Abstract:
The present invention provides a connector useful to attach a coaxial cable power feed to a device. The connector assembly comprises a connector body and a connector top. The connector body and connector top are coupled with an open and an engaged position. In the engaged position, a power contact interfaces with the central conductor of the cable and the device to provide power to the device. Further, a ground contact engages the shield of the cable and the ground plane to provide a ground. Finally, the device either snaps or is soldered to the device, minimizing the need for expensive coupling equipment.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to antenna connectors and, more particularly, a connector to facilitate connecting a coaxial cable to a device and/or an appliance.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Among other things, a radio frequency (“RF”) transmission line carries RF energy from an antenna to a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver in a wireless system. The quality of the transmission line and the way it is attached to the radio or antenna has an effect on system performance.  
         [0003]     A pair of wires running parallel to and insulated from each other comprises a simple transmission line. Conductor material, wire size, and distance between the wires influences the efficiency of the transmission line. This type of transmission line is called a balanced line. Other types of balanced transmission lines are of course possible and known in the art.  
         [0004]     An un-balanced line is another type of transmission line. The un-balanced line may include a wire (center conductor) that is placed inside of another conductor (shield) with an insulator between, such as, for example, a coaxial cable transmission line. Other types of un-balanced transmission lines are of course possible and known in the art.  
         [0005]     Coaxial cable transmission lines are connected to the device/appliance (device and appliance are used interchangeably herein) by using coaxial cable connector sets that include a male end and a female end.  
         [0006]     Typically, the male end and female end are attached to the device by having one soldered and/or crimped to the coaxial cable and the other soldered and/or crimped to the device. Threaded, snap features, or the like features mechanically couple the male end and female end.  
         [0007]     The inside and outside conductors of the male end are electrically and mechanically connected to the inside and outside conductors of the female end, respectively, either by an interference fit, threaded features, or the like. Coaxial connectors are made from a combination of metal and plastic components. Like the feed line, coaxial connectors must be designed and fabricated properly or will cause system performance to degrade. Coaxial connectors are expensive to make and difficult to install. In many cases they cannot be installed in the field because they require special equipment, such as, for example, crimper machines, holding fixtures, and the like, to install the connector. Thus, it would be desirous to develop an improved coaxial connector.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0008]     To attain the advantages of and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, a coaxial connector is provided. The coaxial connector includes a connector body and a connector top. The connector top is a reference for convenience and top is used as a relative feature and not in the absolute. The connector top is fittingly engaged, which may be removably, slidably, or pivotally, to the connector body such that the connector assembly has an open position and an engaged position. The connector body and the connector top define a channel when in the engaged position that may receive a power feed having a ground portion and a conductor portion. The ground portion is connected to a ground contact on the connector and the power feed is coupled to a power contact coupled to the connector. Insulation is provided to insulate the power contact and the ground contact, the ground plane, and the ground portion.  
         [0009]     The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer may be used to refer to like parts throughout, and in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of a coaxial connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  shows the coaxial connector of  FIG. 1  with in the open position;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  shows the coaxial connector of  FIG. 1  attached to a printed circuit board and a coaxial cable;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  shows an isometric view of a coaxial connector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  shows an isometric view of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 5  connected to a printed circuit board and a coaxial cable;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  shows another view of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  shows a schematic diagram of a printed circuit board adapted to receive the coaxial connector of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view showing an alternative construction of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  shows a partially exploded view of a coaxial connector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  shows another view of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  shows a conventional coaxial cable usable with the embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  shows an isometric view of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 1  with an alternative construction;  
         [0025]      FIG. 15  shows an isometric view of a coaxial connector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 16  shows the coaxial connector of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 17  shows an isometric view of a coaxial connector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 18  shows the coaxial connector of  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 19  shows an isometric view of a coaxial connector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 20  shows an isometric view of a coaxial connector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 21  shows an exploded view of the coaxial connector of  FIG. 20 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]     As a generally overview and non-limiting explanation, the basic concept of the new invention comprises a coaxial connector that facilitates installing a coaxial cable and/or mating device and is less costly to produce and/or purchase. Ideally, such a device would have the same or more reliable performance than existing designs.  
