AU2017366073B2

AU2017366073B2 - Rotatable connector

Info

Publication number: AU2017366073B2
Application number: AU2017366073A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jae Kun Choi; Min Hee Lee; Jin Hoon Lim; Sang Ho Park
Original assignee: Telcon Rf Pharmaceutical Inc
Current assignee: Telcon Rf Pharmaceutical Inc
Priority date: 2016-11-28
Filing date: 2017-11-27
Publication date: 2020-04-09
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-27
Also published as: KR20160144334A; KR101965712B1; WO2018097672A1; AU2017366073A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector. In a connector that is fixedly installed to a fixed installation part of a terminal or a substrate and the like, the connector is rotatably coupled to the fixed installation part, and when coupling the connector to which a cable is connected, can align a key and a key groove while coupled to the fixed installation part.

Description

ROTATABLE CONNECTOR

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to a rotatable connector, and more particularly, to a rotatable connector, whereby keys and key ways of opponent connectors can easily coincide with each other.

Background Art [0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Generally, cables for using a high-frequency signal or an optical signal are connected to equipment and components, such as switching station equipment, base station equipment and a repeater or relay device for wired or wireless communication.

[0004] In this case, connectors for connecting a cable are used. Generally, a one-side connector is fixed to a terminal or substrate, etc., and the other-side connector is laid in a state in which the cable is connected to the other-side connector, and is coupled to the one-side connector fixed to the terminal or substrate, etc.

[0005] The cable can be classified into a cable for transmitting high-frequency signals for mobile communication, a cable for optical communication, or a cable for simultaneously performing transmission of high-frequency signals for mobile communication and optical communication and can be a composite cable for simultaneously supplying power.

[0006] The cable may be bent due to the necessity of direction change when it is laid, and as a result, when connectors are coupled to each other, keys and key ways of two connectors may not coincide with each other.

[0007] The keys and the key ways placed on the connectors are used to determine a direction in which the connectors are coupled to each other, and contribute to precise electrical connection or optical connection and are formed to prevent damage of a connection part.

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- 2 [0008] Connectors according to the related art, as disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1234660 (entitled “RF Connector”, registered on February 13, 2013) by the applicant of the present invention cannot have displacement such as rotation regardless of a cable in a state in which a radio frequency (RF) connector is connected to the cable. Thus, when the cable is laid and keys and key ways of two connectors do not coincide with each other, a worker coincides the keys and the key ways with each other by forcibly twisting the cable or the connector to which the cable is connected. In this case, an electric wire or optical fiber within the cable may be damaged or shorted.

[0009] In addition to these problems, it takes long time to perform a work for connecting the connectors.

Disclosure

Technical Problem [0010] The present invention is directed to providing a rotatable connector, whereby, when connectors are coupled to each other, positions of keys and key ways of the connectors can easily coincide with each other.

Technical Solution [0011] One aspect of the present invention provides a rotatable connector, which is fixedly installed at a fixing installation part such as a terminal or substrate, the rotatable connector being rotatably coupled to the fixing installation part, and when a connector to which a cable is connected, is coupled to the connector, keys and key ways of the connectors may be able to coincide with each other in a state in which the connector is coupled to the fixing installation part.

[0012] The connector may include: a fixed part fixedly installed at the fixing installation part; a bearing rotatably seated on the fixed part; a rotation part coupled to the bearing and to be rotatable; and a connection part fixed to an inside of the rotation part and being at least electrically or optically connected to an external connector to which the cable is connected.

[0013] The rotatable connector may further include a key display part disposed at a part of an outer diameter of the rotation part and configured to display a position of a key or key way.

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- 3 [0014] The fixed part may include a cutting part having an open part of a bottom end, and a stopper may protrude from an outer surface of the rotation part and may have side surfaces contacting both ends of the cutting part so as to limit rotation.

[0015] The connector may include: a fixed part fixedly installed at the fixing installation part; a bearing rotatably seated on the fixed part; a rotation block having a top end coupled to the bearing and a bottom end on which a block part with a predetermined area is formed; a port block coupled to the block part of the rotation block; and a connection part fixedly installed at an inside of the port block and being at least electrically or optically connected to the connector.

[0016] A part of the rotation block may be inserted into a through hole formed in an enclosure of the fixing installation part, and the rotation block may include at least one airtight part in an insertion position.

[0017] A key display part for displaying a position of a key or key way may be disposed at an outer surface of the port block.

