Coaxial cable fastening assembly in hybrid fiber optic coaxial (HFC) network devices

Abstract

A coaxial cable fastening assembly includes a multi-component conductor to provide coaxial cable connections inside an HFC network device, such as an HFC node or amplifier. The multi-component conductor portion includes a pin portion and a socket portion joined to the pin portion. The pin portion and the socket portion are located in the insulating portion. The insulating portion may be located inside a housing of the HFC network device adjacent to the coaxial cable port such that the socket portion aligns and accommodates a coaxial cable center conductor pin of a coaxial cable connected to the coaxial cable port. In one embodiment, a coaxial cable fastening assembly includes a pin portion to mate with a coaxial radio frequency connector (e.g., a G-type connector) inside a housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coaxial cable connector fastening assembly, and more particularly, to a coaxial cable fastening assembly used in a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network device. Background Art

[0002] Hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks are used to provide high-bandwidth communications between a headend / hub and end users such as homes and businesses. Such HFC networks are commonly used, for example, to provide cable television (CATV) and Internet services to end users. HFC network architectures typically include optical fibers for carrying optical signals (e.g., from the headend / hub), coaxial cables for carrying radio frequency (RF) signals (e.g., to the end users), and HFC network devices such as HFC nodes, amplifiers, and splitters connected to the optical fibers and / or coaxial cables. In order to provide additional bandwidth for enhanced TV and Internet services, the Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) has been adopted to standardize ongoing improvements to existing HFC networks, and there may be a need to upgrade the HFC network infrastructure to meet increasing bandwidth requirements, such as when migrating from DOCSIS 3.1 to DOCSIS 4.0.

[0003] The connection between the HFC network device and the coaxial cable should allow the cable to be connected relatively easily while providing the desired RF performance at the RF frequencies of the HFC network. The HFC network device, such as an HFC node or amplifier, may include a coaxial cable port in which the coaxial cable is connected to a cable center conductor pin (also known as a "stinger") that is electrically connected inside the HFC network device using a coaxial cable fastening assembly. The length and contact of this cable center conductor pin may affect the RF connection and performance. Thus, as the network evolves to a different DOCSIS standard with higher bandwidth and RF frequencies, the connection between the HFC network device and the coaxial cable may need to be upgraded. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fastening assembly can be used to connect to a coaxial cable in a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network device. The fastening assembly includes an insulating portion having a first end, a second end, and a side portion. The insulating portion defines a pin channel extending to the first end and a socket channel extending at least from the pin channel to the side portion. The fastening assembly also includes a pin portion, which is fixed in the pin channel of the insulating portion and extends from the socket channel beyond the first end of the insulating portion so that the pin portion protrudes from the first end. The pin portion has a pin end extending beyond the first end of the insulating portion and a socket coupling end located in the socket channel. The socket coupling end defines an opening, and the pin end is used to mate with a coaxial radio frequency connector in the HFC network device. The fastening assembly further includes a socket portion separated from the pin portion and fixed in the socket channel in contact with the pin portion. The socket portion has a pin coupling end extending into the opening in the socket coupling end of the pin portion and has a socket end located on the side of the insulating portion. The socket end defines a cylindrical spring socket for receiving the center conductor pin of the coaxial cable.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network device includes a housing and a fastening assembly, wherein the housing has at least one coaxial cable port for connecting to a coaxial cable outside the housing, and the fastening assembly is fixed in the housing adjacent to the coaxial cable port so that the coaxial cable center conductor pin of the coaxial cable extends through the coaxial cable port and extends into the fastening assembly. The fastening assembly includes an insulating portion having a first end, a second end, and a side portion. The insulating portion defines a pin channel extending to the first end and a socket channel extending at least from the pin channel to the side portion. The fastening assembly also includes a pin portion, which is fixed in the pin channel of the insulating portion and extends from the socket channel beyond the first end of the insulating portion so that the pin portion protrudes from the first end. The pin portion has a pin end extending beyond the first end of the insulating portion and has a socket coupling end located in the socket channel. The socket coupling end defines an opening, and the pin end is used to mate with a coaxial radio frequency connector in the HFC network device. The fastening assembly further includes a socket portion separated from the pin portion and fixed in a socket channel contacting the pin portion. The socket portion has a pin coupling end extending into an opening in the socket coupling end of the pin portion and has a socket end located on the side of the insulating portion. The socket end defines a cylindrical spring socket for accommodating a center conductor pin of a coaxial cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features and advantages will be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a coaxial cable fastening assembly having a multi-component conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view of the coaxial cable fastening assembly in FIG.

[0009] Figure 3 For along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the coaxial cable fastening assembly taken along line 3-3.

