FAKRA connector

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the field of electric connectors, and specifically provides a FAKRA connector. The connector comprises a shell, an outer conductor and a TPA structure, the shell is provided with a jack, the plug-in end of the outer conductor is located in the jack, the outer conductor is provided with an annular groove or the outer conductor is sleeved with an insulating shell, the insulating shell is provided with an annular groove, the TPA structure and the shell are relatively fixed, the TPA structure is inserted into the annular groove, at least two limiting protrusions inserted into the annular groove are arranged in the jack, and the TPA structure is inserted into the annular groove through the limiting protrusions. And the limiting bulges are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the annular groove so as to pre-position the axial and radial positions of the outer conductor relative to the shell. According to the FAKRA connector, the limiting protrusion and the annular groove of the connector are matched, on one hand, the axial positioning effect can be achieved, on the other hand, the outer conductor can be prevented from swinging in the insertion hole, in this way, preliminary positioning of the outer conductor and the shell is achieved, a TPA structure can be conveniently inserted, and normal assembly of the FAKRA connector is guaranteed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field that includes electric connector, especially, a kind of FAKRA connector is involved. BACKGROUND

[0002] FAKRA connector is the radio frequency connector known in the field of automotive electronics, generally used in car radio, positioning system, Internet of Vehicles, camera, remote control, vehicle-mounted Bluetooth module etc.FAKRA connector generally includes shell, outer conductor, center conductor, locking structure etc., center conductor is installed on insulator, and is installed in outer conductor by insulator, and outer conductor is installed in shell.The one end of outer conductor has the insertion hole for the insertion of the mating connector, and a cylindrical contact spring sheet is usually arranged in the insertion hole, and a plurality of elastic claws are arranged on the contact spring sheet in circumferential direction.The mating connector can be inserted into the contact spring sheet to realize elastic contact with the mating connector.

[0003] Automobile is inevitably vibrated when driving normally.In order to avoid the conductor of FAKRA connector from loosening, TPA (Terminal Position Assurance) structure is generally configured in FAKRA connector in related technology.

[0004] For example, the utility model patent with the authorization announcement number CN215645295U discloses a FAKRA connector, which includes shell body (i.e.shell), outer conductor, fixing piece (i.e.TPA structure), and the end of outer conductor for plugging with mating connector is located in shell.The outer conductor is provided with a clamping groove ring, and the shell body is provided with a clamping groove matched with the clamping groove ring, and the fixing piece is arranged in (inserted) clamping groove ring and clamping groove, so that the outer conductor and shell body are relatively fixed.

[0005] For example, the utility model patent with the authorization announcement number CN215645295U discloses a FAKRA connector, which includes shell body (i.e.shell), outer conductor, fixing piece (i.e.TPA structure), and the end of outer conductor for plugging with mating connector is located in shell.The outer conductor is provided with a clamping groove ring, and the shell body is provided with a clamping groove matched with the clamping groove ring, and the fixing piece is arranged in (inserted) clamping groove ring and clamping groove, so that the outer conductor and shell body are relatively fixed.

[0006] However, the FAKRA connector described above has no pre-positioning between the outer conductor and the shell before the TPA structure is installed, and the outer conductor is still movable relative to the shell, for example, the outer conductor can swing in the mating jack of the shell. Thus, when installing the TPA structure, other supporting positioning structures or hands are often needed to hold the outer conductor to ensure the stability of the outer conductor, otherwise the TPA structure can not be normally inserted into place, which is inconvenient for assembly. Utility model content

[0007] The utility model discloses a FAKRA connector to solve the technical problem that the FAKRA connector in prior art has no pre-positioning before being installed into the TPA structure, which leads to inconvenient assembly.

[0008] To achieve the above object, the utility model provides a FAKRA connector technical scheme is:

[0009] A FAKRA connector, comprising a shell, an outer conductor, a TPA structure, the shell is provided with a jack, the mating end of the outer conductor is located in the jack, the outer conductor is provided with an annular groove or the outer conductor is provided with an insulating shell, the insulating shell is provided with an annular groove, the TPA structure is fixed relative to the shell, and the TPA structure is inserted into the annular groove, the jack is provided with at least two limiting protrusions inserted into the annular groove, and the limiting protrusions are arranged along the circumferential direction of the annular groove to pre-position the axial and radial positions of the outer conductor relative to the shell.

[0010] As a further improvement, each limiting protrusion is an arc-shaped protruding structure coaxial with the annular groove.

