Electrical Connector

Abstract

An electrical connector structure adapted for quick connection while yet maintaining the impedance characteristics of a transmission means, such as a transmission line. The connector may be arranged for use with coaxial electrical coupling elements permitting a plurality of simultaneous connections to be made as between components of an apparatus. The connector structure includes a tubular member providing releasable retained association of the electrical coupling elements for facilitated connection and disconnection.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to electrical connector structures and in particular to constant impedance connector structures.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Electrical connectors are well known for providing electrical and/or mechanical connections between elements such as cables and components of apparatus. Such connectors include plugs, jacks, receptacles, etc. Where relatively high frequencies are to be conducted, special provisions are made to maintain desired impedance and preclude noise, leaks, shorts, etc., in the connections. Such high-frequency connectors are utilized illustratively in connection with microphones, chassis, cables, etc. In the conventional high-frequency connectors means are provided for maintaining the impedance characteristics of the elements being connected. Thus, such connectors may be referred to as constant impedance connectors. Illustratively, such a connector may be utilized to connect two portions of a 50 ohm coaxial cable without affecting the impedance characteristics thereof.

The known connectors providing such constant impedance characteristics are provided with threaded means for effecting the desired mechanical junction between the elements being connected. Such mechanical connecting means have been found to provide a serious limitation in the usefulness of such connectors in that it is difficult at times to provide sufficient space to permit facilitated connection and disconnection. Further, a substantial amount of time is necessary to effect such mechanical connections and, where a large number of such connections are to be made, this presents a serious cost and time problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprehends an improved electrical connector structure wherein a constant impedance-type electrical connection is provided in combination with mechanical junction means affording a quick-connect type of connection. In the present invention, a tubular element is provided on one of the electrical coupling elements and includes friction retaining means for releasably retaining in mechanically held association the other of the electrical coupling elements. The electrical coupling elements may comprise coaxial coupling elements and the tubular member defines positive push on-type quick-connect mechanical securing means with the coupling elements disposed coaxially within the tubular member.

The tubular member is extremely simple and economical of construction while yet providing in the electrical connector structure the highly desirable quick-connect functioning discussed above. The tubular member may be provided with spring fingers for effecting the desired releasable holding action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded side elevation of a connector embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevation of one of the coupling elements thereof;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side elevation of another form of connector embodying the invention; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded side elevation of still another form of connector embodying the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention as disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, a connector generally designated 10 is shown to comprise a first electrical coupling element 11, a second electrical coupling element 12, and a tubular retaining member 13.

The first coupling element 11 is provided with a coaxially annularly grooved cylindrical base portion 14 adapted to receive a first end portion 15 of the tubular member 13. The second coupling element 12 is provided with a tubular projection 16 adapted to receive in frictional engagement the opposite end 17 of the tubular member 13 defined by a plurality of spring fingers 18. The tubular member end 15 is fixedly secured to the base 14 as by being press fitted thereto. Coupling element 11 is provided with a conventional electrical connecting means, such as male coaxial connector portion 19, and second coupling element 12 may be provided with a complementary female coaxial connector portion 20.

In making an electrical connection, the male-coupling element 11 may be brought to the female-coupling element 12 so as to electrically connect the coaxial elements 19 and 20. The spring fingers 18 frictionally engage the outer surface of the tubular projection 16 to releasably lock the coupling elements in electrical connected association. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the female coupling element 12 may comprise a panel mounted element having a plate portion 21 provided with suitable openings as for extension of screws or rivets therethrough to secure the plate to a mounting panel (not shown) as desired. In illustrating the connector 10, the male coupling element 11 is shown as a right-angle adapter arranged to have quick connection with the chassis-type coupling element 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the invention is illustrated in connection with coupling elements of modified form. Thus, the female-coupling element 112 may comprise a locknut-type receptacle and the male-coupling element 111 may comprise a conventional straight plug.

As shown in FIG. 4, the male-coupling element 211 may comprise a conventional cable plug and the female-coupling element 212 may comprise a conventional female cable plug. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, other forms of connector elements may be employed utilizing the quick-connect means of tubular member 13, base 14 and tubular projection 16 within the scope of the invention. Further, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, not only coaxial connections may be utilized, but all conventional forms of electrical coupling means may be utilized to provide the desired quick-connect type of constant impedance connection. The tubular member 13 may formed of a suitable material such as spring bronze.

While the invention has been illustrated in connection with a tubular member fixedly secured to the male element, as will be further obvious to those skilled in the art, the tubular member may be reversely fixedly secured to the female element for releasable engagement with the male element as desired. Thus, the invention comprehends broadly the provision of such an electrical connector structure wherein a slip on-type quick-connect connection is made in conjunction with a constant impedance-type electrical coupling to provide facilitated connection between portions of electrical apparatus of all types.

As the retaining member 13 may engage the tubular projection 16 in any angular position about the axis of the tubular projection, the electrical connection is facilitated. Thus, for example, where the first coupling element comprises an elbow-type element, such as element 11 of FIG. 1, the distal portion 23 may extend in any desired direction radially from the axis of the connecting portion 19. Where the first coupling element comprises a rectilinear element, the ability to make the connection with the first coupling element disposed in any angular position about the axis of the coupling permits the coupling to be made without twisting the cables, etc., to which the coupling elements are connected.

The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is illustrative of the broad inventive concepts comprehended by the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. An electrical connector structure comprising:

a first electrical coupling element having a base portion;

a second electrical coupling element having a tubular projection;

a retainer member having first and second opposite ends;

first frictional engagement means for developing frictional forces to fixedly secure said first end of the retainer member to the base portion; and

second frictional engagement means for developing frictional forces less than the frictional forces developed by said first frictional engagement means to releasably secure said second end of the retaining member to the tubular projection upon engagement of the coupling elements to releasably maintain said elements in electrically connected association.

2. The electrical connector structure of claim 1 wherein said first frictional engagement means includes a shoulder means carried by said base portion for mechanically interlocking the first end of the retainer member therewith.

3. The electrical connector structure of claim 1 wherein said base portion of the first electrical coupling element is cylindrical and has a radially outwardly opening coaxial groove, said first end of the retainer member overlying said groove.

4. The electrical connector structure of claim 1 wherein said first end of the retainer member is press fitted onto said base portion of the first electrical coupling element.

5. The electrical connector structure of claim 1 wherein said retainer member first end is annular and said second opposite end comprises a plurality of spring fingers.