Connector

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connector which is used for connecting an external connector and a circuit board. The connector comprises a first shell, a second shell, a first contact assembly and a second contact assembly. The first shell comprises a first front shell and a first rear shell. The first front shell is provided with a first front shell body, a first opening and a second opening. The second shell is arranged in the first shell and comprises a second shell body, two first sleeves and two second sleeves. The first contact assembly and the second contact assembly are arranged on the second shell piece. When the first front shell is connected with the first rear shell, the first front shell and the first rear shell jointly define a first containing space for the second shell body to be arranged, and the first opening defines a second containing space for the first sleeve and the second sleeve to be arranged. The internal components of the connector made of metal are wrapped by the first shell, so that the internal metal components can be prevented from being in contact with other connectors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a connector, and more particularly to an automotive radio frequency signal connector with an integrally formed sleeve and metal housing. Background Technology

[0002] FAKRA connectors are radio frequency (RF) coaxial connectors designed specifically for automotive applications, used to transmit signals between different components within a vehicle. They feature a robust, tight-fitting design and provide excellent impedance matching. These connectors are commonly found in automotive infotainment systems, GPS systems, in-vehicle communications, and other electronic modules, and are resistant to environmental factors such as vibration and temperature variations. Mini FAKRA connectors are miniaturized versions of FaKRA connectors, suitable for applications with limited space or requiring densely packed connectors, such as multimedia audio-visual systems, rearview cameras, and sensors in modern automobiles. Furthermore, both types of connectors typically feature color-coded housings to distinguish different signal types and are waterproof, ensuring reliable operation even in harsh automotive environments. FaKRA and Mini FAKRA connectors play a crucial role in maintaining stable RF signal transmission in automotive electronics; their durability, compactness, and ease of installation are essential for the design and manufacture of modern vehicles.

[0003] FaKRA connectors may have some drawbacks. The zinc alloy metal housing used in traditional technologies may be exposed, increasing the risk of accidental contact with other connectors. Furthermore, the detachable design of the sleeve and metal housing can not only prolong assembly time but also lead to poor grounding due to gaps created during assembly, thus affecting high-frequency signal performance. This also necessitates additional assembly stations for the sleeve, further increasing assembly costs. These drawbacks negatively impact the signal transmission performance of small RF connectors, especially in high-frequency applications, where poor grounding exacerbates signal interference and loss, reducing the overall performance and reliability of the connector.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a connector to solve the high-frequency instability characteristics of traditional technology and the problems caused by the aforementioned connectors. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector comprising a first shell, a second shell, a first contact assembly, and a second contact assembly in a combined configuration. Its main feature is that the first shell, serving as the outer casing, can cover the internal components of the connector, including the second shell (made of metal), the first contact assembly, and the second contact assembly. Furthermore, the plastic first shell prevents the internal metal components from contacting other connectors. The structures of the first shells are interconnected via a snap-fit ​​mechanism to enhance the fixation effect of the external connector under tension. Additionally, the rear cover and spacer of the connector structure of this invention prevent electromagnetic interference during connector connection, and the one-piece molding design of the second shell further improves connector assembly efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model discloses a connector for connecting an external connector and a circuit board. The connector includes a first housing, a second housing, a first contact assembly, and a second contact assembly. The first housing includes a first front housing and a first rear housing, the first front housing engaging with the first rear housing along a first direction, and the first front housing having a first front housing body and a communicating first opening and a second opening. The second housing is disposed within the first housing and includes a second housing body, two first sleeves, and two second sleeves, the first sleeves and second sleeves respectively extending along the first direction and formed on one side of the second housing body. The first contact assembly is disposed in the second housing and includes two first contact housings and two first terminals, the first terminals correspondingly disposed in each of the first contact housings. The second contact assembly is disposed in the second housing and includes two second contact housings and two second terminals, the second terminals correspondingly disposed in each of the second contact housings. When the first front housing is connected to the first rear housing, the first front housing and the first rear housing together define a first accommodating space for the second housing body to be installed, and the first opening defines a second accommodating space for the first sleeve and the second sleeve to be installed.

