The present invention is directed to a connector housing and a connector comprising such a connector housing. BACKG ROU N D OF TH E I NVENTION

EP1 22271 7 A1 was first published on 1 7 July 2002 on behalf of HU BER+SU HN ER AG and discloses an electrical plug connector having a housing, which is open at a front side to enable the plugging in of a mating connector and has a channel extending therethrough. An inner conduct contact is isolated and arranged therein. Connecting means are used to mechanically connect the plug connector housing to the mating connector. I n a plugged state the mating connector locks into the connecting means. The connecting means are shaped in such a manner that said agents subject the mating connector to an axial tension tensioning external conductor contact surface of said mating connector against an external conductor against an external conductor contact surface of the housing. The plug connector can be coupled with a mating connector very rapidly and securely and a reliable electrical contact is guaranteed between the external conductors.

WO07062845 A1 was published on 07 June 2007 on behalf of Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and discloses a RF plug connector having a plug head on which a sliding sleeve is seated which can be rotated, can be moved axially and clasps a radially elastic collet in such a manner that the sliding sleeve compresses the col-let radially in the coupled state, the design can be considerably simplified in comparison to that of known plug connectors of this generic type, to be precise by the collet being arranged such that it cannot be moved axially on the plug head. For connection to a coupler with an external thread, the collet has internal profiling on the plug side, in particular an internal thread with a pitch which is not the same as that of the external thread of the coupler.

EP1 746691 A2 was published on 24 January 2007 on behalf of I MS Connector Systems GmbH and discloses a coaxial connector plug and mating plug in which the connector plug having a clamp sleeve and a sliding sleeve that can be moved axially to mechanically connect the connector housing with the mating plug . The sliding sleeve surrounds the clamp sleeve in the operating position and exerts on it a force directed radially inward in the operating position, and wherein the clamp sleeve can be made to rest against the mating plug at a clamp surface, and wherein an outer conductor contact surface of the mating plug can be clamped axially against an outer conductor contact surface of the connector plug. The purpose is to create a connector plug of the sort described above, where an outer conductor contact surface of the mating plug can be axially clamped against an outer conductor con-tact surface of the connector plug, independent of the shape of the clamp surface. This purpose is achieved in that the clamp sleeve has an end section with a part extending diagonally outward followed by a part extending diagonally inward and backward, wherein an axial force component is exerted in the operating position by the clamp sleeve on the clamp surface via the part extending backward and in that the clamp sleeve has a widening part between the connector plug and the end section followed by a narrowing part. EP261 5699 A1 was published on 1 7 J uly 201 3 on behalf of Spinner GmbH and discloses a coaxial connector system comprising a coaxial plug connector and socket connector. The coaxial connectors have a center conductor defining a center axis of the connector and an outer conductor coaxial to the center conductor. The plug connector's outer conductor has a cylindrical shape with slits forming a plurality of spring loaded contact elements, while the socket connector's outer conductor is a cylindrical shape forming a contact surface. Furthermore, the connectors have a mechanical contact surface at a right angle to their center axis and distant from the spring loaded contact elements and the contact surface. SU M MARY OF THE I NVENTION

There is a demand for different types of connectors with different types of coupling mechanisms, depending on the application a connector is intended to be used for. As such, for example so called push-pull or quick-lock connectors are widespread for applications that require quick establishing and/or release of a connection e.g. because a connecting point is not readily accessible. This may e.g . be the case for connections that have to be established under adverse conditions, such as for installations on high antenna masts, where e.g. single-handed operation of connectors is desired. For other applications, connector assemblies mechanically coupled by screw fittings are desired, e.g. in order to obtain connections that have a partic- ularly good mechanical competence and/or signal transmission and/or to obtain relatively economic connectors, because screw-type connectors are usually assembled from fewer and less complex components than e.g . push-pull connectors. Other types of connectors comprising further types of mechanical coupling means are known, such as bayonet coupling means, which are advantageous for other types of applications.