[0010] Figure 4A The invention discloses a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network amplifier including a coaxial cable fastening assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4B A recessed area for accommodating a coaxial cable fastening assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 4A The housing portion of the HFC network amplifier is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a coaxial fastening assembly positioned in a housing portion adjacent to a coaxial cable port and connected to a center pin of a coaxial cable.

[0013] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0014] 100 Coaxial Cable Fastening Assembly

[0015] 110 socket part

[0016] 112-pin coupling terminal

[0017] 113 Shoulder

[0018] 114 socket end

[0019] 115 tapered part

[0020] 116 sockets

[0021] 117 Back Wall

[0022] 120 pin part

[0023] 122 pin terminal

[0024] 123 opening

[0025] 124 socket coupling terminal

[0026] 126 Slender Cylinder

[0027] 130 Insulation part

[0028] 131 Side

[0029] 132 socket channels

[0030] 133 First End

[0031] 134-pin channel

[0032] 135 bottom opening

[0033] 140 Locking Nut

[0034] 142 openings

[0035] 2 Long axis

[0036] 3 lines

[0037] 4 Long axis

[0038] 400 coaxial cable fastening assembly

[0039] 410 socket part

[0040] 420 pin part

[0041] 430 insulation part

[0042] 440 Locking Nut

[0043] 450 Coaxial RF Connector

[0044] 454 External matching part

[0045] 460HFC Amplifier

[0046] 462 amplifier housing

[0047] 464a,464b coaxial cable connection port

[0048] 466a, 466b Depression area

[0049] 470 coaxial cable

[0050] 472 coaxial cable center conductor pin DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] A coaxial cable fastening assembly according to the present invention includes a multi-component conductor to provide a coaxial cable connection inside an HFC network device such as an HFC node or amplifier. The multi-component conductor includes a pin portion and a socket portion engaged to the pin portion. The pin portion and the socket portion are located in an insulating portion. The insulating portion can be located inside a housing of the HFC network device adjacent to a coaxial cable connection port so that the socket portion aligns with and accommodates a coaxial cable center conductor pin of a coaxial cable connected to the coaxial cable port. In one embodiment, the coaxial cable fastening assembly includes a pin portion for mating with a coaxial RF connector (e.g., a G-type connector) inside the housing.

[0052] Older network devices have used sets of screws and star washers to secure the coaxial cable center conductor pins, but such connectors require opening the housing for installation, and variations in the length and torque of the center conductor pins can cause performance issues. Newer HFC network devices have used spring-loaded fastener assemblies, which facilitate the connection of the coaxial cable center conductor pins, but do not properly address other issues such as center conductor pin length and impedance control. As such, the spring-loaded fastener assembly mechanism can become a weak RF entry point, especially at the higher frequencies (e.g., up to 3 GHz) required by the CATV DOCSIS 4.0 standard.

[0053] Other coaxial cable fastening assemblies have used a single component conductor, such as described in US Patent No. 11,456,566, which is commonly owned and incorporated herein by reference. Such a single component conductor is an improvement over existing grouped screw and spring compression fastening assemblies, but may not properly connect with coaxial cable center conductor pins of different sizes and may not provide the desired RF performance. In particular, the coaxial cable fastening assemblies disclosed in US Patent No. 11,456,566 may have a more limited range of diameters and / or lengths of the coaxial cable center conductor pins.

[0054] Coaxial cable fastening assemblies including multi-component conductors according to embodiments of the present invention allow for relatively simple and consistent connection to coaxial cable center conductor pins and can provide desired RF performance. Coaxial cable fastening assemblies with multi-component conductors can also be easier to manufacture than sets of screw and spring compression fastening assemblies with single-component conductors.

[0055] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an embodiment of a coaxial cable fastening assembly 100 including a multi-component conductor according to the present invention is described and presented in detail. The multi-component conductor includes a socket portion 110 and a pin portion 120 made of separate components of a conductive metal such as copper. The socket portion 110 and the pin portion 120 of the multi-component conductor are mechanically and electrically connected within an insulating portion 130, so that the socket portion 110 can be pin-connected to a coaxial cable center conductor of a cable outside an HFC network device, and the pin portion 120 can be connected to a coaxial RF connector inside a housing of the HFC network device. The insulating portion 130 can be made of a dielectric material, such as a plastic material.

[0056] In the coaxial cable fastening assembly 100 of the present embodiment, the insulating portion 130 includes a socket channel 132 extending from a side portion 131 of the insulating portion 130 and a pin channel 134 extending from the socket channel 132 inside the insulating portion 130 to a first end 133 of the insulating portion 130. The pin portion 120 is fixed in the pin channel 134, the socket portion 110 is fixed in the socket channel 132, and the socket portion 110 is mechanically and electrically connected to the pin portion 120 inside the insulating portion 130.

