FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coaxial connector assembly offering comparatively small dimensions.

5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

WO05027275 A1 was published on 24.03.2005 on behalf of the applicant and describes a coaxial connector to connect a first and a second coaxial cable, comprising a plug and a socket part. The connector is suitable for the transmission of high frequency signals with coaxial cables. According to the invention, the inner i o conductor of a first coaxial cable is connected to a spring socket that is mounted within the housing of the socket part of the connector. The inner conductor of a second coaxial cable is connected to a plug pin, mounted within the housing of the plug part of the connector. The two outer conductors of the coaxial cables are each connected to the housing of the socket part, respectively plug part. An outer

1 5 radial contact element is mounted within the housing of the socket part. The radial contact element comprises multiple taps which are separated from one another by an open slot and each rotated about their longitudinal axis through a relatively small angle. In a coupled position, the two connector parts are fixed by a snap-action ring mounted on the peripheral surface of the plug part and connec- tion between the inner conductors is established radially by the plug pin which is located within the spring socket. Connection between the outer conductors is established radially by the multiple taps of the radial contact element which are clamped in radial direction between the housing of the socket part and the housing of the plug part.

DE1 81 3161 U was published on 1 5.06. 1 960 on behalf of Dipl.-lng . G. Spinner and shows a coaxial plug for radio frequency signals. In a plug according to this document, the outer conductor is segmented, the segments being elastically deflectable outwards in radial direction.

US201 1 01 30048A1 was published on 02.06.201 1 on behalf of Kathrein- Werke KG and shows a coarse concept of a coaxial connector and connector set similar to DE1 81 31 61 U. In a connector set according to the document, the axial contact zone between the two connector parts is mostly separated from the radio frequency signal path . Hence the transmission of radio frequency signals from one connector part to the other should hardly depend from the mechanical characteristics of the connection, such as contact pressure respectively torque of a coupling nut. It is argued that the electrical contact between the outer conductor of the first and second parts of the connector is established in radial direction by a contact making section that is separated from the axial contact zone.

DE3814069C1 was published on 01 .06. 1 989 on behalf of Spinner GmbH Elek- trotechnische Fabrik and shows a coaxial connector for the transmission of high frequency signals. The document discloses a plug part of a connector which comprises a plug pin that is attached to an inner conductor of a cable and a peripherally mounted spring band to establish radial contact of the outer conductors.

US5938465 was published on 1 7.08. 1 999 on behalf of Palco Connector Inc. 5 and shows a dual spring ring connector for coaxial cables. The plug part of the connector comprises a plug pin which has a bore to receive the inner conductor of a first coaxial cable. The outer conductor of the first coaxial cable is connected to the main body of the plug part by crimping or other means. The socket part of the connector comprises a central socket contact element which has on a first side a i o first bore to receive the plug pin, and on a second side has a bore to receive the inner conductor of a second coaxial cable. In an outer peripheral groove of the plug part of the connector, a split ring is mounted .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, base stations for mobile communication are complex devices compris- 1 5 ing one or several power elements with one or several subassemblies and one or several antennas. These subassemblies are interconnected to each other by coaxial cables which are attached to the subassemblies by solder connections. Especially when a fault occurs, it is cumbersome to find the error as the subassemblies cannot be separated easily. One object of the invention is to provide a coaxial connector assembly which offers comparatively small dimensions, which is suitable to substitute at least critical soldered connections. In an embodiment, the connector has a maximum outer dimension which is less then 9mm (distance between two neighboring connec- 5 tors) . Depending on the field of application, the connector assembly can have length with less then 20mm in total when interconnected .

The coaxial connector assembly according to the invention offers the advantage that connections can easily be established and separated . Furthermore, it offers the advantage that establishing of a connection may be confirmed by an audible i o signal, e.g . a click. Depending on the design of the connector assembly the connection can be established and/or released by a tool. Furthermore, if appropriate, the connector assembly can be designed self-locking . A further advantage of the design according to the invention is that the male and female connectors of the connector are easily scalable. In addition, the connector design according to the

1 5 invention offers the advantage that several interlocking means can be used on the outside while the inside of the connector remains in principle the same. An advantage of the inventive design is that the signal path and the mechanical interlocking of the connector parts may be separated offering the advantage of several variations.