[0011] As a further improvement, the limiting protrusions are provided with two first limiting protrusions and second limiting protrusions, and the centers of the first limiting protrusions and the second limiting protrusions in the circumferential direction are oppositely arranged in the radial direction of the jack.

[0012] As a further improvement, the TPA structure comprises a base, two clamping arms are arranged on the base and clamped in the annular groove, the first limiting protrusion is located at one end of the two clamping arms away from the base, the second limiting protrusion is located at one end close to the base, and a receiving groove is arranged on the base to accommodate the second limiting protrusion.

[0013] As a further improvement, the two side groove walls of the receiving groove are in contact with the circumferential ends of the second limiting protrusion.

[0014] As a further improvement, the circumferential length of the first limiting protrusion is greater than the circumferential length of the second limiting protrusion.

[0015] As a further improvement, the two clamping arms are provided with arc-shaped surfaces in contact with the bottom surface of the annular groove, the insertion direction of the TPA structure is defined as the up-down direction, and part of the arc-shaped surfaces is located above the horizontal plane passing through the axis of the annular groove.

[0016] As a further improvement, the plug-in end of the outer conductor is located at the front end of the outer conductor, the front side of the annular groove is provided with an annular step, the rear side surface of the annular step constitutes the front side groove wall surface of the annular groove, and the rear side of the limiting protrusion is provided with a guide inclined surface or a guide arc surface for cooperating with the annular step to guide the outer conductor into the insertion hole.

[0017] As a further improvement, the plug-in end of the outer conductor is located at the front end of the outer conductor, the front side of the annular groove is provided with an annular step, the rear side surface of the annular step constitutes the front side groove wall surface of the annular groove, and the front side surface of the limiting protrusion is in abutting cooperation with the rear side surface of the annular step.

[0018] As a further improvement, the plug-in end of the outer conductor is located at the front end of the outer conductor, the front side of the annular groove is provided with an annular step, the rear side surface of the annular step constitutes the front side groove wall surface of the annular groove, and the outer peripheral surface of the annular step is in close cooperation with the inner wall of the insertion hole.

[0019] As a further improvement, the TPA structure is made of metal material.

[0020] As a further improvement, the part of the TPA structure inserted into the annular groove is provided with a plurality of convex packages, and the TPA structure is in interference cooperation with the annular groove through the convex packages.

[0021] The utility model belongs to the improved invention creation, its beneficial effect is: the FAKRA connector in the utility model increases at least two limiting protrusions in the insertion hole, the limiting protrusion also inserts the annular groove, the limiting protrusion and the annular groove cooperate, on one hand can play the positioning effect of axial (plug-in direction), on the other hand can also avoid the swing (radial guaranteeing the coaxial) of the outer conductor in the insertion hole, like this realizes the preliminary positioning of the outer conductor and the shell, and facilitates the insertion of the TPA structure, guarantees the normal assembly of the FAKRA connector. Meanwhile, the TPA structure and the limiting protrusion cooperate together, and also can improve the locking stability of the outer conductor and the shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is the axonometric drawing of FAKRA connector embodiment in the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 It is the explosion drawing of FAKRA connector embodiment in the utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 It is the schematic drawing of TPA structure insertion outer conductor annular groove in FAKRA connector embodiment in the utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 It is the axonometric drawing of TPA structure of FAKRA connector embodiment in the utility model;

[0026] Figure 5This is an axial view of the housing of the FAKRA connector embodiment in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 6 This is an axial sectional view of an embodiment of the FAKRA connector in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a radial sectional view of an embodiment of the FAKRA connector in this utility model.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1. Outer shell; 2. CPA structure; 3. Outer conductor; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Insulator; 6. Center socket; 7. Baffle; 8. TPA structure; 9. Contact spring sheet; 10. Center pin; 11. Plastic shell; 101. First limiting protrusion; 102. Second limiting protrusion; 301. Annular groove; 801. Buckle; 802. Protrusion; 803. Base; 804. Clamping arm; 805. Receiving groove. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To provide a FAKRA connector that achieves both stable locking of the outer conductor and the housing while facilitating the insertion of the TPA structure, the basic technical concept of this invention is to add a protruding structure to the socket of the housing. The protruding structure and the TPA structure can be inserted into the same annular groove. During connector assembly, the protruding structure can pre-position the outer conductor and the housing, restricting axial movement and swaying of the outer conductor, thereby allowing the TPA structure to be inserted smoothly and normally.

