MAGNETIC CABLE CONNECTOR AND ADAPTER

Abstract

Cable connection device (400) having the following features: a cable connector (14); and a magnetic switch with diametrically magnetized first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of the cable connector (14) and extending around a longitudinal axis of the cable connector (14), and a ring magnet guide (12) made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding an outer periphery of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b), wherein the first ring magnet (10a) is fixed relative to the ring magnet guide (12) and the second ring magnet (10b) is rotatable between an ON and an OFF position relative to the ring magnet guide (12), and wherein in the ON position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction and in the OFF position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction.

Description

[0001] Many types of coaxial connectors are available in the radio frequency (RF) and microwave industries, each designed for a specific purpose and application. The frequency range of a connector is limited by the excitation of a first circular waveguide propagation mode in the coaxial structure. Reducing the diameter of the outer conductor increases the highest usable frequency. For example, a 3.5 mm connector can operate up to 33 GHz, while a 1.0 mm connector can operate up to 110 GHz.

[0002] The performance of all connectors is influenced by the quality of the interface for the mated pair. If the inner and outer conductor diameters deviate from the nominal design, if plating quality is poor, or if excessive contact separation exists at the junction, the reflection coefficient and resistance loss at the interface will degrade. For this reason, coaxial cable connections require wide contact between wiring elements. Current connections include threaded connectors with torque ratings for connection using precision instruments. The connection and disconnection processes are relatively time-consuming and often require tools to achieve secure contact with the specified torque.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a cable connection device, a coaxial connection or a cable connection adapter with improved characteristics.

[0004] This object is achieved by a cable connection device according to claim 1, a coaxial connection according to claim 11 or a cable connection adapter according to claim 14.

[0005] According to one aspect of the inventive concepts, a magnetic cable connecting device is provided that includes a cable connector and a magnetic switch. The magnetic switch includes diametrically magnetized first and second ring magnets that are juxtaposed in a longitudinal direction of the cable connector and extend around a longitudinal axis of the cable connector, and a ring magnet guide made of a ferromagnetic material that surrounds an outer periphery of the first and second ring magnets. The first ring magnet is fixed relative to the ring magnet guide, and the second ring magnet is rotatable between an ON and OFF position relative to the ring magnet guide. In the ON position, the first and second ring magnets are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction, and in the OFF position, the first and second ring magnets are magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction.

[0006] The ring magnet guide may have circumferential sections that are spaced apart from one another and aligned in the ON position over respective pole regions of the first and second ring magnets. The number of circumferential sections of the ring magnet guide may be equal to a number of poles of each of the first and second ring magnets.

[0007] The cable connector may be configured at one end to receive a coaxial cable and at another end to mate with another coaxial cable connector. The mating portion of the cable connector may protrude longitudinally from a radial end surface of the magnetic switch. Alternatively, the mating portion of the cable connector may be flush with the radial end surface of the magnetic switch.

[0008] Each of the ring magnets may be a single-piece ring magnet body with opposite poles across a diameter of the ring magnet body. Alternatively, each of the ring magnets may be a ring body having at least four sectors of alternating magnetic polarity around the longitudinal axis of the cable connector.

[0009] The magnetic cable connector device may further include an outer housing housing the first and second ring magnets and the ring magnet guide, and a rotating mechanism fixed to the second ring magnet for rotating the second ring magnet between the ON and OFF positions. The rotating mechanism may include a radially extending lever or a rotatable ring member extending about the longitudinal axis of the cable connector. The rotatable ring member may include a grip portion having an exposed outer surface portion and a retaining portion fixed longitudinally between the grip portion and the second ring magnet. The housing may cover the ring magnet guide adjacent to the retaining portion.

[0010] According to another aspect of the inventive concepts, a coaxial connection is provided that includes a first coaxial magnetic cable connection device operatively connected between a second coaxial magnetic cable connection device and a coaxial cable. The first coaxial magnetic cable connection device includes a first cable connector and a magnetic switch. The magnetic switch includes diametrically magnetized first and second ring magnets disposed side by side in a longitudinal direction of the first cable connector and extending about a longitudinal axis of the first cable connector, and a ring magnet guide made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding an outer periphery of the first and second ring magnets. The second coaxial magnetic cable connection device includes a second cable connector and a plate made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding the second cable connector.The first and second ring magnets are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction, and the magnetic switch of the first coaxial magnetic cable connecting device is magnetically coupled to the plate of ferromagnetic material of the second coaxial magnetic cable connecting device.