The variety of different types of coupling mechanism for connectors as established in the markets usually has a strong influence on the overall design of the respective connectors. In particular many types of coupling mechanism can only be applied if a connector housing has certain minimum or maximum spatial dimensions and/or specific interfaces in order to obtain a certain type of load transmission to a corresponding mating connector by means of a coupling means. For instance due to their relatively complex locking mechanism conventional push-pull connectors typ- ically have a significantly larger extension in direction of the connector axis than e.g. screw-type connectors. Therefore, conventional push-pull connector usually comprise relatively large connector housings that are purpose-built for push-pull connectors. This leads to increased material usage during production. In addition, the resulting differences in the design of connector housings usually also leads to ad- aptations of further components of the connectors, such as the design of electrical and/or optical electrical contacts/terminations, insulators, sealing collars and others.

This results in a significant component variety, leading on the one hand to increased effort for development and testing in order to comply with industrial standards (e.g. I EEE standards) . On the other hand the resulting component variety also leads to increased manufacturing costs due to lower piece numbers, as well as to considerable logistical efforts. Consequently manufacturers may face diseconomies with negative impact on prices of the connector, as well as delivery times. It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a connector housing that can be used for a variety of different coupling means and thus allows to reduce the component variety of such connectors.

The present invention relates to a connector assembly and corresponding connect - ors as disclosed in a contemporaneously filed co-pending Swiss patent application (application number not yet known) that is entitled "Quick-Lock Connector" and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Due to the coupling mechanism as described in the above-mentioned co-pending Swiss patent application, a connector housing with relatively small spatial dimensions in direction of the connector axis can be obtained, making it possible to assemble screw-type, bayonet-type as well as push-pull-type connectors with the usual spatial dimensions of these types of connectors, based on the same embodiment of a connector housing if desired. Although a connector housing according to the present invention is in particular ad- vantageous if used for a connector as described in the co-pending application as mentioned before, it is not limited to being used with such a type of coupling mechanism.

According to the invention a connector housing for a connector usually has a housing body that comprises an outer surface and a bearing arranged at the outer sur- face. The bearing is arranged to fit a first type of coupling means to establish a mechanical interconnection with a corresponding mating connector. As well the bearing is arranged to fit a second type of coupling means to establish a mechanical interconnection with a corresponding mating connector, the first type of coupling means and the second type of coupling means being different types of coupling means. For example the first type of coupling means may be a screw-type of coupling means, whereby the second type of coupling means may instead e.g. com- prise a bayonet-type of coupling mechanism or a push-pull-type of coupling mech- anism, as will be explained in more detail below. However, within the context of the present invention a first type of coupling means may also differ from a second type of coupling means in that the coupling means have a different outer shape and/or spatial dimensions but apart from that comprise a similar or essentially identical type of coupling mechanism. A connector housing according to the present invention is in particular advantageous when being used for coaxial connectors, but is not limited to coaxial connectors.

A particularly highly versatile embodiment of a connector housing may be obtained if the bearing comprises a first bearing means in order to fit the first type of coupling means and a second bearing means in order to fit the second type of coupling means. A connector housing may also comprise further connecting means, e.g. a third bearing means in order to fit a third type of coupling means.

For some applications, the connector housing may comprise a connecting end arranged to be interconnected to a corresponding mating connector and wherein the first bearing means is arranged between the connecting end and the second bearing means. A connector housing that may be used for a connector suited for mechanically highly competent connections may be obtained if the first bearing means comprises at least one step arranged to establish a form-fit connection to the first type of coupling means. Such a form-fit connection may e.g. be established using a cir- clip, as will be explained in more detail below.

Good results may be obtained if the step is formed by an annular groove. Hence the step may e.g. be a side wall of an annular groove.

In order to be used for certain types of connectors, the second bearing means may comprise at least one interference surface arranged to establish an interference-fit connection to the second type of coupling means. Good results may be obtained if the interference surface has an essentially cylindrical shape, respectively be a barrel. If the second bearing means comprises an interference surface in particularly good connectors may be obtained if the first bearing means is arranged between the second bearing means and the connecting end of the connector housing, as thus han- dling and outer appearance of the resulting connectors are not negatively affected if the first coupling means is not occupied, as it may be covered by a sleeve, as will be explained in more detail below.

An interference-fit connection may be reinforced by an adhesive and /or a soldering and/or a welding . If a first bearing means is formed as an annular groove is present, versatility of the connector housing may be in increased as well as assembly of a second type of coupling means may be simplified if the distance from a connector center axis to the interference surface is higher than the distance to the top end of the side walls of the groove.

