Multi-core floating connector and method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to a multi-core floating connector and its method, comprising a housing, multiple connectors, each connector including a coaxially arranged outer conductor assembly, an inner conductor assembly, and a dielectric assembly spaced between the two; the inner conductor assembly includes a first core, a second core, and a third core arranged sequentially along the axial direction; the third core is axially slidably connected to a first end of the second core, and a spring is provided between the two. This invention achieves elastic and stable electrical contact between the segments of the inner conductor assembly by configuring the inner conductor assembly as a three-segment structure including the first core, the second core, and the third core, wherein the first core and the second core use a slot with a circumferentially spaced contact spring to achieve elastic clamping electrical contact, and the third core is slidably disposed in the mounting groove of the second core by the spring, thus ensuring that the segments of the inner conductor maintain elastic and stable electrical contact during axial floating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to multi-core floating connectors and their operating methods. Background Technology

[0002] In multi-core RF coaxial connector applications, a floating mechanism is typically introduced inside the connector to compensate for axial assembly deviations, machining tolerances, and operating vibrations during multi-channel connections. In existing technologies, the floating of the inner conductor often employs a segmented mating structure, with each segment relying solely on simple cylindrical mating to achieve sliding electrical contact. Under repeated insertion / removal or continuous vibration conditions, this structure is prone to wear and oxidation at the contact points, leading to a significant increase in contact resistance or even momentary interruptions, causing signal transmission interruptions or instability. This problem severely restricts the overall reliability of the connection system, especially in high-frequency, multi-core parallel transmission applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention addresses the problems in the prior art by providing a multi-core floating connector and its method, the specific technical solution of which is as follows: On the one hand, this application provides a multi-core floating connector, including: The outer casing has multiple spaced-apart mounting holes inside. Multiple connectors are housed in each of the aforementioned mounting holes, and each connector includes an outer conductor assembly, an inner conductor assembly, and a dielectric body assembly spaced between them, all arranged coaxially. The inner conductor assembly includes a first core, a second core, and a third core arranged sequentially along the axial direction; The third core is axially slidably connected to the first end of the second core, and a spring is provided between the two. The first core is movably inserted into the second end of the second core, and an elastic clamping electrical contact is formed at the insertion point to allow the first core and the second core to move axially relative to each other while maintaining electrical connection.

[0004] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the insertion end of the first core has a conical structure; the second end of the second core has a slot, and the outer peripheral wall of the slot is provided with a plurality of grooves to form a plurality of circumferentially spaced contact springs; the conical structure is inserted into the slot, and the contact springs are elastically attached to the outer surface of the first core, thereby forming the elastic clamping electrical contact.

[0005] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the free ends of the plurality of contact springs II form an insertion port with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first core under normal conditions.

[0006] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the outer conductor assembly includes a plug, a rod, and a guide assembly; the rod is slidably inserted into the plug, and a spring is provided between the two; the guide assembly includes an inner guide and an outer guide that are plugged into each other, and an elastic contact portion for maintaining radial contact is provided between the two.

[0007] As a further technical solution of the present invention, a plurality of circumferentially spaced contact springs are formed on the inner guide member, and the contact springs are elastically pressed against the inner wall of the outer guide member to form the elastic contact portion.

[0008] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the insert includes a first section and a second section that are detachably connected, and the guide assembly and the second spring are both disposed in the second section.

[0009] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the dielectric body assembly includes dielectric body one, dielectric body two, dielectric body three, dielectric body four and dielectric body five arranged sequentially at intervals along the axial direction to support the inner conductor assembly at multiple positions and ensure its coaxiality with the outer conductor assembly.

[0010] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the first medium body and the fifth medium body are respectively disposed at the two ends of the connector; the second medium body and the third medium body are respectively disposed on both sides of the connection between the first core and the second core; and the fourth medium body is disposed at the guide assembly.

[0011] As a further technical solution of the present invention, the third core is partially exposed outside the second core under the action of the spring.

