Coaxial connector arrangement

Abstract

Coaxial connector arrangement (104), comprising: a housing (158) that holds an external contact (154); a dielectric holder (152) which is received in the outer contact (154), wherein the dielectric holder (152) has a connecting segment (170) and a cable segment (172) orthogonal to the connecting segment (170), wherein the connecting segment (170) has a front cavity (174) extending along a connecting axis (175), and wherein the cable segment (172) has a cable cavity (176) extending along a cable axis (177); a cable arrangement (140) which is received in the cable cavity (176) of the dielectric holder (152), wherein the cable arrangement (140) has a pin contact (142) which is configured for connecting to an end of a center conductor (130) of a cable (108), wherein the pin contact (142) has a tip (146); and a central contact (150) which is received in the front cavity (174) of the dielectric holder (152), wherein the central contact (150) has a planar base (206) and a connecting area extending forward from the planar base (206), wherein the planar base (206) is arranged in the dielectric holder (152) substantially at an intersection of the front cavity (174) and the cable cavity (176), wherein the central contact (150) has flexible pin tongues (208) extending away from the planar base (206) which are configured to bend outwards upon contact with the pin contact (142), wherein the pin tongues (208) have extended inserts (210) at distal ends (211) of the pin tongues (208), and wherein the planar base (206) and the pin tongues (208) are axially aligned with the cable axis (177) to accommodate the pin contact (142); wherein the pin tongues (208) extend from the planar base (206) towards the cable arrangement on opposite sides of the cable axis (177); wherein each of the pin tongues (208) has a first curvature which is curved inwards from the planar base (206) towards the cable axis (177), and wherein each of the pin tongues (208) has a second curvature which is curved outwards at the inlets (210), so that the pin tongues (208) are S-shaped.

Description

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to coaxial connector assemblies. Radio frequency (RF) coaxial connector assemblies are used in numerous applications, including military and automotive applications, such as GPS (Global Positioning Systems), antennas, radios, cellular phones, multimedia devices, and the like. The connector assemblies are typically coaxial cable connectors provided at the end of coaxial cables.

[0002] To standardize various types of connector assemblies, particularly the interfaces for such connector assemblies, certain industry standards have been introduced. One of these standards is known as FAKRA. FAKRA is the Motor Vehicle Standards Committee within the German Institute for Standardization, which represents international standardization interests in the automotive industry. The FAKRA standard creates a coding and color-coding-based system for correct attachment of connectors. With FAKRA connectors, identical plug recesses can only be connected to identical socket ribs. Secure positioning and locking of connector housings is facilitated by a FAKRA-defined locking mechanism on the socket housing and a cooperating locking mechanism on the plug housing.

[0003] DE 20 2008 014 409 U1 discloses an RF right-angle connector with an outer conductor part and an inner conductor part, wherein the inner conductor part has a fastening element for mechanically and electrically connecting to an inner conductor part of a coaxial cable. The outer conductor part has a cable-side end, at which the coaxial cable is arranged, and an end face opposite the cable-side end, through which a longitudinal axis of the assembled coaxial cable intersects. An inspection opening is arranged and formed on the outer conductor part such that, after mounting the inner conductor part of the coaxial cable on the fastening element of the inner conductor part, the fastening element of the inner conductor part is visible through the inspection opening. A cover part for closing the inspection opening is formed integrally with the outer conductor part. The inspection opening is formed on the end face of the outer conductor part.

[0004] The connector assemblies include a center contact and an outer contact that forms a shield for the center contact. The center contact is typically a female connector that receives a male contact. Conventional connector assemblies are typically linear or rectilinear, with the cable extending parallel to the connection axis. However, some applications require one or both of the connector assemblies to be right-angle connectors, with the cable extending at a 90° angle to the connection axis. Assembly of such right-angle coaxial connector assemblies is difficult. The right-angle coaxial connector assemblies typically include multiple contacts that are connected within the assembly. Reliable connection of the contacts is difficult due to tolerances and overstress.In such a situation, an unreliable electrical connection can occur. The contacts are susceptible to impact and damage.

