Locking modular coaxial connector system

Abstract

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of assemblies and systems, including a metallic-plated plastic housing including a housing body having a front wall with an aperture defined therein, sidewalls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and an opening opposite the front wall; an extension feature defined within the opening and coupled to the aperture, the extension feature having a shaft portion, a c-shaped portion coupled to the shaft portion, and a metallic center contact coupled to the shaft portion; and building block mounting features on at least one of the sidewalls of the housing body, the building block mounting features being configured to allow the metallic-plated plastic housing to be mated with at least one further assembly having corresponding building block mounting features.

Description

LOCKING MODULAR COAXIAL CONNECTOR SYSTEMPRIORITY APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 725,004 filed November 26, 2024, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to microwave frequency connectors, and particularly microwave frequency connectors, including edge and surface mount housings and center contacts soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB). Aspects of the disclosure further relate to high frequency connectors, low frequency connectors, and DC connectors designed for low level signals.

[0003] Some microwave frequency connectors have edge or surface mount housings and center contacts designed to solder directly to a printed circuit board (PCB). In many connector assemblies, the center contacts are typically metallic and surrounded by a plastic insulator and a metallic housing. These connector assemblies can be coupled by various methods, including a push-on design. In some assemblies, a connector having edge or surface mount housings may use a cable interconnect to transmit a signal to the PCB.

[0004] In connector assembly, there are many ways to engage with metallic housings. For example, one way is to solder a metallic contact to the center conductor and then solder the center conductor to the PCB. The metallic contact and subassembly may then be inserted into the metallic housing. The metallic center contact may mate with a socket center contact within a female mating housing. This type of design typically performs well up to 30 GHz, depending on the specification of the PCB.

[0005] In view of the aforementioned considerations, there is a need for improved microwave frequency connectors and assemblies, including microwave frequency connectors.SUMMARY

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure address the above mentioned considerations by providing an application that reduces discontinuities, and simplifies the transition of a right angle transmission lines by utilizing the coaxial cable center conductor in a swept right anglemanner as the direct transmission medium for the coaxial structure without having to transition to a use of a secondary center conductor.

[0007] One aspect of the disclosure relates to assemblies that use metallic-plated plastic housings as building blocks with standardized mounting features. In one aspect, an assembly includes a metallic-plated plastic housing having a housing body with a front wall including an aperture, sidewalls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and an opening opposite the front wall. An extension feature is defined within the opening and is coupled to the aperture. The extension feature includes a shaft portion, a c-shaped portion coupled to the shaft portion, and a metallic center contact coupled to the shaft portion. In certain embodiments, dielectrics are positioned between the metallic-plated plastic housing and the metallic center contact, and the extension feature is configured to couple the assembly to a PCB.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to building block mounting features provided on the metallic-plated plastic housing so that the housing can function as a modular building block. In some embodiments, the sidewalls of the housing include substantially cross-shaped apertures that serve as building block mounting features. These cross-shaped apertures provide multiple engagement directions and can cooperate with corresponding features on adjacent assemblies. In other embodiments, the metallic-plated plastic housing includes outwardly extending mounting features having arm mounts that extend from the housing body and provide external engagement locations. In further embodiments, the sidewalls include rectangular-shaped apertures that define alternative building block mounting features.

[0009] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a metallic-plated plastic housing includes a rectangular-shaped aperture and a mounting arm. The mounting arm projects from the housing body and cooperates with the rectangular-shaped aperture and other building block mounting features defined within the opening of the housing. The extension feature is positioned within the opening and is coupled to the aperture in the front wall so that the shaft portion and c-shaped portion extend between the front wall and the opening, while the metallic center contact extends along the shaft portion.

[0010] The disclosure further provides assemblies in which two metallic-plated plastic housings are mounted together. In these embodiments, the metallic-plated plastic housings include building block mounting features and are retained in a mated condition by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism engages the building block mounting features so that the housings are secured relative to one another while maintaining the alignment of the extensionfeatures and front apertures. The housings can be arranged with their front walls facing the same direction and with their openings oriented toward one another or in another arrangement supported by the building block mounting features.

