An angled vehicle camera connector

Abstract

This utility model discloses an angled vehicle camera connector, including a metal back cover, a terminal assembly, a first outer conductor with an angled insertion portion, a second outer conductor that is positioned and installed with the first outer conductor, and at least two sealing elements. The first and second outer conductors are at a predetermined angle, and the axis of the insertion portion forms a non-perpendicular angle with the mounting panel. This utility model's connector structure is simple, facilitating installation in confined spaces and improving space utilization. The curved platform effectively prevents cracking. The first outer conductor is a single piece, which not only avoids circumferential water ingress or poor sealing at the angled insertion portion but also facilitates the installation of waterproof elements, reducing the number of sealing elements to two, thus achieving overall waterproofing and sealing of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connector technology, specifically to an angled vehicle camera connector. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional camera back cover connectors typically employ a vertical insertion structure, meaning the connector's insertion direction is perpendicular to the back cover plane. However, in practical applications, due to compact internal layouts, space constraints, or wiring angle requirements, camera back cover connectors with an angled design are often necessary to avoid interference with other components.

[0003] In existing tilt-angle camera rear cover connector technologies, such as the "Connector for a Large-Angle FAKRA to SMP Port" disclosed in Chinese Patent CN223309248U, the connector includes components such as an outer conductor, a main body, a center pin, multiple seals, and a plastic shell. The plastic shell is essential in this connector, but due to its extremely low thermal conductivity, heat accumulates within the conductor and cannot dissipate. For low-pixel (1-2 megapixel) automotive cameras, the image sensor has low data processing volume, low frame rate, and extremely low power consumption, resulting in minimal heat generation and a relatively low overall temperature rise during normal operation. However, for mid-to-high-pixel (3-8 megapixel) automotive cameras, with the pixel count doubling, image sampling, signal transmission, and image processing computing power increase significantly. This leads to a surge in camera module power consumption and sustained high heat generation. Prolonged operation causes concentrated heat accumulation, easily resulting in internal overheating, affecting camera image quality, and accelerating plastic aging.

[0004] This type of connector uses an inclined main body with a cover plate that mates with the rear outer conductor's groove. This places the connection point between the outer conductor and the main body on a slope, which is very unfavorable for the overall sealing and waterproofing of the connector. To achieve a sealing and waterproofing effect, this connector must be equipped with a plastic shell and have multiple complex sealing structures between the outer conductor, the main body, and the plastic shell. Although this can meet certain waterproofing requirements, it also results in a large number of connector parts, complex assembly processes, and high manufacturing costs.

[0005] Meanwhile, in the camera back cover connector technology, if the plug part is at an angle relative to the mounting panel, stress concentration is likely to occur at the plug part and the angled corner, leading to cracking and other problems.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an angled connector that has simple components, stable sealing, avoids cracking, and is suitable for camera back cover scenarios. Utility Model Content

[0007] This utility model provides a simple and reliable angled vehicle camera connector, overcoming the problems in the prior art. The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0008] An angled vehicle camera connector includes: a metal rear cover, having a mounting panel, mounting holes formed on the mounting panel, and a receiving cavity formed by the mounting panel and the sidewall of the metal rear cover;

[0009] A terminal assembly, including a center terminal and an insulator sleeved on the outside of the center terminal;

[0010] The first outer conductor includes a plug portion for mating with a mating connector, a mounting portion for matching the mounting hole, and a first cavity formed inside the first outer conductor for accommodating a terminal assembly.

[0011] The second outer conductor has a hollow cylindrical structure, and a second cavity is formed inside for the terminal assembly to pass through and fit. The second outer conductor is matched and installed with the mounting part of the first outer conductor.

[0012] The mounting portion has a fixing portion formed on its end face, which fixes the first outer conductor, the second outer conductor, and the metal back cover. The axis of the plug-in portion forms a non-perpendicular angle with the mounting panel.