[0011] The first ring magnet may be fixed relative to the ring magnet guide, and the second ring magnet may be rotatable between an ON and an OFF position relative to the ring magnet guide. In the ON position, the first and second ring magnets may be magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction, and in the OFF position, the first and second ring magnets may be magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The ring magnet guide may include circumferential portions that are spaced apart from each other and that are aligned over respective pole regions of the first and second ring magnets.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the inventive concepts, a cable connection adapter is provided that includes a magnetic switch and first and second cable connectors. The first cable connector is configured for a threaded connection to a first coaxial element, and the second cable connector is coaxially coupled to the first cable connector through the magnetic switch. The second cable connector is configured for a mating connection to a second coaxial element. The magnetic switch includes diametrically magnetized first and second ring magnets arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction and extending about a longitudinal axis, and a ring magnet guide made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding an outer periphery of the first and second ring magnets.

[0014] The first ring magnet is fixed relative to the ring magnet guide, and the second ring magnet is rotatable relative to the ring magnet guide between an ON and an OFF position. In the ON position, the first and second ring magnets are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction, and in the OFF position, the first and second ring magnets are magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] The ring magnet guide of the cable connection adapter may have circumferential sections that are spaced apart from one another and aligned in the ON position over respective pole regions of the first and second ring magnets. The number of circumferential sections of the ring magnet guide may be equal to a number of poles of both the first and second ring magnets.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a disassembled schematic view of a magnetic cable connecting device according to embodiments of the inventive concepts; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B schematic views of the magnetic cable connecting device from Fig. 1 in a magnetic OFF or ON position; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a counterpart magnetic cable connecting device with which the magnetic cable connecting device of Fig. 1 can be connected; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a permanent magnet having four (4) poles and corresponding circumferential portions of a ring magnet guide according to embodiments of the inventive concepts; Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are disassembled schematic views of a magnetic cable connecting device having a housing and a switching mechanism according to embodiments of the inventive concepts; Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a counterpart magnetic cable connecting device with which the magnetic cable connecting device of the Fig. 5 to 7 can be connected; Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 schematic views for reference in describing the connection of the magnetic cable connecting device of the Fig. 5 to 7 with the counterpart magnetic cable connection device from Fig. 8; Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are schematic views of switching mechanisms that may be used to switch a magnetic cable connection device between an ON and an OFF position, according to embodiments of the inventive concepts; Fig. 15A, Fig. 15B, Fig. 15C and Fig. 15D are schematic views for reference in describing magnetic cable connection adapters according to embodiments of the inventive concepts; and Fig. 16A, Fig. 16B, Fig. 16C and Fig. 16D Block diagrams illustrating different connection configurations to an electronic device using magnetic cable connectors and / or adapters according to embodiments of the inventive concepts.

[0017] Embodiments of a magnetic cable connecting device will now be described with reference to the schematic perspective views of the accompanying drawings. As will be described in detail, the magnetic cable connecting device of these examples comprises a magnetic switch switchable between a magnetic ON position and a magnetic OFF position. In the magnetic ON position, the device exerts a magnetic attraction that can be used to securely fix the device to another magnetic cable connecting device, such as the connection socket of an electronic device. The connection can be torque-free and can be made without threads and without tools. In the magnetic OFF position, the magnetic attraction is reduced or eliminated, allowing the magnetic cable connecting device to be easily removed.

[0018] At the beginning and collectively referring to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, a magnetic cable connection device 100 according to an embodiment of the inventive concepts comprises a coaxial cable connector 14 and a magnetic switch SW (10a, 10b, 12a, and 12b). The coaxial cable connector 14 of the magnetic cable connection device 100 may be coaxially coupled to a coaxial cable 16. In addition, the coaxial cable connector 14 of the magnetic cable connection device 100 may be configured for a matched connection to another magnetic coaxial cable connector or adapter, examples of which will be described later in connection with the Fig. 3, Fig. 8 and Fig. 15A-E. Here, the customized connection can be torque-free and created without threads.

