A leaky cable connector

Abstract

This utility model discloses a leaky cable connector, relating to the field of radio frequency connector technology. It includes a front housing, a pin assembly disposed within the front housing, a middle housing connected to the front housing, an elastic contact disposed within the middle housing, and a rear housing connected to the middle housing. It also includes a first retaining ring and a second retaining ring. The first retaining ring is disposed in the front housing, and the second retaining ring is disposed in the middle housing. The outer periphery of the rear end of the second retaining ring has a tapered portion, forming a limiting space between the tapered portion of the second retaining ring and the inner wall of the middle housing. The elastic contact portion is located within this limiting space. The rear end of the first retaining ring and the front end of the second retaining ring make contact with each other. Both the first and second retaining rings are made of metal. The size of the first retaining ring is configured to achieve a smooth transition of a set impedance. This utility model improves the connection stability of the leaky cable connector and enhances its electrical performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of radio frequency connector technology, and in particular to a leaky cable connector. Background Technology

[0002] Leaky cable connectors typically include a housing, a pin assembly, and resilient contacts. The resilient contacts are used to clamp and fix the outer conductor of the leaky cable to maintain the mechanical and electrical connection between the connector and the leaky cable.

[0003] Existing leaky cable connectors have the following shortcomings: Firstly, the internal signal transmission path lacks an effective impedance compensation structure. When the signal is transmitted directly between the inner and outer conductors, the impedance along the path is difficult to maintain stability, easily forming impedance discontinuities within the connector. This leads to increased return loss, decreased electrical performance, and affects the signal transmission quality of the leaky cable system. Secondly, the fixing method between the elastic contact and the shell is relatively simple. The shell only applies radial clamping force to the elastic contact, lacking effective axial positioning limitation. After the connector experiences long-term temperature changes, mechanical vibration, or cable pulling, the elastic contact is prone to axial displacement or loosening, resulting in a decrease in the holding force of the elastic contact on the outer conductor. This, in turn, causes unstable electrical contact between the connector and the leaky cable, affecting the reliability of signal transmission. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a leaky cable connector that solves the technical problems of weak electrical performance and poor stability in the prior art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a leaky cable connector, including a front shell, a pin assembly disposed in the front shell, a middle shell connected to the front shell, an elastic contact disposed in the middle shell, and a rear shell connected to the middle shell. It also includes a first pressure ring and a second pressure ring. The first pressure ring is disposed in the front shell, and the second pressure ring is disposed in the middle shell. The outer periphery of the rear end of the second pressure ring is provided with a tapered portion. A limiting space is formed between the tapered portion of the second pressure ring and the inner cavity wall of the middle shell. The elastic contact is partially located in the limiting space. The rear end of the first pressure ring and the front end of the second pressure ring make contact with each other. Both the first pressure ring and the second pressure ring are made of metal. The size of the first pressure ring is configured to achieve a smooth transition of the set impedance.

[0006] Furthermore, the first pressure ring includes a base and a first stepped portion with an outer diameter smaller than the base. The first stepped portion is located at the rear end of the first pressure ring, and the front end of the second pressure ring is provided with an inner flange. The outer periphery of the first stepped portion of the first pressure ring and the inner periphery of the inner flange of the second pressure ring are in contact with each other.

[0007] Furthermore, the front end face of the inner flange of the second pressure ring also contacts and engages with the rear end face of the base of the first pressure ring.

[0008] Furthermore, the front end face of the inner flange of the second pressure ring also contacts and engages with the rear end face of the front housing.

[0009] Furthermore, the second pressure ring and the inner and outer shell are interference fit.

[0010] Furthermore, the front end of the second pressure ring also includes a second stepped portion for mating with the inner housing.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner outer shell has a circumferential hole for inserting a wrench.

[0012] Furthermore, the needle assembly includes a separate needle body and a socket, with the socket having straight knurled patterns.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a first sealing ring disposed between the front housing and the middle housing, and a second sealing ring disposed between the middle housing and the rear housing.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a third sealing ring and a third pressure ring disposed between the rear housing and the leakage cable.