[0011] Additional embodiments include an assembly of multiple assemblies mated together. Each assembly can include a metallic-plated plastic housing with building block mounting features such as cross-shaped apertures, outwardly extending arm mounts, rectangular-shaped apertures, and mounting arms. By repeating and mating these assemblies, larger structures can be formed. The building block mounting features on the sidewalls and within the openings cooperate with the locking mechanism and with corresponding features on adjacent assemblies to maintain the positional relationship of the metallic-plated plastic housings, while the extension features and metallic center contacts remain accessible for electrical connection or coupling to a PCB.

[0012] Additional aspects of the present disclosure further include attributes that seek to ensure that a metallic plated plastic housing in the connector performs well at high frequencies, the plastic housing includes a metallic plating to ensure good signal transmission ground, another aspect of the present disclosure includes the use of building block features to make individual connector units modular. The modular arrangement disclosed herein allows for building of a multiple port block. Aspects of the present disclosure further provide cost effective manufacturing due to the plastic molded housing, a reduction in the total weight of the connector for mass-sensitive applications, and interconnection features that allow for smaller pitch between the individual ports due to the unique locking features.

[0013] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 A is a front isometric view of a metallic-plated plastic housing, including building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. IB is a rear isometric view of the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 1A.

[0017] FIG. 1C is a right side view of the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 1 A.

[0018] FIG. ID is a cross-sectional view of an assembly, including the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 1 A, dielectrics, and a center contact and housing.

[0019] FIG. IE is a cross-sectional view of an assembly, including the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 1 A, dielectrics, and a center contact and housing coupled to a PCB.

[0020] FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of a metallic-plated plastic housing, including building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0021] FIG. 2B is a front view of the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 2A.

[0022] FIG. 3 A is an isometric view of a metallic-plated plastic housing, including building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0023] FIG. 3B is another isometric view of a metallic-plated plastic housing, including building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0024] FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a metallic-plated plastic housing, including building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0025] FIG. 4B is a front view of the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 4A.

[0026] FIG. 4C is a left side view of the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 4A.

[0027] FIG. 4D is a right-side view of the metallic-plated plastic housing shown in FIG. 4A.

[0028] FIG. 5 A is an assembly of two metallic-plated plastic housings in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0029] FIG. 5B is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 5 A.

[0030] FIG. 5C is a left side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 5A.

[0031] FIG. 5D is a top partial cross-sectional view of the two metallic-plated plastic housings and a locking mechanism in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0032] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of an assembly, including mated blocks in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0033] FIG. 6B is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6A.

[0034] FIG. 6C is a left partial cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6A.

[0035] FIG. 6D is a top partial cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6A.

[0036] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Like numbers used in the figures may be used to refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with particular reference to the Drawings. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may take on various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not to be limited to the following described exemplary embodiments, but are to be controlled by the features and limitations set forth in the claims and any equivalents thereof.

[0038] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0039] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “lower,” “upper,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on top,” if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath other elements would then be above those other elements.

[0041] Cartesian coordinates are used in some of the Figures for reference and are not intended to be limiting as to direction or orientation.

[0042] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented with respect to the Cartesian coordinates in the corresponding Figure, unless stated otherwise. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

[0043] Disclosed herein are embodiments directed to modular edge or surface mount housings (also referred to herein as mounting housings or blocks) that may be dynamically configured to include one or more ports, wherein each port is configured to house a connector which may be mated (snapped / clipped / soldered or otherwise mated) with a printed circuit board (PCB). The mounting housings may be molded plastic and one or more mounting housings may include multiple interface ports that are useful in high volume applications. The plastic molded mounting housing makes the connector assembly cost effective and reduces the total weight of the connector assembly for mass sensitive applications. The mounting housing may also be made from materials other than molded plastic.

