阅读说明：本技术 具有用于改变导体的接地路径的接地管的同轴连接器 (Coaxial connector with grounding tube for changing grounding path of conductor ) 是由 托马斯·E·弗莱厄蒂四世 于 2018-04-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文公开了具有用于改变同轴连接器的导体的接地路径的接地管的同轴连接器。同轴连接器包括接地管,所述接地管安装在连接器外壳内并围绕第一导体的至少一部分,以初始地建立并随后断开第一导体与同轴连接器的外壳之间的接地路径。在接触配合连接器之后,第一导体与第一导体外壳一起移动,所述第一导体外壳将接地管的多个指状件从关闭位置移动至开启位置。此断开了第一导体与连接器外壳之间的接地路径,并建立了第一导体与配合连接器之间的电气路径。因此,在建立同轴连接器与配合连接器之间的电连接之前,同轴连接器接地。(Coaxial connectors having a grounding tube for altering the grounding path of the conductor of the coaxial connector are disclosed herein. The coaxial connector includes a grounding tube mounted within the connector housing and surrounding at least a portion of the first conductor to initially establish and subsequently break a grounding path between the first conductor and the housing of the coaxial connector. After contacting the mating connector, the first conductor moves with the first conductor housing, which moves the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube from the closed position to the open position. This breaks the ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing and establishes an electrical path between the first conductor and the mating connector. Thus, prior to establishing an electrical connection between the coaxial connector and the mating connector, the coaxial connector is grounded.)

1. A coaxial connector, comprising:

a connector housing;

a first conductor mounted within the connector housing and configured to electrically contact a first connector; and

a grounding tube mounted within and in electrical communication with the connector housing, the grounding tube positioned around at least a portion of the first conductor, the grounding tube comprising a plurality of fingers radially biased inwardly and movable between a closed position and an open position, the plurality of fingers configured to electrically engage the first conductor in the closed position to establish a ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing;

wherein the coaxial connector is configured to establish an electrical path between the first conductor and the first connector to electrically separate the first conductor and disconnect the ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing after the plurality of fingers of the ground tube are pivoted radially outward to the open position.

2. The coaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the coaxial connector is further configured to establish the electrical path between the first conductor and the first connector after establishing a ground path between the first conductor, the grounding tube, the coaxial connector housing, and the first conductor.

3. The coaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the grounding tube further comprises a tube first end positioned toward a connector housing first end of the connector housing and a tube second end positioned toward a connector housing second end of the connector housing, the tube first end fixedly positioned relative to the connector housing, the tube second end comprising a plurality of fingers.

4. The coaxial connector of claim 3, wherein the tube first end includes a first opening and the second tube end includes a second opening smaller than the first opening when the plurality of fingers are in the closed position.

5. The coaxial connector of claim 4,

further comprising: a first conductor housing comprising a conductor housing first end and a conductor housing second end, the conductor housing second end located within the grounding tube and comprising an outer perimeter that is larger than the first opening of the grounding tube and smaller than the second opening of the grounding tube when the plurality of fingers are in the closed position;

wherein at least a portion of the first conductor is located within the first conductor housing;

wherein movement of the first conductor housing toward the tube second end moves the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube from the closed position to the open position.

6. The coaxial connector of claim 5, wherein the coaxial connector is further configured to establish an electrical path between the first conductor and the first connector after the first conductor housing is moved relative to the grounding tube.

7. The coaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the connector housing comprises a connector housing first end and a connector housing second end, and wherein the first conductor is biased toward the connector housing first end and configured to move toward the connector housing second end when in contact with the first connector.

8. The coaxial connector of claim 7, wherein the coaxial connector is further configured to establish an electrical path between the first conductor and the first connector after the first conductor is moved toward the connector housing second end.

9. The coaxial connector of claim 7, further comprising a second conductor mounted within the connector housing, the second conductor being axially aligned with the first conductor and positioned relative to the first conductor toward the housing second end.

10. The coaxial connector of claim 9, wherein the second conductor is fixedly attached to the connector housing, and wherein the second conductor is in electrical communication with the first conductor.

11. The coaxial connector of claim 1,

further comprising: a grounding collar mounted to and in electrical communication with the connector housing, wherein at least a portion of the first conductor is positioned within the grounding collar, the grounding collar biased toward the connector housing first end and configured to move toward the connector housing second end when in contact with a first connector;

wherein the coaxial connector is further configured to:

after establishing a ground path between the ground collar and the first connector; and

after the ground collar is moved; establishing an electrical path between the first conductor and the first connector.

12. The coaxial connector of claim 11, further comprising:

a housing fixedly attached to the connector housing; and

a gap defined between the connector housing and the outer shell;

wherein at least a portion of the grounding collar is positioned and movable within the gap.

