A coaxial HF plug-in connector comprises an axial bore embodied in an external conductor material on a connection side, in which an electric component is arranged. The aim is to improve the connector. For this purpose, the component in the axial bore is embodied in the form of an output branch which comprises a lower NF conductor, an internal dielectric, a balun and an external dielectric. The lower NF conductor is electrically connected to the balun base on the end of the in-plug connector connection side and to the internal conductor of the plug-in connector on the open end of the balun.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2005/013176 filed 8 Dec. 2005, which designated the U.S. and claims priority to DE 10 2005 007 589.4, filed 18 Feb. 2005, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The technology herein relates to a coaxial HF plug-in connector.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Coaxial HF plug-in connectors are used widely in electrical engineering. A common application is in this regard the use of coaxial plug-in connectors of this type as an interface to housings for the connection of coaxial lines to which high-frequency useful signals (HF signals) are transmitted.

However, in many uses, not only high-frequency useful signals but also low-frequency control signals and/or a DC voltage, for example for supplying power to the devices connected thereby, are transmitted via the same coaxial lines. One of these applications is, for example, the powering of head points, satellite reception equipment, etc.

It is therefore known to provide in the transmission path corresponding branch means via which the high-frequency useful signals (HF signals) can be separated from a DC voltage component or a low-frequency control signal (LF signal). This is frequently carried out by the interposition of capacitors or capacitor means via which the high-frequency useful signals can be transmitted, whereas the DC voltage component and/or the low-frequency control signals are decoupled.

However, a means of this type requires additional modules which are generally accommodated so as also to be integrated in a separate housing or in a separate chamber in a housing of a subsequent device used to process signals.

A generic coaxial connector has become known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,694. In an HF plug-in connector known therefrom, a hole is provided in the external conductor material so as to provide a switchable terminating impedance at this location. EP 0 129 820 A2 can also be taken to disclose as known a coupling element for connecting a signal transmission means to a coaxial main line. This element is a capacitive coupling element for connecting a signal transmission means to a coaxial main line. There is provided in this case a coaxial tap using a coaxial segment of the external conductor.

Finally, DE 102 08 402 A1 discloses in principle that electrical components can also be arranged in a dielectric.

The exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation provides an improved coaxial HF plug-in connector allowing compact decoupling of low-frequency control signals and/or DC voltage components from a high-frequency useful signal.

In an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the corresponding separating means for the separation of high-frequency useful signals from low-frequency control signals and/or a remote supply voltage (DC voltage component) is accommodated in the coaxial plug-in connector itself.

The coaxial plug-in connector has in this case on the connection side, like conventional coaxial plug-in connectors, an external conductor and also an internal conductor held apart by a dielectric. However, in addition, the contact plug-in connector in an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation comprises a branch circuit having an HF internal conductor on which the high-frequency signals are further transmitted and an LF internal conductor on which the low-frequency control signals and/or the DC voltage component for the remote supply voltage which may be required are decoupled. In the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation this may be carried out by a λ/4 balun.

In an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, this balun is accommodated in a corresponding hole in the plug-in connector external conductor, thus further improving the HF signal attenuation.

It has proven beneficial to configure the branch circuit in such a way that the HF internal conductor and the LF internal conductor extend parallel to each other. However, an at least slightly diverging orientation is also possible, the angle preferably being less than ±10°, in particular less than ±5°, between the two branch lines.

In an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the HF signal conductor may be forwarded in the axial extension of the plug-in connector internal conductor and the LF internal conductor arranged in the coaxial connector on the output side, as a branch line offset radially relative to the HF signal conductor. An inverse configuration is also possible. In an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the branch circuit may be configured in such a way that the two line branches, extending parallel to each other, for the HF and the LF signals both to be positioned so as to be offset radially relative to the connector-side coaxial internal conductor.

The exemplary illustrative non-limiting arrangement may be configured in such a way that the pre-assembled plug-in connector internal conductor having the attached dielectric and the branch arrangement consisting of the HF internal conductor and the LF internal conductor having the associated balun can be introduced from the connector side into the external conductor and assembled. However, the exemplary illustrative non-limiting arrangement may also be configured and designed in such a way that a corresponding assembly is possible from the opposing side or that the plug-in connector components are assembled on both sides.