[0044] FIGs. 1A, IB, 1C, and ID show views of an assembly 100 including a metallic- plated plastic housing 110 and various building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 1 A shows a front isometric view of the assembly 100.The housing 110 includes a housing body 112 with a front wall 114 having an aperture 116 defined therein, sidewalls 118, a top wall 122, and a bottom wall 124. Each sidewall 118 includes a substantially cross-shaped aperture 120a, 120b defined therein. The cross-shaped apertures 120a, 120b extend through the thickness of the sidewalls 118 and form building block mounting features that permit engagement with other components or with other assemblies.

[0045] FIG. IB is a rear view of the assembly 100, showing further details of the building block mounting features and the metallic-plated plastic housing 110. From this view, an opening 126 of the housing 110 is shown opposite the front wall 114. Defined within the opening 126 and coupled to the aperture 116 is an extension feature 130. The extension feature 130 has a shaft portion 132 that extends from the front wall 114 toward the opening 126, and a c-shaped portion 134 coupled to the shaft portion 132. A center contact 136 is also coupled to the shaft portion 132. In some embodiments, the center contact 136 is metallic and extends along the shaft portion 132 to provide an electrical path. The cross-shaped apertures 120a, 120b on the sidewalls 118 are visible from the rear and illustrate how the building block mounting features are distributed around the opening 126 of the housing 110. FIG. ID shows a cross-sectional view with the building block mounting features, the metallic plated plastic housing 110, two dielectrics 140a, 140b, and the metallic center contact 136. FIG. IE further shows to a PCB.

[0046] FIG. 1C shows a right-side view of the assembly 100, further illustrating the building block mounting features and the metallic-plated plastic housing 110. In this view, one of the cross-shaped apertures 120a, 120b is shown extending across the sidewall 118, demonstrating how the cross-shaped geometry provides multiple engagement directions along both vertical and horizontal portions of the cross shape. The relationship between the cross-shaped apertures and the front wall 114, top wall 122, and bottom wall 124 is also visible, highlighting the way in which the building block mounting features are integrated into the housing body 112.

[0047] FIG. ID shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly 100, including the building block mounting features, the metallic-plated plastic housing 110, two dielectrics 140a, 140b, and the metallic center contact 136. In this cross-sectional view, the dielectrics 140a, 140b are positioned between the metallic-plated plastic housing 110 and the metallic center contact 136. The extension feature 130, including the shaft portion 132 and the c-shaped portion 134,is shown extending from the front wall 114 into the opening 126, with the center contact 136 supported by the dielectrics 140a, 140b. This arrangement illustrates how the metallic-plated plastic housing 110, dielectrics 140a, 140b, and metallic center contact 136 cooperate to provide both mechanical support and electrical isolation.

[0048] FIG. IE further shows the assembly 100 coupled to a PCB. In this view, the metallic center contact 136 is positioned to interface with a conductive feature on the PCB, and the metallic-plated plastic housing 110 can be grounded or otherwise electrically connected as needed. The building block mounting features, including the cross-shaped apertures 120a, 120b, remain accessible for engagement with other assemblies or mounting structures, enabling assembly 100 to act as a building block within a larger system.

[0049] FIGS. 2 A and 2B illustrate another assembly 200 including a metallic-plated plastic housing 210 and building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. This version of the housing 210 includes outwardly extending mounting features having arm mounts 250a, 250b. FIG. 2A shows a front isometric view of the assembly 200. The housing 210 includes a housing body 212 with a front wall 214 having an aperture 216 defined therein, sidewalls 218a, 218b, a top wall 222, and a bottom wall 224. The arm mounts 250a, 250b extend outwardly from the housing body 212 and provide external building block mounting features that cooperate with mating structures or with corresponding arm mounts on other assemblies.