[0005] There remains a need for a coaxial connector assembly that can be manufactured in a cost-effective and reliable manner.

[0006] One solution is provided by a coaxial connector assembly comprising a housing holding an outer contact and a dielectric retainer received within the outer contact. The dielectric retainer comprises a connection segment and a cable segment orthogonal to the connection segment. The connection segment has a front cavity extending along a connection axis, and the cable segment has a cable cavity extending along a cable axis. A cable assembly is received within the cable cavity of the dielectric retainer. The cable assembly includes a pin contact configured for connection to an end of a center conductor of a cable and a tip or free end. A center contact is received within the front cavity of the dielectric retainer.The central contact has a planar base and a mating portion extending forwardly from the planar base. The planar base is disposed within the dielectric retainer substantially at an intersection of the forward cavity and the cable cavity. The central contact has flexible pin tabs extending away from the planar base and configured to bend outwardly upon mating with the pin contact. The pin tabs have extended insertion tips at distal ends of the tabs. The planar base and pin tabs are axially aligned with the cable axis to receive the pin contact. The pin tabs extend from the planar base toward the cable assembly on opposite sides of the cable axis.Each of the pin tongues has a first curvature that is curved inward from the planar base toward the cable axis, and each of the pin tongues has a second curvature that is curved outward at the insertion ends, so that the pin tongues are S-shaped.

[0007] Another solution is provided by a coaxial connector assembly comprising a housing holding an outer contact and a dielectric retainer received within the outer contact. The dielectric retainer includes a connection segment and a cable segment orthogonal to the connection segment. The connection segment has a front cavity extending along a connection axis, and the cable segment has a cable cavity extending along a cable axis. A cable assembly is received within the cable cavity of the dielectric retainer. The cable assembly includes a pin contact configured for connection to an end of a center conductor of a cable and a tip or free end. A central contact is received within the front cavity of the dielectric retainer. The central contact has a base and a connection portion extending forwardly from the base.The base is disposed within the dielectric holder substantially at an intersection of the front cavity and the cable cavity. The central contact includes flexible pin tabs extending from the base and configured to bend outwardly upon mating with the pin contact. The pin tabs include extended insertion tips at distal ends of the tabs. The base and the pin tabs are axially aligned with the cable axis to receive the pin contact. The base has a first thickness, and the pin tabs have a second thickness less than the first thickness.

[0008] Another solution is provided by a coaxial connector assembly comprising a housing holding an outer contact and a dielectric retainer received within the outer contact. The dielectric retainer includes a connection segment and a cable segment orthogonal to the connection segment. The connection segment has a front cavity extending along a connection axis, and the cable segment has a cable cavity extending along a cable axis. A cable assembly is received within the cable cavity of the dielectric retainer. The cable assembly includes a pin contact configured for connection to an end of a center conductor of a cable and a tip or free end. A central contact is received within the front cavity of the dielectric retainer. The central contact has a base and a connection portion extending forwardly from the base.The base is disposed within the dielectric holder substantially at an intersection of the front cavity and the cable cavity. The central contact includes flexible pin tabs extending from the base and configured to bend outward upon mating with the pin contact. The pin tabs include extended insertion tips or insertion ends at distal ends of the tabs. The base and the pin tabs are axially aligned with the cable axis to receive the pin contact. The pin tabs include slots with tab arms on either side of the slots, with the pin tabs being bent at the tab arms.

[0009] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an illustration of a connector system including a coaxial connector assembly constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a sectional view of the coaxial connector arrangement; Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a central contact of the coaxial connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4 is a representation of a pin contact of the coaxial connector assembly in a state connected to the central contact; Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a dielectric support of the coaxial connector assembly in a configuration according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the dielectric holder.