20 As the connector assembly can be standardized it offers the advantage of fast connection which is important while using a test adapter to test the functionality of the related device (subassembly) . In a connector assembly according to the invention the electrical contact and the mechanical interaction between the first and the second connector part are separated . They thereby can be designed in an individual manner.

In principle, a coaxial connector assembly according to the invention comprises a 5 first and a second connector, which are suitable to interconnect to a each other along a connector axis. At least one of the connector parts is suitable to interconnect to a coaxial cable comprising an inner conductor, a thereto concentric tubular outer conductor and a dielectric arranged as a spacer between the inner and the outer conductor. The first connector comprises a first housing and a contact i o element which is at least partially arranged inside the first housing. The second connector comprises a second housing with a contact surface which in a mounted position forms an electrical contact with the contact element of the first connector. The first housing comprises a female coupling half arranged radially outside to the contact element which in the mounted position extends over a male coupling half

1 5 of the second housing . Radially outside of the female coupling half at least one interconnection means forms a mechanical interconnection between the first and the second housing . The contact element may comprise an annular base and at least two flexible tongues which extend in axial direction. The contact element may be interconnected to the outer conductor of a coaxial cable e.g. by soldering

20 or another appropriate method. Good results may be achieved when the connection is established by heating of a soldering depot. The contact element may in a mounted position be attached to the first housing. Alternatively or in addition, the contact element may be arranged inside of the interconnection means. The housing of the connectors are preferably made out of brass or another suitable material . To improve the conductivity and lifetime of the conductor assembly, at least the relevant surfaces are coated by silver or gold or a combination thereof. Other materials and coatings may be appropriate.

The design of a connector assembly according to the invention offers the advantage that the absolute and relative skips (changes) in diameter of the outer signal path can be kept very low. This is particular important for connectors having small diameters and has a positive effect on the quality of the signal transmission . E.g. the skips in diameter between the contact surface, the male coupling half and the first center opening are (depending on the size of the connector) within a relative spectrum of less then 25 %, respectively less then 1 0% .

If required at least one seal can be arranged between the first and the second connector preventing negative influence of the environment on the inside of the connector assembly. Good results may be achieved when the at least one seal is arranged on the outside of the male coupling half in the area of the interconnection means.

If required the first and or the second housing may have an angled design, e.g. the angle between the interconnection axis and the angle of the cable is 90°. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing :

Fig. 1 A first embodiment of a connector assembly in a side view;

The embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a section view along section line

DD;

Fig. 3 The embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a partially cut manner;

The embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a separated manner;

Fig. 5 A second embodiment of a connector assembly in partially cut manner;

The embodiment according to Fig. 5 in a separated manner;

Fig. 7 A third embodiment of a connector assembly in partially cut manner;

Fig. 8 The embodiment according to Fig. 7 in a separated manner; Fig. 9 A fourth embodiment of a connector assembly in partially cut manner; Fig. 1 0 The embodiment according to Fig. 9 in a separated manner;

Fig. 1 1 A fifth embodiment of a connector assembly in partially cut manner; Fig. 1 2 The embodiment according to Fig. 1 1 in a separated manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

5 Figure 1 shows a first variation of a connector assembly 1 according to the invention in a side view. Figure 2 shows the connector assembly according to Figure 1 in a section view along section lined DD. Figure 3 shows the connector assembly according to Figure 1 in a perspective view and partially cut. Figure 4 shows the connector assembly according to Figure 1 in a disengaged position. i o The connector assembly 1 comprises a first and a second connector 2, 3 which can be interconnected and interlocked with respect to each other along a connector axis (x-axis; length direction) . In the shown embodiment, the first connector 2 is embodied as a plug and the second connector 3 is embodied as a socket.

