(19)
(11) EP 2 028 727 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
25.02.2009 Bulletin 2009/09

(21) Application number: 07114747.4

(22) Date of filing: 22.08.2007
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
H01R 24/02(2006.01)
H01R 13/646(2006.01)
 H01R 13/03(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA HR MK RS

(71) Applicant: Fusion Components
London Middlesex TW14 JR (GB)

(72) Inventors:
  • Gray, Ian
    Winchester, Hampshire SO213AN (GB)
  • Elmes, Gary
    London, Middlesex TW14JR (GB)

   


(54) RF latching connector with polymer spring


(57) This invention relates to an RF connector latching system.
Some RF connectors are designed with a latching system to ensure that male and female connectors remain locked together to prevent accidental disconnection. With some connectors this locking system comprises a sprung loaded sleeve which requires forced axial movement to permit separation of the two connectors.
The current design as shown in Fig 1 and 2 incorporates a wire formed compression spring trapped between two locking washers which allows forced movement in two axial dimensions permitting release of the mating connector at the extremities of movement.
This sprung mechanism is difficult to assemble and inspect after assembly.
This invention relates to an injection moulded spring as shown in Fig 5 which has a semi-circular form so that two springs can be easily assembled from each side of the connector as shown in Fig 4 and held in place with an injection moulded sleeve as shown in Fig 3.
The spring locates in two groves to lock to the inner body and outer latching sleeve as shown in Fig 6.




Description


[0001] 

Fig 1 illustrates a conventional connector with a transparent latching sleeve showing the wire formed spring and locking washers.

Fig 2 illustrates the conventional latching sleeve, spring and locking washers subassembly.

Fig 3 illustrates the invention showing the injection moulded springs in position through a transparent injection moulded sleeve.

Fig 4 illustrates the invention showing the injection moulded springs in position without the injection moulded sleeve.

Fig 5 illustrates the injection moulded spring.

Fig 6 illustrates a sectional view of the invention showing how the spring latches with the latching sleeve and inner body.




Claims

1. A latching RF connector incorporating an injection moulded spring.
 
2. A connector as described in 1 with an injection moulded sleeve to ensure location of the injection moulded springs.
 
3. A connector as described in 1 with two semi-circular injection moulded springs.
 
4. A connector as described in 1 with one semi-circular injection moulded spring.
 
5. A connector as described in 1 with one circular injection moulded spring.
 




Drawing













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