Patent Grant
11404832
Priority is claimed to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2020 106 243.5, filed on Mar. 9, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to a connector assembly for releasably connecting electrical cables, in particular radio-frequency cables, to an electrical component.
Today, due to the increasing digitization of components and systems and the associated increasing amount of data to be transmitted, increasingly higher demands are being placed on the cables required for transmission. In particular, a constantly high signal transmission quality over large frequency ranges combined with low, or at least constant attenuation over the respective frequency range plays an increasingly central role.
In order to meet these requirements, use is made of radio-frequency cables, such as coaxial cables. The coaxial arrangement of the inner conductor, the dielectric, and the shield largely ensures high signal transmission quality combined with low attenuation and low susceptibility to interference, provided the coaxial configuration and the associated characteristic impedance are maintained substantially constant over the entire length of the electrical cable. However, the cable ends, on which typically connector systems are mounted to electrically conductively and communicatively connect the cable to the components or other cables between which data is to be transmitted, are problematic in this context.
However, such connector systems, which may be in the form of a plug-and-socket connector, have the disadvantage that it is very difficult to achieve a constant characteristic impedance, especially at the junction point, because of an air gap which remains at the junction point between the two connection partners, for example, due to tolerances, and which may adversely affect the return loss and thus the transmission quality. Nevertheless, at the same time, the connector system must have a geometry that minimizes the risk of damage to the often very delicate cable ends during the connection process or during normal operation of the cable.
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a connector assembly for connecting a cable to an electrical component. The connector assembly includes a plug unit having a first plug end, and a mating plug unit having a second plug end. The mating plug unit is connectable to the plug unit. The plug unit and the mating plug unit each have an outer conductor element, an insulator element and an inner conductor element. The insulator element is in each case disposed within the outer conductor element and includes an inner conductor channel in which the inner conductor element is disposed. The insulator element of the plug unit forms, at least partially, a plug profile at an end facing toward the first plug end, the plug profile extending at least partially around the inner conductor channel of the plug unit and having at least one projection and/or depression. The insulator element of the mating plug unit forms, at least partially, a mating plug profile at an end facing toward the second plug end, the mating plug profile at least partially corresponding to a negative of the plug profile. The plug unit and the mating plug unit are connectable to one another in such a way that the plug profile and the mating plug profile rest against each other, at least in some areas.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. All features described and/or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations in embodiments of the present invention. The features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:
Embodiments of the present invention overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the above-mentioned prior art and produce a releasable connector assembly for connecting cables, in particular radio-frequency cables, to an electrical component, such as another cable or a semiconductor circuit board, where the transmission quality of the signals to be transmitted is impaired to the least extent possible.
A connector assembly according to an embodiment of the invention is suitable for connecting a cable to an electrical component. In this context, an electrical component may be understood to be, for example, a semiconductor circuit board or another cable to which the cable is to be connected. The inventive connector assembly includes a plug unit. The plug unit is electrically conductively and preferably permanently connectable to the cable or to the electrical component and has an outer conductor element, an insulator element, and an inner conductor element. The connector assembly further includes a mating plug unit, which is electrically conductively and preferably releasably connectable to the plug unit. The mating plug unit is electrically conductively and preferably permanently connected to the electrical component or cable that is to be connected to the plug unit. The mating plug unit also includes an outer conductor element, an insulator element, and an inner conductor element.
The insulator element of the plug unit is disposed within the outer conductor element of the plug unit. The insulator element of the plug unit has an inner conductor channel in which is disposed the inner conductor element of the plug unit. In this context, an inner conductor channel may be understood to be a tubular passage in the insulator element. The mating plug unit has a comparable arrangement of outer conductor element, insulator element, and inner conductor element. Thus, the insulator element of the mating plug unit also has an inner conductor channel. A configuration as described may be implemented, for example, by the outer conductor elements of the plug unit and the mating plug unit being formed as a sleeve in which is disposed the, preferably cylindrical, insulator element. The inner conductor element is disposed in the inner conductor channel of the insulator element. The longitudinal axes of the inner conductor element, the outer conductor element, and the insulator element preferably extend in parallel, and preferably so in both the plug unit and the mating plug unit. It is especially preferred that in both the plug unit and the mating plug unit, the inner conductor channel be disposed, in particular centrally, on the longitudinal axis of the insulator element. Most preferred, however, is a coaxial arrangement of the inner conductor element, the outer conductor element, and the insulator element in both the plug unit and the mating plug unit.