[0050] FIG. 2B provides an additional view of the assembly 200, further highlighting the outwardly extending arm mounts 250a, 250b and their relationship to the housing body 212. The arm mounts 250a, 250b are positioned adjacent the opening at the rear of the housing 210 so that the assembly 200 can be secured to other components while maintaining access to the front aperture 216 and any extension feature coupled thereto. The metallic-plated plastic housing 210 can include an extension feature similar to the extension feature 130 of assembly 100, positioned within an opening and coupled to the aperture 216, thereby forming another building block configuration using different mounting features.

[0051] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate another assembly 200, including a metallic-plated plastic housing 210 and building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. This version of the housing 210 includes outwardly extending mounting features, having arm mount 250a, 250b. FIG. 2 A shows a front isometric view of theassembly 200. The housing 210 includes a housing body 212 with a front wall 214 with an aperture 216 defined therein, sidewalls 218a, 218b, a top wall 222, and a bottom wall 224.

[0052] FIGs. 3 A and 3B illustrate another assembly 300 including a metallic-plated plastic housing 310 and building block mounting features in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. This version of the housing 310 includes rectangular-shaped apertures 31 la, 31 lb. FIG. 3 A shows a front isometric view of the assembly 300. The housing 310 includes a housing body 312 with a front wall 314 having an aperture 316 defined therein, sidewalls 318a, 318b, a top wall 322, and a bottom wall 324. The rectangular-shaped apertures 31 la, 311b are formed in the sidewalls 318a, 318b and provide alternative building block mounting features that are distinct from the cross-shaped apertures described above.

[0053] FIG. 3B is a front view of the assembly 300, showing further details of building block mounting features and the metallic-plated plastic housing 310. From this view, the opening 326 of the housing 310 is shown. Defined within the opening 326 and coupled to the aperture 316 is an extension feature 330, having a shaft portion 332, and a c-shaped portion 334.

[0054] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D show views of another assembly 400 including a metallic- plated plastic housing 410 and building block mounting features in accordance with some embodiments. This version of the housing 410 includes a rectangular-shaped aperture 411 and a mounting arm 413. FIG. 4A shows a front isometric view of the assembly 400. The housing 410 includes a housing body 412 with a front wall 414 having an aperture 416 defined therein, sidewalls 418a, 418b, a top wall 422, and a bottom wall 424. The rectangular-shaped aperture 411 and the mounting arm 413 are formed on or extend from the housing body 412 and provide building block mounting features suited for engaging other assemblies or mounting structures.

[0055] FIG. 4B is a front view of the assembly 400, showing further details of the building block mounting features and the metallic-plated plastic housing 410. From this view, the mounting arm 413 of the housing 410 is shown projecting from the housing body 412. The rectangular-shaped aperture 411 is visible and can cooperate with the mounting arm 413 of another assembly 400, or with other building block mounting features, to secure assemblies together.

[0056] FIGS. 4C and 4D further show how the mounting features are defined within an opening 426 and coupled to the aperture 416. An extension feature 430 is provided within the opening 426 and is coupled to the aperture 416. The extension feature 430 has a shaft portion 432 and a c-shaped portion 434, similar to the extension features described above. The relative positions of the rectangular-shaped aperture 411, the mounting arm 413, and the extension feature 430 illustrate how the building block mounting features and the extension feature are integrated into the metallic-plated plastic housing 410.

[0057] FIGS. 5 A, 5B, 5C, and 5D show views of an assembly 500 including two metallic- plated plastic housings mounted together in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5 A shows a front isometric view of the assembly 500 in which two housings of the type shown in FIG. 4A are mated together. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the assembly 500, illustrating how the building block mounting features of the two housings cooperate when the housings are mounted together. FIG. 5C shows a left-side view of the assembly 500, providing additional detail regarding the relative positioning of the housings and the building block mounting features. FIG. 5D shows a top section view of the assembly 500, illustrating the housings shown in FIG. 4A mated together and a locking mechanism that retains the housings in a mated condition. The locking mechanism engages the building block mounting features of the housings and prevents separation under normal operating conditions while allowing assembly and disassembly when desired.