[0010] Fig. 1 illustrates a connector system 100 constructed according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector system 100 includes a first coaxial connector assembly 102 and a second coaxial connector assembly 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coaxial connector assembly 102 forms a receptacle assembly and may be referred to as receptacle assembly 102. The second coaxial connector assembly 104 forms a plug assembly and may be referred to as plug assembly 104. The receptacle assembly 102 and the plug assembly 104 are configured to be coupled together to transmit electrical signals therebetween. The receptacle assembly 102 is connected to a cable 106. The plug assembly 104 is connected to a cable 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the cables 106, 108 are coaxial cables.Signals transmitted along cables 106, 108 are transmitted through the female connector assembly 102 and the male connector assembly 104 when connected together. In alternative embodiments, the coaxial connector assemblies 102 and / or 104 may be connected to a printed circuit board instead of a cable.

[0011] The socket assembly 102 has a connection end 110 and a terminal or cable end 112. The socket assembly 102 is connected to the cable 106 at the cable end 112. In one exemplary embodiment, the socket assembly 102 has a central contact, such as a pin contact, configured to connect to a central contact of the plug assembly 104. The plug assembly 104 has a connection end 114 and a terminal or cable end 116. The plug assembly 104 is connected to the cable 108 at the cable end 116. In one exemplary embodiment, the plug assembly 104 is a right-angle arrangement in which the connection end 114 is arranged orthogonal to the cable end 116. The cable 108 extends perpendicular to the connection axis of the plug assembly 104.During the mating process, the mating end 110 of the receptacle assembly 102 is inserted into the mating end 114 of the plug assembly 104. Optionally, the receptacle assembly 102 may be configured as a rectangular assembly similar to the plug assembly 104.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, the socket assembly 102 and the plug assembly 104 form FAKRA connectors, which are RF connectors having an interface conforming to the standard for a unified connector system established by the FAKRA Automotive Expert Group. The FAKRA connectors have a standardized coding and locking system that meet the high functional and safety requirements of automotive applications. The FAKRA connectors are based on a subminiature version B (SMB) connector, with one feature of these connectors being a snap-in connection and designed for operation at impedances of either 50 ohms or 75 ohms. The connector system 100 may also utilize other types of connectors than the FAKRA connectors described herein.

[0013] The socket assembly 112 includes one or more keying devices 118, and the plug assembly 104 includes corresponding keying devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the keying devices 118 are ribs, and the keying devices are channels that receive the ribs. Any number of keying devices may be present, and the keying devices may be part of the standardized design of the FAKRA connector.

[0014] The socket assembly 102 includes a locking device 122, and the plug assembly 104 includes a locking device 124. The locking device 122 is formed by a locking element, and the locking device 124 is formed by a locking element that cooperates with the locking element to hold the socket assembly 102 and the plug assembly 104 together in the connected state.

[0015] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 104 and the cable 108. The cable 108 is a coaxial cable having a center conductor 130 surrounded by a dielectric 132. A cable braid 134 surrounds the dielectric 132. The cable braid 134 provides a shield for the center conductor 130 along the length of the cable 108. A cable jacket 136 surrounds the cable braid 134. The cable 108 is part of a cable assembly 140. The cable assembly 140 further includes a pin contact 142. The pin contact 142 includes a cable sleeve 144 configured for termination with the cable 108. For example, the cable sleeve 144 may be crimped or soldered onto the cable 108, such as onto the center conductor 130. The pin contact 142 extends to a tip or free end 146 which is opposite the cable sleeve 144.

[0016] The plug assembly 104 includes a central contact 150, a dielectric retainer 152, an outer contact 154, an outer ferrule 156, and an outer housing 158. The central contact 150, the dielectric retainer 152, and the outer contact 154 are configured to be received in and / or supported by the outer housing 158. The outer housing 158 is adapted to be connected to the receptacle connector 102 (in Fig. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the central contact 150 forms a female contact configured for connection to the male contact of the female connector 102; however, other contact types are possible in alternative embodiments. The central contact 150 is configured for electrical connection to the male contact 142 to electrically connect the central contact 150 to the cable 108. For example, the male contact 142 may be plugged into the central contact 150.