Depending on the specific application, it is also possible, in an exemplary non-limiting arrangement, to use in the plug-in connector a plurality of baluns of differing lengths. This allows adaptation to the respective HF frequency range to be transmitted and the desired locking effect and attenuation to be carried out.

In an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the omission of a specific housing or a specific chamber in a housing and the accommodation of the branch means, including the associated attenuation means, in the plug-in connector allows a considerable amount of space to be saved. It is particularly surprising in this regard that this ultimately does not lead or does not have to lead to enlargement or relevant enlargement of the plug-in connector. In addition, the exemplary illustrative non-limiting plug-in connector can be manufactured extremely economically as, in contrast to conventional plug-in connectors, an additional hole is required merely in the external conductor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will be made hereinafter toFIG. 1which shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation in axial cross section.

FIG. 1shows in axial section a coaxial plug-in connector1comprising a plug-in connector external conductor3and, on the connector connection side (i.e. located on the left-hand side inFIG. 1), coaxially thereto in a known manner a plug-in connector internal conductor5which is held via an insulator, in the illustrated implementation, a disc-shaped dielectric7, in the external conductor3so as to prevent electrogalvanic contact between the internal and external conductors.

In the illustrative non-limiting implementation, the plug-in connector internal conductor has, on the connector connection side, a sleeve-type extension5′. However, a pin-like internal conductor connection can also be provided at this location.

The coaxial plug-in connector thus formed is preferably standardized on its coaxial connection side8, for example configured as a 7/16 connector to EN 122 190.

In the illustrative non-limiting implementation, the standardized region on the connection side8in the axial extension of the plug-in connector internal conductor5then merges with an HF internal conductor9via a tapering intermediate portion5″.

As may be seen from the illustrative implementation, the central opening or hole12a, which is located on the connector side and in which the sleeve-type extension5′ of the coaxial plug-in connector is also arranged, merges via an intermediate hole12bwhich tapers conically or in the shape of a truncated cone with an outlet-side axial hole12cin which the HF internal conductor9is positioned so as to be set apart from the walls of the plug-in connector external conductor3.

The transitions from the plug-in connector internal conductor5to the HF internal conductor9and also from the hole12ato the hole12cdo not have to extend continuously as in the non-limiting implementation. Abrupt changes in diameter between the portions are also possible.

In the illustrated implementation, the HF internal conductor9ends before the end-face external conductor end10where, extending in the radial direction, a coaxial connection cable13forwarding the HF signals (high-frequency signals) is connected in the plug-in connector external conductor3via a radial hole15. For this purpose, the coaxial connection cable13is stripped in a correspondingly stepped manner at its connection end; the associated internal conductor13ais guided through the HF internal conductor9, through a preferably groove-like aperture therein, and is soldered to said HF internal conductor9. The dielectric13csurrounding the internal conductor13ainsulates the internal conductor from the plug-in connector external conductor and is introduced for this purpose into the radial hole15. The end face and/or the circumferential portion of the stepped external conductor13bis electrogalvanically contacted at the end face of the sleeve-type connection portion17which is part of the plug-in connector external conductor3. Reference numeral13ddenotes the outer insulation of the coaxial connection cable13.

Via the plug-in connector internal conductor5, and thus via the HF internal conductor9pertaining to the plug-in connector internal conductor5, high-frequency signals (HF signals) are therefore forwarded on the output side from the coaxial connection side8to the connected coaxial cable13.

If there is then connected to the coaxial connector of this type, on the connection side, a coaxial cable via which not only HF signals (i.e. high-frequency useful signals) but also LF signals (for example, low-frequency control signals and/or a remote supply voltage or DC voltage) are transmitted, these are to be decoupled via a decoupling branch by means of the exemplary illustrative non-limiting coaxial plug-in connector. This therefore means that the uncoupling in the decoupling branch should be as large as possible for the frequency range of the HF signal.

In the illustrated implementation, there is then formed in the material of the plug-in connector external conductor3, parallel to the outlet-side axial hole12c(having a smaller diameter than the inlet-side axial hole12a), a further hole21in which there is accommodated the aforementioned decoupling branch23consisting of the LF internal conductor27, internal dielectric35, balun31and external dielectric37. The LF internal conductor is broken down in this case into a radial portion27aand an, in the illustrated implementation, axial portion27bextending parallel to the HF internal conductor9.