         [0033]     The present invention consists of many different variations, some of which are described in this application by way of non-limiting examples. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other variations are possible. In one version, a coaxial connector may be attached to a device, such as, for example, a radio, an antenna, or a printed circuit board. For ease of reference, most examples to follow will include attachment to a printed circuit board, but this should not be considered a limitation on the connector. The connector is placed on to the surface of the device and connected electrically and mechanically. The connection may be by any conventional connection means, such as mechanical connection, like a press fit connection, snap connection, friction fitting, threaded connection, or the like, a weld connection, like a solder connection, or the like. The coaxial cable is then partially stripped of its insulation and shield then placed into the connector body. A top latch is closed on the body thus capturing the coaxial cable partially stripped and making electrical contact with the outside shield of the coaxial cable. Also, while the top latch is closed the center conductor and insulation is forced into an insulation displacement contact by a feature in the top latch cap. When the center conductor and insulator are forced into position the insulation is separated by the insulation displacement contact and the center conductor is then forced in the slot in the contact thus making electrical contact. Unlike existing connector sets, this invention requires only one connector to attach coaxial cable to a device.  
         [0034]     Another embodiment, and again by way of a generally description for background and non limiting example, may comprise an RF connector that is attached directly to the coaxial cable and then at anytime will be snapped to the device, be it the radio, the antenna, the cellular telephone, the PDA, computer, or the like requiring a coaxial. Unlike existing connector sets, this invention requires only one connector to attach coaxial cable to a device. No mating connector is necessary. In this embodiment, the coaxial cable is partially stripped of its insulation and shield and placed into the connector body. The top latch is placed over the connector body and pressed into the latched position. When it is latched, the cable is captured between the two connector halves and making electrical contact with the outside shield. Also, while the connector top is being pressed into the latched position the center conductor and insulation are forced into the contact. The contact penetrates the center insulation and the center conductor is forced into the slot in the contact thus making an electrical connection. Anytime after this connector is installed the coaxial cable/connector assembly can be snapped on the radio, printed circuit board or any other application that requires coaxial cable. The connector is mechanically attached to the device by means of cantilever type beams extending from the connector top and protruding into special hook slots in the device. The center conductor makes electrical connection by the contact touching the feed pad on the device. The shield makes contact through a second contact to the printed circuit board.  
         [0035]     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , a coaxial cable connector  5  constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. Connector  5  is shown unattached to either a device, such as a printed circuit board, or a transmission line, such as a coaxial cable. Connector  5  is shown closed and may be latched or locked in the closed position, as will be explained further below.  
         [0036]     In this embodiment, coaxial cable connector  5  may be electrically and mechanically attached to a printed circuit board, radio, antenna or any other device requiring connection to a coaxial cable.  FIG. 4  shows coaxial cable connector  5  attached to a printed circuit board  8  and a coaxial cable  7 . An electrical connection between coaxial cable connector  5  and printed circuit board  8  is established by soldering a solder tab  1   b  on a connector body  1  of coaxial cable connector  5  (shown in  FIG. 4 , but best seen and labeled in  FIG. 3 ) to a solder pad  8   p  on printed circuit board  8 . One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other electrical connections are possible instead of solder connections, such as, for example, using a threaded screw to screw the contact to the printed circuit board, using a rivet through a hole in the contact and the printed circuit board, using folded over ears to provide contact between the connector body and the printed circuit board, using spring contacts or interference contacts, or the like. Solder tab (or tabs)  1   b  and solder pad  8   p  provide an electrical path from the outer surface, or shield  7   b  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) of coaxial cable  7  to a ground plane, which is typically printed circuit board  8 . A second solder tab  4   c  on a contact  4  (explained further below) is soldered to a second solder pad  8   q  on printed circuit board  8 . This provides an electrical path for center conductor  7   d  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) of coaxial cable  7  to the second solder pad  8   q  on printed circuit board  8  or other device. This is typically used as the feed.  
         [0037]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the components of connector  5  will be further explained. Specifically  FIG. 1  shows connector  5  in the closed or latched position while  FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of connector  5 . Connector  5  includes the connector body  1 , the connector top  2 , one or more hinge points  5   a  or pivot points.  
         [0038]     Points  5   a  may be one or more protrusions as shown, an axle, rod, or the like as a matter of design choice. Points  5   a  provide a means for which body  1  and top  2  may pivot between the closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and the open position ( FIG. 3 ).  
         [0039]     Connector  5  may include a latch  1   a  or lock, which also is shown as a protrusion on body  1 . Latch  1   a  fits into a corresponding latch hole  2   a  or dimple on top  2 . As shown, latch  1   a  has an angled surface  1   s  that assists top  2  fit over latch la until latch  1   a  can fit in hole  2   a . Conversely or complementary to surface  1   s , top  2  may have an angled surface to facilitate the latching.  