[0007] In one embodiment, the second housing body, the first sleeve, and the second sleeve are integrally formed.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first rear housing has a first rear housing body and two protruding arms. The protruding arms extend from the first rear housing body along the first direction. When the first front housing and the first rear housing are connected, the protruding arms are respectively engaged with the corresponding sides of the first front housing, and the first rear housing is used to cover the second opening.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the protruding arms further has a side protrusion formed on the inner side of the protruding arm, and the first front housing further includes two abutment blocks formed on corresponding sides of the first front housing body, respectively. When the first front housing is connected to the first rear housing, the abutment blocks are correspondingly engaged with the side protrusion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the connector further includes a rear cover, which includes a rear cover body and two engaging members. The engaging members extend from the rear cover body. The first rear housing also has two through slots, which are correspondingly formed on the left and right sides of the first rear housing body. When the rear cover is engaged with one side of the first rear housing, the engaging members are correspondingly disposed in the through slots.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the first sleeves further has a first receiving groove, and each of the second sleeves further has a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove can be partially disposed between the first contact housing and the first terminal, and the second receiving groove can be partially disposed between the second contact housing and the second terminal.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first front housing further includes an intermediate plate and a recess, the intermediate plate being disposed between the first opening and the second opening, the recess being disposed adjacent to the intermediate plate, and the intermediate plate having four through holes for the first sleeve and the second sleeve to be disposed.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second housing further includes a stop extending from the body of the second housing along the first direction. The stop is connected between the body of the second housing and the first sleeve and the second sleeve. When the second housing is disposed on the first front housing, the stop engages with the recess, allowing the first front housing to tightly engage with the second housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connector further includes a spacer disposed on the second housing body and sandwiched between the first contact component and the second contact component, so that the first contact component and the second contact component can block each other.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second housing further has a plurality of first solder feet, and the spacer further has a second solder foot, wherein the first solder feet and the second solder foot are for soldering onto the circuit board.

[0016] According to the connector of this utility model, by using a first shell made of plastic to cover the internal components of the connector, such as a second shell made of metal, a first contact component, and a second contact component, it is possible to prevent these internal metal components from contacting other connectors. Furthermore, the first shell structure is interconnected through a snap-fit ​​structure, which can enhance the fixing effect of the external connector when it is pulled.

[0017] Other objectives of this invention, as well as the means and implementation methods of this invention, will be understood by those skilled in the art upon referring to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a connector disposed on a circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first front housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a connector not engaging with the first front housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a connector not engaging with the first rear housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first contact component, the second contact component, and the spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rear cover and the first rear shell according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a partial top view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a partial perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 10 This is a side sectional view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 100 connector

[0030] 300 circuit board

[0031] 500 External Connector

[0032] 1 First shell

[0033] 11 First front shell

[0034] 111 First front shell body

[0035] 112 First Opening

[0036] 113 Second opening

[0037] 114 Abutment Block

[0038] 115 Intermediate Plate

[0039] 1151 perforation

[0040] 116 Depression

[0041] 117 Clamping slot

[0042] 118 positioning slots

[0043] 12 First rear shell

[0044] 121 First rear shell main body

[0045] 122 Protruding Arm

[0046] 1221 side protrusion

[0047] 123 Through groove

[0048] 2 Second shell

[0049] 21 Second shell body

[0050] 22 First casing

[0051] 221 First receiving slot

[0052] 23 Second casing

[0053] 231 Second receiving slot

[0054] 24 Stop components

[0055] 241 Positioning Block

[0056] 25 First welding foot

[0057] 26-card combination

[0058] 3 First contact component

[0059] 31 First contact housing

[0060] 32 First terminal

[0061] 4 Second contact component

[0062] 41 Second Contact Housing

[0063] 42 Second terminal

[0064] 5. Rear cover

[0065] 51 Rear cover body

[0066] 52-card assembly

[0067] 6 spacers

[0068] 61 Second welding foot

[0069] D1 First Direction

[0070] S1 First Accommodation Space

[0071] S2 Second Accommodation Space. Detailed Implementation

[0072] The following embodiments will explain the content of this utility model. These embodiments are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model to any specific environment, application, or special method described in the embodiments. Therefore, the descriptions of the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. It should be noted that in the following embodiments and accompanying drawings, some components not directly related to this utility model have been omitted and are not shown, and the dimensional relationships between the components in the drawings are for ease of understanding only and are not intended to limit the actual scale.