[0017] The dielectric holder 152 receives and supports the central contact 150 and the pin contact 142. The outer contact 154 receives the dielectric holder 152 within its interior. The outer contact 154 surrounds the dielectric holder 152 to provide electrical shielding for at least a portion of the central contact 150, at least a portion of the pin contact 142, and / or at least a portion of the cable 108. The outer contact 154 provides shielding against electromagnetic or radio frequency interference. The dielectric holder 152 electrically separates the central contact 150 from the outer contact 154. The outer contact 154 is configured for electrical connection to the cable braid 134. The outer contact 154 may be a multi-piece contact formed from multiple pieces assembled together.

[0018] The outer ferrule 156 is configured to be crimped onto the cable 108 and / or the outer contact 154. The outer ferrule 156 provides strain relief for the cable 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer ferrule 156 is configured to be crimped onto the cable braid 134 and the cable jacket 136.

[0019] The outer housing 158 surrounds at least a portion of the outer contact 154 and is axially fixed with respect to the outer contact 154 to retain the outer contact 154 therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer housing 158 is a multi-piece housing including a front housing 160 and an insert 162. The insert 162 is received within the front housing 160 and retained therein by a latch 164. The insert 162 is used to maintain the position of the outer contact 154 within the outer housing 158. In one exemplary embodiment, the insert 162 is a molded plastic part. Alternatively, the insert 162 may be a die-cast part or may be formed as part of the outer contact 154.

[0020] The central contact 150, the dielectric retainer 152, the outer contact 154, and the insert 162 form a plug subassembly 166 that is configured to be inserted as a unit into the front housing 160. Other components may also be part of the plug subassembly 166. The front housing 160 includes a cavity 168 that receives the plug subassembly 166. The latch 164 retains the plug subassembly 166 within the cavity 168. Optionally, at least a portion of the plug subassembly 166 may extend away from the outer housing 158, such as rearwardly from the outer housing 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 158 surrounds the front of the plug subassembly 166 for connection to the receptacle assembly 102.

[0021] The dielectric holder 152 has a connection segment 170 and a cable segment 172 extending from the connection segment 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable segment 172 is arranged perpendicular to the connection segment 170. The connection segment 170 includes a front cavity 174 extending along a connection axis 175. The central contact 150 is received in the front cavity 174. The connection segment 170 is configured to extend into the insert 162 and the cavity 168 of the front housing 160. The cable segment 172 includes a cable cavity 176 extending along a cable axis 177. The cable axis 177 is orthogonal to the connection axis 175. The cable cavity 176 receives the cable assembly 140, such as the pin contact 142, as well as a portion of the cable 108.The cable cavity 176 is open to the front cavity 174 so that the pin contact 142 can contact the central contact 150.

[0022] The dielectric holder 152 extends between a front side 180 and a back side 182 and between a top side 184 and a bottom side 186. The connection segment 170 extends along the top side 184 from the front side 180 to the back side 182. The cable segment 172 extends along the back side 182 between the top side 184 and the bottom side 186. The front cavity 174 intersects the cable cavity 176 at the corner near the top side 184 and the back side 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the front cavity 174 has an opening 188 at the back side 182. The central contact 150 is inserted into the dielectric holder 152 from the back side through the opening 188. The pin contact 142 is inserted into the dielectric holder 152 through the bottom side 186. The cable 108 extends from the bottom 186 away from the dielectric holder 152.

[0023] The outer contact 154 may be a multi-part contact formed from multiple pieces assembled together. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer contact 154 includes an interconnect contact 190, a front ground shield 192, and a rear ground shield 194 connected to the front ground shield 192. The interconnect contact 190 is electrically connected to the front ground shield 192. Optionally, the interconnect contact 190 may be integrally formed with the front ground shield 192, such as by stamping and forming from the same part. Optionally, the rear ground shield 194 may be integrally formed with the front ground shield 192, such as by stamping and forming from the same part. The interconnect contact 190 surrounds the central contact 150.The front ground shield 192 and the rear ground shield 194 surround the pin contact 142 and a portion of the cable 108. The front ground shield 192 and the rear ground shield 194 may be electrically connected to the cable braid 134. The outer contact 154 has a cavity 196 and a plurality of contact tabs 198 at its mating end. The contact tabs 198 are flexible and configured to spring-load against a corresponding outer contact (not shown) of the socket assembly 102 (in . Fig. 1). Each of the individual contact tabs 198 is separately flexible and configured to apply a normal force to the outer contact of the socket assembly 102 to ensure engagement therewith.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the central contact 150 according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the pin contact 142 connected to the central contact 150. The central contact 150 extends along a longitudinal axis 200 between a connection end 202 at a front side thereof and a terminal end 204 at a rear side thereof. The terminal end 204 is configured for connection to the pin contact 142.