[0019] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2A and Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the magnetic switch SW of the example of this embodiment includes first and second annular magnets 10a and 10b and a ring magnet guide 12. The ring magnets 10a and 10b are arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of the coaxial cable connector 14 and extend around a longitudinal axis of the magnetic cable connecting device 100. As represented by the N (north) and S (south) sections in the figures, each of the ring magnets 10a and 10b is diametrically magnetized, that is, each is a permanent magnet magnetized across its diameter. As will be explained later, a surface of the ring magnet 10a opposite the cable 16 forms an attachment surface of the magnetic cable connecting device 100.

[0020] The illustrated embodiments show a preferred embodiment in which the inner and outer peripheries of the ring magnets 10a and 10b are circular and have the same dimensions. However, the inventive concepts are not limited in this way. For example, the inner periphery can have any shape that allows a cable and / or cable connector to pass through it and that allows rotation (explained later) of at least one of the first and second permanent magnets 10a and 10b about a longitudinal axis of the magnetic cable connecting device 100. The shape of the outer peripheries of the ring magnets 10a and 10b is also not limited and can, for example, define polygonal cross-sections. Similarly, the size of one of the ring magnets 10a and 10b can be different from that of the other.

[0021] The magnetic switch SW is in the ON position when the first and second ring magnets 10a and 10b are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction, that is, when poles N of the ring magnets 10a and 10b are aligned in the longitudinal direction and poles S of the ring magnets 10a and 10b are aligned in the longitudinal direction (see Fig. 2B). On the other hand, the magnetic switch SW is in the OFF position when the poles of the first and second ring magnets 10a and 10b are magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction (see Fig. 2A). Switching between the ON and OFF positions can be achieved by rotating the first and second ring magnets 180° relative to each other.

[0022] The reference numerals 12a and 12b from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B denote circumferential sections of the aforementioned ring magnet guide 12. The circumferential sections 12a and 12b are spaced apart from each other (e.g., with a gap and / or non-ferromagnetic material therebetween) and cover respective pole sectors along an outer circumference of the first and second ring magnets 10a and 10b. For example, in the ON position, which is shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the peripheral portion 12a of the ring magnet guide 12 covers the S-pole sectors of the ring magnets 10a and 10b, and the peripheral portion 12b of the ring magnet guide covers the N-pole sectors of the ring magnets 10a and 10b. Each peripheral portion 12a and 12b is made of a ferromagnetic material and is effective to redirect a magnetic force to the mounting surface SA of the ring magnet 10a when the magnetic switch SW is in the ON position. This means that the ring magnets either attract or repel each other depending on their relative orientation (ON or OFF, as described above). The sidewalls formed by the peripheral portions 12a and 12b enclose the pole sectors of the ring magnets 10a and 10b, thereby guiding the magnetic field. When rotated to the ON position, the magnetic fields of the aligned pole sectors are combined in the side walls formed by the circumferential sections 12a and 12b.The device is magnetized and attracts a ferromagnetic counterpart in, for example, a connector socket. This securely fixes the contacts. If the ring magnets 10a and 10b are out of phase, as shown in . Fig. 2A, the resulting magnetic force is reduced to a minimum and the device is demagnetized. The contacts can then be easily separated.

[0023] In one embodiment, the number of circumferential sections of the ring magnet guide 12 is equal to the number of poles of each permanent magnet. In the example of Fig. 1, Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, each permanent magnet 10a and 10b has two pole sectors (N and S), and there are two corresponding circumferential sections 12a and 12b of the ring magnet guide 12. Here, in this example, each of the ring magnets is a single-piece ring magnet body with opposite poles across a diameter of the ring body. Alternatively, each of the permanent magnets can be a ring body with four or more sectors of alternating magnetic polarity around a central axis of the cable connector. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of an example in which each permanent magnet 10a or 10b comprises four (4) pole sectors. Here, a corresponding number (4) of circumferential sections 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2 of the ring magnet guide 12 are provided.

