Quick connector for calibration piece of radio frequency tester

Abstract

The utility model discloses a quick connector for a calibration piece of a radio frequency tester, and belongs to the technical field of calibration. The calibration device comprises a plurality of different calibration pieces matched with a test port of a radio frequency tester, and further comprises a shell, and the interior of the shell comprises a rotating cavity and a driving cavity; the rotating assembly comprises a gear carrier fixed in the rotating cavity, a central gear rotationally mounted in the middle of the gear carrier and a plurality of planetary gears rotationally mounted on the gear carrier and meshed with the central gear, mounting cylinders are coaxially fixed to the end faces of the planetary gears, and a calibration piece is coaxially fixed in each mounting cylinder; and the driving assembly comprises a motor, a positive and negative rotation controller and a battery which are mounted in the driving cavity. According to the quick connector, a plurality of different calibration parts are integrated in one quick connector, and each calibration part is simultaneously driven to rotate by using the planetary gear structure, so that the calibration parts and the test ports can be quickly connected or disconnected, and the test efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a quick connector for RF test instrument calibration components, belonging to the field of calibration technology. Background Technology

[0002] During calibration, RF testers such as network analyzers and antenna / feeder testers typically require connecting a short circuitr, an open circuitr, and a load sequentially to the test port. The RF tester then measures and records parameters such as the port's reflection coefficient. While this process seems simple, it presents numerous inconveniences and potential problems in practice, affecting test efficiency and the accuracy of results.

[0003] Currently, the connection of circuit breakers, open circuit breakers, loads, and test ports is mainly done manually, making the process of replacing circuit breakers, open circuit breakers, and loads extremely cumbersome. For example, when installing a circuit breaker for calibration, it needs to be manually tightened. After calibration, the circuit breaker must be loosened before the open circuit breaker is tightened. This is not only time-consuming and laborious but also easily leads to operator fatigue. Moreover, due to differences in individual operating habits and force, it is difficult to ensure that the tightness is completely consistent each time. This difference in tightness can have a significant impact on test results, causing deviations in measurement data and affecting the accurate evaluation of RF system performance. In addition, because circuit breakers, open circuit breakers, and loads are similar in appearance, operators may misremember the test order or even use the wrong test component during frequent replacements. Such errors can not only lead to inaccurate test results but may also damage the test equipment. For example, if a circuit breaker is mistakenly connected when a load should be connected, it may cause excessive reflected signals to the network analyzer, affecting the normal operation of the instrument. The lack of effective sequence guidelines for calibrator replacement means that operators rely entirely on experience and memory to determine the testing sequence and component selection, which undoubtedly increases the risk of errors. Especially in high-frequency, high-volume testing environments, operators may make mistakes due to fatigue or distraction, leading to inaccurate test results or even equipment malfunctions.

[0004] Therefore, a quick connector for RF tester calibration parts is designed to help operators quickly replace calibration parts in a specific order. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a quick connector for RF test instrument calibration components, which solves the problem of low efficiency caused by the need to manually replace calibration components during the calibration process of current RF test instruments.

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is achieved by the following technical solution:

[0007] A quick connector for RF tester calibration components, comprising multiple different calibration components that mate with the test ports of an RF tester, and further comprising:

[0008] The housing contains a rotating cavity and a driving cavity, with one end of the rotating cavity communicating with the driving cavity and the other end of the rotating cavity being an opening;

[0009] A rotating assembly includes a gear carrier fixed in a rotating cavity, a central gear rotatably mounted in the middle of the gear carrier, and a plurality of planetary gears rotatably mounted on the gear carrier and meshing with the central gear. The end faces of the planetary gears are coaxially fixed with mounting cylinders, and each mounting cylinder is coaxially fixed with a calibration component, the threaded port of the calibration component facing the opening of the rotating cavity.

[0010] The drive assembly includes a motor, a forward / reverse controller, and a battery installed in the drive cavity. The motor is electrically connected to the battery through the forward / reverse controller, and the motor shaft is coaxially connected to the central gear.

[0011] Preferably, the drive assembly further includes a meshing coupling and an elastic element that transmit different maximum torques when rotating in both directions. The motor is mounted in the drive cavity via the elastic element that can move along the axial direction, and the motor shaft is coaxially connected to the central gear via the meshing coupling.