Alternatively or in addition, the bearing may be arranged to receive an adapter comprising a first adapter bearing means to fit the first type of coupling means and/or a second adapter bearing means to fit the second type of coupling means. Such an adapter means may comprise a sleeve, as will be shown in more detail below. An adapter means may e.g. be interconnected to the connector housing by means of an interference-fit and /or a form-fit and /or a soldering and /or an adhe- sive and/or a welding.

For some applications the connector housing may comprise a sealing region to receive a sealing means in order to establish a fluid tight interconnection between the connector housing and a corresponding mating connector when in a connected state. Good results may be obtained if the sealing region comprises an annular seal- ing groove arranged to receive an annular sealing means. An annular sealing means may e.g. be an O-ring seal.

Particularly fluid-tight connectors (respectively connector assemblies comprising a connector and a corresponding mating connector) may be obtained if the connector housing comprises a connecting end arranged to be interconnected to a cor- responding mating connector, whereby the sealing region is arranged between the connecting end and the bearing. The connector housing may be at least partially made from an electrically conductive material, such as e.g. a metal. In particular, the connector housing may be arranged to serve as an outer conductor of a coaxial connector. However, the connector housing may also be made from an electrically resistive, respectively insulat- ing, material, such as a plastic.

The present invention is also directed to a connector core assembly comprising a connector housing according to the present invention and as described herein and comprising at least one inner conductor that is at least partially arranged inside an opening of the connector housing. Such a connector core assembly can be used in order to assemble a variety of connectors comprising different types of coupling means in a simple and economic way. The at least one inner conductor may be an electrical or an optical conductor. The connector core assembly may comprise multiple conductors. For some applications, the connector core assembly may comprise at least one support means that is arranged between the at least one inner conductor and an inner surface of the housing body delimiting the opening. The support means may comprise an electrical insulator, in particular a dielectric. Thus, a connector core assembly may e.g. serve as a coaxial connector with the connector housing acting as an outer conductor, separated from an inner conductor by a support made from a dielectric. Hence the at least one inner conductor may be an inner conductor of a coaxial connector and the connector housing may be an outer conductor of a coaxial connector.

The present invention is also directed to a connector that comprises a connector housing according to the invention as described herein . For most applications, such a connector according to the present invention may comprise a coupling means that is mechanically interconnected with the bearing of the connector housing.

Good results may be obtained if the connector has a first type of coupling means that comprises a coupling sleeve which is mechanically interconnected with at least one step of a first (or second) bearing means by means of a form-fit connection. The coupling sleeve may be mechanically interconnected with the at least one step by a circlip arranged at the coupling sleeve and resting at least partially against the at least one step when the connector is connected to a corresponding mating con- nector. Thus a connector that is particularly easy to assemble may be obtained . A connector with particularly user-friendly handling and that can be used in order to establish mechanically highly competent connections may be obtained if the at least one step is formed by an annular groove and the circlip is at least partially arranged in the annular groove. The coupling sleeve may comprise a threaded section arranged to establish a mechanical interconnection with a threaded section of a corresponding mating connector when in a connected state. Alternatively the coupling sleeve may be formed as a bayonet coupling means. Hence for some applications a connector may be a bayonet coupling connector. According to one variation of the invention, the connector has a second type of coupling means that is mechanically interconnected by means of an interference- fit connection with at least one interference surface of a second bearing means of a connector housing as described herein . For certain applications, the interference- fit connection may be reinforced by an adhesive and /or a soldering and /or a welding. Thus, certain types of connectors which are particularly easy to assemble can be obtained. The second type of coupling means may be a push-pull-type coupling means.

A connector that is particularly user-friendly and has a compact design may be obtained if the second type of coupling means comprises a locking element that has an annular base and multiple therefrom extending resilient latching fingers extending in direction of the connector axis of the connector. In such an embodiment of a connector according to the invention the latching fingers have in the region of their free ends at least one latching tooth, arranged such that when the connector is interconnected with a corresponding mating connector the latching teeth of the latching fingers automatically latch behind an outer peripheral latching step arranged at the housing of the corresponding mating connector, wherein the resilient latching fingers comprise first actuating portions. Such an embodiment of a connector according to the invention further comprises an actuating sleeve arranged peripherally with respect to the locking element, displaceable in the direction of the connector axis and comprising a second actuating portion foreseen to interact with the first actuating portion when disconnecting the connector from a mating corre- sponding connector to disengage the resilient latching fingers with respect to the outer peripheral latching step of the corresponding mating connector. Such an embodiment of a connector according to the invention further comprises an alignment means arranged between the locking element and the actuating sleeve, the alignment means limiting the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve relatively to the connector housing. Other embodiments of such a type of coupling means as described in the co-pending Swiss patent application mentioned above are also possible according to the present invention and subject matter of the present invention .