[0024] The longitudinal gaps between the circumferential portions 12a and 12b of the ring magnet guide 12 may be air gaps and / or filled with a non-ferromagnetic material. Furthermore, a width of the circumferential portions 12a and 12b in the longitudinal direction may exceed a combined width of the ring magnets 10a and 10b in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the mounting surface of the first permanent magnet 10a is recessed relative to end surfaces of the circumferential portions 12a and 12b. In this case, as will be described in a later embodiment, it is the magnetized end surfaces of the circumferential portions 12a and 12b that make contact with the counterpart magnetic cable connector.

[0025] The switching operation of the magnetic cable connecting device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment will now be further described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0026] According to embodiments of the inventive concepts, the second ring magnet 10b is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the first ring magnet 10a. Thus, the magnets 10a and 10b can be positioned in the OFF position in which their poles are inverted in the longitudinal direction (e.g., SN and NS, as in Fig. 2A). By rotating one or both of the magnets 10a and 10b by 180° relative to each other, they can be repositioned in the ON position, in which their poles are aligned (e.g., NN and SS, as in Fig. 2B). In the ON position, as explained above, a relatively strong magnetic force will be present at the mounting surface SA of the first permanent magnet 10a. As previously mentioned, the force of the aligned ring magnets 10a and 10b is redirected by the ring magnet guide 12 having peripheral portions 12a and 12b surrounding the aligned pole portions of the magnets. The result is a magnetic attraction force at the end surfaces of the peripheral portions 12a and 12b surrounding the mounting surface of the first permanent magnet 10a.

[0027] In one embodiment of the inventive concepts, the first ring magnet 10a is fixed to the ring magnet guide 12. This means that, as shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the peripheral portion 12a of the ring magnet guide 12 is fixed over the S-pole sector of the ring magnet 10a, and the peripheral portion 12a of the ring magnet guide 12 is fixed over the N-pole sector of the ring magnet 10a. The peripheral portions 12a and 12b may be fixed directly to the first ring magnet 10a or indirectly fixed to the first ring magnet 10a (e.g., there may be one or more intervening material layers or gaps). On the other hand, in the exemplary embodiment, the second ring magnet 10b is rotatable between the peripheral portions 12a and 12b of the ring magnet guide 12. Thus, by rotating the second ring magnet 10b, the magnetic switch can be set to the ON and OFF positions, as described above.

[0028] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the inventive concepts, the cable connector 14 is configured at one end to receive a coaxial cable 16 and at another end to mate with another coaxial cable connector. The mating portion of the cable connector 14 may protrude in the longitudinal direction from the radial end surface of the magnetic switch SW. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the mating portion of the cable connector 14 should be flush with the radial end surface SA of the magnetic switch SW.

[0029] Now, for reference, in describing an example of a magnetic cable connecting device 200 to which the magnetic cable connecting device 100 may be connected, reference will be made to Fig. 3. The magnetic cable connection device 200 may, for example, form an RF socket of an electronic device, such as a signal analyzer.

[0030] As in Fig. 3, the magnetic cable connecting device 200 includes a cable connector 34 and a plate 32 made of a ferromagnetic material that surrounds the cable connector 34. The cable connector 34 is configured to mate with the cable connector 14 of the magnetic cable connecting device 200, while the mounting surface of the magnetic switch SW of the magnetic cable connecting device 100 is magnetically coupled to the plate 32. In this regard, the coupling between the cable connector 34 and the cable connector 14 may be a mating connection (i.e., a non-threaded connection). The mating connection may be implemented by inserting the cable connector 14 into the cable connector 34 or by inserting the cable connector 34 into the cable connector 14. In other words, either connector 14 or 34 may be a male connector, while the other is a female connector.As a further alternative, the adapted connection may be implemented by a planar contact between the cable connector 14 and the cable connector 34.

[0031] The magnetic cable connecting device 200 of the example from Fig. 3 also includes a guide wall 30 surrounding the plate 32. The guide wall 30 may be provided to facilitate alignment of the connectors 14 and 34.