[0012] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for operating a multi-core floating connector, applicable to the multi-core floating connector described in any of the above technical solutions, characterized by comprising the following steps: During docking, the connector is subjected to an axial external force, and the third core and the first core move axially relative to the second core, compressing the spring. During this process, the insertion point of the first core and the second core always maintains elastic clamping electrical contact. Upon separation, the axial external force disappears, and the spring pushes the third core and / or the first core to reset, restoring them to their initial state.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) The present invention sets the inner conductor assembly into a three-segment structure including a first core, a second core and a third core. The first core and the second core are fitted with a slot with a circumferentially spaced contact spring to achieve elastic clamping electrical contact. The third core is slidably disposed in the mounting groove of the second core by a spring. This achieves that the segments of the inner conductor always maintain elastic and stable electrical contact during the axial floating process, thereby solving the problem of poor contact and signal interruption caused by simple cylindrical insertion when the inner conductor of the existing connector floats.

[0014] (2) By setting a telescopic structure consisting of a plug, a plug rod and a guide assembly including an inner guide and an outer guide in the outer conductor assembly, and making the contact spring formed on the inner guide always elastically press against the inner wall of the outer guide, reliable electrical continuity and radial centering of the outer conductor during axial floating are achieved, thereby solving the problem of reduced coaxiality and unstable electrical contact caused by swaying when the outer conductor floats.

[0015] (3) By setting the insert as a detachable first and second section, and accommodating the guide assembly and spring 2 in the second section, convenient maintenance and replacement of the internal spring and guide assembly are realized, thereby solving the problem of difficult maintenance and limited service life of the traditional integrated outer conductor floating structure.

[0016] (4) By arranging dielectric body one, dielectric body two, dielectric body three, dielectric body four and dielectric body five in sequence along the axial direction, and supporting each segment of the inner conductor assembly and the outer conductor assembly respectively, multi-point insulation is achieved to maintain the precise coaxiality between the inner and outer conductors at any floating position of the connector, thereby solving the problem of eccentricity and impedance mismatch between the inner and outer conductors due to the lack of effective multi-point support in the floating state. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the multi-core floating connector is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the outer casing is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connector structure is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the inner conductor assembly is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the core two structure is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the outer conductor assembly is shown. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the guiding component is shown; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the internal guide component is shown; Figure 9A schematic diagram of the structure of the medium body assembly is shown.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Outer shell; 11. Assembly holes; 12. Mounting fins; 20. Connectors; 21. Outer conductor assembly; 211. Insert; 2111. First section; 2112. Second section; 212. Insert rod; 213. Guide assembly; 2131. Inner guide; 21311. Slot one; 21312. Contact spring one; 2132. Outer guide; 22. Inner conductor assembly; 221. Core 1; 222. Core 2; 2221. Mounting slot; 2222. Slot; 2223. Slot 2; 2224. Contact spring 2; 223. Core 3; 23. Medium assembly; 231. Medium I; 232. Medium II; 233. Medium III; 234. Medium IV; 235. Medium V; 24. Spring 1; 25. Spring 2. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0020] Please see Figure 1 The multi-core floating connector includes a housing 10 and multiple connectors 20 that are independently arranged with each other.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 has a plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes 11, and each connector 20 is received in a corresponding mounting hole 11. The outer side of the housing 10 has radially extending mounting fins 12 for mounting the connectors as a whole onto a carrier, such as an equipment panel or chassis wall.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, connector 20 includes an outer conductor assembly 21, an inner conductor assembly 22, a dielectric assembly 23, a first spring 24, and a second spring 25, all coaxially arranged. The dielectric assembly 23 is spaced between the outer conductor assembly 21 and the inner conductor assembly 22 to achieve electrical insulation and precisely maintain the coaxiality of the inner and outer conductors.

[0023] Please see Figure 4The inner conductor assembly 22 has a three-segment structure, comprising a first core 221, a second core 222, and a third core 223 connected sequentially along the axial direction. The first core 221, the second core 222, and the third core 223 can move relative to each other in the axial direction to ensure the continuity of the signal path during axial expansion and contraction. Each core is made of a copper alloy material with excellent conductivity, and its surface can be plated with gold or silver to reduce contact resistance.

[0024] Please see Figure 5 The second core 222 has a mounting groove 2221 at one end facing the third core 223, and the third core 223 is slidably disposed within the mounting groove 2221. A spring 24 is pre-compressed within the mounting groove 2221, with one end abutting against the bottom wall of the mounting groove 2221 and the other end abutting against the end face of the third core 223. The spring 24 cooperates with the third core 223 so that the third core 223 is partially exposed outside the connector 20 under normal conditions; when the third core 223 is compressed, it moves axially and retracts into the mounting groove 2221, at which point the spring 24 is further compressed.