13. The coaxial connector of claim 12, further comprising a first spring positioned within the gap, the first spring biasing the grounding collar toward the connector housing first end.

14. The coaxial connector of claim 13, wherein the grounding collar and the first conductor are independently biased.

15. The coaxial connector of claim 14, further comprising a second spring positioned within the connector housing, the second spring biasing the first conductor toward the connector housing first end.

16. A coaxial connector, comprising:

a connector housing including a connector housing first end and a connector housing second end;

a first conductor comprising a first conductor first end and a first conductor second end, the first conductor first end configured to contact a first connector, the first conductor mounted within the connector housing through a first dielectric toward the connector housing first end, the first conductor biased toward the connector housing first end and configured to move toward the connector housing second end when the first conductor first end is in contact with the first connector;

a second conductor comprising a second conductor first end in electrical contact with the first conductor second end, and a second conductor second end configured to contact a second connector, the second conductor mounted within the connector housing through a second dielectric toward the connector housing second end, the second conductor fixed relative to the connector housing;

a grounding tube mounted within and in electrical communication with the connector housing, the grounding tube positioned around at least a portion of the first conductor, the grounding tube including a plurality of fingers radially biased inwardly and movable between a closed position and an open position, the plurality of fingers configured to electrically engage the first conductor in the closed position to establish a ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing; and

a grounding collar mounted to and in electrical communication with the connector housing, wherein at least a portion of the first conductor is positioned within the grounding collar, the grounding collar biased toward the connector housing first end and configured to move toward the connector housing second end upon contacting the first connector;

wherein the coaxial connector is configured to establish an electrical path between the second conductor, the first conductor, and the first connector;

after establishing a ground path between the first conductor, the ground tube, the connector housing, the ground collar, and the first connector;

after the grounding sleeve is moved relative to the connector housing;

after the first conductor is moved relative to the connector housing and the grounding tube; and

electrically separating and breaking the ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing after the plurality of fingers of the ground tube are pivoted radially outward to the open position.

17. The coaxial connector of claim 16, wherein the grounding tube further comprises a tube first end positioned toward the connector housing first end and a tube second end positioned toward the connector housing second end, the tube first end fixedly positioned relative to the connector housing and the tube second end comprising a plurality of fingers.

18. The coaxial connector of claim 17, wherein the tube first end includes a first opening and the second tube end includes a second opening smaller than the first opening when the plurality of fingers are in the closed position.

19. The coaxial connector of claim 18,

further comprising a first conductor housing comprising a conductor housing first end and a conductor housing second end, the conductor housing second end located within the ground tube and comprising an outer perimeter that is larger than the first opening of the ground tube and smaller than the second opening of the ground tube when the plurality of fingers are in the closed position;

wherein at least a portion of the first conductor is located within the first conductor housing; and is

Wherein movement of the first conductor housing toward the tube second end moves the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube from the closed position to the open position.

20. The coaxial connector of claim 19, wherein the coaxial connector is further configured to establish an electrical path between the first conductor and the first connector after the first conductor housing is moved relative to the grounding tube.

21. The coaxial connector of claim 16, wherein the grounding collar and the first conductor are independently biased.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to electrical coaxial connectors for establishing electrical connection between mated electrical connectors; and more particularly to electrical coaxial connectors having a grounding tube for initially establishing and subsequently disconnecting a grounding path from a conductor of the coaxial connector.

Background

Coaxial connectors are often used to establish electrical connections between different electronic devices and/or electronic components to one another to establish electronic communication between the different electronic devices and/or electronic components. Coaxial connectors are electrical connectors that are commonly used with coaxial cables to maintain good connection and shielding across the coaxial component connection. In particular, the coaxial connector is configured to carry (e.g., propagate) electrical signals (e.g., frequency signals, Radio Frequency (RF) signals, microwave RF signals, and the like) across the connection of the coaxial components. Some coaxial connectors are used as adapters to mate and provide electrical communication between two other connectors that need to be mated.

Coaxial connectors typically include conductive contacts surrounded by a non-conductive insulator (e.g., plastic), which is in turn surrounded by a housing and other components. In manufacturing and machining the coaxial connector, each component (e.g., part and portion) of the coaxial connector has a certain manufacturing tolerance or variation (e.g., +/-0.001 mm). When assembling the coaxial connector, the manufacturing tolerances of each individual component are due to tolerance stack-up or variation range of the entire assembly. In other words, for example, the precise location of the tip of the conductor (e.g., a formpin contact, a female receptacle contact, etc.) relative to the end of the housing may vary between different coaxial connectors, even if the coaxial connectors are of the same type and manufacture. This creates some variability in the compression and/or mating distance required for these connectors to make and/or maintain electrical contact for continuous signal conductivity.

