Adjustable connector support

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable connector support (1) for semi-rigid coaxial cables, the support (1) comprising: - a support body (2) comprising a support base (3) having a recess (5) which is at least partially slide-shaped; - at least one cable-holder element (9) comprising at least one passage portion (15) for a cable, the passage portion (15) comprising curved side walls and having a decreasing cross section moving away from the support body (2), the passage portion (15), in an assembled state of said support (1), lying in the same plane (X) of the recess (5) of the support base (3) of the support body (2); - a flange (16) connected to the at least one cable-holder element (9); - at least one adjustable fixing element (22) adapted, in an assembled state of the support (1), to connect the support body (2) and the at least one cable-holder element (9) and to engage onto the flange (16).

Description

[0001] Title: Adjustable connector support

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of application

[0004] In its more general aspect, the present invention relates to an adjustable connector support adapted to allow the hooking and the rotational movement preferably, but not only, of semi-rigid coaxial cables which preferably, but not only, connect RF connectors for a printed circuit “Probe Card”, or PCB.

[0005] The present invention substantially relates to the field of radiofrequency cables and related connectors which carry a signal at a given frequency and which can be used in a plurality of applications requiring this type of data transmission.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] As it is well known in this specific technical field, a radiofrequency connector, commonly indicated with “RF connector” is an electrical connector designed to operate at radio frequencies in the multimegahertz range.

[0008] The research in the field of radiofrequency circuit design is continuously increasing in recent years due to the request for high data transmission rate wireless transceivers.

[0009] Common types of RF connectors are used for television receivers, transceivers, some Wi-Fi devices with removable antennas and industrial or scientific measuring instruments which use radiofrequencies.

[0010] There are various regulated standards of RF connectors depending on the operating frequency. In this sense, there are, for example, standard RF connectors of the SMA, 3,5mm, 2,92mm, 2,4mm, 1,85mm, 1,35mm, 1,00mm type, with related operating frequencies. Many of these RF connectors are historic and originally regulated by the military standard MIL-PRF-39012. Since 2007, for the continuous request to use high frequencies in non-military applications, an IEEE standard was introduced, which groups them under the “Precision” category. This standard regulates the electrical and mechanical requirements to ensure the performance and multi-vendor interoperability, in particular also specifying the clamping torques.

[0011] The RF connectors are generally used with coaxial cables which allow to preserve the shielding provided by said type of cables.

[0012] An object of these connectors is to minimize the impedance variation in the transmission lines at the connection area so as to reduce signal reflections and power losses.

[0013] As the frequency increases, the effects related to the transmission line become more important and the small impedance variations at the connectors cause the signal to be reflected rather than passed through.

[0014] Furthermore, a RF connector must not allow external signals to enter the circuit by electromagnetic interference and picking up by capacitive effects.

[0015] From a mechanical point of view, the RF connectors can be of the “free” type, i.e. connectors which are not welded to any cable and which are then welded to a suitable cable. Otherwise, it is possible to have RF connectors connected to cables, which can start for example from a printed circuit, or PCB and must then be further fixed, for example by so-called “flange” (or “panel flange”) or “panel” (or “panel mount” or “bulkhead”) types. Different types of fixing mechanisms are also available: by thread, bayonet joint, brackets, guided connection.

[0016] Moreover, springs for an electrical contact with low ohmic-resistance are often provided so as to save on the surface which must be gold-plated, thus allowing very high coupling cycles, and reducing the engagement force of these RF connectors equipped with springs. In the case of RF connectors for probe cards, the RF connectors are connected to cables, which start from a printed circuit, or PCB and are fixed according to a “panel” fixing mode, in which the connector is just inserted into a panel and screwed with a clamping ring, similarly to the action of a nut with a bolt. The electrical interface consists in the threaded part of the RF connector.

[0017] In this case, an end of the cable always comes from a printed circuit (or PCB), and a mechanical support should be mounted to constrain the RF connectors on the side that will be used by the user to connect to the probe card.

[0018] At present, it is necessary to develop ad hoc mechanical supports to mount the connectors on the side that will be used by the user to connect to the probe card, which can involve an undesired increase in the overall dimensions.

[0019] In said probe-card-related applications, a subcategory of coaxial cables represented by semi-rigid cables is usually used, comprising an external conductor that consists in a “semi-rigid tube”, in contrast to the flexible and hand-form cables which comprise instead a “braided sock” sleeve.