A connector that is particularly easy to assemble may be obtained if the annular base of the locking element is mechanically interconnected with the second bearing means by an interference-fit.

The invention is also directed to providing a connector assembly comprising a connector as described herein and further comprising a corresponding mating connector. Due to the connector housing and further advantageous aspects of a con- nector as described herein such a connector assembly can be produced in a particularly cost-efficient way.

BRI EF DESCRI PTION OF TH E DRAWI NGS

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

Fig . 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a connector housing according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Fig . 2 schematically shows the connector housing of Fig . 1 in a side view;

Fig . 3 schematically shows cross-section A-A of Fig. 2; Fig . 4 schematically shows an embodiment of connector with a connector housing according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Fig . 5 schematically shows the connector of Fig . 4 in a side view;

Fig . 6 schematically shows cross-section B-B of Fig . 5;

Fig . 7 schematically shows a further embodiment of connector with a connector housing according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Fig . 8 schematically shows the connector of Fig . 7 in a side view;

Fig . 9 schematically shows cross-section C-BC of Fig. 8;

Fig . 1 0 schematically shows a further embodiment of a connector housing according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Fig . 1 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a connector with the connector housing of Fig . 1 0 in a side view;

Fig . 1 2 schematically shows cross-section D-D of Fig. 1 1 .

DETAI LED DESCRI PTION OF TH E I NVENTION

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, an embodiment that is presently preferred, in which like numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed .

Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a connector housing 1 00 according to the present invention . The connector housing 1 00 comprises a housing body 1 01 which is in the displayed embodiment integrally made. The housing body 1 01 comprises an outer surface 1 02 at which a bearing 1 03 is arranged. The bearing 1 03 comprises a first bearing means 1 1 0 in order to fit a first type of coupling means (not shown in detail ) by means of a form-fit connection. Therefore the first bearing means 1 1 0 comprises an annular groove 1 1 5 that encompasses the connector housing 1 00. The annular groove 1 1 5 comprises a side wall that forms a step 1 1 6 arranged to establish a form-fit connection to a first type of coupling means (not shown ), as will be explained in more detail below. The bearing 1 03 further comprises a second bearing means 1 20 in order to fit a second type of coupling means (not shown ) by means of an interference-fit connection. The second bearing means 1 20 therefore comprises an interference surface 1 25 arranged to establish an interference-fit connection to the second type of coupling means (not shown) as will be explained in more detail with respect to subsequent Figures 4 to 6. The interference surface 1 25 is embodied as a cylindrical surface, respectively a barrel which is arranged concentric to the connector axis ax of the connector housing 1 00. As shown, the connector housing 1 00 comprises a connecting end 1 05 that is arranged to be interconnected with a corresponding mating connector (not shown) . As shown, the first bearing means 1 1 0 is arranged between the second bearing means 1 20 and the connecting end 1 05. As well, the connector housing 1 00 comprises a sealing region 1 40 that is arranged to receive a sealing means (not shown), as will be subsequently shown in detail referring to Figures 6 and 9. The sealing means 1 40 allows to establish a fluid tight interconnection between the connector housing 1 00 and a corresponding mating connector when in a connected state. In the embodiment shown, the sealing means 1 40 comprises an annular sealing groove 1 41 that is arranged between the bearing 1 03 and the connecting end 1 05. Thus a fluid tight interconnection with a mating connector can be obtained, substantially independent of the type of coupling means 1 40 that is used . Figures 4 to 6 show an embodiment of a connector 200 according to the invention that has a push-pull design. The connector 200 comprises a second type of coupling means 3 1 0 which has a locking element 3 1 1 that comprises an annular base 3 1 2 that is interconnected to the connector housing 1 00 by means of an interference-fit connection with an interference surface 1 25 at the first second bearing means 1 20. The locking element comprises multiple therefrom extending resilient latching fingers 3 1 3. These latching fingers extend in direction of the connector axis ax of the connector 300. The latching fingers 3 1 3 have in the region of their free ends at least one latching tooth 3 1 4. The latching teeth 3 1 4 of the latching fingers 3 1 3 are arranged such that they automatically latch behind an outer pe- ripheral latching step arranged at the housing of the corresponding mating connector when the connector 300 is interconnected with a corresponding mating connector. The resilient latching fingers 3 1 3 comprise first actuating portions 3 1 5 for disconnecting the connector 300, as will be explained in more detail below. For manipulation by a user, the connector 300 further comprises an actuating sleeve 320 arranged peripherally with respect to the locking element 3 1 1 . The actuating sleeve 320 is displaceable in the direction of the connector axis ax and comprises a second actuating portion 32 1 that is foreseen to interact with the first actuating portion 3 1 5 when disconnecting the connector 300 from a mating corresponding connector. If the actuating sleeve 320 is displaced in axial direction ax, the second actuating portion 321 finally presses against the first actuating portion 32 1 , leading to a displacement of the first actuating portion 321 (respectively bending of resilient latching fingers 3 1 3 due to the wedge-like form of the first and the second actuating portion 3 1 5, 32 1 . This causes disengagement of the resilient latching fingers 3 1 3 with respect to the outer peripheral latching step of the corresponding mating connector. Between the locking element 3 1 1 and the actuating sleeve 320 an alignment means 330 is arranged which limits the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve 320 relatively to the connector housing 1 00. Said alignment sleeve 320 makes it possible to reduce the spatial dimension of the second type of coupling means 3 1 0 in direction of the connector axis ax and hence use the same connector housing 1 00 for the push-pull connector 300 as for a screw-type connector, as will subsequently be shown . As well, as the first bearing means 1 1 0 is covered by the actuating sleeve 320, neither handling nor the outer appearance of the connector 300 are affected adversely by the presence of the first bearing means 1 1 0 which is not occupied in the push-pull connector 300 shown .

