DE202014011025U1 - The connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector comprising: an outer connector, an inner connector having a protruding member and attaching means for attaching the first connector to a first object, the connector being adapted to be attachable to a bullet connector to connect to a connector to provide another connector, wherein the outer connector is configured such that it makes contact with the Bullet connector to form a first conductive signal path from the outer connector of the connector to the other connector, and the inner connector is configured such that it makes contact with the bullet connector to form a second conductive pathway from the connector inner connector to the other connector, and wherein the connector does not provide an internal locking mechanism for providing mechanical stability for d he connection has.

Description

Field of the invention

The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention generally relate to connectors or connector assemblies that may be used to interconnect high frequency devices or components. Embodiments of the invention particularly relate to coaxial connector assemblies that can be used in high frequency devices.

BACKGROUND

The following description of the prior art may include insights, discoveries, insights, or disclosures, or compounds along with disclosures that are not heretofore of the prior art prior to the present invention, but are provided by the invention. Some such contributions of the invention may be specifically pointed out below, while other such contributions of the invention are apparent from their context. Connectors are used in high frequency devices to electrically connect devices or components within a device. For example, a common arrangement in connecting a power amplifier of a radio transmitter to an antenna assembly is to use a cable that includes connectors at both ends of the cable. The cable with the connectors provides a path to the antenna for the radio frequency signal generated by the power amplifier. Connectors are usually attached to a radio module housing using small screws or pressfittings, and the radio is connected to the antenna using jumper cables of varying lengths. A similar arrangement may be used within a radio transmitter when, for example, the output of a filter is routed to the power amplifier of the radio transmitter. A common problem with prior art interconnect solutions is that there are numerous interconnects between different high frequency parts, and this can cause passive intermodulation or other electrical / mechanical contact problems.

SUMMARY

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a connector and a connector assembly as defined in the claims are provided.

drawing list

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 an example of an arrangement can be applied to which embodiments of the invention can be applied;

2A . 2 B . 2C and 2D Illustrate examples of connector assemblies;

3 and 4 illustrate an example of a connector assembly;

5 the guide means and the floating connection illustrate and

6 and 7 illustrate another example of a connector assembly.

Description of some embodiments

The following embodiments are merely examples. Although the description may refer to "one" or "some" embodiment (s) in various places, it does not necessarily mean that each such reference relates to the same embodiment (s), or that the feature is only applies to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" should be understood not to limit the described embodiments such that they consist only of the mentioned features, but that such embodiments may also include features, structures, units, modules, etc. which were not specifically mentioned.

1 Figure 11 illustrates an example of an arrangement to which embodiments of the invention may be applied. The figure shows an antenna 100 and a radio part 102 , The radio part 102 and the antenna 100 are using fasteners 104A . 104B connected with each other. (The corresponding two fasteners on the other side of the radio are not shown for clarity). It should be noted that illustrated fasteners are only an example. The number and design of the fasteners may be different. The radio part 102 typically includes a transceiver or transmitter configured to operate using the antenna 100 sends. The signal to be transmitted is in a power amplifier the transceiver or transmitter amplifies, from which the signal to be transmitted in an antenna or antenna arrangement 100 is fed. In the prior art, a signal path from the power amplifier of the radio part 102 to the antenna 100 realized using connectors in the radio part and the antenna and a connecting feeder or a connecting cable. Common connector types used in the art are referred to as DIN 7-16 and 4.3-10 designated. Usually, the connectors are on the radio part 102 and the antenna 100 Socket contacts or female contacts, while the connectors used in connecting feeders or cables are pin contacts or mating contacts.

In one embodiment, the use of connecting feeders or cables in realizing the signal path between devices by utilizing the proposed connector assembly can be avoided. 2A . 2 B . 2C and 2D illustrate examples of connector assemblies. 2A illustrates a first connector 200 which is attachable to a first object (not shown). The first object may be, for example, an antenna or a power amplifier. 2 B illustrates a bullet connector 204 , 2C illustrates a second connector 202 attachable to a second object (not shown). The second object may be, for example, a transceiver, a radio part or a filter.