[0013] Furthermore, a limiting platform is provided between the insertion part and the mounting part, and the limiting platform is used for installation stop when the mounting part is installed in the mounting hole.

[0014] Furthermore, a protrusion is provided on the outer end face of the second outer conductor, and a limiting groove communicating with the first cavity is provided on the inner wall of the mounting part. A relief groove is provided on the insulator to avoid the protrusion. The protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate to form a limiting structure to prevent the insulator from coming out of the second outer conductor. At the same time, a preset angle is formed between the insertion part of the first outer conductor and the second outer conductor.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner wall of the mounting part is provided with an anti-rotation groove, and the insulator is provided with an anti-rotation protrusion. The anti-rotation groove and the anti-rotation protrusion are matched in a limiting manner to restrict the insulator from rotating circumferentially relative to the first outer conductor.

[0016] Furthermore, the insulator has an annular recess in the middle, which is used to introduce air medium.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer surface of the insulator is also provided with a convex annular surface, which is tightly fitted with the first cavity of the first outer conductor.

[0018] Furthermore, a positioning groove is provided on the inner wall of the mounting hole, and a positioning block is provided on the mounting part of the first outer conductor. The positioning groove and the positioning block are matched to limit the relative rotation between the first outer conductor and the metal back cover.

[0019] Furthermore, a first sealing element is provided in the gap between the mounting hole and the second outer conductor, and a second sealing element is provided in the gap between the inner wall of the first outer conductor and the center terminal, and the first sealing element completely covers the fixing part.

[0020] Furthermore, a sealing platform is provided inside the accommodating cavity, which is located on the outer ring of the mounting hole and is used to accommodate the first sealing element.

[0021] Furthermore, the limiting platform is also provided with an arc-shaped platform on the side near the insertion part to prevent the insertion part from cracking due to stress concentration and to further reinforce the insertion part.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the angled vehicle camera connector provided by this utility model are as follows:

[0023] 1. Excellent electromagnetic shielding and heat dissipation performance. In this application, the first and second outer conductors are riveted together after being sleeved, forming a complete circumferential cylindrical shielding layer. Combined with the tight fit with the metal back cover, this creates a closed cavity, effectively suppressing electromagnetic leakage and preventing external electromagnetic interference from entering the connector. Furthermore, this application does not include a plastic shell, and the metal back cover has a high thermal conductivity and a large surface area, allowing heat from the connector to be conducted through the metal back cover, forming an efficient heat dissipation channel. Therefore, the angled vehicle camera connector provided by this application possesses excellent electromagnetic shielding performance and efficient heat dissipation performance, fully meeting the comprehensive performance requirements of high-pixel cameras for heat dissipation, shielding, and structural strength.

[0024] 2. Simplified structure and reduced overall components. The integrated first outer conductor facilitates the installation of waterproof components. The connector consists of a metal back cover, terminal assembly, first outer conductor, and second outer conductor. Due to the different overall structural design, this invention reduces the number of sealing components to two, achieving overall waterproofing and sealing of the connector. Unlike the complex designs of prior art connectors that rely on a combination of plastic shells and sealing components or sealant for waterproofing, this connector has a simple structure, fewer overall components, and is easy to assemble.

[0025] 3. Avoids deformation and water ingress issues at the inclined connector. Its first outer conductor is a single piece, and the inclined connector surface has no openings. The inclined surface guides liquid outwards along the slope, thus avoiding circumferential water ingress or poor sealing at the inclined connector; it also completely avoids the deformation problem at the mating groove in the prior art.

[0026] 4. High connection reliability. The metal back cover, first outer conductor, and second outer conductor are mechanically fixed by the fixing part, unlike the prior art which relies on the fixing of the plastic shell. This avoids the fixing failure caused by the deformation of the plastic shell and significantly improves the connection reliability of the connector.