[0032] Based on the above concept, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the FAKRA connector includes a housing 1, an outer conductor 3, a center conductor, a contact spring 9, an insulator 5, and a plastic shell 11. Similar to existing technologies, the housing 1 has a socket. The end of the outer conductor 3 used for mating with the adapter connector (the mating end) is located in the socket, and a sealing ring 4 is provided between the outer conductor 3 and the socket of the housing 1. The center conductor is mounted on the insulator 5 and is installed inside the outer conductor 3 via the insulator 5. Specifically, the center conductor consists of a center socket 6 and a center pin 10, with one end of the center pin 10 engaging with the center socket 6. A baffle 7 is connected to the end of the outer conductor 3 facing away from the mating end to seal the outer conductor 3 after the center conductor and insulator 5 are installed. The plastic shell 11 covers the outer conductor 3. The mating end of the outer conductor 3 has a center hole, and the contact spring 9 is located in the center hole.

[0034] Analyzing the above structure, it is easy to understand that the reliability of the locking between the outer conductor 3 and the outer shell 1 is related to the reliability of the product. In this embodiment, the FAKRA connector is also equipped with a TPA structure 8, and the outer conductor 3 is provided with an annular groove 301, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the TPA structure 8 is inserted into the annular groove 301 and fixed relative to the outer casing 1. Of course, in accordance with the prior art, the outer casing 1 is provided with a channel (which can be a hole or a notch) through which the TPA structure 8 passes to be inserted into the annular groove 301.

[0035] When assembling the TPA structure 8, the mating end of the outer conductor 3 is already located in the socket of the outer casing 1. If there is a large positional deviation (including axial positional deviation and axis positional deviation) between the outer conductor 3 and the outer casing 1, the TPA structure 8 may not be able to be inserted smoothly, affecting the normal assembly of the product. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, the socket of the outer casing 1 is provided with a limiting protrusion for inserting an annular groove 301. Here, "insertion" implicitly means that the size of the limiting protrusion and the annular groove 301 are adapted, such as... Figures 5-7 As shown, the limiting protrusions fundamentally serve two functions: first, to position the axial relative position of the outer shell 1 and the outer conductor 3, preventing axial movement of the outer conductor 3; and second, to position the coaxial position of the outer shell 1 and the outer conductor 3, preventing the outer conductor 3 from swinging relative to the positioning shell 1. Therefore, to achieve these functions, at least two limiting protrusions should be provided, spaced circumferentially along the annular groove 301. The figure exemplifies a case with only two limiting protrusions, namely only the first limiting protrusion 101 and the second limiting protrusion 102. However, in other embodiments, where space permits, the possibility of providing three or even more limiting protrusions cannot be ruled out.

[0036] When assembling the FAKRA connector, as the outer conductor 3 is inserted into the socket of the housing 1, the limiting protrusion can be inserted into the annular groove 301 to pre-position it, ensuring that the TPA structure 8 can be smoothly inserted. After the TPA structure 8 is inserted, the TPA structure 8 and the limiting protrusion work together to achieve a better locking effect.

[0037] The above description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provides an embodiment in which an annular groove 301 is provided on the outer conductor 3. It should be noted that in other embodiments, similar to the invention patent application with publication number CN118645851A, an insulating shell can be fitted onto the outer conductor 3, and an annular groove 301 can be provided on the insulating shell. Correspondingly, the limiting protrusion on the outer conductor 3 can be inserted into the annular groove 301 on the insulating shell.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, each limiting protrusion is an arc-shaped protrusion structure, and the limiting protrusion is coaxial with the annular groove 301. Compared with other types of protrusion structures, such as elongated protrusion structures, this arc-shaped protrusion structure has a larger contact area with the limiting groove, thus playing a better limiting role.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first limiting protrusion 101 and the second limiting protrusion 102 are arranged radially opposite each other in the circumferential direction. At this time, the line connecting the centers of the two limiting protrusions is exactly the diameter of the annular groove 301 (with the longest lever arm), which is more effective in preventing the outer conductor 3 from swaying.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, such as Figures 4-6 As shown, the TPA structure 8 includes a base 803 with two clamping arms 804, which are respectively clamped in the annular groove 301. A first limiting protrusion 101 is located at the end of the two clamping arms 804 furthest from the base 803, and a second limiting protrusion 102 is located at the end closest to the base 803. In this configuration, the TPA structure 8 and the two limiting protrusions work together to fully utilize the circumferential space of the annular groove 301, providing limiting effects in different directions, resulting in a superior limiting effect. Correspondingly, the base 803 should be able to accommodate the second limiting protrusion 102; that is, the base 803 is provided with a receiving groove 805 that can accommodate the second limiting protrusion 102.