[0073] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a connector 100 and a circuit board 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connector 100 includes a first housing 1, a second housing 2, a first contact assembly 3, a second contact assembly 4, a rear cover 5, and a spacer 6. The connector 100 is disposed on a circuit board 300. Furthermore, the connector 100 can be mated and coupled with an external connector 500 (not shown). Specifically, the first housing 1 can accommodate the second housing 2, the first contact assembly 3, the second contact assembly 4, the rear cover 5, and the spacer 6.

[0074] Next, we will explain the first shell component 1. Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Figure 3The diagram shows a schematic representation of the first housing 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first housing 1 includes a first front housing 11 and a first rear housing 12. The first front housing 11 is engaged with the first rear housing 12 along a first direction D1. For example, the first front housing 11 and the first rear housing 12 may be made of plastic. Specifically, the first front housing 11 includes a first front housing body 111, a first opening 112, a second opening 113, two abutment blocks 114, a middle plate 115, a recess 116, three engaging grooves 117, and a positioning groove 118. The first opening 112 and the second opening 113 are interconnected within the first front housing body 111. The first opening 112 allows an external connector 500 to be inserted into the connector 100. The abutment blocks 114 are respectively disposed on two opposite outer sides of the first front housing body 111, near one end of the second opening 113. An intermediate plate 115 is disposed within the first front housing body 111 and located between the first opening 112 and the second opening 113. The intermediate plate 115 also has four through holes 1151 for partial insertion of the second housing member 2. A recess 116 is disposed adjacent to the intermediate plate 115 and near one end of the second opening 113, for engaging partial sections of the second housing member 2. On the other hand, the engaging grooves 117 are respectively formed on three opposing inner surfaces of the first front housing body 111 (e.g., ...). Figure 9 As shown, a positioning groove 118 is formed on the bottom side of the first front housing body 111, and a locking groove 117 is used to position and lock the first rear housing 12, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the connection between the first front housing body 111 and the first rear housing 12. The positioning groove 118 can also be used to lock the second housing 2. It should be noted that in this embodiment, one positioning block 241 and three locking blocks 26 are used as examples, and their number and position can be adjusted according to actual connection requirements, and are not limited here.

[0075] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The first rear housing 12 includes a first rear housing body 121, two protruding arms 122, and two through slots 123. The protruding arms 122 extend along a first direction D1 and are formed on the outermost sides of the first rear housing body 121. The through slots 123 are correspondingly formed on the left and right sides of the first rear housing body 121 and are adjacent to the protruding arms 122. Each protruding arm 122 also has a side protrusion 1221 formed on its inner side. When the first front housing 11 and the first rear housing 12 are connected, the protruding arms 122 respectively engage with the corresponding sides of the first front housing 11. In other words, the abutment block 114 of the first front housing 11 correspondingly engages with the side protrusion 1221 of the protruding arm 122. This connection method allows the first rear housing 12 to cover the second opening 113 of the first front housing 11 (e.g., ...). Figure 10(As shown). It should be noted that the side protrusions 1221 in this embodiment are exemplified by two, and their number and position can be adjusted according to actual connection requirements, and are not limited here.

