ATBECHDEDKESFRGBGRITLILUNLSEMCPTIESILTLVFIROMKCYALTRBGCZEEHUPLSKBAHRIS..MT..RS..JDIM360 Ver 2.15 (14 Jul 2008) - 1100000/02028727EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATIONA120090225EP07114747.420070822enenen2009022520090920090225200909

H01R 24/02 20060101AFI20080124BHEP

H01R 13/03 20060101ALI20080124BHEP

H01R 13/646 20060101ALI20080124BHEP

deRF Verbinder mit Verriegelung und KunststofffederenRF latching connector with polymer springfrConnecteur RF à verrouillage avec ressort de polymère6Fusion Components0807899037143640Design 6-8 Colne Road TwickenhamLondon Middlesex TW14 JRGBGray, IanDesign Fusion Components Wild Harvest Overton Rd,MicheldeverWinchester, Hampshire SO213ANGBElmes, GaryDesign Fusion Components 6-8 Colne Rd TwickenhamLondon, Middlesex TW14JRGBATBEBGCHCYCZDEDKEEESFIFRGBGRHUIEISITLILTLULVMCMTNLPLPTROSESISKTRALBAHRMKRS

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.

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.

A latching RF connector incorporating an injection moulded spring.

A connector as described in 1 with an injection moulded sleeve to ensure location of the injection moulded springs.

A connector as described in 1 with two semi-circular injection moulded springs.

A connector as described in 1 with one semi-circular injection moulded spring.

A connector as described in 1 with one circular injection moulded spring.