[0041] As a further optimization solution, such as Figure 6 As shown, the inner walls of the two sides of the receiving groove 805 contact the two circumferential ends of the second limiting protrusion 102. At this time, the second limiting protrusion 102 and the two clamping arms 804 work together to cover the annular groove 301 at a larger circumferential angle, resulting in a better limiting effect.

[0042] As another further optimization scheme, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the circumferential length of the first limiting protrusion 101 is greater than the circumferential length of the second limiting protrusion 102. Since the first limiting protrusion 101 is actually located at the "opening" formed by the two clamping arms of the TPA structure 8 and the base, designing the first limiting protrusion 101 to be longer ensures a better limiting effect while allowing the TPA structure 8 to have a larger "opening", which facilitates the installation of the TPA structure 8.

[0043] As another further optimization scheme, such as Figure 6As shown, both clamping arms 804 have arc-shaped surfaces that mate and contact the bottom surface of the annular groove 301. The insertion direction of the TPA structure 8 is defined as the up-down direction (corresponding to the up-down direction in the figure). A portion of the arc-shaped surface lies above the horizontal plane P passing through the axis of the annular groove 301. This allows more of the clamping arms 804 to lie within the annular groove 301, improving the locking effect of the TPA structure 8.

[0044] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the TPA structure 8 can also adopt a structure with only one step, similar to the invention patent application with publication number CN118645851A. In this case, the step of the TPA structure 8 should be circumferentially offset from the limiting protrusion to avoid interference between the step of the TPA structure 8 and the limiting protrusion. Of course, it is understandable that the TPA structure 8 and the limiting protrusion shown in the figure can work together to achieve a better limiting effect.

[0045] Of course, regardless of the form of the TPA structure 8, it is preferable to use a metal material to ensure the limiting effect. Compared with general molding materials, metal materials have higher strength and better limiting and locking effects.

[0046] To facilitate the smooth entry of the outer conductor 3 into the outer casing 1, such as Figure 7 As shown, the limiting protrusion has a guiding arc surface on the side opposite to the mating end, which is used to slide and engage with the annular step on the outer conductor 3 when the outer conductor 3 enters the socket, guiding the outer conductor 3 smoothly into the socket. Specifically, the mating end of the outer conductor 3 is defined as the front end, and the annular step refers to the step located on the front side of the annular groove 301, with the rear side of the annular step forming the front groove wall of the annular groove 301. In the case where an insulating shell is fitted onto the outer conductor 3 and the annular groove 301 is located on the insulating shell, the guiding arc surface is used to engage with the annular step on the insulating shell to guide the outer conductor 3 smoothly into the socket. Of course, in some other embodiments, the guiding arc surface can also be equivalently replaced by a guiding slope.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the limiting protrusion has a stop surface on the side near the mating end that engages with the annular step on the outer conductor 3. That is, the position where the limiting protrusion near the mating end contacts the annular step is approximately at a right angle, which prevents slippage and further enhances the limiting effect. Similarly, when an insulating shell is fitted onto the outer conductor 3 and the annular groove 301 is located on the insulating shell, the limiting protrusion has a stop surface on the side near the mating end that engages with the annular step on the insulating shell.

[0048] Furthermore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 7As shown, the annular step on the outer conductor 3 fits tightly with the inner wall of the socket in the outer shell 1. This tight fit between the annular step and the socket provides anti-shake protection, allowing the outer conductor 3 and the outer shell 1 to achieve a more stable limiting effect before the TPA structure 8 is inserted. Similarly, when an insulating shell is fitted onto the outer conductor 3, and the annular groove 301 is located on the insulating shell, the annular step on the insulating shell fits tightly with the inner wall of the socket in the outer shell 1.

[0049] Regardless of the type of TPA structure used, such as Figure 4 As shown, multiple protrusions 802 (formed by stamping) can be provided on the portion of the TPA structure 8 where the annular groove 301 is inserted, so that the protrusions 802 and the annular groove 301 are interference-fitted. In this way, it is not necessary to make the entire TPA structure 8 thick, which can save materials and reduce material costs.