[0076] Next, the second shell component 2 will be explained in detail. Please refer to the previous section again. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The second housing 2 includes a second housing body 21, two first sleeves 22, two second sleeves 23, a stop 24, four first welding feet 25, and three engaging blocks 26. The second housing 2 is disposed within the first housing 1; in other words, the second housing 2 is sandwiched between the first front housing 11 and the first rear housing 12. The first sleeves 22, the second sleeves 23, and the stop 24 extend along a first direction D1 and are formed on the side of the second housing body 21 near the first front housing 11. The first sleeves 22 and the second sleeves 23 are disposed on the stop 24, which connects the second housing body 21 to the first sleeves 22 and the second sleeves 23. The first sleeves 22 are parallel to each other, and the second sleeves 23 are also parallel to each other. The first sleeves 22 are disposed on top of the second sleeves 23 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). In detail, the second housing 2 is integrally formed; in other words, the second housing body 21, the first sleeve 22, the second sleeve 23, and the stop member 24 are non-removable structures. The first welding feet 25 are formed on the side of the second housing body 21 near the circuit board 300, for welding the second housing 2 onto the circuit board 300. In this embodiment, four are used as an example, but their number and formation position can be adjusted according to actual connection requirements and are not limited here. On the other hand, each of the first sleeves 22 also has a first receiving groove 221, and each of the second sleeves 23 also has a second receiving groove 231. The first receiving groove 221 can be partially provided for the first contact component 3, and the second receiving groove 231 can be partially provided for the second contact component 4.

[0077] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 9As shown, when the first front housing 11 is connected to the first rear housing 12, the first front housing 11 and the first rear housing 12 together define a first accommodating space S1, which can be used to house the second housing body 21. Additionally, the first opening 112 of the first front housing 11 defines a second accommodating space S2, which can be used to extend the first sleeve 22 and the second sleeve 23. In this case, the first sleeve 22 and the second sleeve respectively pass through the through hole 1151 of the intermediate plate 115. The engaging block 26 of the second housing 2 and the engaging groove 117 of the first front housing 11 are mutually positioned and engaged. On the other hand, when the second housing 2 is disposed on the first front housing 11, the stop member 24 of the second housing 2 engages with the recess 116 of the first front housing 11, allowing the first front housing 11 to tightly engage with the second housing 2 within the first accommodating space S1. In addition, the stop member 24 also has a positioning block 241, formed on the side of the stop member 24 near the circuit board 300. When the first front housing 11 and the second housing 2 are engaged with each other, the positioning block 241 is positioned and engaged in the positioning groove 118 of the first front housing 11, which can also improve the stability and accuracy of the connection between the first front housing 11 and the second housing 2. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the abutment block 114, the engagement groove 117 and the positioning groove 118 are exemplified as two, three and one respectively. Their quantity and position can be adjusted according to actual connection requirements and are not limited here.

[0078] Further explanation of the first contact component 3 and the second contact component 4. Please refer to the following: Figure 6 and Figure 8 The first contact component 3 and the second contact component 4 are disposed within the second housing 2, and neither the first contact component 3 nor the second contact component 4 contacts the first rear housing 12. The first contact component 3 includes two first contact housings 31 and two first terminals 32, with the first terminals 32 correspondingly disposed in each of the first contact housings 31. The second contact component 4 includes two second contact housings 41 and two second terminals 42, with the second terminals 42 correspondingly disposed in each of the second contact housings 41. The first contact housings 31 and the first terminals 32 are partially disposed in the first receiving groove 221 of the first sleeve 22, and partially extend into the first receiving space S1. The second contact housings 41 and the second terminals 42 are partially disposed in the second receiving groove 231 of the second sleeve 23, and partially extend into the first receiving space S1. The first terminals 32 and the second terminals 42 are electrically connectable to an external connector 500.

[0079] Please refer to it again. Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7The rear cover 5 is disposed between the first rear housing 12 and the second housing 2. The rear cover 5 includes a rear cover body 51 and two engaging members 52. The engaging members 52 extend from the rear cover body 51. When the rear cover 5 is engaged with one side of the first rear housing 12, the engaging members 52 are correspondingly disposed in the through slots 123 of the first rear housing 12. Through this connection and assembly, the rear cover 5 can be tightly fitted between the second housing 2 and the first rear housing 12, and the first terminal 32 and the second terminal 42 are sealed with the first rear housing 12, thus avoiding contact and interference with other connectors. It should be noted that in this embodiment, two of each of the first terminal 32 and the second terminal 42 are used as examples, and their number can be adjusted according to actual needs, which is not limited here.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown, the spacer 6 is disposed in the second housing body 21 and sandwiched between the first contact component 3 and the second contact component 4, so as to isolate the first contact component 3 and the second contact component 4 from each other to avoid electromagnetic interference between the first terminal 32 and the second terminal 42. In addition, the spacer 6 also has a second soldering foot 61, which allows the spacer 6 to be soldered onto the circuit board 300.