The plug unit has a first plug end. In this context, the first plug end may be understood to be the end of the plug unit where the plug unit is, preferably releasably, connectable to the mating plug unit. The insulator element of the plug unit forms, at least partially, a plug profile at an end facing toward the plug end. Particularly preferably, the plug profile is disposed on the end face of the insulator element of the plug unit which end face faces toward the first plug end. The plug profile extends at least partially around the inner conductor channel and has at least one projection and/or depression. It is also possible that the plug profile may have a plurality of projections and depressions or a combination of one or more projections and one or more depressions. The projections and/or depressions preferably extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insulator element of the plug unit. Furthermore, the plug profile is preferably disposed annularly around the inner conductor channel and may be either spaced apart from the inner conductor channel or adjacent to the inner conductor channel.
The mating plug unit has a second plug end. In this context, the second plug end may be understood to be the end of the mating plug unit with which the mating plug unit is, preferably releasably, connectable to the plug unit. The insulator element of the mating plug unit forms, at least partially, a mating plug profile at an end facing toward the second plug end. Preferably, the mating plug profile is disposed on an end face of the insulator element of the mating plug unit. The mating plug profile preferably also extends at least partially around the inner conductor channel of the insulator element of the mating plug unit and may be annular in shape. The mating plug profile at least partially corresponds to a negative of the plug profile.
The plug unit and the mating plug unit are connectable to one another in such a way that the plug profile and the mating plug profile rest against each other, at least in some areas. The connection can be made, for example, by the outer conductor elements of the plug unit and the mating plug unit being inserted into one another with the facing first and second plug ends, and the inner conductor elements of the plug unit and the mating plug unit becoming electrically conductively connected to each other.
The connector assembly according to an embodiment of the invention provides a connection option, in particular for radio-frequency cables, which makes it possible to ensure a comparatively high signal quality. This is mainly due to the engagement of the plug profile into the mating plug profile. Even in the case of large tolerance variations, it is thus ensured that no continuous air gap can form between the two insulator elements and up to the outer conductor. Thus, variations in the characteristic impedance and associated variations in the signal quality can be kept low even in the case of tolerance variations.
It may be advantageous if the plug profile is partially formed by the inner conductor element of the plug unit. Thus, a portion of the plug profile may be formed by the insulator element and another portion of the plug profile may be formed by the inner conductor element of the plug unit. This allows the mating plug profile to be positioned not only particularly close to the insulator element of the plug unit, but also at a minimum possible distance from the inner conductor element of the plug unit when the plug unit and the mating plug unit are connected together. The mating plug profile may also be partially formed by the inner conductor element of the mating plug unit.
In this context, it may be advantageous if the inner conductor element of the plug unit and/or of the mating plug unit have/has a profiled portion in the region of the plug profile. Within the profiled portion, the inner conductor element may have a specific shape that allows the plug profile and the mating plug profile to rest against one another with their contours in particularly close proximity. It has been found that a conical, parabolic and/or bulbous shape is particularly suitable. If the inner conductor element is a contact tip, it has been found to be particularly advantageous if the inner conductor element tapers in the profiled portion toward the plug end. If the inner conductor element is a contact socket, it has been found to be advantageous if the inner conductor element widens in the profiled portion toward the plug end. Particularly preferably, the shape of the profiled portion is rotationally symmetric about a central axis of the inner conductor element.
The plug profile and/or the mating plug profile may have a bevel extending at least partially around the circumference of the inner conductor channel of the respective insulator element. The bevel may be formed both on a projection and on a depression of the plug profile and/or of the mating plug profile. The bevel may be formed on a side of the projection and/or depression that faces toward and/or away from the inner conductor channel. The bevel may have an angle of, for example, 20 to 70 degrees. If the bevel extends around the entire circumference of the inner conductor, two opposite bevels may form an angle of from 40 to 140 degrees therebetween. Owing to the bevel, the plug profile and/or the mating plug profile can be used as a guide during the connection process, thereby ensuring that all components are reliably and electrically conductively connected together even when the plug unit and the mating plug unit are inserted obliquely into one another. The bevel may also be formed on an outer edge of the insulator element of the plug unit or of the mating plug unit. In this case, the bevel is particularly preferably formed on an outer edge of the end face of the insulator element of the plug unit and/or of the mating plug unit which end face faces toward the respective plug end.
The inner conductor element of the plug unit may include a first contacting portion projecting from the insulator element toward the first plug end. If the inner conductor element has a profiled portion, it is preferred that the first contacting portion adjoin the profiled portion. The contacting portion may be in the form of a contact tip and have a length of from 2.5 to 5 millimeters. Furthermore, the first contacting portion may have a smallest diameter of the inner conductor element.
The first contacting portion may be insertable into the inner conductor channel of the insulator element of the mating plug unit and electrically conductively connectable to a second contacting portion of the inner conductor element of the mating plug unit. If the first contacting portion is in the form of a contact tip, it is advantageous here if the second contacting portion is in the form of a contact socket. It may be particularly advantageous if an electrically conductive connection between the first and second contacting portions cannot be created until within the inner conductor channel of the insulator element of the mating plug unit.