In addition, these coaxial connectors typically require a ground contact as part of the circuit connection formed by the connector. However, a surge can occur when a coaxial connector is mated with another connector, as the build up of static electricity in the connector can result in an electrostatic discharge (ESD) on the conductor before grounding through the ground contact. Such surges can cause damage to electronics (e.g., a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and/or components thereof) in electrical communication with the coaxial connector. Furthermore, without a proper ground connection, the coaxial connector may not function properly (e.g., may not provide a properly functioning RF path) and/or may experience rapid electrical degradation of the conductors of the corresponding connector.

No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. Applicants expressly reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any cited document.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present application relate to coaxial connectors having a grounding tube for altering a grounding path of a conductor of the coaxial connector. The coaxial connector is configured to establish a ground path between and through two mating connectors prior to an electrical path through the two mating connectors. In an exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a coaxial connector includes a connector housing having a first conductor mounted within the connector housing by a first conductor housing and a second conductor mounted within the connector housing by a second conductor housing. Further, the coaxial connector includes a grounding tube mounted within the connector housing and surrounding at least a portion of the first conductor to initially establish and subsequently break a grounding path between the first conductor and the housing. In some embodiments, the grounding tube includes a plurality of fingers biased radially inward and movable between a closed position and an open position to make and break electrical contact with the first conductor. The initial ground path shorts any potential electrostatic discharge (ESD) that may be caused between the first conductor of the coaxial connector and the mating connector during mating. After the first conductor of the coaxial connector contacts the mating connector, the first conductor moves (e.g., axially translates) with the first conductor housing, which moves the plurality of fingers from the closed position to the open position. This, for example, breaks the ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing and connects the first connector to the mating connector to establish an electrical path between the first conductor and the mating connector and through the coaxial connector. Thus, the coaxial connector may be grounded prior to establishing an electrical connection between and through the coaxial connector and the mating connector.

One embodiment of the present application relates to a coaxial connector. The coaxial connector includes a connector housing, a first conductor mounted within the connector housing and configured to be in electrical contact with a first connector, and a grounding tube mounted within the connector housing and in electrical communication with the connector housing. A grounding tube is positioned around at least a portion of the first conductor. The grounding tube includes a plurality of fingers biased radially inward and movable between a closed position and an open position. The plurality of fingers are configured to electrically engage the first conductor in the closed position to establish a ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing. The coaxial connector is configured to establish an electrical path between the first conductor and the first connector after the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube are pivoted radially outward to the open position to electrically separate the first conductor and break a ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a coaxial connector including a connector housing, a first conductor, a second conductor, a grounding tube, and a grounding collar. The connector housing includes a connector housing first end and a connector housing second end. The first conductor includes a first conductor first end and a first conductor second end. The first conductor first end is configured to contact the first connector. The first conductor is mounted within the connector housing through the first dielectric toward the first end of the connector housing. The first conductor is biased toward the connector housing first end and is configured to move toward the connector housing second end when the first conductor first end is in contact with the first connector. The second conductor includes a second conductor first end and a second conductor second end. The second conductor first end is in electrical contact with the first conductor second end. The second conductor second end is configured to contact a second connector. The second conductor is mounted within the connector housing through the second dielectric toward the connector housing second end. The second conductor is fixed relative to the connector housing. A grounding tube is mounted within and in electrical communication with the connector housing. A grounding tube is positioned around at least a portion of the first conductor. The grounding tube includes a plurality of fingers biased radially inward and movable between a closed position and an open position. The plurality of fingers are electrically configured to electrically engage the first conductor in the closed position to establish a ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing. The ground collar is mounted to and in electrical communication with the connector housing, with at least a portion of the first conductor positioned within the ground collar. The ground collar is biased toward the connector housing first end and is configured to move toward the connector housing second end upon contact with the first connector. (i) After establishing the ground path between the first conductor, the grounding tube, the connector housing, the grounding collar, (ii) after the grounding collar is moved relative to the connector housing, (iii) after the first conductor is moved relative to the connector housing and the grounding tube, and (iv) after the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube are pivoted radially outward to the open position, the coaxial connector is configured to establish an electrical path between the second conductor, the first conductor, and the first connector to electrically separate the first conductor and break the ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the 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 in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework for 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 one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector sub-assembly showing an exemplary coaxial connector mated with a first mating connector and a second mating connector, wherein the coaxial connector includes a ground tube that alters a ground path using a first conductor of the coaxial connector, and wherein the coaxial connector includes a first mating interface at a first end, a second mating interface at a second end, a housing assembly therebetween, and an electrical trace assembly mounted within the housing assembly;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the coaxial connector and the first mating connector of FIG. 1A separated from one another;