The connector assembly 1 is foreseen to connect to at least one coaxial cable 4, 1 5 which comprises a first inner conductor 5, an outer conductor 6 arranged concentric to the first inner conductor 5 and a first dielectric 7 arranged as a spacer between the first inner and the outer conductor 5, 6. The first connector 2 comprises a first housing 8 to which the outer conductor 6 is interconnected via a soldering depot 9 arranged to the rear end of the housing 8 in a recess 1 0. During the interconnection process the soldering depot is preferably heated by direct or indirect inductive heating. If appropriate, other heating methods can be foreseen .

Inside the outer contour of the housing 8 of the first connector 2, a contact element 1 1 is arranged which comprises an annular base 1 2 and several flexible tongues 1 3 extending in axial direction (x) . In the shown embodiment the contact element 1 1 is made from thin sheet metal by stamping and bending . This offers the advantage that big changes in diameter which can have a negative impact on the signal transmission performance can be avoided . Alternatively or in addition, the contact element 1 1 can be formed by milling or turning or another forming process. The contact element 1 1 is inserted (attached, e.g . pressed ) from one end into a first center opening 1 4 of the first housing 8.

As it can be seen in Figure 2 the outer conductor 6 is shorter then the first dielectric 7 of the coaxial cable 4. In difference to the dielectric 7 the outer conductor does not enter into the contact element 1 1 . Instead the contact element 1 1 forms a stop and contact surface for the outer conductor 6 for the coaxial cable 4 in axial direction (x) . The soldering depot 9 after processing (i.e. soldering ) thoroughly interconnects the outer conductor 6 of the coaxial cable 4 and the first outer housing 8 of the first connector 2 and the annular base 1 2 of the contact element 1 1 . As it can be seen in Figure 2 the flexible tongues 1 3 are staggered inside with respect to the annular base 1 2 of the contact element 1 1 forming a neck 33. If appropriate, the neck 33 can be used as a stop for the dielectric 7 of the coaxial cable 4 in axial direction. Thereby, it is prevented that the cable 4 is pushed to far into the first connector 2. Furthermore, it can be guaranteed that the inner conductor 5 is at the right position.

In an interconnected position the flexible tongues 1 3 reach into a second center opening 1 5 of a second housing 1 6 of the second connector 3 and contact the second housing 1 6 along an inner contact surface 1 7 in a radial outward direction. Alternatively or in addition, a contact element 1 1 can be attached to the second housing 1 6 of the second connector 3. In this case of inverse arrangement the contact surface 1 7 is established at the inside of the first housing 8 of the first connector 2. Furthermore if required it is possible to design the contact element 1 1 in a way that alternatively or in addition it interconnects to the second housing 1 6 in axial direction. Further elements as, e.g. contact springs which are arranged at the second connector 3 can be foreseen .

The first housing 8 of the first connector 2 in principle comprises a female coupling half 1 8 which in a mounted position extends over a corresponding male coupling half 1 9 of the second housing 1 6 of the second connector 3. The female coupling half 1 8 comprises an abutting face 20 which in the mounted position interacts with a first shoulder 2 1 of the second housing 1 6 which acts as a stop (mechanical reference) between the two connector parts 1 , 2. Radially outside of the contact element 1 1 , a interconnection means 22 forms a mechanical interconnection between the first and the second housing 8, 1 6. In the shown connector, the high frequency signal path (electrical path ) and the mechanical interconnection are separated from each other. The mechanical interlocking is established 5 on the outside while the electrical contact is established on the inside.

In the variation shown in the Figures 1 -4 the interconnection means 22 comprises a threaded locking nut 23 which sits on a second shoulder 24 and in a mounted position interacts with an outside thread 25 of the second housing 1 6, pulling the first and the second housing 8, 1 6 tightly together. If appropriate, at i o least one seal 26 can be arranged between the first and the second connector 2, 3 to protect the inside of the connector from negative influence from the surrounding . The interconnection means 22 can be arranged in an inverse manner, if required . In the shown embodiment, the second housing 1 6 comprises a first screw thread 27 by which it is attached to a corresponding second screw thread

1 5 28 of a baseplate or a wall of a housing 29.