[0032] A further embodiment of the inventive concepts will now be described with reference to the Fig. 5 to 11. Here, reference is first made to the Fig. 5 to 7 taken, whereby Fig. 5 is a disassembled perspective view of a magnetic cable connecting device 300 according to this embodiment of the inventive concepts, Fig. 6 is a partially assembled perspective view of the magnetic cable connecting device 300 and Fig. Figure 7 is a fully assembled perspective view of the magnetic cable connecting device 300. In these figures, like reference numerals refer to like elements of the previously described embodiments. A detailed description of such elements is omitted below to avoid unnecessary repetition of the description.

[0033] Overall, referring to the Fig. 5 to 7, the first and second ring magnets 10a and 10b each comprise four (4) pole sectors, as shown. Thus, in this embodiment, the magnetic ring guide 12 comprises four (4) circumferential sections 12a1, 12a2, 12b1 and 12b2, such as those shown in the previously described Fig. 4. In the example of this embodiment, the first ring magnet 10a is fixed relative to the peripheral portions 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2, while the second ring magnet is rotatable relative to the peripheral portions 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2. It can be seen that the magnetic switch is switched between an ON and OFF position by a 90° rotation of the first and second ring magnets 10a and 10b relative to each other.

[0034] Reference numeral 22 denotes an outer casing that covers the ring magnets 10a and 10b and the ring magnet guide 12 (i.e., the peripheral portions 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2). In addition, the outer casing 22 extends longitudinally over a narrow-diameter portion 23a of a holding mechanism 23 that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. As previously mentioned, the ring magnet guide 12 (i.e., peripheral portions 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2) may be fixed to the first ring magnet 10a. Furthermore, in the current embodiment, the outer casing 22, the ring magnet guide 12, and the first ring magnet 10a are fixed to each other in a fixed rotational position.

[0035] Separately, the outer housing 22 in the example of the illustrated embodiment comprises guide rods 39a, which will later be used in conjunction with the Fig. 9A to 11 are described.

[0036] In the example of this embodiment, the holding mechanism 23 includes the narrow-diameter portion 23a and a wide-diameter portion 23b, which are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction, as shown in the figures. The narrow-diameter portion 23a is fixed to the second ring magnet 10b by holding rods 21 that extend into opposing holding holes located in the holding mechanism 23 and the second ring magnet 10b. The wide-diameter portion 23b may form a handle member for, for example, manually or robotically rotating the holding mechanism 23 (and thus the second ring magnet 10b) about the longitudinal axis. In this way, the magnetic cable connecting device 300 can be switched between a magnetic ON and OFF position.

[0037] Reference numeral 14a denotes a coaxial cable connector that extends into a central opening of the first and second ring magnets 10a and 10b so as to connect to a coaxial cable 16 at one end. In the example of this embodiment, the coaxial cable 16 extends through a central opening in the holding mechanism 23 and is coupled to the cable connector within the central opening of the first and second ring magnets 10a and 10b. Furthermore, in the example of this embodiment, the other end of the cable connector 14a slightly protrudes beyond the end surface of the first ring magnet 10a. Similarly, in this embodiment, the end surfaces of the peripheral portions 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2 of the ring magnet guide 12 slightly protrude beyond the end surface of the first ring magnet 10a.

[0038] How best in Fig. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the second outer casing 22 of this embodiment covers the end surface of the first ring magnet 10a, but includes openings through which the projecting end surface of the cable connector 14a and the projecting end surfaces of the peripheral portions 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2 of the ring magnet guide 12 extend. Thus, in this embodiment, it is the end surfaces of the peripheral portions 12a1, 12a2, 12b1, and 12b2 of the ring magnet guide 12 that make magnetic contact with the ferromagnetic connecting plate of a counterpart magnetic cable connecting device.

[0039] Now, for reference, in describing an example of a counterpart magnetic cable connecting device 400 to which the magnetic cable connecting device 300 may be connected, reference will be made to Fig. 8. The magnetic cable connection device 400 may, for example, form an RF socket of an electronic device, such as a signal analyzer.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the magnetic cable connecting device 400 includes a cable connector 14b and a plate 32 made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding the cable connector 14b, as well as a guide wall 30 surrounding the plate 32. The cable connector 14b is configured to mate with the cable connector 14a of the magnetic cable connecting device 300, while the mounting surface of the outer housing 22 of the magnetic cable connecting device 300 is magnetically coupled to the plate 32. In this regard, the coupling between the cable connector 14a and the cable connector 14b may be a mating connection (i.e., a non-threaded connection). The mating connection may be implemented by inserting the cable connector 14a into the cable connector 14b, or by inserting the cable connector 14b into the cable connector 14a. In the Fig. 8, a center conductor connector of the cable connector 14b is adapted into the cable connector 14a to connect to a center conductor of the cable connector 14a, while outer conductors of the cable connectors 14a and 14b make a planar contact.