fig. 1C is a perspective view of a first mating interface of the coaxial connector of fig. 1A;

fig. 1D is a perspective view of a first mating interface of the first mating connector of fig. 1A;

fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a housing assembly of the coaxial connector of fig. 1A-1D;

fig. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of the coaxial connector of fig. 1A-1D, illustrating assembly of a housing assembly with an electrical trace assembly, wherein the housing assembly includes a housing and a grounding collar, and the electrical trace assembly includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a grounding tube mounted within the housing;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the grounding tube of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a front view of the grounding tube of FIG. 3A;

fig. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the coaxial connector of fig. 1A-3 showing the coaxial connector second mating interface engaged with a second mating connector and the coaxial connector first mating interface disconnected from the first mating connector of fig. 1A-1D;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the coaxial connector of FIG. 4A showing initial contact of the coaxial connector grounding collar with the first mating connector with the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube in a closed position;

fig. 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the coaxial connector of fig. 4A showing axial translation of the grounding collar and initial contact of the first conductor with the first mating connector with the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube in a closed position; and is

Fig. 4D is a cross-sectional side view of the coaxial connector of fig. 4A showing axial translation of the grounding collar, the first conductor, and the plurality of fingers of the grounding tube in the open position.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to coaxial connectors having a grounding tube for altering a grounding path of a conductor of the coaxial connector. The coaxial connector is configured to establish a ground path between and through two mating connectors prior to an electrical path through the two mating connectors. In an exemplary aspect disclosed herein, a coaxial connector includes a connector housing having a first conductor mounted within the connector housing by a first conductor housing and a second conductor mounted within the connector housing by a second conductor housing. Further, the coaxial connector includes a grounding tube mounted within the connector housing and surrounding at least a portion of the first conductor to initially establish and subsequently break a grounding path between the first conductor and the housing. In some embodiments, the grounding tube includes a plurality of fingers biased radially inward and movable between a closed position and an open position to make and break electrical contact with the first conductor. The initial ground path shorts any potential electrostatic discharge (ESD) that may be caused between the first conductor of the coaxial connector and the mating connector during mating. After the first conductor of the coaxial connector contacts the mating connector, the first conductor moves (e.g., axially translates) with the first conductor housing, which moves the plurality of fingers from the closed position to the open position. As an example, this breaks the ground path between the first conductor and the connector housing and connects the first connector to the mating connector to establish an electrical path between the first conductor and the mating connector and through the coaxial connector. Thus, the coaxial connector may be grounded prior to establishing an electrical connection between and through the coaxial connector and the mating connector.

In this regard, fig. 1A-1D are views of one embodiment of a connector sub-assembly 100 illustrating an exemplary coaxial connector 102, a first mating connector 104, and a second mating connector 106. The coaxial connector 102 is configured to establish a ground path between the coaxial connector 102, the first mating connector 104, and/or the second mating connector 106 and in front of an electrical path through the coaxial connector 102, the first mating connector 104, and/or the second mating connector 106. As discussed in more detail below, the coaxial connector 102 establishes a ground path with the first mating connector 104 before the coaxial connector 102 establishes an electrical path through the coaxial connector 102 with the first mating connector 104 through the use of one or more axially translating features (e.g., a ground collar) and/or one or more radially translating features (e.g., a ground tube). Establishing a ground path between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 may short any accumulated potential ESD and/or discharged ESD before establishing an electrical path between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 and through the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104. In addition, the coaxial connector 102 compensates for tolerance stack-up variability by axially translating one or more electrical features (discussed in more detail below). When the coaxial connector 102 is mated with the first mating connector 104, the radially translating grounding feature is designed to initially establish a grounding path with the conductor of the coaxial connector 102 and subsequently break the grounding path. In some embodiments, the axially translating grounding feature is designed to contact the first mating connector when the coaxial connector 102 is mated with the first mating connector 104, and to axially translate before the electrical feature contacts the first mating connector 104. Thus, the radially translating feature and/or the axially translating feature ground the coaxial connector 102 (while also compensating for tolerance stack-up variability in the coaxial connector 102) prior to establishing an electrical connection between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 and through the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104.