In the shown embodiment, the flexible tongues 1 3 of the contact element 1 1 each comprises close to their end a radial protrusion 30 forming a defined contact zone. The protrusions 30 are (with respect to axial direction x) in principle arranged at the same level with respect to each other and in a circumferential direc- 20 tion. On the outside, the electrical contact between the first and the second connector part 2, 3 , respectively the coaxial cable 4 is established by the outer conductor 6 of the coaxial cable 4, which is interconnected to the contact element 1 1 , and/or the first housing 8 of the first connector part 2, the annular base 1 2 and the tongues 1 3 of the contact element 1 1 and the second housing 1 6 of the second connector part 3. Depending on the field of application, good results are achieved when the protrusions 30 are arranged inside of the interconnection means 22 with respect to axial direction.

On the inside, the first inner conductor 5 of the coaxial cable 4 is pointed and directly connects to a second inner conductor 3 1 , which is held by a second dielectric 32 inside of the second housing 1 6 of the second connector 3. The inner conductor 3 1 or another contact element comprises a jack 47 which is here integrally connected to the inner conductor 3 1 . The jack 47 forms part of the inner electrical contact for signal transmission . It preferably contacts the inner conductor of the first connector 2 from the outside forming a defined contact point.

Alternatively or in addition, as e.g . shown in Figure 7 at least one contact element 48 can be foreseen which may also comprise a jack 47 and to which the first and/or the second inner conductor 5, 3 1 can be connected . The at least one inner contact element forms part of the signal path on the inside.

The design of the connector assembly 1 offers compared to the designs known from the prior art the advantage that the absolute and relative skips (changes) in diameter of the outer signal path can be kept very low. This has a positive effect on the quality of the signal transmission . E.g. the skips in diameter between the contact surface 1 7 ( D 1 ), the male coupling half 1 9 ( D2 ) and the first center opening of the 1 4 ( D3 ) are within a relative spectrum of less then 25 % ( D 1 /D2 ), respectively less then 1 0% ( D 1 /D3 ) .

As it will be shown and explained in Figures 5-1 2 the connector assembly 1 according to the invention offers the advantage to incorporate and /or combine sev- 5 eral different interconnection means 22.

The variation of connector assembly according to Figures 5 and 6 has in principle the same design and setup as the connector assembly according to Figure 1 -4. Therefore with respect to the principle description reference is made to said drawings and the thereto related description. In the perspective view according to Fig- i o ure 5 the two connectors 2, 3 forming the connector assembly 1 are shown in an interconnected position. The connectors 2, 3 are partially cut such that the inside becomes apparent. In the perspective view according to Figure 6 the two connectors 2, 3 are shown separated from each other along axis x.

In difference to the first variant the here shown second variant comprises different 1 5 interconnection means 22 on the outside of the connector assembly 1 to interlock the first and the second connector 2, 3. The interconnection means 22 comprise several latches 34 which are deflectable in a radially inward direction. In an interconnected position the latches 34 snap into a circumferential annular groove 35 arranged inside of a bushing 36 attached to the second housing 1 6 of the second 20 connector 3 and forming part of the interconnection means 22. To disengage the first and the second connector an unlocking sleeve 37 is arranged around the latches 34. By pulling the unlocking sleeve 37 in a rearward direction the latches 34 are pushed inside via a ramp 38 until the latches 34 disengage from the annular groove 35.

The variation of connector assembly according to Figures 7 and 8 has in principle 5 the same design and setup as the connector assembly (first variant) according to Figure 1 -4. Therefore with respect to the principle description reference is made to said drawings and the thereto related description . In the perspective view according to Figure 7 the two connectors 2, 3 forming the connector assembly 1 are shown in an interconnected position. The connectors 2, 3 are partially cut i o such that the inside becomes apparent. In the perspective view according to Figure 8 the two connectors 2, 3 are shown separated from each other along axis x.