[0027] 5. Effectively prevents cracking. The first outer conductor is equipped with an arc-shaped platform, which can effectively reduce stress concentration at the mounting part of the first outer conductor and avoid the risk of cracking. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the angled vehicle camera connector of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure from a first-person perspective;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the middle terminal assembly;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first outer conductor;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second outer conductor;

[0034] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A sectional view;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure from a second perspective;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the connector in the background technology.

[0037] The components represented by each number in the attached diagram are explained below:

[0038] 100-Metal back cover, 101-Mounting panel, 102-Mounting hole, 103-Accommodation cavity, 104-Sealing platform, 105-Positioning groove;

[0039] 200-Terminal assembly, 201-Center terminal, 202-Insulator, 2021-Allowing groove, 2022-Anti-rotation protrusion, 2023-Annular recess, 2024-Raised annular surface;

[0040] 300-First outer conductor, 301-First cavity, 302-Plug-in part, 303-Mounting part, 304-Fixing part, 305-Limiting groove, 306-Anti-rotation groove, 307-Limiting platform, 308-Arc-shaped platform, 309-Positioning block;

[0041] 400 - Second outer conductor, 401 - Second cavity, 402 - Protrusion;

[0042] 501 - First seal, 502 - Second seal.

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar objects and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7This embodiment provides an angled vehicle camera connector, characterized in that it includes: a metal back cover 100 having a mounting panel 101, a mounting hole 102 formed on the mounting panel 101, and an accommodating cavity 103 formed by the mounting panel 101 and the side wall of the metal back cover 100; a terminal assembly 200 including a central terminal 201 and an insulator 202 sleeved outside the central terminal 201; and a first outer conductor 300 including a plug portion 302 for mating with a mating connector, a mounting portion 303 matching the mounting hole 102, and an opening... The first outer conductor 300 has a first cavity 301 inside for accommodating the terminal assembly 200; the second outer conductor 400 has a hollow cylindrical structure, and a second cavity 401 is formed inside for the terminal assembly 200 to pass through and fit. The second outer conductor 400 is matched and installed with the mounting part 303 of the first outer conductor 300; a fixing part 304 is formed on the end face of the mounting part 303, and the fixing part 304 fixes the first outer conductor 300, the second outer conductor 400 and the metal back cover 100. The axis of the insertion part 302 forms a non-perpendicular angle with the mounting panel 101.

[0046] Furthermore, it also includes a seal, which is provided at least inside the port of the first outer conductor 300 and inside the metal back cover 100.

[0047] Furthermore, the fixing part 304 is specifically designed to form a strong connection and fixation through mechanical fixing methods such as riveting, welding, etc.

[0048] In comparison, reference Figure 8 The background technology uses an inclined main body to connect the cover plate to the mating groove of the rear outer conductor, which poses a risk of water ingress at the connection point. However, the angled vehicle camera connector provided by this utility model has a first outer conductor 300 that is integrally formed, and the inclined insertion part 302 surface has no openings. The inclined surface can guide liquid to drain outwards along the slope, thus fundamentally avoiding the problem of circumferential water ingress or poor sealing effect at the insertion part 302.

[0049] Meanwhile, compared to the complex structure of the prior art that requires multiple sealing components, the present invention can reduce the number of sealing components to only two, which can meet the sealing and waterproofing effect of the entire connector, significantly reducing the number of parts and improving production and assembly efficiency.

[0050] Furthermore, the connector components of this invention are simpler and easier to install.

[0051] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 6In this embodiment, a limiting platform 307 is also provided between the plug-in part 302 and the mounting part 303. When the mounting part 303 is installed in the mounting hole 102, the limiting platform 307 is used for installation stop, and at the same time, a non-perpendicular angle is formed between the axis of the plug-in part 302 and the mounting panel 101.