The coaxial connector 102 includes a first mating interface 108A at a first end 110A (also referred to as a coaxial connector first end, a connector first end, etc.) for mating with the first mating connector 104, and a second mating interface 108B at a second end 110B (also referred to as a coaxial connector second end and a connector second end, etc.) opposite the first end 110A for mating with the second mating connector 106. Similarly, the first mating connector 104 includes a first mating interface 112A at a first end 114A and a second mating interface 112B at a second end 114B (opposite the first end). The first mating connector second mating interface 112B is configured to mate with the coaxial connector first mating interface 108A. Similarly, the second mating connector 106 includes a first mating interface 116A (shown in fig. 4A) at a first end 118A (shown in fig. 4A) and a second mating interface 116B at a second end 118B (opposite the first end 118A). The second mating connector first mating interface 116A is configured to mate with the coaxial connector second mating interface 108B. In certain embodiments, the second mating connector 106 comprises an SMPM (subminiature push-in micro) connector (e.g., a GPPO connector). For example, the second mating connector first mating interface 116A may comprise an SMPM female connector interface (e.g., a receptacle) and the coaxial connector second mating interface 108B may comprise an SMPM male connector interface (e.g., a pin).

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the coaxial connector 102 mated with the first mating connector 104, and in particular, the coaxial connector first mating interface 108A is mated with the first mating connector second mating interface 112B. Also shown, the coaxial connector 102 is mated with the second mating connector 106, and in particular, the coaxial connector second mating interface 108B is connected with the second mating connector first mating interface 116A. Fig. 1B-1D are views of the coaxial connector 102 disconnected from the first mating connector 104, and in particular, the coaxial connector first mating interface 108A is disconnected from the first mating connector second mating interface 116B. The coaxial connector 102 is also shown mated with the second mating connector 106, and in particular, the coaxial connector second mating interface 108B is connected with the second mating connector first mating interface 116A.

As shown in fig. 1A-1C, the coaxial connector 102 includes a housing assembly 120 (e.g., a shroud assembly, etc.) and an electrical trace assembly 122 housed within the housing assembly 120. The housing assembly 120 includes a housing 124 (also referred to as a coaxial connector housing), an outer shell 126, and a grounding collar 128 (e.g., grounding feature) therebetween. The outer housing 126 maintains the attachment of the grounding collar 128 to the outer shell 124. A grounding collar 128 is mounted to the housing 124 and is in electrical communication with the housing 124 to provide a grounding path between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 during mating that can discharge ESD buildup before an electrical path is established between the first conductor 130 (e.g., electrical feature) and the first mating connector 104. The grounding collar 128 is biased (e.g., by a spring) toward the coaxial connector first end 110A. Further, the grounding collar 128 is movable (e.g., axially translatable) relative to the housing 124 and is configured to move (e.g., axially translate) toward the coaxial connector second end 110B upon contact with the first mating connector 104. This axial translation allows the coaxial connector 102 to establish an electrical path with the first mating connector 104 after a grounding path has been established to discharge ESD buildup before an electrical path is established, thereby protecting the electrically connected equipment from electrical surges and potential corresponding damage. However, if an ESD surge is generated before the grounding collar 128 has established a grounding path, a grounding tube (discussed in fig. 3A-4D below) will short the surge, thereby protecting the electrically connected equipment.

As shown in fig. 1C, electrical trace assembly 122 includes a first conductor 130 (forming a portion of coaxial connector first mating interface 108A) positioned within housing 124 toward coaxial connector first end 110A. A portion of the first conductor 130 is located within the ground collar 128 (explained in more detail below). The first conductor 130 is mounted within the housing 124. The first conductor 130 is configured to form an electrical path with the first mating connector 104 when the first conductor 130 contacts the first mating connector 104 and after a grounding tube (shown in fig. 3A-3C) is disengaged from the first conductor 130 (explained in more detail below).

As shown in fig. 1D, the first mating connector 104 includes a housing 132 and conductors 134 positioned within the housing 132. The coaxial connector first mating interface 108A and the first mating connector first mating interface 112A are complementarily configured such that the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 establish a ground path (e.g., a ground connection) before the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 establish an electrical path (e.g., a signal path). More specifically, the coaxial connector grounding collar 128 is configured to contact the first mating connector housing 132 to establish a grounding path from the coaxial connector 102 to the first mating connector 104. In this manner, the end surface of the first mating connector housing 132 is flush with the end surface of the first mating connector conductor 134, while the end surface of the coaxial connector grounding collar 128 extends past the end surface of the coaxial connector first conductor 130, thereby ensuring that the grounding collar 128 contacts the first mating connector housing 132 before the coaxial connector first conductor 130 contacts the first mating connector conductor 134. However, other configurations are possible (e.g., the end surface of the first mating connector housing 132 and the end surface of the first mating connector conductors 134 are non-planar configurations).