[0015] The leaky cable connector provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects: By configuring the size of the first pressure ring to achieve a smooth transition of the set impedance, a continuous impedance transition structure is formed on the signal transmission path inside the leaky cable connector, eliminating the problem of increased return loss caused by impedance discontinuity and improving the electrical performance of the leaky cable connector. By providing a tapered portion on the outer periphery of the rear end of the second pressure ring, a limiting space is formed between the tapered portion and the inner cavity wall of the inner shell. The elastic contact part is located within the limiting space, thereby simultaneously achieving radial clamping and axial limiting of the elastic contact, improving the stability and reliability of the connection between the elastic contact and the outer conductor of the leaky cable. Through the contact and cooperation between the rear end of the first pressure ring and the front end of the second pressure ring, the two pressure rings have a clear relative axial position after assembly, which facilitates the control of the assembly process and ensures the stability of the relative position of the two pressure rings during use. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the leaky cable connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first pressure ring in the leaky cable connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second pressure ring in the leaky cable connector provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Icons: 110-Front housing; 120-Middle housing; 121-Round hole; 130-Rear housing; 210-Pin body; 220-Socket; 230-Insulator; 240-Rivet tube; 310-First sealing ring; 320-Second sealing ring; 330-Third sealing ring; 410-Elastic contact; 500-First pressure ring; 510-Base; 520-First stepped portion; 600-Second pressure ring; 610-Conical portion; 620-Inner flange; 630-Second stepped portion; 700-Third pressure ring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0026] This utility model embodiment provides a leaky cable connector, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the leaky cable connector includes a front housing 110, a middle housing 120, and a rear housing 130. The front housing 110 and the middle housing 120 are connected by threads, and the middle housing 120 and the rear housing 130 are connected by threads, forming the housing of the leaky cable connector. A pin assembly is disposed inside the front housing 110, which includes a separate pin 210 and a socket 220. The socket 220 has knurled lines. After the socket 220 is pressed into the pin 210, the knurling increases the friction between the socket 220 and the pin 210, preventing the socket 220 from rotating relative to the pin 210. The socket 220 and the pin 210 are tightly fitted, with the end of the socket 220 facing outwards for mating with the pins of an external connector. An insulator 230 is fitted around the outer periphery of the pin 210. The insulator 230 is pressed into the pin 210. The insulator 230 has no orientation and does not require orientation during installation. The inner wall of the front housing 110 is provided with a barbed structure, which hooks onto the front end face of the insulator 230, reliably holding the pin assembly within the front housing 110. A rivet tube 240 is riveted to the pin body 210, forming a tight fit, thus securing the pin body 210 and the insertion hole 220 as a whole. An elastic contact 410 is provided inside the middle housing 120. The elastic contact 410 is annular, forming a complete circle circumferentially, and its inner circumferential surface has a protrusion that protrudes inward to clamp the outer conductor of the leaky cable, maintaining the mechanical and electrical connection between the leaky cable connector and the leaky cable.