The inner conductor element of the mating plug unit may be set back from the end of the insulator element of the mating plug unit which end faces toward the second plug end. In this case, the inner conductor element of the plug unit is initially inserted into the inner conductor channel of the inner conductor element of the mating plug unit before the inner conductor element of the plug unit is electrically conductively connected to the inner conductor element of the mating plug unit. The inner conductor element of the mating plug unit may be set back by a distance of from 0.4 to 1.2 millimeters from the end face of the end of the insulator element that faces toward the second plug end.
The insulator element of the mating plug unit may have a funnel shape in the region of the inner conductor channel at the end facing toward the second plug end. The funnel shape may serve as a guide to ensure that the inner conductor elements of the plug unit and the mating plug unit are electrically conductively connected as the plug unit and the mating plug unit are connected together. The funnel shape is advantageous, particularly when the inner conductor element must first be inserted into the inner conductor channel of the insulator element of the mating plug unit in order to be electrically conductively connected to the inner conductor element of the mating plug unit. Preferably, the funnel shape is circular, and the center of the funnel shape may be located on the longitudinal axis of the insulator element.
Furthermore, the funnel shape may at least partially form the mating plug profile. The funnel shape may have both linear and curved side walls. It is further preferred that the funnel shape at least partially correspond to the negative of the inner conductor element of the plug unit in the region of the plug profile. In a particularly preferred embodiment, in addition to the funnel shape, the insulator element has a circumferential bevel on an outer edge, the circumferential bevel at least partially forming the mating plug profile.
The plug profile or the mating plug profile may have an annular depression around the circumference of the inner conductor element. The center of the annular depression is particularly preferably located on the longitudinal axis of the inner conductor channel. Furthermore, the annular depression may be partially formed by the inner conductor element. Moreover, the annular depression may be round in shape as well as cornered in shape with straight or curved surfaces.
In a further embodiment, the outer conductor element, the inner conductor element, and the insulator element of the plug unit and/or the outer conductor element, the inner conductor element, and the insulator element of the mating plug unit are arranged coaxially with respect to one another and have a common central axis. It is particularly preferred here that the plug profile and/or the mating plug profile have a concentric shape and/or a radially symmetric shape with respect to the central axis.
Plug unit 4 has a first plug end 14, and the mating plug unit 5 has a second plug end 19. Plug unit 4 and mating plug unit 5 are inserted into one another with the facing first and second plug ends 14, 19. In the region where plug unit 4 and mating plug unit 5 are inserted into one another, outer conductor element 6 of plug unit 4 has, to this end, an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of outer conductor element 7 of mating plug unit 5 in the same region. Furthermore, outer conductor element 7 of mating plug unit 5 has a contact spring for frictionally locking plug unit 4 in place and for creating a stable electrically conductive connection between the two outer conductor elements 6, 7. In the illustrated view, plug unit 4 and mating plug unit 5 are already inserted into one another. In the present exemplary embodiment, outer conductor elements 6, 7, insulator elements 8, 9, and inner conductor elements 10, 11 of plug unit 4 and mating plug unit 5 are arranged with their longitudinal axes on a common central axis 26.
Inner conductor element 10 of plug unit 4 has a first contacting portion 24, which adjoins profiled portion 22 and is in the form of a contact tip. The contact tip projects from insulator element 8 of plug unit 4 toward first plug end 14. Furthermore, inner conductor element 10 tapers over profiled portion 22 toward contacting portion 24 to a smaller outside diameter. Inner conductor element 11 of mating plug unit 5 is set back from the end face at the end 20 of insulator element 9 that faces toward the second plug end 19, whereas inner conductor channel 13 extends up to the end face. Inner conductor element 11 of mating plug unit 5 has a second contacting portion 25, which is in the form of a contact socket. The contact socket has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of first contacting portion 24 of inner conductor element 10 of plug unit 4. In order to create an electrically conductive contact between contacting portions 24, 25, first contacting portion 24 is initially inserted into inner conductor channel 13 of mating plug unit 5. Subsequently, first contacting portion 24 enters into second contacting portion 25.
The explanations provided with regard to the figures are merely for the sake of illustration and are not to be construed as limiting.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.
The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2020 106 243.5 | Mar 2020 | DE | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9039424 | Camelio | May 2015 | B2 |
| 20140227905 | Knott et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 102018208532 | Dec 2019 | DE |
| 0006343 | Jan 1980 | EP |
| 0122700 | Oct 1984 | EP |
| 3460916 | Mar 2019 | EP |
| 3460916 | Mar 2019 | EP |
| 3487007 | May 2019 | EP |
| 3726667 | Oct 2020 | EP |
| 3772141 | Feb 2021 | EP |
| WO-2013059574 | Apr 2013 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210281023 A1 | Sep 2021 | US |
