Patent ID: 6166615
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: H01P

Abstract:
An RF connector, comprising:a male connector component comprising a dielectric housing member and a metal center conductor extending through an opening formed in the dielectric housing member, the center conductor having a first tip portion protruding from a first surface of the housing and a second tip portion protruding from a second surface of the housing;a female connector component comprising a dielectric body having a body opening formed therethrough, and a compressible conductor formed of thin metal wire densely packed within said body opening, and having a first end recessed into the body opening relative to a first surface of the body, and a second end protruding from the body opening relative to a second surface of the body to allow contact to a mating circuit; andan electrically conductive outer housing structure surrounding an outer periphery of the dielectric housing, wherein said outer housing structure comprises a planar plate having an opening formed therein, said male connector component disposed within said opening:wherein the male connector component and the female connector component are cooperatively adapted so that, in an assembled condition, the first tip portion of the male conductor can be positioned in the opening formed in the dielectric body to make a first electrical contact with said first end of said compressible conductor, and said second end of said compressible conductor is adapted to make a second electrical contact with a mating electrical circuitry and wherein no solder is employed in making said first and said second electrical contacts; andwherein said dielectric housing member has a groove formed in said outer periphery, and said housing structure opening is defined by a wall having a ring boss protruding therefrom, the ring boss cooperatively adapted with the groove so that an interference fit is established between the ring boss and the groove when the housing structure is positioned within the plate opening to secure the housing structure within the plate.