[0025] A slot 2222 is formed at the end of the second core 222 facing the first core 221. Multiple slots 2223 are spaced apart on the outer peripheral wall of the slot 2222, dividing the conductor outside the slot 2222 into multiple circumferentially spaced contact springs 2224. The free ends of the contact springs 2224 form an insertion port with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first core 221 under normal conditions. The end of the first core 221 facing the second core 222 has a tapered structure to accommodate insertion into the slot 2222. After the first core 221 and the second core 222 are connected, the free ends of the contact springs 2224 elastically deform outwards and adhere to the outer surface of the first core 221, thereby achieving reliable elastic electrical contact.

[0026] In the above, the first core 221 and the second core 222 do not need to be welded or threaded. The movable connection is achieved by the elastic clamping force of the contact spring 2224, which allows axial relative movement and ensures the continuity of the electrical path. The tapered structure allows the first core 221 to be smoothly inserted into the slot 2222, avoiding jamming or scratching during assembly.

[0027] Please see Figure 6 The outer conductor assembly 21 includes a plug 211, a plug rod 212, and a guide assembly 213. The plug rod 212 is slidably inserted into the plug 211 to form a two-stage telescopic structure. A second spring 25 is pre-compressed inside the plug 211. The second spring 25 cooperates with the plug rod 212 to apply a restoring force to the plug rod 212 in a direction away from the plug 211.

[0028] The insert 211 includes a detachably connected first section 2111 and a second section 2112. The first section 2111 and the second section 2112 can be detachably fixed by means of threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection or interference fit connection. The guide component 213 and the second spring 25 are both set in the second section 2112. The advantage of the detachable structure is that the insert 211 can be disassembled to facilitate the inspection or replacement of the internal second spring 25 and guide component 213, which significantly improves the maintainability and service life of the product.

[0029] Please see Figure 7 The guiding assembly 213 includes an inner guide 2131 and an outer guide 2132 that are plugged into each other. The inner guide 2131 is connected to the first section 2111 of the insert 211, and the outer guide 2132 is connected to the end of the insert rod 212 that is inserted into the insert 211. Through the guiding cooperation of the inner guide 2131 and the outer guide 2132, the motion stability during axial floating can be significantly improved, and the radial sway of the insert rod 212 relative to the insert 211 can be prevented, thereby ensuring the coaxiality between the inner and outer conductors.

[0030] Please see Figure 8 The inner guide 2131 has multiple grooves 21311 formed on its outer periphery facing the outer guide 2132. These grooves are spaced apart circumferentially to form multiple spaced contact springs 21312. Under normal conditions, these contact springs cooperate to form a guide post larger than the inner diameter of the outer guide 2132. After the inner guide 2131 is connected to the outer guide 2132, the contact springs 21312 press against the inner wall of the outer guide 2132.

[0031] In the above, when the insertion rod 212 slides axially relative to the insertion cylinder 211, the contact spring 21312 always elastically presses against the inner wall of the outer guide 2132, ensuring the electrical continuity of the outer conductor assembly 21. At the same time, the elastic force of the contact spring 21312 also plays the role of radial centering and eliminating the fit gap, further improving the smoothness of the sliding process.

[0032] Please see Figure 9 The dielectric assembly 23 includes dielectric body 1 231, dielectric body 232, dielectric body 3 233, dielectric body 4 234 and dielectric body 5 235 arranged sequentially along the axial direction. Dielectric body 1 231, dielectric body 232, dielectric body 3 233, dielectric body 4 234 and dielectric body 5 235 are all ring structures and are all disposed between the outer conductor assembly 21 and the inner conductor assembly 22.

[0033] Dielectric body 1 231 and dielectric body 5 235 are respectively disposed at the two ends of connector 20, serving to limit axial movement and provide end insulation. Dielectric body 232 and dielectric body 3 233 are respectively disposed on both sides of the connection between the first core 221 and the second core 222, providing insulation support at the connection. Dielectric body 4 234 is disposed at the guide assembly 213, providing insulation and positioning support for this part. Dielectric bodies 1 231, 232, 233, 4 234, and 5 235 cooperate to support the inner conductor assembly 22, ensuring that it maintains a precise coaxial relationship with the outer conductor assembly 21 in any floating position.