[0025] The central contact 150 includes a base 206 at the terminal end, such as at or near the back of the central contact 150. Flexible pin tabs 208 extend from the base 206, such as under a bottom surface of the base 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the pin tabs 206 extend from the base 206 toward the cable assembly 140. The pin tabs 208 are configured to engage the pin contact 142 before the base 206 engages the pin contact 142. The electrical signal path extends from the pin contact 142 into the pin tabs 208 and then into the base 206 without creating a series circuit, as compared to a reverse embodiment having a base below the pin tabs.The extent of inductive electrical impact is thus reduced compared to a reversed embodiment in which a base is located beneath the pin reeds. The impedance along the signal path at the interface between contacts 150, 142 can be more closely matched to the target impedance than in a reversed embodiment in which a base is located beneath the pin reeds.

[0026] The flexible pin tabs 208 have extended insertion ends 210 at their distal ends 211. The base 206 and the flexible pin tabs 208 form a receptacle 212 at the terminal end 204, which is configured to receive the pin contact 142. The flexible pin tabs 208 have long tab lengths to accommodate a range of flexion and to avoid, for example, overstress and / or plastic deformation. The flexible pin tabs 208 maintain a normal force or spring force against the pin contact 142 to ensure good electrical contact between the central contact 150 and the pin contact 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the central contact 150 includes two flexible pin tabs 208, however, any number of flexible pin tabs 208 may be present in alternative embodiments.The flexible pin tabs 208 are configured to be bent outward when connected to the pin contact 142. For example, when the pin contact 142 is inserted into the receptacle 212 formed between the pin tabs 208, the pin tabs 208 are bent outward so that they elastically engage the pin contact 142, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the central contact 150 and the pin contact 142.

[0027] The extended inlets 210 form a collection window or funnel into the receptacle 212. For example, the extended inlets 210 are extended outward to form an inlet into the space between the pin tabs 208. The inlets 210 are extended outward away from the pin contact 142. The flexible pin tabs 208 have mating interfaces 214 above the extended inlets 210. The mating interfaces 214 are configured to cooperate with the pin contact 142 when the pin contact 142 is mated to the central contact 150. The extended inlets 210 define a capture circle that is larger than the tip or end 146 of the pin contact 142, thereby ensuring that the central contact 150 captures the pin contact 142 when the pin contact 142 is inserted into the receptacle. The extended inlets 210 guide the pin contact 142 to the connection interfaces 214.The pin tabs 208 have a first separation distance between the mating interfaces 214 and a second separation distance between the distal ends 211 that is greater than the first separation distance. The funnel-shaped terminal end 204 accommodates misalignment of the pin contact 142 and reduces impact during the mating process of the pin contact 142 against the central contact 150.