[0012] Preferably, the meshing coupling includes a drive disc, a driven disc, and a driven shaft arranged coaxially. The drive disc is fixed to the output shaft of the motor. The drive disc has helical teeth arranged along the circumferential direction. The driven disc is fixed to one end of the driven shaft, and the other end of the driven shaft is connected to a central gear. The driven disc has a helical groove that cooperates with the helical teeth. Under the action of the elastic element, the drive disc meshes with the driven disc.

[0013] Preferably, the elastic element consists of a plurality of sliding rods parallel to the motor axis, a clamping spring, and a bushing. The sliding rods are fixed on the outer circumference of the motor, and a bushing that cooperates with the sliding rods is fixed on the inner wall of the drive cavity. A clamping spring is sleeved on the sliding rod between the bushing and the motor, and the clamping spring pushes the motor toward the direction of the central gear.

[0014] Preferably, the rotating cavity opening of the housing is fitted with a foolproof rotating cover, and the rotating cover is provided with a docking hole that exposes one of the calibration components.

[0015] Preferably, each calibration component is marked with a corresponding calibration component mark on the outer circumference of the rotating cavity of the housing, and a hollow observation window is provided on the side of the rotating cover. When the observation window is rotated to the mark of one of the calibration components, the corresponding calibration component is coaxial with the docking hole.

[0016] Preferably, a raised rib is provided on the outer circumference of the rotating cavity of the housing, the inner diameter of the rotating cover is larger than the outer diameter of the housing at the rotating cavity, and a groove is provided on the inner wall of the side of the rotating cover to cooperate with the raised rib. The rotating cover is squeezed and fitted on the outer circumference of the rotating cavity of the housing, so that the raised rib falls into the groove.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] (1) By integrating multiple different calibration components into a quick connector and using a planetary gear structure to drive each calibration component to rotate simultaneously, the calibration components and test ports can be quickly connected or disconnected, improving test efficiency.

[0019] (2) The rotating cover structure with only one docking hole is used as a foolproof design. When one of the calibration parts is exposed in the docking hole, the other calibration parts are hidden in the rotating cover, and there will be no problem of misconnection.

[0020] (3) The observation window of the rotating cover is matched with the marking of the calibration piece. After each connection, the next calibration piece is rotated in a single direction to prevent the problem of incorrect connection caused by arbitrarily selecting standard pieces. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the calibration component and the test port;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a planetary gear;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the end face structure of a planetary gear;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotating component and the driving component of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating component structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit principle of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model in use.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Calibration component; 101. Short circuit breaker; 102. Circuit breaker; 103. Load;

[0032] 2. Test port;

[0033] 3. Housing; 301. Rotating cavity; 302. Driving cavity; 303. Marking; 304. Rib;

[0034] 4. Rotating assembly; 401. Gear carrier; 402. Central gear; 403. Planetary gear; 404. Mounting sleeve; 405. Rotating shaft; 406. Bearing;

[0035] 5. Drive components; 501. Motor; 502. Forward / reverse controller; 503. Battery; 504. Forward / reverse button; 505. Charging interface;

[0036] 6. Engagement type coupling; 601. Drive disc; 602. Driven disc; 603. Driven shaft; 604. Helical gear; 605. Inclined groove; 606. Contact inclined surface; 607. Contact plane;

[0037] 7. Elastic element; 701. Sliding rod; 702. Tightening spring; 703. Bushing;

[0038] 8. Rotating cover; 801. Connecting hole; 802. Observation window; 803. Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the following description, in conjunction with specific illustrations, further elaborates on this utility model.

[0040] like Figures 1-5 As shown, in order to improve the calibration efficiency of network analyzers and antenna feeder testers and reduce potential errors when replacing calibration components 1, a semi-automatic quick connector for RF tester calibration components 1 is designed. This quick connector for calibration components 1 includes multiple different calibration components 1 that match the test ports 2 of the RF tester. It also includes a housing 3, a rotating assembly 4, and a driving assembly 5.

[0041] The housing 3 contains a rotating cavity 301 and a driving cavity 302. One end of the rotating cavity 301 is connected to the driving cavity 302, and the other end of the rotating cavity 301 is open. Both the rotating cavity 301 and the driving cavity 302 can be cylindrical. However, the rotating cavity 301 has a larger diameter than the driving cavity 302 because it needs to accommodate multiple calibration components 1. The housing 3 at the driving cavity 302 can be used as a position for the operator to hold with one hand.