[0020] These semi-rigid coaxial cables come and are originally regulated by the standard MIL-C- 17 (category M 17), but they were then widely used in non-military sectors, such as the space, medical, telecommunications, test and generally instrument sectors. When used in the civil field they are typically classified with the prefix “UT-“.

[0021] Types of semi-rigid coaxial cables are cables UT-250, UT- 141, UT-086, UT-056, UT-047, UT-034, UT-031, UT-020, where the number after the prefix UT- indicates in particular the diameter of the external conductor in inches.

[0022] These semi-rigid coaxial cables normally have reduced diameters with respect to flexible coaxial cables. However, they can be bent only by specific bending tools for specific bending radii, this bending operation having to be performed so as not to compromise the optimum functional features of the cable itself.

[0023] Preferably, these bending tools accompany the semi-rigid coaxial cable during the bending keeping the section thereof as much unchanged as possible, a possible deformation of the three materials (conductor, dielectric, conductor) forming said cable could result in a local mismatch with respect to the propagation impedance which is characteristic of the cable itself (typically 50 Ohm).

[0024] The currently-adopted bending tools exploit moulds rotated by specific levers to form the desired correct bending of the semi-rigid coaxial cable.

[0025] Although the above-indicated known solutions proved to be effective in many types of application, they still involve a series of drawbacks.

[0026] The most common drawbacks are precisely connected to the mentioned semi-rigidity feature of the treated cables, together with the fact that, as indicated above, the various supports used to keep the cables in place result in an increase in the dimensions at the attachments of the RF connectors.

[0027] As explained above, prior art solutions concerning in particular the connection of RF connectors at probe cards provide supports which are particularly bulky and to be customized for each case depending on the engaging position of the specific RF connector, which is often in close proximity to other attachments for RF connectors, or they provide solutions that do not ensure the compliance with the precise maximum bending radius of the semi-rigid coaxial cable, which involves affecting the functional performances of the RF connector as a whole, especially the latter drawback being inacceptable, since the RF connectors are high- added-value components inside an apparatus which provides the connection of semi-rigid coaxial cables and probe cards, these elements thus having to ensure high performances even to the detriment of a higher cost. In addition to limiting the fact that the semi-rigid coaxial cables only come from a single direction, which is perpendicular to the support, the “panel” and “flange” solutions used for the connection with probe cards pose further geometrical constraints linked to a density limit of the RF connectors on the support surface of the panel, or to the screws required for fixing the flange and to the wrenches for clamping the ring to the panel.

[0028] The “panel” solution, which is however the most compact, has the further disadvantage that a same thread is used both for the mechanical clamping function and for the more delicate one of high-frequency electrical interface, a mechanical damage during the clamping of the semi-rigid coaxial cables used could result in an inacceptable degradation of electrical performances.

[0029] For this reason, the main technical problem underlying the present invention is to remedy the above drawbacks of prior art solutions.

[0030] In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a solution which allows to ensure the correct operation of the coaxial cables, in particular semi-rigid ones, for different types of connectors, in particular RF ones, fixed at their own attachment.

[0031] Still more specifically, an object of the invention, connected to the previous one, is to ensure the correct connection of the RF connector at its own attachment regardless of the ’’care” with which said engagement is made, i.e. without the need for a careful visual check of the correctness of the engagement in the assembling step.

[0032] Still an object of the invention is to provide an optimized solution in terms of dimensions provided at the above attachments.

[0033] A further object of the invention is to provide an optimized solution irrespective of the arrangement in which a plurality of RF connectors is provided, so as to free the manufacturer and the user from that arrangement. Still an object of the invention is to provide an optimum solution also in terms of practicality of a subsequent possible maintenance.

[0034] Finally, an object of the invention is to provide a device which can be used by an end user without particular complications and without complex instructions.

[0035] Summary

[0036] The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a device which provides an adjustment in a predetermined and optimized displacement range of semi-rigid coaxial cables.

[0037] Based on this solution idea the technical problem is solved by an adjustable connector support for semi-rigid coaxial cables.

[0038] The support includes a support body comprising a support base having a at least partially slide-shaped recess, at least one cable-holder element comprising at least one passage portion for a semi-rigid coaxial cable, said passage portion comprising curved side walls and having a decreasing cross section moving away from the support body.

[0039] The passage portion, in an assembled state of the support, lies in the same plane X of the recess of the support base of the support body.

[0040] Moreover, the support comprises a flange connected to the at least one cable-holder element and at least one adjustable fixing element adapted, in an assembled state of the support, to connect the support body and the at least one cable-holder element and to engage onto the flange.