[0041] Separately, the guide wall 30 in the example of the illustrated embodiment comprises guide grooves 39b, which are next connected to the Fig. 9A to 11 are described.

[0042] The Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B, Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are views showing phases of connection between the magnetic cable connecting device 300 of the Fig. 5-7 and the magnetic cable connecting device 400 from Fig. 8. Referring to these figures, connection can be achieved by placing the magnetic switch of the magnetic cable connecting device 300 in the OFF position, inserting the magnetic cable connecting device 300 into the guide wall 30 of the magnetic cable connecting device 400 such that the ends of the ring magnet guide 12 make contact with the ferromagnetic plate 32, and then switching the magnetic switch to the ON position to secure the magnetic cable connecting device 300 in place. To prevent rotation of the magnetic cable connecting device 300 during actuation of the magnetic switch, the magnetic cable connecting device 300 may include guide rods 39a inserted into guide grooves 39b of the magnetic cable connecting device 400.

[0043] The Fig. 12, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are perspective views of magnetic cable connecting devices 300a-c with alternative rotation mechanisms. In particular, Fig. 12 illustrates an example in which an outer surface of the retaining mechanism includes gear teeth. Gear teeth may be particularly useful for automatically driving the magnetic switching mechanism. Fig. 13 illustrates an example where an outer surface of the rotating mechanism is rough to facilitate either manual gripping or gripping by mechanical mechanisms. Fig. Figure 14 illustrates an example in which the rotation mechanism is implemented by a radially extending lever. In some embodiments, the rotation mechanisms are manually operated (rotated). In other embodiments, the rotation mechanisms are automatically rotated, for example, by robotic devices.

[0044] For reference purposes, in describing cable connection adapters 500 and 600 according to embodiments of the inventive concepts, attention is now directed to the perspective views of the Fig. 15A-15Cr. Adapters 500 and 600 are configured to connect a magnetic cable connector to a standard cable connector located at the end of a coaxial cable or on an electronic device. In this way, the magnetic cable connector can be advantageously used to magnetically attach or detach the cable or device to another connector, as described in the previous embodiments.

[0045] As in the Fig. 15A-15B, the cable connection adapter 500 is formed from a device 400a, which may be the same as the cable connection device 400 of the previously described Fig. 8, except that the device 400a is equipped with a cable connector 41a located opposite a connecting surface of the ferromagnetic plate of the cable connecting device 400. The cable connector 41a may be a standard threaded cable connector. Thus, the cable connecting adapter 500 may be attached to a standard coaxial cable or jack, thus adapting the cable or jack for connection to a magnetic switch cable connecting device, such as that described above in connection with the Fig. 5-7 was described.

[0046] The Fig. 15C and Fig. 15D illustrate a cable connection adapter 600 formed from a device 300a, which may be the same as the magnetic cable connection device 300 of the previously described Fig. 5-7, except that the device 300a is equipped with a cable connector 41b located on the outer surface of the retaining mechanism 23 of the magnetic cable connecting device 300. The cable connector 41b may be a standard threaded cable connector. Thus, the cable connecting adapter 600 may be attached to a standard coaxial cable or jack, thus adapting the cable or jack for connection to a magnetic cable connecting device having a ferromagnetic plate, such as that described above in connection with Fig. 8 was described.

[0047] The Fig. 16A-16D are schematic views for describing a number of different coaxial connection scenarios according to embodiments of the inventive concepts.

[0048] Referring to Fig. In FIG. 16A, reference numeral 901a denotes an electronic device. Examples of electronic device 901a include oscilloscopes, analyzers, measurement devices, source generators, power generators, modular instruments, network emulators, and entertainment systems such as televisions and cable / satellite boxes. However, electronic device 901a is not limited to these examples and can be any device with one or more coaxial cable connectors.