[0042] The rotating assembly 4 includes a gear carrier 401 fixed within the rotating cavity 301, a central gear 402 rotatably mounted in the middle of the gear carrier 401, and multiple planetary gears 403 rotatably mounted on the gear carrier 401 and meshing with the central gear 402. Each planetary gear 403 has a mounting sleeve 404 coaxially fixed to its end face. Each mounting sleeve 404 contains a calibration element 1 coaxially fixed within it, with the threaded port of the calibration element 1 opening towards the rotating cavity 301. A rotating shaft 405 is fixed to the end of each planetary gear 403, and the rotating shaft 405 is rotatably mounted on the gear carrier 401 via a bearing 406.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the different calibration components 1 mainly include short circuit breaker 101, open circuit breaker 102, load 103, etc. Calibration components 1 are divided into male and female connectors. In the figure, the calibration component 1 is a male connector as an example; the test ports 2 of the network analyzer or antenna feeder tester are all female connectors. Integrating multiple different calibration components 1 into a single quick connector not only improves installation and disassembly efficiency but also provides storage functionality to prevent the calibration components 1 from being lost.

[0044] The number of calibration components 1 is the same as the number of planetary gears 403. The figure shows three different calibration components 1: short circuit 101, open circuit 102, and load 103.

[0045] like Figure 2 , Figure 8 As shown, the drive assembly 5 includes a motor 501, a forward / reverse controller 502, and a battery 503 installed in the drive cavity 302. The motor 501 is electrically connected to the battery 503 through the forward / reverse controller 502, and the shaft of the motor 501 is coaxially connected to the central gear 402.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the forward and reverse controller 502 is equipped with forward and reverse buttons 504 to control the rotation of the motor 501. The forward button controls the motor 501 to rotate in the tightening direction of the calibration piece 1, and the reverse button controls the motor 501 to rotate in the loosening direction of the calibration piece 1. The forward and reverse buttons are exposed on the surface of the housing 3 for easy pressing by the operator.

[0047] like Figure 2 , Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the battery 503 is a rechargeable battery 503, and the charging interface 505 is exposed on the surface of the housing 3.

[0048] In some embodiments, the motor 501 is connected to the central gear 402 via a flexible coupling (not shown in the figure). During the tightening process of the calibration piece 1, it is possible to determine whether it is tightened by observing the tightness between the calibration piece 1 and the test port 2. If it is observed that the two are tightly fitted, the motor 501 is turned off by the forward and reverse controller 502. The flexible coupling can prevent the motor 501 from being impacted before it is turned off.

[0049] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, in order to enable the motor 501 to operate more safely and to ensure that the torque of each tightening is consistent, a meshing coupling 6 and an elastic element 7 structure are designed.

[0050] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 5 further includes a meshing coupling 6 and an elastic element 7 that transmit different maximum torques when rotating in both directions. The motor 501 is mounted in the drive cavity 302 via the elastic element 7, which is movable along the axial direction. The motor 501 shaft is coaxially connected to the central gear 402 via the meshing coupling 6.

[0051] Motor 501 is a commercially available product. It is preferred to use a geared motor 501 with an output torque that far exceeds the tightening torque. Motor 501 drives the meshing coupling 6, which in turn drives the central gear 402 to rotate. The central gear 402 drives the planetary gear 403 to rotate, and the calibration piece 1, which is fixed on the planetary gear 403 by the mounting sleeve, rotates accordingly.

[0052] In some embodiments, the meshing coupling 6 includes a drive disc 601, a driven disc 602, and a driven shaft 603 arranged coaxially. The drive disc 601 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 501. The drive disc 601 has helical teeth 604 arranged along the circumferential direction. The driven disc 602 is fixed to one end of the driven shaft 603, and the other end of the driven shaft 603 is connected to the central gear 402. The driven disc 602 has a helical groove 605 that mates with the helical teeth 604. Under the action of the elastic member 7, the drive disc 601 meshes with the driven disc 602. The driven shaft 603 serves as the rotation shaft 405 of the central gear 402, and the driven shaft 603 rotatably mounts the central gear 402 onto the gear carrier 401 via a bearing 406.

[0053] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the elastic element 7 consists of a plurality of sliding rods 701 parallel to the axial direction of the motor 501, a clamping spring 702, and a bushing 703. The sliding rods 701 are fixed on the outer circumference of the motor 501, and a bushing 703 that cooperates with the sliding rods 701 is fixed on the inner wall of the drive cavity 302. A clamping spring 702 is sleeved on the sliding rods 701 between the bushing 703 and the motor 501, and the clamping spring 702 pushes the motor 501 toward the direction of the central gear 402.