[0052] refer to Figure 5 In this embodiment, a protrusion 402 is provided on the outer end face of the second outer conductor 400, and a limiting groove 305 communicating with the first cavity 301 is provided on the inner wall of the mounting part 303. An avoidance groove 2021 for avoiding the protrusion 402 is provided on the insulator 202. The protrusion 402 and the limiting groove 305 cooperate to form a limiting structure to prevent the insulator 202 from coming out of the second outer conductor 400. At the same time, a preset angle is formed between the insertion part 302 of the first outer conductor 300 and the second outer conductor 400.

[0053] In the actual installation process, the first outer conductor 300 is installed with the second outer conductor 400 first, and then the metal back cover 100 is installed. By ensuring that the first outer conductor 300 and the second outer conductor 400 are installed at a preset angle in advance, it is ensured that the angle between the plug part 302 of the first outer conductor 300 and its projection on the mounting panel 101 is a specific angle that is not perpendicular, thus meeting the needs of the actual scenario.

[0054] Furthermore, the angle between the axis of the plug-in portion 302 and the plane where the mounting panel 101 is located is an acute angle.

[0055] refer to Figures 3 to 6 In this embodiment, the inner wall of the mounting part 303 is also provided with an anti-rotation groove 306, and the insulator 202 is provided with an anti-rotation protrusion 2022. The anti-rotation groove 306 and the anti-rotation protrusion 2022 are matched in a limiting manner, which can effectively restrict the circumferential rotation and axial movement of the insulator 202 relative to the first outer conductor 300, avoid changes in transmission impedance or signal reflection caused by the offset of the insulator 202, and significantly improve the transmission stability of radio frequency signals.

[0056] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, an annular recess 2023 is formed in the middle of the insulator 202. This annular recess 2023 reduces the friction between the terminal assembly 200 and the first outer conductor 300 during assembly without affecting the sealing and insulation performance of the insulator, thus facilitating the installation of the terminal assembly 200. Furthermore, the annular recess 2023 can also introduce air as a dielectric. Since air has the lowest dielectric constant, far lower than conventional materials such as plastics, introducing air as a dielectric can reduce the effective dielectric constant of the insulator 202, thereby optimizing the impedance matching performance of the connector and reducing high-frequency signal transmission loss.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 In this embodiment, the outer surface of the insulator 202 is provided with a convex annular surface 2024, which is fastened to the first cavity 301 of the first outer conductor 300.

[0058] Specifically, the center terminal 201 is integrally formed in a bent shape, and the insulator 202, which is sleeved on the outside of the center terminal 201, is also bent. The terminal assembly 200 formed by the center terminal 201 and the insulator 202 is also bent. The convex annular surface 2024 is located between the annular recess 2023 and the bending point of the insulator 202. This convex annular surface 2024 design not only increases the contact area and frictional resistance between the insulator 202 and the first outer conductor 300, further preventing the terminal assembly 200 from undergoing slight rotation or displacement relative to the first outer conductor 300, but also plays an auxiliary sealing role.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, a positioning groove 105 is provided on the inner wall of the mounting hole 102, and a positioning block 309 is provided on the mounting part 303 of the first outer conductor 300. The positioning groove 105 and the positioning block 309 are matched to limit each other to prevent the first outer conductor 300 from rotating relative to the metal back cover 100.

[0060] refer to Figure 6 In this embodiment, a first sealing element 501 is provided in the gap between the mounting hole 102 and the second outer conductor 400, and a second sealing element 502 is provided in the gap between the inner wall of the first outer conductor 300 and the center terminal 201. The first sealing element 501 completely covers the fixing part 304, and the second sealing element 502 covers the end of the insulator 202. Through the first sealing element 501 and the second sealing element 502 provided at the above two locations, the overall waterproof and sealing effect of the connector can be achieved. Simultaneously, the first sealing element 501 further fixes the head end of the insulator 202, and the second sealing element 502 further fixes the tail end of the insulator 202, preventing metal debris from being generated in the fixing part 304 and enhancing the connection reliability of the fixing part 304.

