckle 6. The waterproof plug 5 is located in the waterproof plug groove 11. The outer periphery of the waterproof plug 5 is interference-fitted with the ring wall of the waterproof plug groove 11. The waterproof plug 5 is installed in the waterproof plug groove 11 to form a tail seal, which blocks the gap of the cable access end and prevents water vapor from entering the interior from the tail of the connector, thus forming a second sealing barrier.

[0022] like Figure 2As shown, the inner wall of the housing 1 is provided with a stop step, the end of the outer conductor stop buckle 6 abuts against the stop step, the fixing ring 3 is inserted into the housing 1, and the end face of the outer conductor stop buckle 6 abuts against the stop step inside the housing 1, thereby limiting the fixing ring 3 forward and preventing the thrust during male terminal insertion from pushing the fixing ring 3 further into the housing 1, ensuring that the assembly positions of the O-ring 2 and the waterproof plug 5 do not shift.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rear cover 12 includes an inner ring; the inner ring is fitted onto the outer conductor assembly 4, and the end of the inner ring abuts against the waterproof plug 5. After the rear cover 12 is assembled, the inner ring applies an axial preload to the waterproof plug 5, so that the waterproof plug 5 is always pressed tightly inside the waterproof plug groove 11, preventing the waterproof plug 5 from falling off under high and low temperature alternation and vibration conditions, and maintaining the interference seal at the tail.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rear cover 12 also includes an outer ring sleeve; the outer ring sleeve is fitted onto the end of the housing 1, and the outer periphery of the housing 1 is provided with snap-fit ​​protrusions. The outer ring sleeve is provided with snap-fit ​​grooves that are adapted to the snap-fit ​​protrusions. The rear cover 12 is snap-locked and assembled with the housing 1 through the outer ring sleeve, locking the axial position of the rear cover 12 and ensuring that the inner ring sleeve of the rear cover 12 continuously applies pre-tightening force to the waterproof plug 5. No screw fastening is required, the assembly operation is simple, and it is suitable for batch assembly operations in wire harness factories.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the front end of the housing 1 is also provided with a front waterproof structure 13. The front waterproof structure 13 cooperates with the socket end. When the MINIFAKRA female connector and the mating MINIFAKRA male connector are plugged in, the front waterproof structure 13 fits and squeezes against the outer wall of the MINIFAKRA male connector housing, sealing the male-female end mating gap and forming the first front seal. Combined with the radial seal in the middle of the O-ring 2 and the tail seal of the waterproof plug 5, three independent sealing barriers are formed at the front, middle and tail, respectively blocking the three water ingress paths: the mating gap, the gap between the housing 1 and the fixing ring 3, and the tail cable gap, to achieve an IPX9 waterproof rating.

[0026] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waterproof sealing structure inside a connector, characterized in that, The assembly includes a housing (1), an O-ring (2), a retaining ring (3), an outer conductor assembly (4), a waterproof plug (5), and a back cover (12). The outer conductor assembly (4) is inserted through the retaining ring (3), and the axes of the retaining ring (3) and the outer conductor assembly (4) coincide. The waterproof plug (5) is located between the retaining ring (3) and the outer conductor assembly (4). The retaining ring (3) is provided with an anti-detachment mechanism, which is used to prevent the outer conductor assembly (4) from falling off during assembly. The plastic shell (1) is fitted onto the fixing ring (3), and the O-ring (2) is disposed between the plastic shell (1) and the fixing ring (3); The back cover (12) is fitted onto the outer conductor assembly (4) at the end of the housing (1).

2. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The anti-detachment mechanism includes an outer conductor front buckle (6); there are two outer conductor front buckles (6), and the two outer conductor front buckles (6) are symmetrically connected to the front end of the fixing ring (3). The outer conductor assembly (4) is provided with a front buckle outer ring (7), and the transverse section of the outer conductor front buckle (6) abuts against the front buckle outer ring (7).

3. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The anti-detachment mechanism also includes an outer conductor back stop buckle (8); there are two outer conductor back stop buckles (8), and the two outer conductor back stop buckles (8) are symmetrically connected in the fixing ring (3). The outer periphery of the outer conductor assembly (4) is provided with a back stop groove (9), and the transverse section of the outer conductor back stop buckle (8) can be inserted into the back stop groove (9).

4. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the fixing ring (3) is provided with an O-ring groove (10), and the O-ring (2) is fitted in the O-ring groove (10). The outer periphery of the O-ring (2) is interference-fitted with the inner wall of the rubber shell (1).

5. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer conductor assembly (4) has a waterproof plug groove (11) on the inner wall of the end away from the outer conductor stop buckle (6). The waterproof plug (5) is located in the waterproof plug groove (11), and the outer periphery of the waterproof plug (5) is interference-fitted with the ring wall of the waterproof plug groove (11).

6. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing (1) is provided with a stop step, and the end of the outer conductor stop buckle (6) abuts against the stop step.

7. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear cover (12) includes an inner ring; the inner ring is fitted onto the outer conductor assembly (4), and the end of the inner ring abuts against the waterproof plug (5).

8. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The rear cover (12) also includes an outer ring sleeve; the outer ring sleeve is fitted onto the end of the rubber shell (1), the outer periphery of the rubber shell (1) is provided with snap-fit ​​protrusions, and the outer ring sleeve is provided with snap-fit ​​grooves that are adapted to the snap-fit ​​protrusions.

9. The internal waterproof sealing structure of a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the housing (1) is also provided with a front waterproof structure (13), which is in conjunction with the socket end.

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