[0041] Advantageously, the present solution is thus shaped to allow to “guide” the semi-rigid coaxial cable of the RF connector in the rotation thereof between imposed limits so as not to affect the performance and thus to comply with the bending radii defined for these semi-rigid coaxial cables.

[0042] Still advantageously, the various engaging operations of the RF connectors can be performed “on site”, i.e. it is possible to disassemble and reassemble the various RF connectors, without having to pay special attention to the effective optimum arrangement thereof directly on the panel or on the PCB, since the guarantee of a correct curvature of the semi-rigid coaxial cable and of keeping the performances thereof is, as mentioned above, conferred by the support.

[0043] Preferably, the support body is U bracket- shaped, further comprising two hooking side walls.

[0044] Advantageously, the present configuration confers an optimization of the overall dimensions of the support.

[0045] More preferably, the support comprises two adjustable fixing elements, wherein the hooking side walls comprise each a connection opening and wherein each of the two adjustable fixing elements is adapted, in an assembled state of said support, to connect the support body and the at least one cable-holder element and to engage onto said flange.

[0046] Advantageously, the present solution which provides an overall connection through fixing elements and joints between components, allows a simple assembling of the support, in addition to facilitating the disassembling thereof and the replacement of one or more components without necessarily operating on the overall support and especially without disconnecting the RF connector, all the components being connected to each other by joints and screws. This proves to be a great advantage especially concerning the “on site” maintenance.

[0047] Still preferably, the support comprises two substantially L-shaped cableholder elements, which advantageously contributes to the ease of assembling and to the possibility of disassembling only selected components of the support if necessary.

[0048] Furthermore, preferably, each of the substantially L-shaped cable-holder elements comprises a guide base comprising at least one first base portion jointed to a second base portion, the second base portion providing a cross section that is less than that of the first base portion, the cable-holder elements, in an assembled state of the support, being placed facing each other and forming the passage portion by the second base portions.

[0049] Advantageously, the curvature of the two curved cross sections of the guide bases of the cable-holder elements, together with the presence of the at least partially slide-shaped recess of the support body ensures the correct minimum bending radius to keep the features and performances of the semi-rigid coaxial cable unchanged. The end user is therefore not required to check whether the assembling is occurring in a correct manner, checking in particular the rotation of the cable since the rotation is automatically kept within the limits preset by the support itself.

[0050] In other words, the end user can easily make the adjustments “on site”, without checking each angle at which the various cables are being positioned.

[0051] According to a further different embodiment, the support body is L- shaped and it comprises only one hooking side wall.

[0052] Preferably, in this further embodiment, the support comprises a L- shaped cable-holder element, comprising a flank and a base, the base comprising two prongs adapted to form the passage portion for a cable.

[0053] Advantageously, the present further embodiment is more compact and, since it has also fewer elements, more convenient from the economical point of view, although less structurally robust compared to the previous embodiment.

[0054] Still preferably, according to this further embodiment, the hooking side wall comprises a top whereon a hole is provided, in which an adjustment pin is received.

[0055] More preferably, the flange comprises a floating cylinder, in an assembled state projecting toward the hooking side wall, adapted to engage in an opening of the hooking side wall. In this further embodiment, the floating cylinder preferably comprises a radial groove adapted to receive the adjustment pin passing in said hole.

[0056] Advantageously, this further embodiment allows a loosening and fixing of the flange and thus of the position of the overall support from above and not from the sides, allowing various supports to be assembled very close to each other without this making it difficult to clamp and loosen them “on site”.

[0057] Preferably, in any embodiment, the support further comprises a connector element connected to the flange.

[0058] This connection can be a shape coupling, a fixed connection, an integral formation, or the like.

[0059] Advantageously, the presence of this connector element provides a universal type of coupling to the support for all the RF connectors belonging to a single family of RF connectors according to the present invention.

[0060] Still preferably, the flange is connected to the at least one cable-holder element by at least one clamping pin.

[0061] More preferably, the at least one adjustable fixing element, still more preferably two fixing elements, is adapted to engage at the at least one clamping pin, still more preferably two clamping pins.

[0062] Advantageously, the fixing elements pass therefore through the support body and the cable-holder elements, and engage onto the clamping pins.

[0063] It is thereby possible to loosen the fixing elements to allow the rotation of the portion in which the RF connector is housed but without this affecting the torsion of the semi-rigid axial cable.

[0064] This is due to the fact that the rotating and tilting portion is functionally disconnected from the part which holds the portion in which the RF connector is housed, generally at a collar. Once the flange has been mounted, it is clamped by the clamping pins, and it is independent of the unlocking and re-locking of the fixing elements, generally screws.