[0050] To facilitate the fixing of the TPA structure 8 and the outer casing 1, the fixing method of the TPA structure 8 and the outer casing 1 is as follows: Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the TPA structure 8 is provided with a buckle 801, and correspondingly, the outer shell 1 is provided with a slot (not shown in the figure). The buckle 801 is inserted into the slot to fix the outer shell 1 and the TPA structure 8. This form of buckle 801 and slot cooperation can fix the TPA structure 8 and the outer shell 1 at the same time as inserting the TPA structure 8, which is convenient and quick. It is easy to understand that in other embodiments, the positions of the buckle 801 and the slot can also be interchanged, that is, the buckle 801 is set on the outer shell 1, and the slot is set on the TPA structure 8.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that the TPA structure 8 and the housing 1 can be fixed in other ways, such as by adding other locking components, such as pins that can pass through the TPA structure 8 and the housing 1, or by using fasteners such as screws and rivets to lock the housing 1 and the TPA structure 8.

[0052] Additionally, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the FAKRA connector is also equipped with a CPA (Connector Position Assurance) structure. When mated with a compatible connector, the CPA structure 2 acts as a secondary locking mechanism, ensuring reliable connector operation. The specific form of the CPA structure 2 can be found in the connector housing 1 component disclosed in the applicant's patent application with publication number CN118213796A, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still make modifications to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments without creative effort, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A FAKRA connector, comprising a housing (1), an outer conductor (3), and a TPA structure (8), wherein the housing (1) has a socket, the mating end of the outer conductor (3) is located in the socket, the outer conductor (3) has an annular groove (301) or an insulating shell is fitted on the outer conductor (3), the insulating shell has an annular groove (301), the TPA structure (8) is fixed relative to the housing (1), and the TPA structure (8) is inserted into the annular groove (301), characterized in that, The insertion hole is provided with at least two limiting protrusions inserted into the annular groove (301), and each limiting protrusion is arranged along the circumference of the annular groove (301) to pre-position the axial and radial positions of the outer conductor (3) relative to the shell (1).

2. The FAKRA connector according to claim 1, characterized in that Each limiting protrusion is an arc-shaped protrusion structure coaxial with the annular groove (301).

3. The FAKRA connector according to claim 2, characterized in that The limiting protrusions are provided with two limiting protrusions, i.e., a first limiting protrusion (101) and a second limiting protrusion (102), and the centers of the first and second limiting protrusions (102) in the circumferential direction are arranged opposite in the radial direction of the insertion hole.

4. The FAKRA connector according to claim 3, characterized in that The TPA structure (8) includes a base (803), and the base (803) is provided with two clamping arms (804) clamped in the annular groove (301) respectively, the first limiting protrusion (101) is located at one end of the two clamping arms (804) away from the base (803), the second limiting protrusion (102) is located at one end close to the base (803), and the base (803) is provided with an accommodating groove (805) accommodating the second limiting protrusion (102).

5. The FAKRA connector according to claim 4, characterized in that The two side groove walls of the accommodating groove (805) are in contact with the circumferential two ends of the second limiting protrusion (102).

6. FAKRA connector according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The circumferential length of the first limiting protrusion (101) is greater than the circumferential length of the second limiting protrusion (102).

7. FAKRA connector according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that Both clamping arms (804) are provided with arc-shaped surfaces in contact with the bottom surface of the annular groove (301), and the insertion direction of the TPA structure (8) is defined as the up-down direction, and part of the arc-shaped surface is located above the horizontal plane passing through the axis of the annular groove (301).

8. FAKRA connector according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the definitions The plug-in end of the outer conductor (3) is located at the front end of the outer conductor (3), the front side of the annular groove (301) is provided with a ring-shaped step, the rear side surface of the ring-shaped step constitutes the front side groove wall surface of the annular groove, and the rear side of the limiting protrusion is provided with a guide inclined surface or a guide arc surface for cooperating with the ring-shaped step to guide the outer conductor (3) into the insertion hole.

9. FAKRA connector according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that the definitions The plug-in end of the outer conductor (3) is located at the front end of the outer conductor (3), the front side of the annular groove (301) is provided with a ring-shaped step, the rear side surface of the ring-shaped step constitutes the front side groove wall surface of the annular groove (301), and the front side surface of the limiting protrusion is in stop cooperation with the rear side surface of the ring-shaped step.

10. The FAKRA connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the definitions The plug-in end of the outer conductor (3) is located at the front end of the outer conductor (3), the front side of the annular groove (301) is provided with a ring-shaped step, the rear side surface of the ring-shaped step constitutes the front side groove wall surface of the annular groove (301), and the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped step and the inner wall of the insertion hole are in close cooperation.

11. The FAKRA connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The TPA structure (8) is made of metal material.

12. The FAKRA connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The part of the TPA structure (8) inserted into the annular groove (301) is provided with a plurality of convex hulls (802), and the TPA structure (8) is in interference fit with the annular groove (301) through the convex hulls (802).

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