[0028] The pin tabs 208 include bent portions or bend portions 216 that extend away from the base 206, for example, from both sides of the base 206. The bend portions 216 accommodate the bend of the pin tabs 208. The bend portions 216 may be bent back over the base 206 so that portions thereof are parallel to the base 206. The pin tabs 208 include extensions 218 that extend from the bend portions 216 to the connection interfaces 214. The extensions 218 are bent or angled relative to the bend portions 216. The extensions 218 generally extend away from the base 206. The bend portions 216 and the extensions 218 increase the overall tab length of the pin tabs 208.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the pin tongues 208 include slots 220 surrounded on both sides by tongue arms 222. The pin tongues 208 are bent at the tongue arms 222. The tongue arms 222 can form a transition between the bending regions 216 and the extensions 218. The tongue arms 222 can have bends or curves at the transition between the bending regions 216 and the extensions 218. The pin tongues 208 are flexible at the tongue arms 222. The slots 222 make the pin tongues 208 more flexible. The tongue arms 222 distribute loads in the pin tongues 208 through the radius region, or curved region, at the transition between the bending regions 216 and the extensions 218.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the pin tabs 208 have a thickness 224 that is thinner than a thickness 226 of the base 206. For example, the pin tabs 208 can be embossed so that the material of the pin tabs 208 is thinner than the base 206. By making the pin tabs 208 thinner, the pin tabs 208 can be more flexible, while the rest of the central contact 150 is thicker and thus more robust, for example, for connection to the complementary contact of the complementary connector.

[0031] The base 206 includes an opening 228 configured to receive the tip 146 of the pin contact 142. The opening 228 is aligned with the cable axis 177. The opening 228 may have a diameter slightly larger than the tip 146 of the pin contact 142 to accommodate offset or misalignment of the pin contact 142 during assembly. The opening 228 defines a capture radius configured to capture the tip 146 of the pin contact 142 and to center the pin contact 142 relative to the base 206. The opening 228 may include an insertion aid for guiding the pin contact 142 into the opening 228. The insertion aid in the opening 228 forms a strain relief surface 230 for the pin tongues 208 of the central contact 150. The opening 228 thus provides overload protection for the pin tongues 208.For example, the strain relief surface 230 forces the pin contact 142 into a generally centered position between the pin tabs 208 and does not permit the pin contact 142 to shift in either direction, which could result in overstress and / or plastic deformation of the pin tabs 208 in such a shifted direction. The opening 228 accommodates the pin contact 142 so that the pin contact 142 can pass through the base 208. Thus, the opening 228 accommodates a large amount of contact travel of the pin contacts 142 along the pin tabs 208. For example, during assembly, the contact 142 does not abut the bottom of the base 206, but rather passes through the base 206. Thus, the pin tabs 208 can be made shorter and / or remain closer to the base 206, thus reducing the overall height of the central contact 150.

[0032] The connecting end 202 of the central contact 150 extends forwardly from the base 206. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting end 202 forms a receptacle 232 configured to receive the pin contact of the socket assembly 102. The connecting end 202 may be formed by folding the ends of the central contact 150 to form the receptacle 232. In an exemplary embodiment, the central contact 150 is a stamped and formed contact, which can be manufactured quite inexpensively.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of the dielectric holder 152 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig.6 shows a rear-side perspective view of a portion of the dielectric holder 152 formed according to an exemplary embodiment. The dielectric holder 152 includes the opening 188 at the rear side 182 open to the front cavity 174. The front cavity 174 is formed by a cavity wall 242 along an interior surface of the dielectric holder 152. The front cavity 174 is sized and configured to receive the central contact 150.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric holder 152 includes an extension slot 244 formed in the cavity wall 242, for example, below the front cavity 174. The extension slot 244 may extend into the cable cavity 176. The extension slot 244 defines a space or area sized and configured to receive the extended inlets 210 of the central contact 150. The extension slot 244 forms part of the front cavity 174. The extension slot 244 is an enlarged area around the central contact 150. The extension slot 244 widens or enlarges the size of the front cavity 174 to receive the extended inlets 210 when the extended inlets 210 are bent outward during the mating process with the pin contact 142. Optionally, the walls forming the expansion slot 244 (e.g.The walls (i.e., the outside of the extended inlet 210) may provide overstress protection for the pin tabs 208. For example, the walls may limit the bending of the pin tabs 208 to one side or the other, so that the pin contact 142 may be forced into a generally centered position between the pin tabs 208, in which the pin contact 142 is not permitted to shift in one direction or the other, which may result in overstress and / or plastic deformation of the pin tab 208 in such a shift direction. Optionally, the extension slot 244 may be open at the rear side 182.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the dielectric holder 152 includes a guide wall 250 within the cable cavity 176. The guide wall 250 is disposed below the extension slot 244. The guide wall 250 may be provided at or near the top of the cable cavity 176. The guide wall 250 includes a guide opening 252 that may open toward the front cavity 174 and the central contact 150. The pin contact 142 is inserted into the front cavity 174 through the guide opening 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide opening 252 includes beveled insertion surfaces 254 that guide the pin contact 142 into the central contact 150. The guide opening 252 may be aligned with the central contact receptacle 212 to guide the pin contact 142 into a mating position with the central contact 150. The guide opening 252 can be aligned with the cable axis 177.Optionally, the guide opening 252 may have a smaller diameter 256 than the extension slot 244. The guide opening 252 may have a smaller diameter than a catch surface of the extended insertion ends 210 to align the pin contact 142 with the receptacle 212 and reduce impact. Thus, the guide opening 252 guides the pin contact 142 into the receptacle 212 without impacting the pin tabs 208. The insertion ends 210 can further insert the pin contact 142 into the receptacle 212.