[0065] The proposed solution is thus particularly optimized, although not limited thereto, for the semi-rigid coaxial connectors with threaded clamping, in particular all those which, to ensure high-frequency performances, must preserve the regulated interferences even during the clamping, which is ensured by the use of particular and bulky torque wrenches.

[0066] Thanks to the proposed solution, even if the user did not correctly re-lock the fixing elements once the rotation has been made, at the time when a torque wrench is used to clamp the coupling, this would not result in the torsion of the cable not affecting the performances.

[0067] Still preferably, the support body further comprises at least one end-of- stroke abutment.

[0068] Advantageously, this also gives physical feedback to the rotation limits to which the support can lead the cable with the RF connector, limits which generally provide a rotation between 0° and 90°.

[0069] Still preferably, the support body further comprises at least one fixing hole.

[0070] Advantageously, the present solution allows a locking of the support body at the preset position, as well as a removal thereof when necessary.

[0071] In general, the device according to the present invention frees a manufacturer of the various connection components from the actual use by the user.

[0072] In fact, the manufacturer is generally not informed about all the specific configurations required for each user, and specifically he does not know the final setup required for each customer. Thanks to this preferred and not limiting solution the overall dimensions can be reduced, making the assembly compact, since the RF connector can be oriented with its own support according to need, with its own inclination depending on size, rigidity and bending radius of the semirigid coaxial cable associated therewith and on the mechanical constraints of the assembly.

[0073] Further features and advantages of the adjustable connector support according to the present invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the attached figures.

[0074] Brief description of the figures

[0075] Figure 1 shows an assembling solution for an assembly of RF connectors according to the prior art;

[0076] Figure 2 shows an assembling solution for an assembly of RF connectors according to the present invention;

[0077] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable connector support according to the present invention;

[0078] Figure 4 shows another perspective view of the support of Figure 3;

[0079] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the support of Figure 3;

[0080] Figure 6 shows a front view of a support body of the support of Figure 3;

[0081] Figure 7 shows a top view of the support body of Figure 6;

[0082] Figure 8 shows a side view of the support body of Figure 6;

[0083] Figure 9 shows a bottom view of the support body of Figure 6;

[0084] Figure 10 shows a side view of a cable-holder element of the support of Figure 3;

[0085] Figure 11 shows a top view of the cable-holder element of Figure 10;

[0086] Figure 12 shows a top view of the cable-holder element of Figure 10;

[0087] Figure 13 shows a bottom view of the cable-holder element of Figure 10;

[0088] Figure 14 shows a back view of a pair of cable-holder elements in an assembled state of the support of Figure 3;

[0089] Figure 15 shows a sectional view of the support of Figure 3 in an assembled state;

[0090] Figure 16 shows a top view of a flange of the support of Figure 3;

[0091] Figure 17 shows a side view of the flange of Figure 16;

[0092] Figure 18 shows another side view of the flange of Figure 16;

[0093] Figure 19 shows a sectional view of a detail of the support of Figure 3 in an assembled state;

[0094] Figure 20 shows a view of a detail of the support body of Figure 6;

[0095] Figure 21 shows an exploded perspective view of the support of Figure 3;

[0096] Figures 22A and 22B represent preferred operating conditions of the support of Figure 3;

[0097] Figure 23 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustable connector support according to the present invention;

[0098] Figure 24 shows another perspective view of the second embodiment of Figure 23;

[0099] Figure 25 shows a top view of a support body of the adjustable connector support of Figure 23;

[0100] Figure 26 shows a side view of the support body of Figure 25;

[0101] Figure 27 shows a side view of a cable-holder element of the adjustable connector support of Figure 23;

[0102] Figure 28 shows a top view of the cable-holder element of Figure 27;

[0103] Figure 29 shows a front view of the cable-holder element of Figure 27;

[0104] Figure 30 shows a bottom view of the cable-holder element of Figure 27;

[0105] Figure 31 shows a top view of a flange of the adjustable connector support of Figure 23;

[0106] Figure 32 shows a side view of the flange of Figure 31.

[0107] In the different figures, identical elements will be identified by identical reference numbers.

[0108] Detailed description

[0109] It should be noted that the figures are schematic views and are not drawn to scale, but they are instead drawn so as to emphasize the important features of the invention. Furthermore, in the figures, the different pieces are schematically represented, and their shape can vary depending on the desired application. Moreover, particular expedients illustrated in a figure in relation to an embodiment can be also used in one or more of the embodiments illustrated in the other figures.