         [0040]     Body  1  may be constructed from an electrically conductive material. For example, body  1  may be constructed from machined or die cast metal. Alternatively, body  1  may be molded plastic and plated. Body  1  and top  2  may be connected by snapping pivot holes  5   h  on connector top onto hinge points  5   a  in this embodiment.  
         [0041]     In particular, holes  5   h  are snapped onto hinge points  5   a  protrusions. Alternatively, a pin, screw, axle, or the like may be replaced for protrusions as hinge points  5   a  such that top  2  is connected to body  1  without snapping holes onto protrusions. Generally, top  2  also may be constructed from electrically conductive material or plated plastics. An insulative material  3  resides at a first end of connector  5 . Insulative material  3  insulates contact  4  from body  1  and top  2 . Contact  4  has a portion  4   i  that resides internal to connector  5  and a portion  4   e  that resides external to connector  5 . Insulative material  3  may be any material, such as, for example, Teflon, polyethylene, or the like. Contact  4  is made from an electrically conductive material, such as, for example, copper or the like. As will be further explained below, contact  4  provides an electrical path from center conductor  7   d  ( FIG. 7 ) to the device, such as printed circuit board  8  ( FIG. 4 ). As first seen in  FIG. 2 , body  1  and top  2  form a channel C in which coaxial cable  7  resides.  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , parts internal to connector  5  will be explained. Connector  5  has a device end  5   d  and a cable end  5   c . Contact  4  resides proximate device end  5   d . Internal portion of contact  4  includes two extensions  4   c  terminating in leading edges  4   a . Leading edges  4   a  may be considered a knife-edge as will be explained below. Residing between extensions  4   c  is a slot  4   b . When pressed into channel C, leading edges  4   a  cut through the layers of coaxial cable  7  allowing center conductor  7   d  to fit into slot  4   b  forming an electrical connection between center conductor  7   d  and second solder pad  8   q  via contact  4 . In this design, coaxial cable  7  is partially stripped; however, alternative designs may allow for use without actually stripping cable  7 . Channel C further has one or more teeth  1  c or protrusions, ribs, or the like, that assist in grabbing cable  7  to inhibit cable  7  from pulling out of or slipping from of channel C. Alternative methods to increase the frictional engagement of top  2  and body  1  about cable  7  include using adhesives, surface roughening, or the like.  
         [0043]     Specifically, during use, connector  5  is typically soldered to printed circuit board  8  prior to installing cable  7 ; however, connector  5  could be attached to cable  7  first if desired. Once attached to board  8  and solder, cable  7  is partially stripped to expose a portion of inside insulator  7   c . Inside insulator  7   c  is pressed on leading edges  4   a  (such as when top  2  is pivoted to the closed position on body  1 ) such that leading edges  4   a  cut through insulator  7   c  and conductor  7   d  fits in slot  4   b  and contacts extensions  4   c . Cable  7  is placed in channel C such that teeth  1   c  contact either outside shield  7   b  or outside insulation  7   a  (depending on size and how cable  7  is stripped). Top  2  is pivoted about hinge points  5   a  such that latch  1   a  engages latch hole  2   a  pressing cable  7  into teeth  1   c . Teeth  1   c  either contact shield  7   b  directly or cut through insulation  7   a  to contact shield  7   b  to provide an electrical connection between shield  7   b  and ground plane  8  (which is the printed circuit board  8  in this case, but could be any conventional ground).  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5, 6  and  7 , another embodiment of a cable connector  9  consistent with the present invention is shown. Connector  9  is similar to connector  5  but has either pivots about axis P parallel to center conductor  7   d  instead of perpendicular to center conductor, which is how connector  5  is arranged, or simply snaps onto a plurality of latch means  9   a  around body  10  and top  11 . Latches  9   a , which in this case are latch hooks  9   p  and detent  9   d  style latch mechanisms, otherwise known as a button latch, reside in multiple locations around connector  9 . Note, the latch hooks  9   p  and/or detent  9   d  could be spring loaded if desired. Another configuration difference, is contact  12  has a contact beam  12   d  extends beneath body  10 , which is functionally equivalent to contact  4  having portion  4   e  external to connector  5  ( FIG. 7 ).  FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 5  but shows connector  9  attached to device, such as a printed circuit board  15  and cable  7 .  