As emerges from the schematic illustration according toFIG. 1but also from the perspective view to be discussed hereinafter according toFIGS. 3aand3b, there is provided in the HF internal conductor9—although, if required, also in the transition part5″ or still further toward the connection end of the plug-in connector internal conductor5—a radial hole24a(FIGS. 3aand3b) in which the radial portion27aof the LF internal conductor27is inserted, electrically contacted and optionally also soldered on.

A balun31is provided on the axial portion27bof the LF internal conductor27. The LF internal conductor27of the decoupling branch23is soldered to the base31bof the balun31at the soldering point34. The corresponding conditions are reproduced in the enlarged detailed view inFIG. 2.

If the length of the internal hole in the balun is

L=1ɛ⁢⁢r⁢x⁢⁢λ4,
wherein ∈ris the corresponding dielectric constant of the internal dielectric35used and λ is the central wavelength of the frequency range to be transmitted in the HF branch, preferably the central wavelength of this frequency range, the short circuit thus formed inside the balun filled with plastics material or generally with a dielectric35is transformed at the open end of the balun into an idle state (λ/4 electrical length). This idle state on the open side31cof the balun31is provided very close to the branch-off point24of the decoupling branch23and thus causes the HF signal to flow not into the decoupling branch23but rather into the HF branch and thus via the HF internal conductor9.
In principle, however, instead of a dielectric35(internal dielectric35) and the dielectric37(external dielectric37) which is often made of plastics material, use may also be made of a dielectric made from a different material, even of air or the like.

However, in order further to improve the attenuation for the HF signal in the LF decoupling branch23, there is also formed a very slight gap between the outer lateral surface of the balun and the adjoining wall21a, surrounding the balun, of the hole21. This interval between the outer or circumferential surface of the balun31and the adjoining inner wall21aof the hole21, in which the balun is located, is filled in the illustrated implementation using an insulator or dielectric37in order reliably to prevent electrogalvanic connection.

This slight gap between the outside of the balun and the housing (i.e. the external conductor of the decoupling branch) causes the uncoupling to be further increased. The gap is limited merely by the required dielectric strength (high-voltage strength between the external and internal conductors).

In the illustrated non-limiting implementation, the LF internal conductor thus protrudes axially, in the axial extension, from the connection end10of the plug-in connector housing thus formed.

In terms of manufacture, the plug-in connector internal conductor5, which is integrally connected to the HF internal conductor9, can be attached to a disc-shaped dielectric7as shown inFIG. 3a. The radial LF internal conductor portion27aof the preassembled decoupling unit23is then inserted into the radial hole24ain the HF internal conductor9(immediately adjacent to the dielectric7), where it is soldered in accordance with the teaching that the axial distances between the HF internal conductor portion9and LF internal conductor portion27band also between the external conductor3and hole21correspond.

As the radial dimensions, including the external circumference of the decoupling module23, are not larger in the illustrated non-limiting implementation than the disc-shaped dielectric7, the arrangement can be such that the unit thus prepared and illustrated in perspective inFIG. 3b, including the decoupling branch23, is inserted into the plug-in connector external conductor housing3from the coaxial connection side8. Then, the aforementioned end of the radially supplied connection cable13at the radial connection portion17has merely to be introduced and the associated internal conductor portion and external conductor portion connected accordingly. The closure-side external conductor opening3acan then be sealed by a closure cap41. A corresponding coaxial plug-in connector1without the aforementioned radially supplied connection cable17is reproduced again in axial section inFIG. 4aand in a perspective view inFIGS. 4band4c.

InFIG. 5, a coaxial plug-in connector, described in accordance withFIG. 1, is connected to an electronics housing43, merely the decoupled LF signals and an optionally provided DC voltage signal (remote supply signal) being fed into the electronics housing via the LF internal conductor27, namely via an opening or hole43aprovided in the electronics housing43. The internal conductor can in this case project so as to reach a printed circuit board45accommodated in the electronics housing43and optionally to penetrate said printed circuit board in a hole45a, where it can be soldered.

The HF signals are forwarded via the HF connection cable13.