[0110] Furthermore, structurally and functionally identical elements in the different embodiments illustrated in the various figures and described below are indicated con the same alphanumeric references.

[0111] Finally, indications of particular geometries (circular, rectangular, U- shaped, L-shaped) or of the arrangement of the elements (parallel, orthogonal, contiguous, coplanar) as well as the term “substantially” are to be understood always in relation to physician and not geometrically abstract elements, and thus they must always take into consideration the tolerances introduced by the transition from a pure mathematical / geometric world to the real world.

[0112] Referring to the attached figure 1, an assembly of RF connectors connected according to an assembling solution in accordance with the prior art is globally and schematically indicated with 1000.

[0113] As can be seen, the prior art generally provides a panel 1001 in which the RF connector is inserted and screwed with a ring by using a torque wrench 1002. The RF connector is inserted into its own slot and then it is clamped by the ring. It is thus possible to associate a coaxial cable, in particular a semi-rigid one (not shown in the figure) to go from a printed circuit or PCB to the panel 1001.

[0114] As mentioned, in case of applications to the probe cards, there is no panel but ad hoc supports are currently provided for each of the RF connectors.

[0115] Otherwise, referring to the attached figure 2, an assembly of RF connectors connected according to an assembling solution in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is globally and schematically indicated with 100.

[0116] Specifically, for each RF connector an adjustable connector support 1 formed in accordance with the present invention is provided, called below, for brevity, support 1.

[0117] In the present embodiment, as can be seen in even more detail in Figures 3 to 9, the support 1 comprises a U bracket- shaped support body 2, with a support base 3 and two hooking side walls 4.

[0118] A recess 5 is provided on the support base 3, more specifically represented in Figures 6 to 9, which is generally arranged centrally and along a plane X which is parallel to the two hooking side walls 4.

[0119] The recess 5 is at least partially slide-shaped, thus with a greater section at the support surface 6 and which gradually reduces up to the upper surface 7 through a curved development.

[0120] The hooking side walls 4 comprise each a connection opening 8.

[0121] In the present exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the hooking side walls 4 are substantially triangular and provide each a hook-like upper portion which forms the related connection opening 8.

[0122] The support 1 further comprises at least one cable-holder element 9.

[0123] In the exemplary and non-limiting embodiment two substantially L- shaped cable-holder elements 9 are provided.

[0124] The support 2 further comprises a flange 16 connected to the cableholder elements 9, said flange 16 being then connected to the cableholder elements 9 by clamping pins 20.

[0125] Two adjustable fixing elements 22 passing through the connection openings 8 and engaging at the clamping pins 20 are then provided.

[0126] Moreover, the support 1 comprises a connector element 24 inserted inside the through hole 18 between the bases 19 of the flange 16 and connected thereto.

[0127] The substantially L-shaped cable-holder elements 9, one of which is individually highlighted in detail in Figures 10 to 13, comprise a guide base 10 and a flank of connection 11.

[0128] In an assembled state of the support 1, as can be seen in Figure 14, the cable-holder elements 9 are placed facing each other.

[0129] Each cable-holder element 9, and in particular each guide base 10 provides a first base portion 12 which joints, going toward its own end 13, to a second base portion 14 with a lower cross section. The second base portion 14 up to the end 13 provides a substantially quarter-circlelike cross section; therefore, it can be noted how the transversal development of the second base portion 14 has a first curved side surface portion 14A and two second rectilinear side surface portions 14B.

[0130] The two second base portions 14 of the two guide bases 10 of the two cable-holder elements 9, in an assembled state of the support 1, match each other and are specular to each other, generating a passage portion 15 which, given the generally curved junction of each one, appears to have curved side walls and a decreasing cross section moving away from the support body 2.

[0131] The passage portion 15, in an assembled state of said support 1, lying in the same plane X of the recess 5 of the support base 3 of the support body 2.

[0132] Even if the present embodiment is the preferred one also in terms of practicality for assembling and disassembling the support 1 on the connector RE, in particular for disassembling without touching the connected semi-rigid coaxial cable, nothing prevents a person skilled in the art from providing a single smaller substantially U bracket- shaped cable-holder element 9 and inserted inside the similarly- shaped support body 2.

[0133] At the same time nothing prevents providing still further embodiments, all falling within the scope of the attached claims.

[0134] In the represented embodiment, advantageously, as can be seen in particular in the section represented in Figure 15, the curvature of the second base portions 14 of the guide bases 10 of the cable-holder elements 9, together with the presence of the at least partially slide- shaped recess 5 of the support body 2 ensures the correct minimum bending radius to keep the features and performances of the cable unchanged.