[0054] The working principle is as follows:

[0055] When installing calibration piece 1, first align calibration piece 1 and put it on test port 2, and then control motor 501 to rotate in the tightening direction of calibration piece 1 through forward and reverse controller 502.

[0056] When calibration piece 1 reaches the tightening torque, the meshing coupling 6 experiences relative slippage and is no longer fully engaged, thus achieving the purpose of tightening at a constant torque. The maximum torque transmitted by the meshing coupling 6 in this rotational direction is the tightening torque, the magnitude of which is set according to the tightening requirements of calibration piece 1 and test port 2. When selecting motor 501, its maximum torque must be much greater than the tightening torque during relative slippage to prevent the calibration piece 1 from being difficult to loosen.

[0057] After the calibration piece 1 is used, the motor 501 is controlled by the forward and reverse controller 502 to rotate in the direction of releasing the calibration piece 1. At this time, the meshing coupling 6 is in a fully meshed state and there will be no relative slippage. Therefore, the maximum torque of the motor 501 can be output to the calibration piece 1, so the calibration piece 1 can be quickly released from the test port 2.

[0058] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, more specifically:

[0059] The meshing coupling 6 exhibits relative sliding in the tightening direction but not in the loosening direction, resulting in different maximum torques transmitted during forward and reverse rotation. This effect primarily relies on the engagement of helical teeth 604 on the drive disc 601 and inclined grooves 605 on the driven disc 602, as well as the motor 501 being mounted within the drive cavity 302 via an elastic element 7 movable along the axial direction. The helical teeth 604 and inclined grooves 605 have two contact surfaces: a contact slope 606 inclined relative to the axis and a contact plane 607 parallel to the axial direction.

[0060] During the tightening process of calibration component 1, the rotational torque is mainly transmitted through the contact inclined surface 606. The elastic element 7 presses against the motor 501, and the drive disk 601 fixed on the shaft of the motor 501 abuts against the driven disk 602. The helical teeth 604 on the drive disk 601 mesh with the inclined grooves 605 on the driven disk 602, which can drive calibration component 1 to continue rotating. When calibration component 1 reaches the tightening torque, the pressing force of the elastic element 7 is less than the tooth skipping force, and the helical teeth 604 on the drive disk 601 begins to slide relative to the inclined grooves 605 on the driven disk 602. At the same time, the motor 501 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 7 and retracts. After the helical teeth 604 on the drive disk 601 disengages from one inclined groove 605 on the driven disk 602, they will rotate to the next inclined groove 605. During this process, a periodic clicking sound will be emitted, resulting in tooth skipping, indicating that it has been tightened. The operator can then turn off the forward and reverse controller 502.

[0061] During the process of loosening the calibration piece 1, the rotational torque is mainly transmitted by the contact plane 607. The helical teeth 604 on the drive disk 601 and the helical grooves 605 on the driven disk 602 will not slide relative to each other. Therefore, the maximum torque of the motor 501 can be fully output to the calibration piece 1 through the meshing coupling 6. The maximum torque of the motor 501 is much greater than the tightening torque when there is relative sliding. Therefore, the calibration piece 1 can be quickly loosened from the test port 2.

[0062] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, a foolproof rotating cover 8 is fitted over the opening of the rotating cavity 301 of the housing 3. The rotating cover 8 has a mating hole 801 that exposes one of the calibration components 1. The rotating cover 8 with only one mating hole 801 can serve as a foolproof design. When one of the calibration components 1 corresponds to the connection hole, the other calibration components 1 are hidden by the rotating cover 8, preventing accidental connection of other calibration components 1.

[0063] like Figure 1 , Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer circumference of the rotating cavity 301 of the housing 3 has a corresponding calibration component 1 mark 303 for each calibration component 1 mark 303, and the side of the rotating cover 8 is provided with a hollow observation window 802. When the observation window 802 is rotated to the mark 303 of one of the calibration components 1, the corresponding calibration component 1 is coaxial with the docking hole 801.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, a ring of raised ribs 304 is provided on the outer circumference of the rotating cavity 301 of the housing 3, the inner diameter of the rotating cover 8 is larger than the outer diameter of the housing 3 at the rotating cavity 301, and a ring of grooves 803 that cooperate with the raised ribs 304 is provided on the inner wall of the side of the rotating cover 8. The rotating cover 8 is squeezed and fitted on the outer circumference of the rotating cavity 301 of the housing 3, so that the raised ribs 304 fall into the grooves 803.