In one embodiment, the exemplary connector assembly includes the first and second connectors and the bullet connector. This example will be considered next.

In one embodiment, the first connector comprises 200 a first outer connector 206A . 206B and a first inner connector 208 with a protruding element 210 , The first connector 200 further comprises first attachment means 212 . 214 for attaching the first connector to the first object, wherein the first connector is movable in relation to the first object in at least two different directions, which may be mutually orthogonal. The first attachment means may comprise, for example, a spring-loaded bearing surface which provides for degrees of freedom in the movement of the first connector in at least two directions which may be orthogonal to each other. The movement may also be partially rotating.

In an embodiment, the second connector comprises 202 a second outer connector 216A . 216B and a second inner connector 218 with a protruding element 220 , The second connector 202 further comprises first attachment means 222 . 224 for attaching the second connector to the second object.

In one embodiment, the bullet connector includes 204 an outer bullet connector 226A . 226B . 226C . 226D and an internal bullet connector 228 ,

In one embodiment, the bullet connector is 204 at the first 200 and second 202 Connector attachable between the first and second connectors, as in 2D illustrated. The outer bullet connector 226A . 226B 226C . 226D may be configured to make contact with the first and second outer connectors 206A . 206B . 216A . 216B to produce a first conductive path from the first outer connector 200 to the second outer connector 202 to build.

The inner bullet connector 228 can mean 230A . 230B for receiving the protruding elements 210 . 220 of the first and second inner connectors to form a second conductive signal path from the first inner connector 200 to the second inner connector 202 to build. The bullet connector can have a cavity 230A . 230B comprising, with the above elements 210 . 220 the first and second inner connector mates. The outer surfaces of the protruding elements 210 . 220 and the interior surfaces of the cavities may include conductive material to facilitate formation of the second conductive pathway.

In one embodiment, the connector assembly includes shielding means disposed on the outer surfaces of the first and second outer connectors 206A . 206B . 216A . 216B are attached, which form the first conductive signal path as in 2D illustrated. The shielding means may provide an IP or EMC ingress protection or electromagnetic compatibility sealing or both.

In one embodiment, the exemplary connector assembly includes the first connector and the bullet connector. This example will be considered next.

As in the previous example, the first connector comprises 200 a first outer connector 206A . 206B and a first inner connector 208 with a protruding element 210 , The first connector 200 further comprises first attachment means 212 . 214 for attaching the first connector to the first object, wherein the first connector in relation to the first object is movable in at least two different directions, which may be orthogonal to each other. The first attachment means may comprise, for example, a spring-loaded bearing surface which provides for degrees of freedom in the movement of the first connector in at least two directions which may be orthogonal to each other. The movement may also be partially rotating.

In one embodiment, the bullet connector includes 204 an outer bullet connector 226A . 226B . 226C . 226D and an internal bullet connector 228 ,

In one embodiment, the bullet connector is 204 from a first side to the first connector 200 mountable. The outer bullet connector 226A . 226B the first side may be configured to make contact with the first outer connector 206A . 206B to produce a first conductive path from the first outer connector 206A . 206B to the outer bullet connector 226A . 226B to form the first page. The inner bullet connector 228 can mean on the first page 230A for receiving the protruding element 210 of the first inner connector to a second conductive signal path from the first inner connector 200 to form the inner bullet connector.

In one embodiment, the bullet connector is 204 further attachable from a second side to another connector. The outer bullet connector 226C . 226D the second side may be configured to make contact with an outer connector of the other connector to extend the first conductive signal path from the first outer connector to the outer connector of the other connector. The inner bullet connector 228 can mean on the second page 230B for receiving the protruding member of the inner connector of the other connector to extend the second conductive signal path from the first inner connector to the inner connector of the other connector.