[0135] The present embodiment provides particularly, but not limitedly, a 4.8 mm bending radius for the partially slide-shaped recess 5 and a 4.5 mm bending radius of the second base portions 14 which allow to accompany and guide the cable inserted therein in an optimum manner for any selected position of the support 1.

[0136] The user is therefore not required to check whether the assembling is correctly occurring respectively at the rotation of the cable since the rotation is automatically kept within the limits preset by the support.

[0137] In other words, the user can easily make the adjustments “on site”, without checking each angle at which the various cables are being positioned.

[0138] The support 2, as can be seen in even more detail in Figures 16 to 18 and as mentioned above, further comprises the flange 16 connected to the cable-holder elements 9.

[0139] The flange 16 is substantially parallelepiped, comparable to a square nut, it provides two hooking holes 17 opposite each other on its own side surface and a central through hole 18 between the two bases 19.

[0140] In the present embodiment, as can be seen in Figure 19, the flange 16 is connected to the cable-holder elements 9 by the clamping pins 20 passing through respective holes 21 in the connection flanks 11 of the cableholder elements 9 and through the hooking holes 17 in the cable-holder elements 9.

[0141] The support 1 then comprises the two adjustable fixing elements 22 passing through the connection openings 8 and engaging at the clamping pins 20. Therefore, each of the two adjustable fixing elements 22 is adapted, in an assembled state of the support 1, to connect the support body 2 and the cable-holder elements 9 and to engage onto the flange 16.

[0142] Clearly, in the case in which there is an embodiment with a single cableholder element 9 it is possible to provide only one adjustable fixing element 22 as for the other components set forth above.

[0143] The present embodiment allows to loosen the adjustable fixing elements 9 so as to allow the rotation of the cable-holder elements 9 with respect to the support body 2, without affecting the torsion of the semi-rigid coaxial cable.

[0144] In fact, even if the user did not correctly re-screw the adjustable fixing elements 9, when a torque wrench is used to clamp the RF connector at its own tap, this would not result in the torsion of the semi-rigid coaxial cable associated therewith and would not affect the performances of the transmission of RF signals. This is due to the fact that the rotating and tilting portion, represented by the cable-holder elements 9, is functionally disconnected from the part which holds the collar of the RF connector, i.e. the flange 16, by adopting, as mentioned, clamping pins 20 together with the adjustable fixing elements 22.

[0145] Once the flange 16 is mounted, the latter is clamped by the clamping pins 20, and it is independent of the unscrewing of the adjustable fixing elements 22.

[0146] Nothing prevents, in any case, providing an embodiment in which the at least one adjustable fixing element 22 also acts as a clamping pin 20, giving up this further advantageous effect, this embodiment being included in the scope defined by the attached claims.

[0147] The support body 2, at its own support surface 6 provides at least one fixing hole, preferably two holes, 23, which allow to lock the support body 2 in position and to confer a greater stability to the whole support 1. Moreover, this support 1 comprises, as mentioned, the connector element 24 inserted inside the through hole 18 between the bases 19 of the flange 16 and connected thereto.

[0148] This connection is obtained by the same clamping pins 20 which allow to fix not only the cable-holder elements 9 to the flange 16, but also to fix the latter to the connector element 24.

[0149] Obviously, nothing prevents providing a different coupling between the flange 16 and the connector element 24, for example by shape coupling, or by adopting pins or other fixing elements which are different and additional with respect to the clamping pins 20.

[0150] The connector element 24 allows to provide a universal type of coupling for all the RF connectors belonging to a same family of RF connectors to the so-formed support 1, as described above.

[0151] Moreover, on the support body 2, as can be seen in detail in Figure 20, at the connection between the support base 3 on the upper surface 7 thereof and at least one of the hooking side walls 4, preferably at both, a projection which represents an end-of-stroke abutment 25 for the rotation of the cable-holder elements 9 with respect to the support body 2 is provided.

[0152] This further ensures that this rotation of the cable-holder elements 9 is limited within a rotation range in which the performances of the semirigid coaxial cable and of the related RF connector are not affected in any way.

[0153] The assembling between the various components which constitute the support 1 can be seen together in the exploded view in Figure 21.

[0154] In Figures 22A and 22B it is then possible to appreciate a preferred embodiment of the rotation range which is defined between 0°, in which the flange 16 and the related connector element 24 are transversal with respect to the support base 3 of the support body 2, and 90°, in which the flange 16 and the related connector element 24 are coaxial with respect to the support base 3 of the support body 2.