[0034] Dynamic working process: The following is combined with Figures 1 to 9 The dynamic working process of the multi-core floating connector of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0035] Initial state: Spring 1 (24) and Spring 2 (25) are both in a pre-compressed state. The third core 223, pushed by Spring 1 (24), is partially exposed on the end face of connector 20, ready to mate with the opposite connector. The insertion rod 212, pushed by Spring 2 (25), is in the extended position.

[0036] Compression process: When the connector is subjected to an axial external force, the opposite connector is pushed in axially: The third core 223 is subjected to force first, and it slides inward in the mounting groove 2221 of the second core 222. The spring 24 is further compressed, which is the first stage of floating. As the extrusion pressure continues to increase, the insertion rod 212 slides inward within the insertion cylinder 211, and the spring 25 is further compressed, which is the second stage of floating. At the same time, the second core 222 moves toward the first core 221, and the second contact spring 2224 always elastically fits the outer surface of the first core 221 to ensure the continuity of the signal path of the inner conductor assembly 22; Contact spring 21312 is always elastically pressed against the inner wall of outer guide 2132 to ensure the continuity of the signal path of outer conductor assembly 21.

[0037] Release and reset process: When the external force disappears: The elastic force of spring 25 is released first, driving the insertion rod 212 to reset, and at the same time the second core 222 is reset; Subsequently, the elastic force of spring 24 is released, causing the third core 223 to reset and partially expose itself again to connector 20. At this point, the entire connector has been restored to its initial state and is ready for the next docking.

[0038] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

1. A multi-core floating connector, characterized in that, include: The outer casing has multiple spaced-apart mounting holes inside. Multiple connectors are housed in each of the aforementioned mounting holes, and each connector includes an outer conductor assembly, an inner conductor assembly, and a dielectric body assembly spaced between them, all arranged coaxially. The inner conductor assembly is characterized in that it comprises a first core, a second core, and a third core arranged sequentially along the axial direction; The third core is axially slidably connected to the first end of the second core, and a spring is provided between the two. The first core is movably inserted into the second end of the second core, and an elastic clamping electrical contact is formed at the insertion point to allow the first core and the second core to move axially relative to each other while maintaining electrical connection.

2. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first core has a tapered structure at its insertion end; the second core has a slot at its second end, and the outer peripheral wall of the slot is provided with a plurality of grooves to form a plurality of circumferentially spaced contact springs; the tapered structure is inserted into the slot, and the contact springs are elastically attached to the outer surface of the first core, thereby forming the elastic clamping electrical contact.

3. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The free ends of the multiple contact springs 2 form an insertion port with a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first core under normal conditions.

4. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer conductor assembly includes a plug, a rod, and a guide assembly; the rod is slidably inserted into the plug, and a spring is provided between them; the guide assembly includes an inner guide and an outer guide that are interlocked, and an elastic contact portion is provided between them to maintain radial contact.

5. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner guide has multiple circumferentially spaced contact springs, which elastically press against the inner wall of the outer guide to form the elastic contact portion.

6. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The insert includes a detachably connected first section and a second section, with the guide assembly and the second spring both disposed within the second section.

7. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dielectric assembly includes dielectric body one, dielectric body two, dielectric body three, dielectric body four and dielectric body five arranged sequentially at intervals along the axial direction to support the inner conductor assembly at multiple locations and ensure its coaxiality with the outer conductor assembly.

8. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, Medium body one and medium body five are respectively disposed at the two ends of the connector; medium body two and medium body three are respectively disposed on both sides of the connection between the first core and the second core; medium body four is disposed at the guide assembly.

9. The multi-core floating connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Under the action of the spring, the third core is partially exposed outside the second core in the normal state.

10. A method for operating a multi-core floating connector, applied to the multi-core floating connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: During docking, the connector is subjected to an axial external force, and the third core and the first core move axially relative to the second core, compressing the spring. During this process, the insertion point of the first core and the second core always maintains elastic clamping electrical contact. Upon separation, the axial external force disappears, and the spring pushes the third core and / or the first core to reset, restoring them to their initial state.

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