3 and 4 illustrate an example of a connector assembly 300 an embodiment. In 3 More than a first and a second connector have the first and second attachment means 320 . 322 together. 3 Figure 4 illustrates an example where there is a need to have four connections between the first object 100 and the second object 102 to realize. Four first connectors 304 . 306 . 308 . 310 and four second connectors 312 . 314 . 316 . 318 are with four corresponding bullet connectors 324 connected. In the figure, the Bullet connectors are under the IP / EMC seal 326 ,

4 illustrates the example from a different angle. The first object 100 is an antenna, and the second object 102 is a radio part. Through the connector assembly 300 an electrical connection between the radio part and the antenna is provided by means of four combinations of a first connector, a bullet connector and a second connector. The connector assembly has no internal locking mechanism for providing mechanical stability to the connection. The radio part 102 and the antenna 100 are using the fastener 104A connected with each other. Similar attachment means may be on the other side of the radio part (not shown). The attachment means may be realized by means of a screw, a bolt or any other suitable attachment arrangement known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the fastening means that interconnect the radio and the antenna also provide the mechanical stability for the connector assembly. Since the radio part and the antenna are locked together using the fixing means, the connector assembly acquires mechanical stability. In one embodiment, this type of attachment enables the small size of the connector assembly because there is no need for a separate locking system for each combination of first connector, bullet connector and second connector. In this example, all four combinations achieve mechanical stability using the same fasteners.

In one embodiment, the first connectors are in relation to the antenna 100 movable in at least two directions orthogonal to each other. The mobility can be achieved, for example, by using a spring-loaded bearing surface. The connection of the first connector may be referred to as floating, and the connection of the second connector may be referred to as immovable. The floating connection facilitates the connection of the antenna and the radio part and the combinations of first connector, bullet connector and second connector.

In one embodiment, guide elements or guide means 400 . 402 be used to the antenna 100 at a correct position on the radio part 102 to install. The guiding means 400 . 402 For example, they may include a plug in the antenna part and a cavity in the radio part, or vice versa. By the use of guide means makes it possible to merge the first and second outer connectors with an accuracy which is greater than the movement permitted by the floating connection. The floating connection can be either on the antenna side or on the side of the radio part.

5 illustrates the guide means and the floating connection. 5 shows an example of the antenna 100 from the side facing the radio part. The page includes the guide means 400 and the connector assembly 300 , which in this example includes four combinations of first connector, bullet connector and second connector. In one embodiment, the movable section comprises 500 the four combinations of first connector, bullet connector and second connector. The fasteners 104A . 104B . 104C . 104D of the antenna part are common to the four combinations of first connector, bullet connector and second connector.

Advantages of the described solution include a stable structure and a quick assembly. From an electrical point of view, the length of high frequency lines is shorter than in a prior art solution using feeders or cables, and this means lower losses in high frequency lines. Furthermore, phase variance is minimal, since use of cables is minimized.

In the prior art, connectors include multiple parts such as a connector housing (outer connector), an insulator and an inner connector part. This type of structure causes joints between different high frequency parts, which may cause, for example, passive intermodulation or other electrical / mechanical contact problems as well as additional costs.

6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which the first and / or second inner connectors comprise an integrated low-pass filter in the same body as the protruding element. 6 and 7 show an example of a first connector 200 , The connector may as well be the second connector or other connector. The connector 200 includes the outer connector 206A . 206B and an inner connector 208 with a protruding element 210 , The outer connector may be formed of a single element.

In one embodiment, the inner connector comprises 208 a low pass filter 600 which is integrated in the same body as the inner connector. Therefore, the low-pass filter is made of the same material, and there are no joints between the protruding element 210 and the low pass filter.

In one embodiment, the inner connector comprises 208 one or more insulators 604 . 602 that axially surround at least a portion of the inner connector. In one embodiment, the inner connector comprises one or more grooves 606 on a surface facing radially outward from the inner connector. The insulator 604 the inner connector may be attached to the one or more grooves. The insulator 604 of the inner connector 208 for example, to the one or more grooves 606 be sprayed.

