Electrical connectors – Having circuit interrupting provision effected by mating or...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-08
2001-05-01
Paumen, Gary F. (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
Having circuit interrupting provision effected by mating or...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224407
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a coaxial connector assembly.
2. Summary of the Prior Art
A common application for coaxial connectors with a switching function is found in cellular phones. Cell phones comprise their own antennas, but when mounted on a support in an automobile for example, the cell phone connects to an antenna on the automobile. The connection of the cell phone to the automobile antenna requires a switch during plugging of the cell phone to the support. The antenna connector is typically a coaxial type of connector having an inner conductor concentrically surrounded by a ground conductor.
An example of a coaxial switching connector assembly is shown in European Patent Application 0 685 911-A1. The switch function is accomplished by provision of a spring loaded bush mounted concentrically around a coaxial centre pin conductor and biased against a conductor pad. Disconnection between the centre pin and conductor pad occurs during plugging of the complementary connector which depresses the concentric bush member.
One of the problems of the latter design and other coaxial connectors, is that they are not adapted to absorb relatively large tolerances in positioning of the mating parts. This is particularly important in applications such as cell phones, where in comparison to the connector size, the positioning of the cell phone in its support (cradle) may vary significantly.
Another problem arises from the frequent plugging and unplugging and the relatively large shocks and forces to which contacts are subject in applications such as cell phones. It would be desirable to provide a coaxial connector interface that supports high mechanical solicitation and a large number of connection cycles in a compact and cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a coaxial connector assembly that withstands a large number of plugging/unplugging cycles in a reliable manner. It would be advantageous to provide a coaxial connector assembly that can tolerate relatively large tolerances between mating parts. It would be advantageous to provide a coaxial connector assembly with switching function that can withstand many connection/disconnection cycles. It would be further advantageous to provide such connector assemblies in a cost-effective, compact and robust manner.
Objects of this invention have been achieved by providing the coaxial connector assembly according to claim
1
. In particular, objects are achieved by provision of a coaxial connector assembly comprising a first coaxial connector and a second coaxial connector pluggably matable therewith in an axial direction, each connector comprising a mating section having an inner contact surrounded by an outer contact and separated therefrom by a dielectric, the outer contact of one of the coaxial connectors having a tapered lead-in portion for guiding and locating the connector mating sections during plugging together, wherein at least one of the connectors comprises a spring resilient in a radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the spring positioned intermediate the mating section and a support for fixed attachment to a device such that the connector is resiliently floatable in the radial direction with respect to the device. The spring may further be resilient in the axial direction for axial resilient movement of the connector.
Advantageously therefore, large tolerances between mating parts are absorbed for reliable interconnection over many cycles, and lowering risk of damaging mating components.
Objects of this invention have been achieved by providing the coaxial connector assembly according to claim
12
. In particular, objects are achieved by provision of a coaxial connector assembly comprising a first coaxial connector and a second coaxial connector matable therewith in an axial direction, each connector comprising a mating section having an inner contact surrounded by an outer contact and separated therefrom by a dielectric, the first or second coaxial connectors having a tapered funnel shaped lead-in portion for guiding and locating the connector mating sections of the first and second coaxial connectors during plugging together, wherein the inner contact of the first coaxial connector has a pin shape and is resiliently movable in the axial direction.
A further advantageous feature is provision of the axially movable centre contact of the fixed connector that abuts the centre contact of the mobile connector. The latter enhances resistance to shocks and permits reliable connection for many plugging/unplugging cycles. Face to face abutment of centre contacts enables contacts to project only by small amounts from mating faces of the dielectric, thereby reducing the risk of bending or otherwise damaging the centre pin contacts.
Further advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description, drawings or claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4286335 (1981-08-01), Eichler et al.
patent: 4580862 (1986-04-01), Johnson
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patent: 5167520 (1992-12-01), Henry et al.
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patent: 5322453 (1994-06-01), Resnick et al.
patent: 5516303 (1996-05-01), Yohn et al.
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patent: 5625177 (1997-04-01), Yukinori et al.
patent: 5718592 (1998-02-01), Hosler, Sr. et al.
patent: 6068499 (2000-05-01), Kuriyama et al.
patent: 6142803 (2000-11-01), Bozzer et al.
patent: 6146168 (2000-11-01), Ishii
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patent: 0 537 883 A2 (1993-04-01), None
patent: 685911A1 (1995-05-01), None
patent: 0 685 911 A1 (1995-12-01), None
patent: 2 733 348 A1 (1996-10-01), None
patent: 2 128 038 (1984-04-01), None
see PCT International Search Report for any references that are not encolsed herewith.
Bozzer Dieter
Duquerroy Patrick
Rithener Blaise
Thomas Lionel
Nguyen Phuongchi
Nina Driscoll
Paumen Gary F.
The Whitaker Corporation
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