[0036] The dielectric holder 152 includes a pocket 260 formed in the cavity wall 242, for example, above the base 206. The pocket 260 may be open to the front cavity 174. The pocket 260 forms a space or area sized and configured to receive the tip 146 of the pin contact 142 when the pin contact 142 is inserted into the central contact 150. The pocket 260 is aligned with the cable axis 177.

[0037] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with one another. Furthermore, numerous modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components as described herein are intended to define parameters of particular embodiments and are in no way limiting, but merely represent exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the scope of the claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.The scope of the invention should therefore be determined by reference to the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Coaxial connector assembly (104) comprising: a housing (158) holding an external contact (154); a dielectric holder (152) received in the outer contact (154), the dielectric holder (152) comprising a connection segment (170) and a cable segment (172) orthogonal to the connection segment (170), the connection segment (170) having a front cavity (174) extending along a connection axis (175), the cable segment (172) having a cable cavity (176) extending along a cable axis (177); a cable assembly (140) received in the cable cavity (176) of the dielectric holder (152), the cable assembly (140) having a pin contact (142) configured to connect to an end of a center conductor (130) of a cable (108), the pin contact (142) having a tip (146); and a central contact (150) received in the front cavity (174) of the dielectric holder (152), the central contact (150) having a planar base (206) and a connection region extending forwardly from the planar base (206), the planar base (206) being disposed in the dielectric holder (152) substantially at an intersection of the front cavity (174) and the cable cavity (176), the central contact (150) having flexible pin tabs (208) extending away from the planar base (206) and configured to bend outwardly upon connection to the pin contact (142), the pin tabs (208) having enlarged insertion ends (210) at distal ends (211) of the pin tabs (208), and the planar base (206) and the pin tongues (208) are axially aligned with the cable axis (177) to receive the pin contact (142); wherein the pin tongues (208) extend from the planar base (206) toward the cable assembly on opposite sides of the cable axis (177); wherein each of the pin tongues (208) has a first curvature that curves inwardly from the planar base (206) toward the cable axis (177), and wherein each of the pin tongues (208) has a second curvature that curves outwardly at the insertion ends (210), such that the pin tongues (208) are S-shaped. [2] Coaxial connector assembly (104) comprising: a housing (158) holding an external contact (154); a dielectric holder (152) received in the outer contact (154), the dielectric holder (152) comprising a connection segment (170) and a cable segment (172) orthogonal to the connection segment (170), the connection segment (170) having a front cavity (174) extending along a connection axis (175), the cable segment (172) having a cable cavity (176) extending along a cable axis (177); a cable assembly (140) received in the cable cavity (176) of the dielectric holder (152), the cable assembly (140) having a pin contact (142) configured to connect to an end of a center conductor (130) of a cable (108), the pin contact (142) having a tip (146); and a central contact (150) received in the front cavity (174) of the dielectric holder (152), the central contact (150) having a base (206) and a connection region extending forwardly from the base (206), the base (206) being disposed in the dielectric holder (152) substantially at an intersection of the front cavity (174) and the cable cavity (176), the central contact (150) having flexible pin tabs (208) extending away from the base (206) and configured to bend outwardly upon connection to the pin contact (142), the pin tabs (208) having enlarged insertion ends (210) at distal ends (211) of the pin tabs (208), and the base (206) and the pin tabs (208) being aligned with the cable axis (177) are axially aligned to receive the pin contact (142); wherein the base (206) has a first thickness (226) and wherein the pin