Upon contact with the first mating connector housing 132, the grounding collar 128 moves (e.g., translates) toward the coaxial connector second end 110B. After the grounding collar 128 is moved (e.g., translated), the coaxial connector first conductor 130 contacts the first mating connector conductor 134 to establish an electrical path between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104. Thus, prior to establishing an electrical connection between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 (and the second mating connector 106), the coaxial connector 102 is grounded. Thus, continuous and reliable electrical and ground contact between connectors 102, 104 and 106 may be achieved through coaxial connector 102. However, as described above, if an ESD surge is generated before the grounding collar 128 has established a grounding path, a grounding tube (discussed in fig. 3A-4D below) will short the surge, thereby protecting the electrically connected equipment.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the housing assembly 120 of the coaxial connector 102 of fig. 1A-1D. The housing assembly 120 contains an electrical trace assembly 122 (not shown) and establishes a ground path with the first mating connector 104. Specifically, as discussed in more detail below, the housing assembly 120 establishes a ground path with the first conductor 130 via a ground tube (as shown in fig. 3A-3C) and/or a ground collar 128. The housing assembly 120 includes a housing 124, an outer housing 126, a grounding collar 128, and an outer spring 200 (e.g., a first spring). The housing 124 contains the electrical trace assembly 122 and is generally cylindrical and defines a first opening 202A at a first end (also referred to as a connector housing first end) facing the coaxial connector first end 110A, a second opening 202B at a second end (also referred to as a connector housing second end) opposite the first end and facing the coaxial connector second end 110B, and a generally cylindrical interior 202C therebetween. The housing 124 further includes a first portion 204A facing the first opening 202A, a second portion 204B facing the second opening 202B, and an outer shoulder 206 extending outwardly (e.g., substantially perpendicularly) from an outer surface of the housing 124 between the first portion 204A and the second portion 204B. The outer shoulder 206 may include a chamfer 208 toward the first opening 202A to facilitate assembly of the outer shell 126 to the outer shell 124 (explained in more detail below). The second portion 204B may include an inner shoulder 210 located between an end of the second portion 204B and the outer shoulder 206. The inner shoulder 210 provides a mounting surface for the electrical trace assembly 122 (described in more detail below). Further, the second opening 202B may include an inner chamfer 211 along an inner edge of the rim to facilitate assembly of the electrical trace assembly 122 within the housing interior 202C.

The outer housing 126 maintains the connection of the grounding collar 128 to the outer shell 124, is generally cylindrical, and defines a first opening 212A at a first end (e.g., toward the first end 110A of the coaxial connector), a second opening 212B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the second end 110B of the coaxial connector), and a generally cylindrical interior 212C therebetween. Outer housing 126 further includes an inward annular flange 214 proximate the first end and defining a first opening 212A to maintain attachment of grounding collar 128 to outer shell 124. In this manner, the first opening 212A is smaller in size (e.g., diameter) than the second opening 212B. The inner surface of the outer shell 126 (facing the second opening 212B) frictionally engages the outer surface of the outer shell shoulder 206. Accordingly, the outer shell 126 is fixedly attached to the outer shell 124 and defines a gap 218 (e.g., gap area, separation, etc.) between the outer shell 126 and the outer shell first portion 204A to retain a portion of the grounding collar 128 within the gap 218. In addition, second opening 212B may include an inner chamfer 216 along an inner edge of the rim to facilitate assembly of outer housing 126 to ground collar 128. More specifically, the outer housing inner chamfer 216 interacts with the housing outer shoulder chamfer 208 to facilitate assembly when the outer shoulder 206 is slid into the outer housing second opening 212B.

The grounding collar 128 establishes a grounding path with the first mating connector 104, is generally cylindrical, and defines a first opening 220A at a first end (e.g., toward the first end 110A of the coaxial connector), a second opening 220B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the second end 110B of the coaxial connector), and a generally cylindrical interior 220C therebetween. The grounding collar 128 further includes an outward annular flange 222 near the first end of the second opening 220B to maintain attachment of the grounding collar 128 to the housing 124. As shown, when assembled, a portion of the housing 124 (e.g., the housing first opening 202A) is positioned within the ground collar interior 220C and the ground collar outward annular flange 222 is positioned within the gap 218. In this manner, the grounding collar 128 may move (e.g., translate axially) relative to the housing 124, with the grounding collar outward annular flange 222 having clearance for movement (e.g., translation) within the gap 218. However, the ground collar 128 is prevented from disengaging from the outer shell 124 and the ground collar 128 by the interaction between the ground collar outward annular flange 222 and the outer shell inward annular flange 214. In other words, outer housing first opening 212A is larger than an outer diameter of grounding collar 128 (e.g., proximate grounding sleeve first opening 220A) but smaller than an outer diameter of grounding collar outward annular flange 222. In this manner, the grounding collar 128 cannot be disengaged from the housing 124.