[0061] refer to Figure 7 In this embodiment, a sealing platform 104 is provided in the accommodating cavity 103. The sealing platform 104 is located on the outer ring of the mounting hole 102, and the first sealing member 501 is accommodated in the sealing platform 104.

[0062] Furthermore, the sealing operation is a dispensing operation. By setting the sealing platform 104, the flow range and filling height of the sealant can be precisely controlled. During the dispensing operation, the sealant is confined within the sealing platform 104, preventing leakage and runoff. At the same time, the sealing platform 104 provides a stable containment space and adhesion surface for the cured sealant, ensuring that the sealant is not easily detached or cracked during long-term use, greatly improving the stability and reliability of the sealing connection.

[0063] refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the limiting platform 307 also has an arc-shaped platform 308 on the side near the insertion portion 302. Because the insertion end of the first outer conductor 300 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the mounting plane, stress concentration is prone to occur in the mounting portion of the first outer conductor 300, which may lead to fatigue cracking when subjected to insertion / extraction forces or vibration impacts. The arc-shaped platform 308 further reinforces the inclined insertion portion 302, effectively reducing the stress concentration problem in the mounting portion of the first outer conductor 300, avoiding the risk of cracking, and extending the service life of the connector.

[0064] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of this utility model, but not all embodiments. Any equivalent changes to the technical solutions of this utility model made by those skilled in the art after reading this utility model specification are covered by this utility model application.

Claims

1. An angled vehicle-mounted camera connector, characterized in that, include: The metal back cover has a mounting panel, mounting holes provided on the mounting panel, and a receiving cavity formed by the mounting panel and the sidewalls of the metal back cover. A terminal assembly, including a center terminal and an insulator sleeved on the outside of the center terminal; The first outer conductor includes a plug portion for mating with a mating connector, a mounting portion for matching the mounting hole, and a first cavity formed inside the first outer conductor for accommodating the terminal assembly; The second outer conductor has a hollow cylindrical structure, and a second cavity is formed inside for the terminal assembly to pass through and fit. The second outer conductor is matched and installed with the mounting part of the first outer conductor. The mounting portion has a fixing portion formed on its end face, which fixes the first outer conductor, the second outer conductor, and the metal back cover. The axis of the plug-in portion forms a non-perpendicular angle with the mounting panel.

2. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting platform is also provided between the plug-in part and the mounting part. When the mounting part is installed in the mounting hole, the limiting platform is used for installation stop.

3. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second outer conductor has a protrusion on its outer end face, and the inner wall of the mounting part has a limiting groove that communicates with the first cavity. The insulator has a relief groove for avoiding the protrusion. The protrusion and the limiting groove cooperate to form a limiting structure to prevent the insulator from coming out of the second outer conductor. At the same time, a preset angle is formed between the insertion part of the first outer conductor and the second outer conductor.

4. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner wall of the mounting part is also provided with an anti-rotation groove, and the insulator is provided with an anti-rotation protrusion. The anti-rotation groove and the anti-rotation protrusion are matched to limit the circumferential rotation of the insulator relative to the first outer conductor.

5. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulator has an annular recess in the middle, which is used to introduce air medium.

6. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer surface of the insulator is also provided with a convex annular surface, which is fastened to the first cavity of the first outer conductor.

7. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the mounting hole is provided with a positioning groove, and the mounting part of the first outer conductor is provided with a positioning block. The positioning groove and the positioning block are matched to limit the relative rotation between the first outer conductor and the metal back cover.

8. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first sealing element is provided in the gap between the mounting hole and the second outer conductor, and a second sealing element is provided in the gap between the inner wall of the first outer conductor and the center terminal. The first sealing element completely covers the fixing part.

9. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The accommodating cavity is further provided with a sealing platform, which is located on the outer ring of the mounting hole and is used to accommodate the first sealing element.

10. The angled vehicle camera connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting platform also has an arc-shaped platform on the side near the insertion part to prevent the insertion part from cracking due to stress concentration and to further reinforce the insertion part.

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