The proposed solution leads to a good mechanical structure that is easy to implement. Minimizing a number of parts and joints results in a shorter tolerance chain. The structure is a stable structure and quick to assemble during manufacture. Moreover, if necessary, parts of the connector can be reused, for example in a production breakdown situation. Reducing the number of parts and joints as well as the ease of assembly also results in a reduction in cost. For example, commonly used in connectors is an FEP tube (fluoroplastic tube) for supporting and isolating a separate low-pass filter. In the proposed structure, the use of the FEP tube, which is difficult to manufacture accurately, is avoided because insulation can be provided by means of insulator tapes attached to grooves of the material of the inner connector.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that with advances in technology, the inventive concept can be implemented in a variety of ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above, but may vary within the scope of the claims.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• DIN 7-16 [0011]
• 4.3-10 [0011]

Claims (22)

Connector comprising: an outer connector, an inner connector with a protruding element and Attachment means for attaching the first connector to a first object, wherein the connector is configured to be attachable to a bullet connector to provide a connection to another connector, wherein the outer connector is configured to make contact with the bullet connector to form a first conductive signal path from the outer connector of the connector to the other connector, and the inner connector is configured to make contact with the bullet connector to form a second conductive path from the inner connector of the connector to the other connector; and wherein the connector has no internal locking mechanism for providing mechanical stability to the connection. Connector according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means is designed such that it allows the connector in relation to the first object in at least two directions and / or partially rotatably movable. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment means comprises a spring-loaded bearing surface, which allows the connector in relation to the first object in at least two directions and / or partially rotatably movable. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inner connector comprises an integrated low-pass filter in the same body as the protruding member. A connector according to claim 4, wherein the integrated low-pass filter comprises the same material as the above element and / or there are no joints between the protruding element and the integrated low-pass filter. Connector according to claim 5, wherein the inner connector comprises an insulator which surrounds at least a part of the inner connector axially. The connector of claim 6, wherein the inner connector comprises one or more grooves on a surface facing radially outward from the inner connector, wherein the insulator of the inner connector is secured to the one or more grooves. Connector according to claim 7, wherein the insulator of the inner connector is molded onto the one or more grooves. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first object is an antenna or a power amplifier. Connector assembly comprising: a first connector comprising a first outer connector, a first inner connector having a protruding member and first attachment means for attaching the first connector to a first object, and a bullet connector comprising an outer bullet connector and an inner bullet connector includes, wherein the bullet connector is attachable to the first connector from a first side, the outer bullet connector is configured to make contact with the first outer connector to form a first conductive signal path from the first outer connector to the outer one Forming bullet connector, and the internal bullet connector comprises means for receiving the protruding member of the first inner connector to form a second conductive signal path from the first inner connector to the inner Bullet connector, wherein the bullet connector is further attachable to another connector from a second side, the outer bullet connector configured to make contact with an outer connector of the other connector to connect the first conductive signal path from the first outer connector to extend the outer connector of the other connector, and the inner bullet connector comprises means for receiving a protruding member of an inner connector of the other connector to extend the second conductive signal path from the first inner connector to the inner connector of the other connector, and wherein the connector assembly has no internal locking mechanism for providing mechanical stability to the connection. The connector assembly of claim 10, further comprising the connector other than a second connector, the second connector further comprising second attachment means for attaching the second connector to a second object. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein more than one pair of first and second connectors have the first and second attachment means in common. A connector assembly according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising shielding means attached to the outer surfaces of the first and second outer connectors forming the first conductive signal path. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, which is coupleable to latching means in the first and second objects which attach the first and second objects to each other to form the first and second conductive signal paths. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, which is coupleable with guide means in the first and second objects to merge the first and second outer connectors. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the first attachment means comprise a spring-loaded bearing surface which allows the first connector to be rotationally movable in at least two directions and / or in part in relation to the first object. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the first and / or second inner connector comprises an integrated low-pass filter in the same body as the protruding member. A connector assembly according to claim 17, wherein the first and / or second inner connector comprise an insulator which axially surrounds at least a portion of the inner connector. 17. The connector assembly of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second inner connectors comprises one or more grooves on a surface facing radially outward from the first and / or second inner connectors, wherein the insulator of the first and / or second inner connectors is secured to the first connector one or more grooves is attached. A connector assembly according to claim 19, wherein the insulator of the first and / or second inner connector is molded onto the one or more grooves. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the first object is an antenna and the second object is a transceiver. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the first object is a power amplifier and the second object is a filter.

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