Advantageous Effects [0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotatable connector, which is fixedly installed at a fixing installation part such as a terminal or substrate, wherein the rotatable connector is rotatably coupled to the fixing installation part, and when a connector to which a cable is connected, is coupled to the connector, keys and key ways of the connectors are able to coincide with each other in a state in which the connector is coupled to the fixing installation part, the connector comprising:

a fixed part fixedly installed at the fixing installation part;

a bearing rotatably seated on the fixed part;

a rotation part coupled to the bearing and to be rotatable; and a connection part fixed to an inside of the rotation part and being at least electrically or optically connected to an external connector to which the cable is connected.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotatable connector, which is fixedly installed at a fixing installation part such as a terminal or substrate, wherein the rotatable connector is rotatably coupled to the fixing installation part, and when a connector to which a cable is connected, is coupled to the connector, keys and key ways of the

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- 4 connectors are able to coincide with each other in a state in which the connector is coupled to the fixing installation part, the connector comprising:

a fixed part fixedly installed at the fixing installation part;

a bearing rotatably seated on the fixed part;

a rotation block having a top end coupled to the bearing and a bottom end on which a block part with a predetermined area is formed;

a port block coupled to the block part of the rotation block; and a connection part fixedly installed at an inside of the port block and being at least electrically or optically connected to the connector.

Advantageous Effects [0020] In a rotatable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector fixed to a fixed body, such as a terminal or substrate, among connectors is configured to be rotated at a predetermined angle so that, when the connector is coupled to another connector to which a cable is connected, keys and key ways of the connectors can easily coincide with each other. Thus, damage of a conductor or optical fiber within the cable can be prevented, and a cable-connecting work time can be reduced.

Description of Drawings [0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rotatable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coupling state of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a view of a cross-sectional configuration of a coupling state of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a rotatable connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a view of a cross-sectional configuration of a coupling state of FIG. 4.

- Explanations of reference numerals 100: connector

110: fixed part

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	- 5 -
111: rotation-prevention protrusion	112: cutting part
113: seating surface	120: bearing
130,140: fixing rings	150: rotation part
151: key display part	152: stopper
153: tool contact part	154: connector-coupling part
155: bearing-coupling part	156: airtight part
157: key way	160: connection part
161: connection pin	170: rotation block
171: airtight part	172: bearing-coupling part
173: block part	180: port block
181: connector-coupling part	182: key way
183: key display part	200: fixing installation part

Modes of the Invention [0026] Hereinafter, a rotatable connector according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely describe the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the embodiments herein can be implemented in various forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments make the present invention more faithful and complete and are provided to completely deliver the spirit of the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,

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- 6 and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not mean particular orders, top and bottom, or superiority and inferiority and are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to accompanying drawings schematically illustrating the embodiments. In the drawings, for example, illustrated shapes may be deformed according to fabrication technology and/or tolerances. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to certain shapes illustrated in the present specification, and may include modifications of shapes caused in fabrication processes.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotatable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a connector 100 includes a fixed part 110, a bearing 120, fixing rings 130 and 140, a rotation part 150, and a connection part 160.

[0033] The fixed part 110 is fixed to a body of a terminal or a substrate, and the bearing 120 is rotatably coupled to the fixed part 110. The rotation part 150 coupled to the bearing 120 is rotated together with rotation of the bearing 120. The connection part 160 is fixedly installed at an inside of the rotation part 150 and is rotated by rotation of the rotation part 150 so that positions of connection pins 161 can be adjusted.

[0034] A key display part 151 is formed at the rotation part 150 so that the position of a key or key way can be easily checked from the outside. In this case, the position of the key or key way substantially represents the positions or directions of the connection pins 161 of the connection part 160.

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- 7 [0035] Thus, when coupling another connector (not shown) to which a cable is connected, to the connector 100, a worker may rotate the rotation part 150 so as to make the position of a key display part disposed in the connector and the position of the key display part 151 of the rotation part 150 coincide with each other, thereby easily coupling the key display part of the connector to the key display part 151 of the rotation part 150.

[0036] The connection part 160 includes connection pins 161 into which a protruding conduction part of the connector is inserted, and which can be electrically or optically connected to one another via the conduction part.

[0037] In this way, according to the present invention, in a state in which distortion or twisting of the cable occurs while the cable is installed so that the key or key way of the connector to which the cable is connected, and the key way or key of the connector 100 do not coincide with each other, the position of the key way or key of the connector 100 can be changed so that easy coupling of the connector to the connector 100 can be performed.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coupling state of the connector 100 according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view of a cross-sectional configuration of the coupling state of the connector 100.

[0039] Hereinafter, a detailed configuration and operation of the connector 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 1 in more detail.