         [0045]     In this version, connector  9  is typically attached to cable  7  prior to attaching connector  9  to the device. The mechanical and electrical connections between connector  9  and cable  7  are similar to those for connector  5  and will not be further explained, herein. Connector  9  is attached to printed circuit board  15  by a latch, such as the cantilever beam latch  11  b shown (which comprises a beam and protrusion) fitting into corresponding holes  15   b  in printed circuit board  15  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). Electrical contact between center conductor  7   d  and printed circuit board  15  is by center conductor  7   d  residing in slot  12   b  and a spring contact beam  12   d  contacting feed pad  15   d  on printed circuit board  15  ( FIG. 9 ).  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and  8  and  9  are similar but  FIGS. 5-7  shows one cantilever beam latch  11  b and FIGS.  8  and  9  shows several. Shield  7   b  ( FIG. 13 ) is attached to a contact  12   g  ( FIG. 7 ) that is connected to ground  15   c  ( FIG. 9 ).  
         [0046]     Similar to connector  5 , connector  9  is used by partially stripping cable  7  and placing cable  7  in channel C. Top  10  is pivoted or snapped into the closed position on body  10 . The electrical and mechanical connections are generally arranged similar to those in connector  5  and not re-explained herein. Once cable  7  is attached to connector  9 , connector  9  is typically snapped onto circuit board  15 . Attaching connector  9  to circuit board  15  may be facilitated by aligning a pilot hole  15   a  on circuit board  15  and a pin  10   d  on body  10 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 10  shows an alternative contact  16 . Contact  16  does not have a slot similar to contact s  4  and  12  above, but rather a contact probe  16   a . Contact probe  16   a  is forced (similar to a push pin) into cable  7  until contact is made with conductor  7   d .  FIG. 11  shows the contact  16  in a connector with the top removed.  
         [0048]      FIG. 12  shows another connector  18 . Body  18   b  is similar to body  1  with regards to solder points and contacts, but instead of hinge connections top  18   a  snaps onto latches  18   c , similar to connector  9 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 13  shows cable  7  and various components of cable  7 . Cable  7  is conventional and will not be further explained except in regard to the specific invention and various embodiments thereof.  
         [0050]      FIG. 14  shows an alternative connector  140 . Connector  140  is similar to connector  5 , but has a stamped metal top  142 . Connector  140  will not be otherwise explained.  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a connector  17  consistent with another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Connector  17  functions similar to previously described connectors and only the differences will be explained herein. Connector  17  comprises a cable opening  17   a , a body  17   c , and a push actuator  17   b . Push actuator  17   b  has a top  17   d  and legs  17   e  (in this case two legs are shown but more or less could be used). Legs  17   e  have an expanded bottom  17   f  (not specifically shown). Body  17   b  has a number of slots  17   g  corresponding to the number of legs  17   e . Slots  17   g  have a width sufficient to fit expanded bottom  17   f  but shoulders  17   h  on the top surface of slots  17   g  prevent legs  17   e  from existing when expanded bottom  17   f  contacts shoulders  17   h  maintaining the coupling between push actuator  17   c  and body  17   b . As seen in  FIG. 17 , cable  7  is pushed into opening  17   a . Actuator  17   b  is pushed into body  17   c . Otherwise, connector  17  functions similar to other connectors described above and will not be further explained herein.  
         [0052]      FIGS. 17 and 18  show another connector  19 , which is a variation of connector  17 . As seen in  FIG. 18 , coaxial cable  7  is pushed into an actuator  19   b . Actuator  19   b  is pushed into a connector body  19   a  as shown in  FIG. 17 . The mechanical and electrical connections are as described above.  
         [0053]     FIGS.  19  shows connector  21 . Connector  21  is similar to connectors  5  and/or  9 . Unlike connector  9 , which specifically shows the body and top snapping, connector  21  shows top  21   a  pivoting on body  21   b.    
         [0054]      FIGS. 20 and 21  shows connector  22  that is still another embodiment of the present invention. Connector  22  is similar to connector  19  and the similarities will not be further explained. Unlike connector  19 , however, connector  22  has a connector top  24  and base  22  made from a non-conductive plastic material. The plastic material is not metallized. A contact  23  is inserted into connector body  22 . Contact  23  has two legs  23   a  soldered to the printed circuit board. When coaxial cable  7  is placed into connector body  22 , pad  23   b  makes contact with shield  7   b  of the coaxial cable and provides the electrical path from the outside shield on the coaxial cable to the printed circuit board.  
         [0055]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.