[0057] The insulating portion 130 is to be received in a slot in the housing of the HFC network device and secured by a locking nut 140, which will be described in more detail below. The locking nut 140 includes an opening 142 defining a slot for receiving a coaxial RF connector. The pin portion 12 extends beyond the first end 133 of the insulating portion 130 and extends into the opening 142 defined by the locking nut 140. The opening 142 defined by the locking nut 140 surrounds the pin portion 120 and provides a slot for receiving a coaxial RF connector in an HFC network device such as a G-type connector, which will be described in more detail below.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, Figure 3 As shown in more detail, the socket portion 110 includes a pin coupling end 112 and a socket end 114. The socket portion 110 generally has a cylindrical shape, and the outer diameter of the pin coupling end 112 is smaller than the outer diameter of the socket end 114 forming the shoulder 113. The pin coupling end 112 may have a tapered portion 115 to facilitate engagement and coupling with the pin portion 120, which will be described in more detail below. The socket end 114 also defines a socket 116 having a specified depth, which prevents over-insertion of a conductor pin (not shown) of a coaxial cable. The conductor pin contacting the back wall 117 of the socket 116 provides an indication to the user that the conductor pin has been fully inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket end 114 includes a cylindrical spring socket that receives the conductor pin (not shown) of the coaxial cable with a fixed friction fit. The socket end 114 thus provides a secure mechanical and electrical connection with the conductor pin of the coaxial cable.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the pin portion 120 includes a pin end 122 extending from the insulating portion 130 and a socket coupling end 124 for accommodating the pin coupling end 112 of the socket portion 110 inside the insulating portion 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the long axis 2 of the socket portion 110 substantially perpendicularly intersects the long axis 4 of the pin portion 120 (e.g., between 85° and 95°), so that the socket portion 110 and the pin portion 120 are arranged orthogonally. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket coupling end 124 defines an opening 123 that passes through the socket coupling end 124. Alternatively, the socket coupling end 124 may define an opening that does not pass through and is closed on the back side. When the pin coupling end 112 is fully inserted into the opening 123, the shoulder 113 abuts against the socket coupling end 124. The outer diameter of the pin coupling end 112 and the inner diameter of the opening 123 in the socket coupling end 124 may be selected to allow an interference fit of the pin coupling end 112 within the opening 123 of the socket coupling end 124, thereby providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection with the pin coupling end 112 circumferentially surrounded by the socket coupling end 124. This connection between the socket portion 110 and the pin portion 120 may allow for better return loss than a single component conductor.

[0060] The pin end 122 of the pin portion 120 is used to engage with a coaxial RF connector such as a G-type connector located in an HFC network device, which will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin portion 120 includes an elongated cylindrical body 126, and the pin end 122 has a rounded tip, but other shapes and configurations are also contemplated and within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] The multi-part conductor may also facilitate assembly of the coaxial cable fastening assembly 100. For example, the pin portion 120 may be inserted through the bottom opening 135 of the insulating portion 130 and inserted into the pin channel 134. The socket portion 110 may then be inserted into the socket channel 132 of the insulating portion 130 until the pin coupling end 112 of the socket portion 110 engages the socket coupling end 124 and is fully inserted into the opening 123. Alternatively, the socket portion 110 and the pin portion 120 may be sandwiched between two plastic parts forming the insulating portion 130 and secured in the insulating portion 130.

[0062] refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 , a coaxial cable fastening assembly may be used in the HFC amplifier 460 to provide a coaxial cable connection to a cable external to the HFC amplifier 460. The HFC amplifier 460 may include an amplifier housing 462 having coaxial cable connection ports 464a, 464b for connecting to a coaxial cable. Figure 4BAs shown, the amplifier housing 462 may include recessed areas 466a, 466b located adjacent to the housings for accommodating the components such as those described above and Figures 1 to 3 The interior of the amplifier housing 462 of the coaxial cable connection ports 464a, 464b of the coaxial cable securing assembly 100 is shown.

[0063] Figure 5 The coaxial cable fastening assembly 400 with a multi-component conductor according to the above embodiment is shown to be located in a recessed area 466a adjacent to a coaxial cable connection port 464a. The locking nut 440 fixes the insulating portion 430 of the coaxial cable fastening assembly 400 in the recessed area so that the socket portion 410 of the multi-component conductor is aligned with the coaxial cable connection port 464a, and the pin portion 420 is located in the opening defined by the locking nut 440. The coaxial cable center conductor pin 472 of the coaxial cable 470 connected to the coaxial cable connection port 464a penetrates and engages with the socket portion 410 for electrical connection.