[0027] The leaky cable connector provided in this embodiment of the utility model further includes a first retaining ring 500 and a second retaining ring 600. The first retaining ring 500 is disposed in the front housing 110. The second retaining ring 600 is disposed in the middle housing 120. Both the first retaining ring 500 and the second retaining ring 600 are made of metal. Figure 3 As shown, the first retaining ring 500 is generally annular with a sloping, uneven structure along the axial direction. This uneven structure forms a stepped profile on the inner or outer circumferential surface of the retaining ring. This stepped compensation optimizes the impedance matching between the conductors inside the connector, enabling a smooth impedance transition along the signal transmission path at the first retaining ring 500 and avoiding signal reflection caused by impedance abrupt changes. During the design process, the inner and outer diameters of the first retaining ring 500 at various axial positions are calculated based on transmission line theory, ensuring a continuous and gradual change in the characteristic impedance of the connector's interior along the signal transmission direction, ultimately matching a set impedance value, such as a standard characteristic impedance of 50Ω. Compared to direct transmission schemes, this stepped compensation structure effectively reduces return loss and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the outer periphery of the rear end of the second pressure ring 600 is provided with a tapered portion 610. The tapered portion 610 gradually expands radially outward from front to back along the axial direction. The taper angle of the tapered portion 610 is selected according to the required axial limiting force of the elastic contact 410 and the ease of assembly, and is usually set to 5° to 30°. A limiting space is formed between the tapered portion 610 and the inner cavity wall of the middle housing 120. The limiting space converges in a wedge shape along the axial direction, and the elastic contact 410 is partially located within the limiting space. The tapered portion 610 and the inner cavity wall of the middle housing 120 simultaneously apply radial clamping force and axial limiting force to the elastic contact 410 to prevent the elastic contact 410 from displacing along the axial direction.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the rear end of the first pressure ring 500 contacts and engages with the front end of the second pressure ring 600. Specifically, after the first pressure ring 500 and the second pressure ring 600 are installed in the front housing 110 and the middle housing 120 respectively, the rear end of the first pressure ring 500 and the front end of the second pressure ring 600 contact and engage with each other in the axial direction, forming a stable assembly structure.

[0030] As one specific embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the first pressure ring 500 includes a base 510 and a first stepped portion 520 with an outer diameter smaller than that of the base 510. The first stepped portion 520 is located at the rear end of the first pressure ring 500, i.e., the end facing the second pressure ring 600. The front end of the second pressure ring 600 is provided with an inner flange 620, which extends radially inward. The outer periphery of the first stepped portion 520 of the first pressure ring 500 and the inner periphery of the inner flange 620 of the second pressure ring 600 are in contact with each other. This contact fit is preferably a clearance fit or a transition fit, so that the first pressure ring 500 and the second pressure ring 600 can be smoothly aligned and positioned during assembly, while reserving a certain radial adjustment space. Through the radial contact between the first stepped portion 520 and the inner flange 620, the first pressure ring 500 and the second pressure ring 600 are accurately positioned radially, ensuring their coaxiality.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, the front end face of the inner flange 620 of the second pressure ring 600 also contacts and engages with the rear end face of the base 510 of the first pressure ring 500. The contact between the front and rear ends further defines the axial relative position of the first pressure ring 500 and the second pressure ring 600. In this embodiment, during assembly, the first pressure ring 500 is first pressed into the front housing 110 until the rear end face of the base 510 is flush with or recessed by a predetermined distance, and then the second pressure ring 600 is pressed into the middle housing 120 until the front end face of the inner flange 620 is completely fitted with the rear end face of the base 510.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, the front end face of the inner flange 620 of the second pressure ring 600 also contacts and engages with the rear end face of the front housing 110. By having the front end face of the inner flange 620 directly contact the rear end face of the front housing 110, the axial mounting position of the second pressure ring 600 is defined with the middle housing 120 as a reference after assembly. This solution is a parallel alternative to the above-mentioned inner flange and base contact engagement solution.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the second pressure ring 600 and the inner shell 120 are interference-fitted. The interference amount is selected based on the material, wall thickness, and operating temperature range of the inner shell 120 and the second pressure ring 600 to ensure sufficient connection strength while avoiding excessive assembly stress that could cause component deformation. The interference fit reliably fixes the second pressure ring 600 within the inner shell 120, thus securing the elastic contact 410 within the inner shell after the second pressure ring 600 is installed. The front end of the second pressure ring 600 also has a second stepped portion 630 for mating with the inner shell 120. The outer diameter of the second stepped portion 630 matches the inner wall of the inner shell 120 to achieve the interference fit.

[0034] As one specific embodiment, the inner outer shell 120 has circular holes 121 along its circumference. Preferably, there are three or four circular holes 121. The circular holes 121 are evenly distributed along the circumference on the outer circumferential surface of the inner outer shell 120, for inserting a special crescent wrench, so as to facilitate tightening the inner outer shell 120 to the front outer shell 110 with the wrench, and to facilitate disassembly and assembly.