[0081] In summary, the connector of this invention comprises a combination of a first shell made of plastic and a second shell made of metal. The first shell protects the first contact assembly, the second contact assembly, and the spacer assembly housed within the second shell. The metal housing and sleeve of the second shell are integrally molded, and the integral structure made of zinc alloy effectively reduces the number of assembly steps for the sleeve, lowering assembly costs. Therefore, this integrally molded design reduces the time required to assemble the connector components and minimizes poor grounding caused by gaps during assembly, resulting in stable high-frequency characteristics. Furthermore, the spacer provides protection against electromagnetic interference between different terminals.

[0082] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the implementation schemes of this utility model and to explain its technical features, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any changes or equivalent arrangements that can be easily made by those skilled in the art are within the scope of this utility model, and the scope of protection of this utility model shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A connector for connecting an external connector and a circuit board, characterized in that, The connector includes: A first housing component includes a first front housing and a first rear housing, the first front housing engaging with the first rear housing along a first direction, and the first front housing having a first front housing body and a first opening and a second opening that are connected to each other. A second housing is disposed in the first housing and includes a second housing body, two first sleeves and two second sleeves, wherein the first sleeves and the second sleeves extend along the first direction and are formed on one side of the second housing body. A first contact assembly is disposed on the second housing, comprising two first contact housings and two first terminals, wherein the first terminals are correspondingly disposed in each of the first contact housings; as well as A second contact assembly is disposed on the second housing and includes two second contact housings and two second terminals, with the second terminals correspondingly disposed in each of the second contact housings; When the first front housing is connected to the first rear housing, the first front housing and the first rear housing together define a first accommodating space for the second housing body to be installed, and the first opening defines a second accommodating space for the first sleeve and the second sleeve to be installed.

2. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second shell body, the first sleeve, and the second sleeve are integrally formed.

3. The connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first rear housing has a first rear housing body and two protruding arms. The protruding arms extend from the first rear housing body along the first direction. When the first front housing and the first rear housing are connected, the protruding arms are respectively engaged with the corresponding sides of the first front housing. The first rear housing is used to cover the second opening.

4. The connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the protruding arms also has a side protrusion formed on the inner side of the protruding arm. The first front housing also includes two abutting blocks formed on corresponding sides of the first front housing body. When the first front housing is connected to the first rear housing, the abutting blocks are correspondingly engaged with the side protrusion.

5. The connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a rear cover, which includes a rear cover body and two engaging members. The engaging members extend from the rear cover body. The first rear housing also has two through slots, which are correspondingly formed on the left and right sides of the first rear housing body. When the rear cover is engaged with one side of the first rear housing, the engaging members are correspondingly disposed in the through slots.

6. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first sleeves also has a first receiving groove, and each of the second sleeves also has a second receiving groove. The first receiving groove can be partially disposed between the first contact housing and the first terminal, and the second receiving groove can be partially disposed between the second contact housing and the second terminal.

7. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first front housing also includes an intermediate plate and a recess. The intermediate plate is disposed between the first opening and the opening, and the recess is disposed adjacent to the intermediate plate. The intermediate plate has four through holes for the first sleeve and the second sleeve to be installed.

8. The connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The second housing also includes a stop member extending from the body of the second housing along the first direction. The stop member is connected between the body of the second housing and the first sleeve and the second sleeve. When the second housing is disposed on the first front housing, the stop member engages with the recess, allowing the first front housing to tightly engage with the second housing.

9. The connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a spacer disposed on the second housing body and sandwiched between the first contact component and the second contact component, so as to isolate the first contact component and the second contact component from each other.

10. The connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The second housing also has a plurality of first solder feet, and the spacer also has a second solder foot, the first solder feet and the second solder foot being soldered onto the circuit board.

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