[0155] Nothing prevents providing end-of-stroke abutments 25 in different positions, for example to further limit this rotation range.

[0156] A second embodiment of a support 1’ according to the present invention is represented in Figures 23-32.

[0157] In the present embodiment the support 1’ comprises a substantially L- shaped support body 2’, with a support base 3’ and a hooking side wall 4’.

[0158] As in the first embodiment, a recess 5’ is provided on the support base 3’, which is generally central and along a plane X which is parallel to the hooking side wall 4’.

[0159] As in the first embodiment, the recess 5’ is at least partially slide-shaped, thus with a greater section at the support surface 6’ and which gradually reduces up to the upper surface 7’ through a curved development.

[0160] In the present exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the hooking side wall 4’ is substantially triangular and comprises an opening 8’.

[0161] On the top 26’ of the hooking side wall 4’ a hole 27’ is provided, in which an adjustment pin 28’ is received.

[0162] In the present embodiment, as can be specifically seen in Figures 27-30, a single cable-holder element 9’ is provided, which is also substantially L- shaped, with a flank 29’, which is parallel to the hooking side wall 4’ and in an opposite position thereto with respect to the plane X, and a base 30’, which is parallel to the support base 3’.

[0163] The base 30’ has a fork-like configuration with two prongs 31’, comprising therefore a passage portion 15’ for a semi-rigid coaxial cable, this passage portion 15’ comprising curved side walls and having a decreasing cross section moving away from the support body 2’. In other words, the two prongs 31’ of the present embodiment correspond to the two second base portions 14 of the first embodiment, but provided on a single cable-holder element 9’.

[0164] In an assembled state of the support 1’, the passage portion 15’, similarly to the first embodiment, lies in the same plane X of the recess 5’ of the support base 3’ of the support body 2’.

[0165] In the present embodiment as well, a flange 16’ is provided, specifically shown in Figures 31-32, connected in this case to the single cable-holder element 9’ by a single clamping pin 20 passing through a hole 21’ in a portion projecting toward the flank 29’ of the cable-holder element 9’ and through a hole hooking 17’ in the cable-holder element 9’.

[0166] The support 1’ then comprises a single adjustable fixing element 22 passing through the connection opening 8’ and engaging at the clamping pin 20’.

[0167] Therefore, the adjustable fixing element 22’ is adapted, in an assembled state of the support 1’, to connect the support body 2’ and the cableholder element 9’ and to engage onto the flange 16’.

[0168] In an opposite position to the adjustable fixing element 22’, the flange 16’ provides a floating cylinder 32’, in an assembled state projecting toward the hooking side wall 4’, and adapted to engage in the opening 8 of the hooking side wall 4’.

[0169] On the side wall of the floating cylinder 32’ a radial groove 33’ is provided, which is adapted to receive the adjustment pin 28’ passing in the hole 27’.

[0170] By loosening or tightening the adjustment pin 28’ in the hole 27’ and in the radial groove 33’ it is thereby possible to adjust and fix in position the flange with respect to the support base 3’ and therefore to decide in which position to fix the connector element 24 connected to the flange 16’. Similarly to the first embodiment, the support body 2’ can provide an end-of- stroke abutment 25 and a fixing hole 23.

[0171] Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment achieves advantages in terms of greater overall compactness of the support 1 ’, and it allows to arrange different supports very close to each other due to the fact that the clamping and loosening from above creates fewer impediments compared to the lateral one.

[0172] A further advantage is cost reduction.

[0173] In conclusion, the support according to the embodiments of the present invention solves the above-indicated technical problem and it achieves several advantages.

[0174] It is possible to mount assemblies of cables, consisting of Precision connectors on semi-rigid coaxial cables, in more compact manner with respect to the classic “flange” and “panel” solutions, without however the need for an ad hoc mechanical support in case of connection on probe cards.

[0175] The support according to the present invention allows to optimize the space also by adapting the arrival angle of the user-side counter-cable thus exploiting a “spherical sector” (3D) instead of a plane (2D).

[0176] The proposed solution is also modular and it is thus easily applicable to different assemblies of cables of a same family, but varying in type of connector and diameter, maximizing the quantity of the common subparts.

[0177] Moreover, the support according to the present invention deliberately uncouples the mechanical interface from the electrical interface, unlike the “flange” solution, but in an even more compact manner than the “panel” solution.

[0178] Advantageously, the proposed solution then integrates the cable-holder function ensuring the compliance with the minimum bending radius and accompanying the cable to leave the section shape thereof unchanged.