[0049] Still referring to Fig. 16A, the electronic device 901a of this example is equipped with a magnetic cable connecting device M. Typically, but not necessarily, the magnetic cable connecting device (M) is located on a housing surface of the electronic device 901a. In addition, in the example of Fig. 16A a coaxial cable 16 equipped at one end with a magnetic cable connecting device M.

[0050] In some embodiments of the inventive concepts, the magnetic cable connecting device M of the electronic device 901a is Fig. 16A with a ferromagnetic plate connector, such as the magnetic cable connecting device 400 previously used in conjunction with Fig. 8. In this case, the magnetic cable connecting device M of the coaxial cable 16 may be formed with a magnetic switch, such as the magnetic cable connecting device 300 used in conjunction with the previously described Fig. 5-7. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the inventive concepts, the magnetic cable connecting device M of the cable 16 is configured as a ferromagnetic plate connector, and the magnetic cable connecting device M of the electronic device 901a is configured as a magnetic cable connecting device with a magnetic switch.

[0051] Fig. 16B illustrates an example in which the electronic device 901a includes a "standard" (S) cable connector. The standard cable connector S may, for example, be a threaded connector, such as an SMA or FME connector. On the other hand, the coaxial cable 16 is equipped at one end with a magnetic cable connection device M. Thus, an adapter A is coupled to the standard cable connector S, thus enabling a magnetic connection of the cable 16 to the device 901b.

[0052] In some embodiments of the inventive concepts, the adapter A that connects to the standard cable connector S of the electronic device 901b of Fig. 16B, is formed with a ferromagnetic plate connector, such as the adapter 500 of the previous Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B. In this case, the magnetic cable connecting device M of the cable connector 16 can be designed as a magnetic cable connecting device with a magnetic switch, as in the above-described embodiments of the Fig. 5-7. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the inventive concepts, the magnetic cable connection device M of the cable 16 is formed with a ferromagnetic plate connector and the adapter A is formed with a magnetic switch, such as the adapter 600 of the Fig. 15C and Fig. 15D.

[0053] Fig. 16C illustrates an example where electronic device 901a includes a magnetic cable connection device M, and cable 16 to be connected to electronic device 901c has a "standard" (S) cable connector. Thus, an adapter A is coupled to the standard cable connector S of cable 16, thus enabling a magnetic connection of cable 16 to device 901b.

[0054] In some embodiments of the inventive concepts, the adapter A which is connected to the standard cable connector S of the cable 16 of Fig. 16C is connected, is formed with a magnetic switch, such as in the adapter 600 of the previously described Fig. 15C and Fig. 15D. In this case, the magnetic cable connecting device M of the electronic device may be formed with a ferromagnetic plate connector, such as the magnetic cable connecting device 400 previously described in connection with Fig. 8. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the inventive concepts, the adapter A connected to the cable 16 is formed with a ferromagnetic plate connector, such as the adapter 500 of the previously described Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, and the magnetic cable connecting device M is designed as with a magnetic switch, such as the magnetic cable connecting device 300 of Fig. 5-7.

[0055] Fig. 16D illustrates an example where both the electronic device 901b and the cable 16 have standard cable connectors S. In this case, each is equipped with an adapter A to enable a magnetic connection between the device 901b and the cable 16.

[0056] In some embodiments of the inventive concepts, the connector A that connects to the standard cable connector S of the electronic device 901b of Fig. 16D, is formed with a ferromagnetic plate connector, such as the adapter 500 previously used in conjunction with the Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B. In this case, the adapter A, which is connected to the coaxial cable 16, can be formed with a magnetic switch, such as the adapter 600 of the previously described Fig. 15C and Fig. 15D. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the inventive concepts, adapter A of cable 16 is formed with a ferromagnetic plate connector and adapter A of device 901b is formed with a magnetic switch.