[0065] The housing 3, rotating component 4 and other parts can be made of metal or plastic, while the rotating cover 8 is made of plastic.

[0066] During calibration, rotate the mating hole 801 of the rotating cover 8 to the initial calibration piece 1 position, align the calibration piece 1 with the test port 2, and start the motor 501 to tighten the calibration piece 1 and test port 2. After calibration, start the motor 501 in reverse to loosen the calibration piece 1. Then, rotate the mating hole 801 clockwise (or counterclockwise) to the next calibration piece 1 position, and connect the calibration piece 1 to the test port 2 in sequence to complete the calibration of all items. This minimizes the risk of omissions or duplicate calibrations.

[0067] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A quick connector for RF tester calibration components, comprising a plurality of different calibration components (1) mating with a test port (2) of an RF tester, characterized in that, Also includes: The housing (3) contains a rotating cavity (301) and a driving cavity (302) inside. One end of the rotating cavity (301) is connected to the driving cavity (302), and the other end of the rotating cavity (301) is an opening. The rotating assembly (4) includes a gear carrier (401) fixed in the rotating cavity (301), a central gear (402) rotatably mounted in the middle of the gear carrier (401), and a plurality of planetary gears (403) rotatably mounted on the gear carrier (401) and meshing with the central gear (402). The end face of the planetary gears (403) is coaxially fixed with a mounting cylinder (404). Each mounting cylinder (404) is coaxially fixed with a calibration component (1). The threaded port of the calibration component (1) opens toward the rotating cavity (301). The drive assembly (5) includes a motor (501), a forward / reverse controller (502), and a battery (503) installed in the drive cavity (302). The motor (501) is electrically connected to the battery (503) through the forward / reverse controller (502), and the motor (501) shaft is coaxially connected to the central gear (402).

2. The quick connector for RF tester calibration as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (5) also includes a meshing coupling (6) and an elastic element (7) with different maximum torques transmitted in forward and reverse rotation. The motor (501) is installed in the drive cavity (302) through the elastic element (7) which can move along the axial direction. The motor (501) shaft is coaxially connected to the central gear (402) through the meshing coupling (6).

3. The quick connector for RF tester calibration as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The meshing coupling (6) includes a drive disc (601), a driven disc (602), and a driven shaft (603) arranged coaxially. The drive disc (601) is fixed to the output shaft of the motor (501). The drive disc (601) is provided with helical teeth (604) along the circumferential direction. The driven disc (602) is fixed to one end of the driven shaft (603). The other end of the driven shaft (603) is connected to the central gear (402). The driven disc (602) is provided with a helical groove (605) that cooperates with the helical teeth (604). Under the action of the elastic element (7), the drive disc (601) meshes with the driven disc (602).

4. The quick connector for RF tester calibration as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element (7) consists of multiple sliding rods (701) parallel to the axis of the motor (501), a clamping spring (702) and a bushing (703). The sliding rods (701) are fixed on the outer side of the circumference of the motor (501). A bushing (703) that cooperates with the sliding rods (701) is fixed on the inner wall of the drive cavity (302). A clamping spring (702) is sleeved on the sliding rods (701) between the bushing (703) and the motor (501). The clamping spring (702) pushes the motor (501) toward the direction of the central gear (402).

5. The quick connector for RF tester calibration as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating cavity (301) opening of the housing (3) is fitted with a foolproof rotating cover (8), and the rotating cover (8) is provided with a docking hole (801) that exposes one of the calibration components (1).

6. The quick connector for RF tester calibration as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The outer circumference of the rotating cavity (301) of the housing (3) has a corresponding calibration part (1) mark (303) for each calibration part (1). The rotating cover (8) has a hollow observation window (802) on its side. When the observation window (802) is rotated to the mark (303) of one of the calibration parts (1), the corresponding calibration part (1) is coaxial with the docking hole (801).

7. A quick connector for RF tester calibration as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A raised rib (304) is provided on the outer circumference of the rotating cavity (301) of the housing (3). The inner diameter of the rotating cover (8) is larger than the outer diameter of the housing (3) at the rotating cavity (301). A groove (803) is provided on the inner wall of the side of the rotating cover (8) to cooperate with the raised rib (304). The rotating cover (8) is squeezed and fitted on the outer circumference of the rotating cavity (301) of the housing (3), so that the raised rib (304) falls into the groove (803).

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