In difference to the first variant the here shown third variant comprises again different interconnection means 22 on the outside of the connector assembly 1 to interlock the first and the second connector 2, 3. The interconnection means 22

1 5 comprise a combination of several latches 39 in the form of several flexible tongues 39 which extend in axial direction and which are laterally separated from each other by gaps 40. The latches 39 snap in a radially inward direction behind a locking bead 41 arranged at the male coupling half 1 9. The flexible tongues 39 are secured in interlocked position by a locking sleeve 42 supports the flexible

20 tongues 39 from the outside and prevents unwanted spreading of the flexible tongues 39 in radial outward direction. In addition the locking sleeve 39 may be interconnected to the second connector 3 by a bayonet coupling 43. The variation of connector assembly according to Figures 9 and 1 0 has in principle the same design and setup as the connector assembly (first variant) according to Figure 1 -4. Therefore with respect to the principle description reference is made to said drawings and the thereto related description. In the perspective view according to Figure 9 the two connectors 2, 3 forming the connector assembly 1 are shown in an interconnected position. The connectors 2, 3 are partially cut such that the inside becomes apparent. In the perspective view according to Figure 1 0 the two connectors 2, 3 are shown separated from each other along axis x.

In difference to the first variant the here shown fourth variant comprises again different interconnection means 22 on the outside of the connector assembly 1 to interlock the first and the second connector 2, 3. Similar to the third variant, the first connector 2 comprises several flexible tongues 39 which during coupling snap behind a locking bead 41 arranged at the second housing 1 6 of the second connector (male coupling half 1 9 ) providing an audible noise. To secure the interconnection a locking spring 44 (best visible in Figure 9), which has previously been positioned on the coaxial cable 4 or one of the connectors 2, 3 is positioned on the flexible tongues 39 (see Figure 1 0) , of the female coupling half 1 8 preventing them from unwanted spreading and thereby disengaging the connectors 2, 3. The mechanical position in axial direction is here incorporated adjacent to the locking bead 41 , i.e. the first shoulder 2 1 interacts with the abutting surface 20 here arranged insides of the flexible tongues (latches) 39. The variation of connector assembly according to Figures 1 1 and 1 2 has in principle the same design and setup as the connector assembly (first variant) according to Figure 1 -4. Therefore with respect to the principle description reference is made to said drawings and the thereto related description. In the perspective view 5 according to Figure 1 1 the two connectors 2, 3 forming the connector assembly 1 are shown in an interconnected position. The connectors 2, 3 are partially cut such that the inside becomes apparent. In the perspective view according to Figure 1 2 the two connectors 2, 3 are shown separated from each other along axis x.

In difference to the first variant the here shown fifth variant comprises again d if - i o ferent interconnection means 22 on the outside of the connector assembly 1 to interlock the first and the second connector 2, 3. For interconnecting the first and the second connector 2, 3 the female coupling half 1 8 comprises two slots 45 arranged opposite to each other extending in a direction transversal to the axis of the connector assembly 1 . The slots 45 are suitable to receive a spring element in 1 5 the form of a splint 46 which can be snapped onto the male coupling half 1 9 when arranged inside the female coupling half 1 8.

Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the Spirit and scope of the invention . LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

1 Connector assembly 1 9 Male coupling half

2 First connector ( Plug ) 20 Abutting face

3 Second connector (Socket) 25 2 1 First shoulder

4 Coaxial cable 22 Interconnection means

5 First inner conductor 23 Locking nut

6 Outer conductor 24 Second shoulder

7 First dielectric 25 Outside thread

8 First housing (first connector) 30 26 Seal

9 Soldering depot 27 First screw thread

1 0 Recess 28 Second screw thread

1 1 Contact element 29 Housing / Wall / Baseplate

1 2 Annular base 30 Protrusion (contact zone)

1 3 Flexible tongue 35 3 1 Second inner conductor

1 4 First center opening ( housing 32 Second dielectric

first connector) 33 Neck (contact element)

1 5 Second center opening (of 34 Latch (second embodiment) second connector) 35 Groove

1 6 Second housing (of second 40 36 Bushing

connector) 37 U nlocking sleeve

1 7 Contact surface 38 Ramp (latch)

1 8 Female coupling half Flexible Tongue / Latch (third 44 Spring element embodiment) 45 Slot

Gap 46 Splint

Locking bead 1 0 47 Jack

Locking sleeve 48 Contact element Bayonet lock