[0057] While the invention has been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are intended to be considered as illustrative or exemplary, but not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent and may be understood and made by those skilled in the art upon practice of the claimed invention, by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. While representative embodiments are disclosed herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications are possible in accordance with the present teachings and remain within the scope of the appended claims.The invention is therefore not to be limited except within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Cable connection device (400) having the following features: a cable connector (14); and a magnetic switch with diametrically magnetized first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of the cable connector (14) and extending around a longitudinal axis of the cable connector (14), and a ring magnet guide (12) made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding an outer periphery of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b), wherein the first ring magnet (10a) is fixed relative to the ring magnet guide (12) and the second ring magnet (10b) is rotatable between an ON and an OFF position relative to the ring magnet guide (12), and wherein in the ON position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction and in the OFF position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction. [2] The cable connecting device (400) according to claim 1, wherein the ring magnet guide (12) has circumferential portions (12a) spaced apart from each other and aligned in the ON position over respective pole regions of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b). [3] The cable connecting device (400) according to claim 2, wherein a number of the peripheral portions (12a) of the ring magnet guide (12) is equal to a number of poles of each of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b). [4] Cable connecting device (400) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cable connector (14) is adapted at one end to receive a coaxial cable (16) and to mate with another coaxial connector (14) at another end. [5] A cable connecting device (400) according to claim 4, wherein a mating portion (23a) of the cable connector (14) protrudes in the longitudinal direction from a radial end surface of the magnetic switch. [6] A cable connecting device (400) according to claim 4, wherein a mating portion (23a) of the cable connector (14) is flush with a radial end surface of the magnetic switch. [7] A cable connecting device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the ring magnets (10a) is a one-piece ring magnet body having opposite poles across a diameter of the ring magnet body. [8] Cable connecting device (400) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the ring magnets (10a) is a ring body with at least four sectors of alternating magnetic polarity around the longitudinal axis of the cable connector (14). [9] The cable connecting device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an outer casing (22) housing the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) and the ring magnet guide (12). [10] The cable connecting device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a rotating mechanism fixed to the second ring magnet (10b) for rotating the second ring magnet (10b) between the ON and OFF positions. [11] Coaxial connection comprising a connecting device (300a) of a first coaxial cable (16) which is operatively coupled between a connecting device (300a) of a second coaxial cable (16) and a coaxial cable (16), wherein the connecting device (300a) of the first coaxial cable (16) comprises a first cable connector (14) and a magnetic switch, wherein the magnetic switch comprises diametrically magnetized first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction of the first cable connector (14) and extending around a longitudinal axis of the first cable connector (14), as well as a ring magnet guide (12) made of a ferromagnetic material, which surrounds an outer circumference of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b), and wherein the connecting device (300a) of the second coaxial cable (16) comprises a second cable connector (14) and a plate (32) made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding a second cable connector (14), wherein the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction and the magnetic switch of the connecting device (300a) of the first coaxial cable (16) is magnetically coupled to the plate (32) made of ferromagnetic material of the connecting device (300a) of the second coaxial cable (16). [12] Coaxial connection according to claim 11, wherein the first ring magnet (10a) is fixed relative to the ring magnet guide (12) and the second ring magnet (10b) is rotatable between an ON and an OFF position relative to the ring magnet guide (12), and wherein in the ON position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction and in the OFF position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction. [13] Coaxial connection according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the ring magnet guide (12) has circumferential portions (12a) which are spaced apart from one another and aligned over respective pole regions of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b). [14] Cable connection adapter (500) having the following features: a magnetic switch; a first cable connector (14), the first cable connector (14) being configured for a threaded connection to a first coaxial element; and a second cable connector (14) coaxially coupled to the first cable connector (14) by the magnetic switch, the second cable connector (14) being configured for a matched connection to a second coaxial element, wherein the magnetic switch comprises diametrically magnetized first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction and extending around a longitudinal axis, and a ring magnet guide (12) made of a ferromagnetic material surrounding an outer periphery of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b), wherein the first ring magnet (10a) is fixed relative to the ring magnet guide (12), wherein the second ring magnet (10b) is rotatable relative to the ring magnet guide (12) between an ON and OFF position and wherein in the ON position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically aligned in the longitudinal direction and in the OFF position the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b) are magnetically inverted in the longitudinal direction. [15] Cable connection adapter (500) according to claim 14, wherein the ring magnet guide (12) has circumferential portions (12a) that are spaced apart from each other and aligned in the ON position over respective pole regions of the first and second ring magnets (10a and 10b).

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