tabs (208) have a second thickness (224) that is less than the first thickness (226). [3] Coaxial connector assembly (104) comprising: a housing (158) holding an external contact (154); a dielectric holder (152) received in the outer contact (154), the dielectric holder comprising a connection segment (170) and a cable segment (172) orthogonal to the connection segment (170), the connection segment (170) having a front cavity (174) extending along a connection axis (175), the cable segment (172) having a cable cavity (176) extending along a cable axis (177); a cable assembly (140) received in the cable cavity (176) of the dielectric holder (152), the cable assembly (140) having a pin contact (142) configured to connect to an end of a center conductor (130) of a cable (108), the pin contact (142) having a tip (146); and a central contact (150) received in the front cavity (174) of the dielectric holder (152), the central contact (150) having a base (206) and a connection region extending forwardly from the base (206), the base (206) being disposed in the dielectric holder (152) substantially at an intersection of the front cavity (174) and the cable cavity (176), the central contact (150) having flexible pin tabs (208) extending away from the base (206) and configured to bend outwardly upon connection to the pin contact (142), the pin tabs (208) having enlarged insertion ends (210) at distal ends (211) of the pin tabs (208), and the base (206) and the pin tabs (208) being aligned with the cable axis (177) are axially aligned to receive the pin contact (142); wherein the pin tongues (208) have slots (220) with tongue arms (222) on both sides of the slots (220), wherein the pin tongues (208) are bent at the tongue arms (222). [4] Coaxial connector assembly (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin tabs (208) extend from the base (206) toward the cable assembly (140). [5] Coaxial connector assembly (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin tabs (208) have separable connection interfaces (214) configured to cooperate with and electrically connect to the pin contact (142). [6] Coaxial connector assembly (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion ends (210) are flared outwardly away from the pin contact (142). [7] Coaxial connector assembly (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin tongues (208) have connecting segments (214), the insertion ends (210) being extended outwardly from the connecting segments (214) such that the pin tongues (208) have a first separation distance between the connecting segments (214) and a second separation distance between the distal ends (211) which is greater than the first separation distance. [8] Coaxial connector assembly (104) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (206) has an opening (228) axially aligned with the cable axis (177), and wherein the opening (228) receives the tip (146) of the pin contact (142). [9] The coaxial connector assembly (104) of claim 8, wherein the opening (228) is defined by a strain relief surface (230), the strain relief surface (230) configured to engage and secure the pin contact (142) to prevent overstressing of the pin tabs (208). [10] The coaxial connector assembly (104) of any preceding claim, wherein the dielectric retainer (152) includes an extension slot (244) receiving the base (206) and the pin tabs (208) of the central contact (150), the pin tabs (208) being bendable into the extension slot (244), the dielectric retainer (152) including a guide opening (252) in the cable cavity (176) open to the extension slot (244), the guide opening (252) receiving the pin contact (142) and guiding the pin contact (142) in communication with the pin tabs (208). [11] The coaxial connector assembly (104) of claim 10, wherein the insertion ends (210) have a larger capture area than the guide opening (252) for receiving the pin contact (142). [12] The coaxial connector assembly (104) of any preceding claim, wherein the dielectric retainer (152) includes a pocket (260) above the base (206), the pocket (260) receiving the tip (146) of the pin contact (142) when the pin contact (142) is inserted into the central contact (150). [13] The coaxial connector assembly (104) of any preceding claim, wherein the front cavity (174) is open at a rear side (182) of the dielectric holder (152) to receive the central contact (150) through the rear side of the dielectric holder (152).

Images