An RF connector with integrated retaining clip and rear moulding

Abstract

 This invention relates to the design of a bulkhead latching RF connector.
RF connector bodies are typically manufactured from brass which with the associated machining operation represents a high proportion of the overall cost.
This connector is designed to lock into a bulkhead using a retaining clip which compresses and locks into a circular cut out in a bulkhead.
The present invention is to remove a considerable amount of the brass and associated machining and replace with an injection moulded clip which integrates the rear section of the body with the clip.

Description

[0001] 

Fig 1 illustrates a male and female connector interface

Fig 1A shows an isometric view of a male connector with the typical gold plating area.

Fig 2 illustrates a proposed male and female connector interface with a reduced gold plating area.

Fig3 shows a sectional view of the proposed male connector mated with the female connector.

[0002] Hereinafter we explain about the modified interface of the male connector to reduce the gold plating area.

[0003] The male connector contains an outer body(8) with an area undercut to retain a sprung loaded mating half female connector. This area requires a gold plated finish to maintain reliable electrical continuity and therefore should be kept to a minimum to reduce cost. The invention shows this area reduced and replaced with an extension to the existing insulator(9) to provide mechanical stability of the mating connectors. The insulator extension is undercut to provide stability while the connectors are mated yet eliminating unnecessary wear from or to the mating female connector during extensive mating cycles.

Claims

1. An RF connector comprising a connector body with a retaining clip that integrates the rear section of the body.

2. A connector as described in 1. using an injection moulded retaining clip and integrated rear body.

3. A connector as described in 1. using a machined polymer retaining clip and integrated rear body.

4. An RF connector comprising a connector body, a polymer retaining clip and a metal die-cast rear section of the body.

Drawing