The outer spring 200 biases the grounding collar 128 toward the coaxial connector first end 110A relative to the housing 124 and includes a first flat end surface 224A at a first end and a second flat end surface 224B at a second end (opposite the first end). As shown, the outer spring 200 is positioned within the gap 218 with the first flat end surface 224A positioned toward the coaxial connector first end 110A and contacting the grounding collar 128 (proximate the grounding collar second opening 220B). The second flat end surface 224B is positioned toward the coaxial connector second end 110B and contacts the housing outer shoulder 206. In this manner, outer spring 200 biases grounding collar 128 toward coaxial connector first end 110A, but it is compressible such that grounding collar 128 can axially translate within gap 218. In addition, the outer spring 200 provides continuous ground contact between the ground collar 128 and the housing outer shoulder 206. The first and second flat end surfaces 224A, 224B help to achieve uniform and constant contact between the grounding collar 128 and the housing outer shoulder 206, minimize the length of the outer spring 200, provide a lower physical height of the outer spring 200, and distribute the biasing force.

However, even with the use of the grounding collar 128, a surge may occur when the coaxial connector 102 is mated to the first mating connector 104, where an ESD is generated on the conductors of the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 before the grounding collar 128 of the coaxial connector 102 contacts the first mating connector 104.

As explained in more detail below, the grounding tube (shown in fig. 3A-4D) shorts out any potential ESD that may result, thereby preventing damage to the coaxial connector 102 and any electronics in electrical communication with the coaxial connector 102.

Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of the coaxial connector 102 of fig. 1A-1D, illustrating assembly of the housing assembly 120 with the electrical trace assembly 122. The electrical trace assembly 122 establishes an electrical path from the first mating connector 104 through the coaxial connector 102 to the second mating connector 106. The electrical trace assembly 122 includes a first conductor subassembly 300, a second conductor subassembly 302, an intermediate sleeve 304, an internal spring 306 (e.g., a second spring), and a ground tube 307. As explained in more detail below, the ground tube 307 establishes and breaks a ground path between the first conductor 130 and the housing 124. Thus, any ESD across the conductors of the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 will short circuit the housing 124 through the ground tube 307. After the ground path is established between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104, the ground path is broken between the first conductor 130 and the housing 124, which thereby establishes an electrical path between the first conductor 130 and the first mating connector 104.

The first conductor assembly 300 is positioned toward the coaxial connector first end 110A (e.g., near and/or within the housing first opening 202A) and the second conductor subassembly 302 is positioned toward the coaxial connector second end 110B (e.g., near and/or within the housing second opening 202B). The first conductor subassembly 300 and the second conductor subassembly 302 are connected to each other by an intermediate bushing 304 and are axially biased from each other by an internal spring 306. The first conductor subassembly 300 and the second conductor subassembly 302 interact with each other to establish an electrical path therebetween (explained in more detail below).

Each of the first conductor subassembly 300 and the second conductor subassembly 302 are mounted within the housing 124 and electrically connected to each other even when disconnected from the first mating connector 104 (explained in more detail below). The first conductor subassembly 300 and the second conductor subassembly 302 are configured to form an electrical path with the first mating connector 104 after establishing a ground path with the first mating connector 104. Specifically, the first conductor subassembly 300 is configured to move (e.g., axially translate) toward the second conductor subassembly 302 (e.g., and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B) to compensate for tolerance stack variability, to move the fingers of the grounding tube 307 to break a grounding path between the first conductor 130 and the housing 124 and to establish an electrical path between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 (discussed in more detail below).

The first conductor subassembly 300 includes a first conductor housing 308, an O-ring 310 (e.g., a gasket) positioned outside the first conductor housing 308, a first conductor dielectric cylinder 312 positioned within the first conductor housing 308, and a first conductor 130 mounted within the first conductor dielectric cylinder 312. The first conductor housing 308 is grounded to the housing assembly 120. O-ring 310 seals connector housing 124 from the environment and ensures proper operation and function of coaxial connector 102. The first conductor dielectric cylinder 312 mounts the first conductor 130 within the first conductor housing 308 and electrically insulates the first conductor 130 from the first conductor housing 308 (when the ground tube 307 is disconnected from the first conductor 130).