[0179] Furthermore, advantageously, the accurate adjustment and setup of the angle of inclination “on site” are allowed to match the user installation requirements.

[0180] A further advantage is also represented by the fact that the proposed solution integrates the end-of-stroke function on the adjustment of the outlet angle to avoid a damage of the cable.

[0181] Still advantageously, the support according to the present invention integrates a cable anti-torsion mechanism.

[0182] Furthermore, it is immediately apparent that, advantageously, the part for adjusting the outlet angle is deliberately separated from the cable anti-torsion mechanism, to prevent a careless and incomplete clamping by the user from damaging the assembly of cables by torsion during the screwing of the user cable counterpart, by means of the above-described torque wrench.

[0183] Still advantageously, the possibly damaged mechanical parts of the assembly can be replaced without having to remove the assembly of cables, for example from the probe card.

[0184] It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that modifications and alternatives can be made to the support according to the present invention, all falling within the scope of protection of the invention defined by the attached claims.

[0185] In the above description, examples of alternative embodiments in this sense have already been provided, ranging from the use of a single cableholder element and of a single adjustable fixing element, to the use of different shapes of the various components.

[0186] Still further, for example and without any limitation, nothing prevents providing different materials for each component of the support, all included in the above scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An adjustable support connector (1, 1 j for semi-rigid coaxial cables, said support (1, l comprising: a support body (2, 2 j comprising a support base (3, 3j having a recess (5, 5j which is at least partially slide-shaped; at least one cable-holder element (9, 9j comprising at least one passage portion (15, 15 j for a semi-rigid coaxial cable, said passage portion (15, 15 j comprising curved side walls and having a decreasing cross section, said passage portion (15, 15 j, in an assembled state of said support (1, lj, lying in the same plane (X) of said recess (5, 5j of said support base (3, 3 of said support body (2, 2 j; a flange (16, 16 j connected to said at least one cable-holder element (9, 9j; at least one adjustable fixing element (22) adapted, in an assembled state of said support (1, 1 j, to connect said support body (2, 2j and said at least one cable-holder element (9, 9j and to engage onto said flange (16, 16j.

2. The support (1) according to claim 1, wherein said support body (2) is U bracket- shaped, further comprising two hooking side walls (4).

3. The support (1) according to claim 2, comprising two adjustable fixing elements (22), wherein said hooking side walls (4) comprise each a connection opening (8), wherein each of said two adjustable fixing elements (22) is adapted, in an assembled state of said support (1), to connect said support body (2) and said at least one cable-holder element (9) and to engage onto said flange (16).

4. The support (1) according to claim 3, comprising two substantially L- shaped cable-holder elements (9).

5. The support (1) according to claim 4, wherein each of saidsubstantially L-shaped cable-holder elements (9) comprises a guide base (10) comprising at least one first base portion (12) jointed to a second base portion (14), said second base portion (14) having a cross section that is less than that of said first base portion (12), said cable-holder elements (9), in an assembled state of said support, being placed facing each other and forming said passage portion (15) by said second base portions (14).

6. The support (1 j according to claim 1, wherein said support body (2j is substantially L-shaped and further comprises a hooking side wall (4j.

7. The support (lj according to claim 6, comprising a cable-holder element (9j that is substantially L-shaped and comprises a flank (29j and a base (30 j, said base (30 j comprising two prongs (31’), adapted to form said passage portion (15j for a semi-rigid coaxial cable.

8. The support (1 j according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said hooking side wall (4j comprises a top (26j whereon a hole (27j is provided, in which an adjustment pin (28j is received.

9. The support (lj according to claim 8, wherein said flange (16’) comprises a floating cylinder (32j, in an assembled state projecting toward said hooking side wall (4j, and adapted to engage in an opening (8 of said hooking side wall (4j.

10. The support (lj according to claim 9, wherein said floating cylinder (32j comprises a radial groove (33j adapted to receive said adjustment pin (28 j passing in said hole (27 j.

11. The support (1, lj according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a connector element (24) connected to said flange (16, 16 j.

12. The support (1, lj according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said flange (16, 16 j is connected to said at least one cable-holder element (9, 9j by at least one clamping pin (20, 20 j.

13. The support (1, 1’) according to claim 12, wherein at least one adjustable fixing element (22, 22j is adapted to engage at said at least one clamping pin (20, 20 j.

14. The support (1, l according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said support body (2, 2j further comprises at least one end-of- stroke abutment (25).

15. The support (1, lj according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said support body (2, 2j further comprises at least one fixing hole (23).

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