[0058] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D show an assembly of multiple assemblies 400 mated together. In these figures, each assembly 400 includes a metallic-plated plastic housing 410 with building block mounting features such as the rectangular-shaped aperture 411 and mounting arm 413, together with the extension feature 430 having the shaft portion 432 and c-shaped portion 434. The assemblies 400 are arranged so that their building block mounting features engage one another, forming a larger array. The metallic-plated plastic housings 410 remain individually identifiable as building blocks, but when mated together they form a mechanically robust and electrically functional structure. The locking mechanism can be applied to multiple adjacent assemblies 400, cooperating with the building block mounting features to hold the entire array together.

[0059] These embodiments show how metallic-plated plastic housings having standardized building block mounting features and extension features can be used singly, in pairs, or inlarger numbers to construct modular assemblies suitable for mounting to a PCB and for use in a wide variety of systems.

[0060] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. Since modifications combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An assembly, comprising: a metallic-plated plastic housing including a housing body having a front wall with an aperture defined therein, sidewalls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and an opening opposite the front wall; an extension feature defined within the opening and coupled to the aperture, the extension feature having a shaft portion, a c-shaped portion coupled to the shaft portion, and a metallic center contact coupled to the shaft portion; and building block mounting features on at least one of the sidewalls of the housing body, the building block mounting features being configured to allow the metallic-plated plastic housing to be mated with at least one further assembly having corresponding building block mounting features.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein each sidewall includes a substantially cross-shaped aperture forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metallic-plated plastic housing includes outwardly extending mounting features having arm mounts forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

4. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the sidewalls includes a rectangular-shaped aperture forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

5. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metallic- plated plastic housing includes a rectangular-shaped aperture and a mounting arm forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

6. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the building block mounting features are defined within the opening of the metallic-plated plastic housing adjacent the sidewalls.

7. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shaft portion of the extension feature extends from the front wall toward the opening and the c-shaped portion is positioned between the front wall and the opening.

8. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the metallic center contact extends along the shaft portion of the extension feature from the aperture toward the opening.

9. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the extension feature is configured to be coupled to a PCB while the building block mounting features remain accessible for mating to another assembly.

10. An assembly, comprising: two metallic-plated plastic housings mounted together, each metallic- plated plastic housing including a housing body having a front wall with an aperture defined therein, sidewalls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and an opening opposite the front wall, and an extension feature defined within the opening and coupled to the aperture, the extension feature having a shaft portion, a c- shaped portion coupled to the shaft portion, and a metallic center contact coupled to the shaft portion; building block mounting features on at least one of the metallic-plated plastic housings; and a locking mechanism retaining the two metallic-plated plastic housings in a mated condition by engaging the building block mounting features.

11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein each metallic-plated plastic housing further includes building block mounting features on at least one of the sidewalls of the housing body.

12. The assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein each metallic-plated plastic housing further includes an opening opposite the front wall, and the building block mounting features are positioned adjacent the opening.

13. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the building block mounting features of each metallic-plated plastic housing are defined within the opening and coupled to the aperture by the extension feature.

14. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the building block mounting features of each metallic-plated plastic housing include an extension feature having the shaft portion and the c-shaped portion positioned to cooperate with corresponding features of the other metallic-plated plastic housing.

15. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein at least one metallic-plated plastic housing includes a rectangular-shaped aperture and a mounting arm forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

16. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein at least one metallic-plated plastic housing includes substantially cross-shaped apertures in the sidewalls forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

17. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein at least one metallic-plated plastic housing includes outwardly extending mounting features having arm mounts forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

18. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the two metallic-plated plastic housings are metallic-plated plastic housings each having a rectangular-shaped aperture and a mounting arm forming at least part of the building block mounting features.

19. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 18, further including multiple assemblies each including two metallic-plated plastic housings mounted together and mated together by their respective building block mounting features.

20. The assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 19, wherein the locking mechanism cooperates with the building block mounting features of the multiple assemblies mated together to retain the multiple assemblies in a mated condition.

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