[0064] A coaxial RF connector 450, such as a G-type connector, is received in the opening defined by the locking nut 440 and is engaged with the pin portion 420 for electrical connection. The inner conductor portion of the coaxial RF connector 450 is received and electrically connected to the pin portion 420, and the outer mating portion 454 is received in the slot defined by the locking nut 440.

[0065] Thus, a coaxial cable fastening assembly having a multi-component conductor according to the present invention allows for simpler manufacturing and provides improved impedance matching for better return loss, especially at higher frequencies (eg, 2 GHz).

[0066] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described and shown herein, other embodiments may be considered within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions made by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fastening assembly, characterized in that: Used to connect a coaxial cable in a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device, the fastening assembly comprises: An insulating portion having a first end, a second end and a side portion, the insulating portion defining a pin channel extending to the first end and a socket channel extending at least from the pin channel to the side portion; a pin portion secured in the pin channel of the insulating portion and extending from the socket channel beyond the first end of the insulating portion such that the pin portion protrudes from the first end, the pin portion having a pin end extending beyond the first end of the insulating portion and having a socket coupling end located in the socket channel, wherein the socket coupling end defines an opening, wherein the pin end is used to mate with a coaxial RF connector in a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device; as well as A socket portion is separated from the pin portion and fixed in the socket channel in contact with the pin portion, the socket portion includes a pin coupling end extending into the opening in the socket coupling end of the pin portion and has a socket end located on the side of the insulating portion, the socket end defining a cylindrical spring socket for accommodating a coaxial cable center conductor pin.

2. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further included is a locking nut provided at the first end of the insulating portion, wherein the pin portion extends into an opening defined by the locking nut.

3. The fastening assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking nut is used to be threadably engaged with a portion of a hybrid fiber coaxial network device.

4. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: An outer diameter of the pin coupling end of the socket portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the socket end of the socket portion.

5. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The pin coupling end of the socket portion is engaged with the socket coupling end of the pin portion by interference fit.

6. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The stitch portion is substantially straight.

7. The fastening assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The socket portion and the pin portion are substantially arranged orthogonally.

8. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating portion is made of a dielectric material.

9. The fastening assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The pin coupling end extends into the opening of the socket coupling end so that the pin coupling end is circumferentially surrounded by the socket coupling end when coupled.

10. A hybrid fiber-coaxial network device, characterized in that: Include: a housing comprising at least one coaxial cable port for connecting to a coaxial cable external to the housing; and A fastening assembly is fixed in the housing adjacent to the coaxial cable port so that a coaxial cable center conductor pin of the coaxial cable extends through the coaxial cable port and into the fastening assembly, wherein the fastening assembly comprises: An insulating portion having a first end, a second end and a side portion, the insulating portion defining a pin channel extending to the first end and a socket channel extending at least from the pin channel to the side portion; a pin portion secured in the pin channel of the insulating portion and extending from the socket channel beyond the first end of the insulating portion such that the pin portion protrudes from the first end, the pin portion having a pin end extending beyond the first end of the insulating portion and having a socket coupling end located in the socket channel, wherein the socket coupling end defines an opening, wherein the pin end is used to mate with a coaxial RF connector in a hybrid fiber-coaxial network device; as well as a socket portion, separated from the pin portion and fixed in the socket channel in contact with the pin portion, the socket portion including a pin coupling end extending into the opening in the socket coupling end of the pin portion and having a socket end located at the side of the insulating portion, the socket end defining a cylindrical spring socket for accommodating a coaxial cable center conductor pin; as well as A locking nut is located at the first end of the insulating portion that secures the fastening assembly to the housing, wherein the pin portion extends into an opening defined by the locking nut.

11. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 10, wherein: The socket channel of the insulating portion is aligned with the coaxial cable port of the housing so that when a coaxial cable is received in the coaxial cable port, a conductor pin of the coaxial cable points to the socket channel.

12. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 10, wherein: The locking nut can be threadably engaged with the housing of the hybrid fiber coaxial network device.

13. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 10, wherein: The pin coupling end of the socket portion is engaged with the socket coupling end of the pin portion by interference fit.

14. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 10, wherein: The stitch portion is substantially straight.

15. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 14, wherein: The socket portion and the pin portion are substantially arranged orthogonally.

16. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 10, wherein: At least a portion of the insulating portion is made of a dielectric material.

17. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 10, wherein: The pin coupling end extends into the opening of the socket coupling end so that the pin coupling end is circumferentially surrounded by the socket coupling end when coupled.

18. The hybrid fiber-coaxial network device according to claim 10, wherein: The hybrid fiber coaxial network device is capable of transmitting signals at a frequency of at least 1.8 GHz.

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