Figures 7 to 9 show another connector 200 according to the invention comprising the embodiment of a connector housing as shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connector 200 having a screw-type first type of coupling means 2 1 0. The coupling means 21 0 comprises a coupling sleeve 2 1 1 that has an inner threaded section 21 2 arranged to obtain a screw fitting with an outer thread arranged at a corresponding mating connector (not shown) when in a connected state. The coupling sleeve 2 1 1 is mechanically interconnected with the at least one step 1 1 6 via a circlip 21 3 that is arranged in the annular groove 1 1 5, resulting in a form-fit connection between the coupling sleeve 21 1 and the connector housing 1 00. As is also displayed, the second bearing means 1 20 is not interconnected with a coupling means. As the second bearing means 1 20 is embodied as a cylindrical interference surface 1 25, neither handling nor the outer appearance are affected adversely by the presence of the second bearing means 1 20 as might be the case if it were a groove.

Figures 1 0 to 1 2 show another embodiment of a connector housing 1 00 according to the present invention . The connector housing 1 00 comprises a bearing 1 03 that is arranged to receive an adapter 500 that is formed as a sleeve. The adapter 500 comprises a first adapter bearing means 5 1 0 arranged to fit a first type of coupling means 2 1 0 via a circlip 2 1 3, as schematically shown in Figure 1 2. As well, the adapter 500 comprises a second adapter bearing means 520 arranged to fit a second type of coupling means (not shown), such as the coupling means 3 1 0 shown in Figures 4 to 6. The second adapter bearing means 520 comprises a cy- lindrical interference surface 1 25. LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

100 Connector housing 20 200 Screw type connector

101 Housing body 210 First type of coupling means

102 Outer surface 211 Coupling sleeve

103 Bearing 212 Threaded section

105 Connecting end 213 Circlip

106 Opening 25 300 Push-pull type connector

107 Inner surface 310 Second type of coupling means

110 First bearing means 311 Locking element

115 Annular groove 312 Annular base

116 Step 313 Latching fingers

120 Second bearing means 30 ax Connector axis

125 Interference surface 314 Latching tooth

130 Third bearing means 315 First actuating portion

140 Sealing region 320 Actuating sleeve

141 Annular sealing groove 321 Second actuating portion

142 Sealing means 35 330 Alignment means

150 Inner conductor 500 Adapter

160 Insulator 510 First adapter bearing means 520 Second adapter bearing means 600 Connector core arrangement 61 0 Inner conductor

620 Support means