[0040] First, the fixed part 110 has a cylindrical shape and a seating surface 113 is formed in a middle side of an inner diameter of the fixed part 110 so that an inner diameter of a top side of the fixed part 110 is greater than an inner diameter of a bottom side of the fixed part 110. The fixed part 110 is solidly fixed to a fixed installation structure such as an inside of a terminal body or a substrate. In this case, very various methods of fixing the fixed part 110 may be used, and as one thereof, a tap may be formed at an outer diameter of the fixed part 110, and a ring-shaped socket part into which the fixed part 110 is inserted and fixed, may be disposed in the terminal body.

[0041] A bearing 120 is disposed at the seating surface 113 of the fixed part 110. The bearing 120 is only in contact with the seating surface 113 and is not coupled thereto but may be rotated. The bearing 120 has a ring shape.

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- 8 [0042] A bearing-coupling part 155 to which the bearing 120 is coupled, is disposed in the rotation part 150. The bearing-coupling part 155 that is a tap disposed on one surface of the rotation part 150, is engaged with a tap disposed on an inner surface of the bearing 120.

Thus, the rotation part 150 may be rotated together with the bearing 120.

[0043] The rotation part 150 has an overall cylindrical shape, and an angled (hexagonal or rectangular) tool contact part 153 protrudes from an outside of a middle part of the rotation part 150. The tool contact part 153 is used to couple the rotation part 150 to the bearing 120 using a wrench, etc. The tool contact part 153 is used to fix the rotation part 150 not to rotate, using a tool when the connector is coupled to the connector 100. Also, the tool contact part 153 is in contact with a bottom end of the fixed part 110 so that an airtight retention force can be improved.

[0044] At least one airtight part 156 is disposed between the bearing-coupling part 155 and the tool contact part 153 of the rotation part 150. The airtight part 156 that is a ring made of an elastic material, prevents moisture from flowingthrough a space between the rotation part 150 and the fixed part 110.

[0045] The fixing rings 130 and 140 prevent deviation of the airtight part 156.

[0046] A stopper 152 protrudes from the rotation part 150, and the stopper 152 is inserted into a cutting part 112 of the fixed part 110. The cutting part 112 is disposed on a part of the bottom end of the fixed part 110. Both side surfaces of the cutting part 112 act as a rotationprevention protrusion 111.

[0047] That is, when the rotation part 150 is rotated and a side surface of the stopper 152 is in contact with the rotation-prevention protrusion 111, the rotation part 150 cannot rotate in the same direction any more.

[0048] A rotational angle of the rotation part 150 can be set using the cutting part 112 and the rotation-prevention protrusion 111, and rotation of the rotation part 150 can be limited within the range of 180 to 350 degrees.

[0049] Also, a structure in which the cutting part 112 and the stopper 152 are omitted, is possible, and in this case, rotation of the rotation part 150 is not limited.

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- 9 [0050] A connector-coupling part 154 is formed at an outer diameter of a bottom end of the rotation part 150 so that the connector can be coupled to the connector 100. The connectorcoupling part 154 may be a tap.

[0051] The above-described key display part 151 is disposed between the connectorcoupling part 154 and the tool contact part 153. Also, at least one key way 157 is formed at an inside of the bottom end of the rotation part 150 having the connector- coupling part 154 formed therein.

[0052] Although the key way 157 is formed in the rotation part 150 and the key is formed in the connector being coupled to the connector-coupling part 154, on the contrary, a key may be formed in the rotation part 150, and a key way may be formed in the connector to which the cable is connected.

[0053] The connection part 160 is coupled to the inside of the rotation part 150. The connection part 160 that is an insulator, includes at least one connection pin 161. A conductor for transmitting high-frequency signals or an optical fiber for transmitting optical signals is inserted into the connection pins 161. Also, an electric wire for connection of power may be inserted into the connection pins 161, and a composite structure thereof may be inserted into the connection pins 161.

[0054] In an example of a configuration of the connector 100, when the key of the connector connected to the cable and the key way 157 of the connector 100 are not in the same direction, the rotation part 150 can be rotated so that the direction of the key and the direction of the key way 157 can be fitted to each other and thus the key and the key way 157 can be easily coupled to each other.

[0055] In this way, in the rotatable connector 100 according to the present invention, when another connector connected to the cable is connected to the rotatable connector 100 and even when keys and key ways of the connectors do not coincide with each other, the rotation part 150 of the connector 100 can be rotated so that the keys and the key ways of the two connectors can coincide with each other.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a connector 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a view of a cross-sectional configuration of a coupling state of FIG. 4.

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- 10 [0057] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a fixed part 110, a bearing 120, fixing rings 130 and 140, a rotation block 170, a connection part 160, and a port block 180.