In the implementation according toFIG. 6, the HF internal conductor9is also axially extended and protrudes beyond the connection end10of the plug-in connector external conductor or external conductor housing3and is in this case also guided into the electronics housing43via a further hole43b, optionally into a second chamber43″ which is separated by a screened wall44from a first chamber43′ into which the LF internal conductor leads27. If the housing43is manufactured by casting, the external conductor3can be formed in this variation in a highly cost-effective manner entirely, or at least partially, in the same production process.

Also different in this non-limiting implementation is the formation of the plug-in connector external conductor3at the connection end10thereof, which is provided in this case with a connection flange3b.

FIG. 6ato6creproduce the corresponding configuration of the external conductor, partially in axial section and partially in a perspective view with the associated connection flange3bwhich, in the illustrated implementation, is of square configuration and has in its corners four respective holes via which screws can be screwed into the electronics housing (for fastening the coaxial plug-in connector).

Finally,FIGS. 6band6calso show that there is provided at this location, in addition to the central hole12c, not only a further axial hole21, axially offset for the decoupling branch, but also a second, likewise parallel hole21b. This allows, for example, the accommodation of a further, second branch line which is constructed like the first branch line23and connected to the HF internal conductor9. If a plurality of branch lines is provided, the associated baluns can also differ in length, to lock differing frequency ranges. Therefore, in principle, there can even be arranged more than one balun or even more than two baluns.

In contrast to the illustrated implementation, the baluns or the branch line27do not in all cases have to be arranged parallel to the HF internal conductor. Both lines can also diverge or at least diverge slightly. However, if possible, a diverging angle should be less than 10°, particularly preferably less than 9° or 5°.

Finally, the construction could also be inverted in such a way that the LF internal conductor27extends in the axial extension of the plug-in connector internal conductor5and the plug-in connector internal conductor5thus almost merges with the LF internal conductor27. In this case, a first radial portion of the HF internal conductor9would then branch from the LF internal conductor27and then merge with a preferably parallel portion. This would lead almost to swapping-over of the two branches shown inFIG. 1.

Finally, however, a further possibility would be a Y-shaped branch in which there is provided in the immediate axial extension of the plug-in connector internal conductor5not a continuation but rather a double radial offset, so both the LF internal conductor and the HF internal conductor are preferably positioned parallel but radially laterally offset relative to the plug-in connector internal conductor5.

Consideration will now be given to theFIG. 7exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation which differs from that according toFIG. 1in that the decoupling means23has a larger external diameter and in that the balun ends further outward, viewed from the central axial line51, i.e. radially further outward, so the hole21ais not completely flush with the connection-side hole12abut rather forms a stepped shoulder3din the central region. As a result, the entire arrangement cannot be inserted in fully preproduced form from the connection side but rather merely in the form of the plug-in connector internal conductor5having the associated HF internal conductor9, the dielectric7as a holding means and also the correspondingly preassembled LF internal conductor27. For the axially extending portion27aof the LF internal conductor27is positioned so as to be able to be inserted through the hole12afrom the connection side. Then, the balun has to be inserted, along with the internal dielectric and the plastics material sheathing, into the hole21afrom the opposing side and soldered to the base31bof the balun31at the end at the soldering point34of the LF internal conductors27.

This construction can be necessary if the decoupling unit has to have a high impedance level, which is determined by the ratio of the internal diameter of the balun to the external diameter of the LF internal conductor, in order to achieve a high degree of uncoupling between the HF and LF signals.

It will be apparent from the exemplary implementations that the external conductor internal diameter and the internal conductor diameter reduce from the plug-in connector side toward the connection side, the impedance level preferably remaining constant. However, the impedance level does not have to remain constant. There are conceivable implementations in which the external conductor internal diameter and the internal conductor diameter remain constant. Furthermore, an exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation can be carried out in such a way that, for example, both diameters, or at least one of the two, increase from the plug-in connector side toward the connection side.

As stated hereinbefore, the impedance level does not necessarily have to remain constant over the entire length as, for example, in a deliberate departure from a desired impedance level value, other impedance level values can be important, i.e. if, for example, compensation is to be provided for impedance value deviations originating from a standardized range or produced by soldering points.

While the technology herein has been described in connection with exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementations, the invention is not to be limited by the disclosure. The invention is intended to be defined by the claims and to cover all corresponding and equivalent arrangements whether or not specifically disclosed herein.