[0035] As one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the leaky cable connector also includes a first sealing ring 310, a second sealing ring 320, and a third sealing ring 330. The first sealing ring 310 is disposed between the front outer shell 110 and the middle outer shell 120. The middle outer shell 120 has a first annular groove, in which the first sealing ring 310 is received. The front outer shell 110 presses the first sealing ring 310 tightly within the annular groove, sealing the connection interface between the front outer shell 110 and the middle outer shell 120. The second sealing ring 320 is disposed between the middle outer shell 120 and the rear outer shell 130. The middle outer shell 120 has a second annular groove, in which the second sealing ring 320 is received. The rear outer shell 130 presses the second sealing ring 320 tightly within the annular groove, sealing the connection interface between the middle outer shell 120 and the rear outer shell 130. The third sealing ring 330 is disposed between the rear outer shell 130 and the leaky cable, sealing the gap between the rear outer shell 130 and the leaky cable.

[0036] A third pressure ring 700 is also provided inside the rear housing 130. The third pressure ring 700 presses the third sealing ring 330 between the inner wall of the rear housing 130 and the outer peripheral surface of the leaking cable, so that the third sealing ring 330 expands radially after being compressed in the axial direction, filling the annular gap between the rear housing 130 and the leaking cable, and ensuring the sealing reliability between the rear housing 130 and the leaking cable.

[0037] The first sealing ring 310, the second sealing ring 320, and the third sealing ring 330 can be made of elastic sealing materials such as silicone rubber or fluororubber, which have good weather resistance and a wide operating temperature range, enabling the leaky cable connector to achieve an IP68 waterproof rating.

[0038] As a specific embodiment, threadlocker is applied to the threaded connection between the front housing 110 and the middle housing 120. After the threadlocker cures, it locks the threads of the front housing 110 and the middle housing 120, preventing them from loosening due to vibration during use and further enhancing the sealing performance of the threaded connection. After the middle housing 120 and the rear housing 130 are assembled, there is no visible gap at the axial joint between the middle housing 120 and the rear housing 130, ensuring appearance quality and initial preload for sealing.

[0039] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A leaky coaxial cable connector characterized by comprising: The device includes a front outer shell, a needle assembly disposed within the front outer shell, a middle outer shell connected to the front outer shell, an elastic contact disposed within the middle outer shell, and a rear outer shell connected to the middle outer shell. It also includes a first pressure ring and a second pressure ring. The first pressure ring is disposed within the front outer shell, and the second pressure ring is disposed within the middle outer shell. The outer periphery of the rear end of the second pressure ring has a tapered portion. A limiting space is formed between the outer periphery of the tapered portion of the second pressure ring and the inner wall of the middle outer shell. The elastic contact is partially located within the limiting space. The rear end of the first pressure ring and the front end of the second pressure ring are in contact with each other. Both the first and second pressure rings are made of metal. The size of the first pressure ring is configured to achieve a smooth transition of a set impedance.

2. The leaky cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pressure ring includes a base and a first stepped portion with an outer diameter smaller than the base. The first stepped portion is located at the rear end of the first pressure ring. The front end of the second pressure ring is provided with an inner flange. The outer periphery of the first stepped portion of the first pressure ring and the inner periphery of the inner flange of the second pressure ring are in contact and fit together.

3. The leaky cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front end face of the inner flange of the second pressure ring also contacts and engages with the rear end face of the base of the first pressure ring.

4. The leaky cable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front end face of the inner flange of the second pressure ring also contacts and engages with the rear end face of the front housing.

5. The leaky cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second pressure ring and the inner shell are interference fit.

6. The leaky cable connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The front end of the second pressure ring also includes a second stepped portion for cooperating with and connecting to the inner shell.

7. The leaky cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing has a circular hole along its circumference for inserting a wrench.

8. The leaky cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The needle assembly includes a separate needle body and a insertion hole, and the insertion hole is provided with straight knurling.

9. The leaky cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first sealing ring disposed between the front housing and the middle housing, and a second sealing ring disposed between the middle housing and the rear housing.

10. The leaky cable connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a third sealing ring and a third pressure ring disposed between the rear housing and the leaky cable.

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