[0058] First, the fixed part 110 has a cylindrical shape and a seating surface 113 is formed in a middle side of an inner diameter of the fixed part 110 so that an inner diameter of a top side of the fixed part 110 is greater than an inner diameter of a bottom side of the fixed part 110. The fixed part 110 is solidly fixed at an inside of the fixing installation part 200.

[0059] A bearing 120 is disposed at the seating surface 113 of the fixed part 110. The bearing 120 is only in contact with the seating surface 113 and is not coupled thereto but may be rotated.

[0060] The rotation block 170 of which a part of a top end is inserted and fixed into the bearing 120 and which rotates together with the bearing 120, is configured to include a block part 173 having a cylindrical top side and a bottom end protruding to a side surface of the block part 173 so as to provide a coupling surface having a predetermined area at a bottom surface. A bearing-coupling part 172 to which the bearing 120 is coupled, is disposed on a top end of the rotation block 170. The bearing-coupling part 172 that is a tap disposed on the top end of the rotation block 170, is engaged with a tap disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the bearing 120. Thus, the rotation block 170 may be rotated together with the bearing 120.

[0061] At least one airtight part 171 is disposed between the bearing-coupling part 172 and the block part 173 of the rotation block 170. The airtight part 171 is a ring made of an elastic material and is disposed in a through hole formed in a fixing installation part 200 of the terminal body or the like in a state of being coupled. That is, the airtight part 171 prevents moisture from flowing through a space between the rotation block 170 and the fixing installation part 200 and supports rotation of the rotation block 170.

[0062] The fixing rings 130 and 140 prevent deviation of the rotation block 170.

[0063] A port block 180 is coupled to the block part 173 of the rotation block 170. The port block 180 may be coupled to the rotation block 170 using a fastening means such as a bolt and may be rotated together with the rotation block 170. In this case, a key display part 183 may be disposed at a part of an outer surface of the port block 180 so that the position of a key

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- 11 way 182 can be easily recognized from the outside. A connector-coupling part 181 is formed at an outer diameter of a bottom end of the port block 180. The connector-coupling part 181 may be a tap.

[0064] In this structure, when the connector to which the cable is connected, is connected and the positions of the key of the connector and the key way 182 do not coincide with each other, the port block 180 may be rotated so that the position of the key way 182 can be changed and can be easily coupled to the connector.

[0065] The connection part 160 that is an insulator includes at least one connection pin 161. A conductor for transmitting high-frequency signals or an optical fiber for transmitting optical signals may be inserted into the connection pins 161, and an electric wire for connection of power may be inserted into the connection pins 161, or a composite structure thereof may be inserted into the connection pins 161.

[0066] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability [0067] A rotatable connector according to the present invention is a connector fixedly installed at a connector terminal or substrate and is rotatably coupled to a fixing installation part so that, when a connector is coupled from the outside, keys and key ways of two connectors can coincide with each other, and in a high place or at a position in which there are many interfering structures, an external connector can be easily connected to the connector and thus, the present invention has an industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A rotatable connector, which is fixedly installed at a fixing installation part such as a terminal or substrate, wherein the rotatable connector is rotatably coupled to the fixing installation part, and when a connector to which a cable is connected, is coupled to the connector, keys and key ways of the connectors are able to coincide with each other in a state in which the connector is coupled to the fixing installation part, the connector comprising:

a fixed part fixedly installed at the fixing installation part;

a bearing rotatably seated on the fixed part;

2. The rotatable connector of claim 1, further comprising a key display part disposed at a part of an outer diameter of the rotation part and configured to display a position of a key or key way.

3. The rotatable connector of claim 1, wherein the fixed part comprises a cutting part having an open part of a bottom end, and a stopper protrudes from an outer surface of the rotation part and has side surfaces contacting both ends of the cutting part so as to limit rotation.

4. A rotatable connector, which is fixedly installed at a fixing installation part such as a terminal or substrate, wherein the rotatable connector is rotatably coupled to the fixing installation part, and when a connector to which a cable is connected, is coupled to the connector, keys and key ways of the connectors are able to coincide with each other in a state in which the connector is coupled to the fixing installation part, the connector comprising:

a fixed part fixedly installed at the fixing installation part;

a bearing rotatably seated on the fixed part;

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5. The rotatable connector of claim 4, wherein a part of the rotation block is inserted into a through hole formed in an enclosure of the fixing installation part and the rotation block comprises at least one airtight part in an insertion position.

6. The rotatable connector of claim 4, wherein a key display part for displaying a position of a key or key way is disposed at an outer surface of the port block.