The first conductor housing 308 mounts the first conductor 130 within the housing assembly 120. The first conductor housing 308 is grounded to the housing assembly 120. The first conductor housing 308 includes a first portion 314A defining a first opening 316A at a first end (also referred to as a conductor housing first end, a first conductor housing first end, etc.) (e.g., toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a second portion 314B defining a second opening 316B at a second end (also referred to as a conductor housing second end, a first conductor housing second end, etc.) (e.g., opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), and an interior 316C located between the first opening 316A and the second opening 316B. The first conductor housing first portion 314A frictionally engages the first conductor dielectric cylinder 312 to fixedly mount the first conductor dielectric cylinder 312 within the interior 316C. The first portion 314A includes an outer annular flange 318 proximate the first opening 316A, and an outer annular protrusion 320 located between the outer annular flange 318 and the second cylindrical portion 314B to retain the O-ring 310. The O-ring 310 is positioned and retained between the outer annular flange 318 and the outer annular protrusion 320 and is retained therebetween when the first conductor housing 308 is moved (e.g., axially translated) relative to the connector housing 124. The second cylindrical portion 314B includes a constant diameter positioned within the grounding tube 307, and as the grounding tube 307 moves (e.g., axially translates), the grounding tube 307 moves fingers of the grounding tube 307 (discussed in more detail below) to disengage the grounding tube 307 from the first conductor 130.

The first conductor dielectric cylinder 312 mounts the first conductor 130 within the first conductor housing 308 and electrically insulates the first conductor 130 from the first conductor housing 308 (when the ground tube 307 is disconnected from the first conductor 130). The first conductor dielectric cylinder 312 is generally cylindrical and defines a first opening 328A at a first end (toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a second opening 328B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), and a generally cylindrical interior 328C therebetween. As shown, the first conductor dielectric cylinder 312 mounts the first conductor 130 within the interior 328C.

The first conductor 130 includes a first male hemispherical contact 330 at a first end, a second male cylindrical contact 332 at a second end, and a stem 334 therebetween. As shown, the first male hemispherical contact 330 is configured to contact (and establish an electrical path between) the first mating connector 104. The first male hemispherical contact 330 is positioned within the ground collar 128 (e.g., within the ground collar interior 220C), but outside of the connector housing 124, i.e., within the first conductor housing 308 (e.g., the first conductor housing first portion 314A) and/or the first conductor dielectric cylinder 312, toward the coaxial connector first end 110A. It should be noted that the coaxial connector 102 is configured to minimize the distance between the ground collar 128 and the electrical signal path (e.g., the first conductor 130). This increases the operational reliability of the coaxial connector 102 when mated with the first mating connector 104.

The first conductor 130 is configured to contact and mate with the first mating connector 104. The position of the first male hemispherical contact 330 allows the grounding collar 128 to establish a grounding path before the first male hemispherical contact 330 establishes an electrical path, and also provides an electrical contact point after the grounding collar 128 is moved (e.g., axially translated) relative to the connector housing 124 and/or the first male hemispherical contact 330.

The rod 334 extends through the first conductor housing 308 (e.g., through the first conductor dielectric cylinder 312) without contacting the first conductor housing 308. This ensures that the first conductor 130 does not contact the first conductor housing 308 and insulates the ground path from the electrical path (when the ground tube 307 is detached from the first conductor 130). As shown, the second male cylindrical contact 332 extends through the first conductor housing second opening 316B and is located within the intermediate sleeve 304 within the second conductor subassembly 302.

The second conductor subassembly 300 includes a second conductor housing 336, a second conductor sleeve 338, a second conductor dielectric cylinder 340, and a second conductor 342 (e.g., electrical features). The second conductor housing 336 mounts the second conductor 342 within the housing assembly 120. The second conductor housing 336 is grounded to the housing assembly 120. The second conductor boss 338 attaches the second conductor subassembly 302 to the intermediate boss 304 (and prevents the first conductor subassembly 300 from being detached from the housing assembly 120). In addition, the second conductor boss 338 provides clearance for the fingers of the ground tube 307 to move (explained in more detail below). The second conductor dielectric cylinder 340 mounts a second conductor 342 within the second conductor housing 336 and electrically insulates the second conductor 342 from the second conductor housing 336.

The second conductor housing 336 includes a first portion 344A defining a first opening 346A at a first end (also referred to as a conductor housing first end, a second conductor housing second end, etc.) (e.g., toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a second portion 344B defining a second opening 346B at a second end (also referred to as a conductor housing second end, a second conductor housing second end, etc.) (e.g., opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), an interior 346C between the first opening 346A and the second opening 346B, and an exterior shoulder 348 between the first portion 344A and the second portion 344B. The outer shoulder 348 is positioned within the housing second opening 202B and frictionally engages the connector housing 124, thereby fixedly attaching the second conductor housing 336 to the connector housing 124. In addition, the second conductor housing 336 contacts the housing second portion inner shoulder 210; the housing second portion internal shoulder 210 provides a stop point when the second conductor housing 336 is inserted into the connector housing 124 (e.g., to prevent over-insertion). The first portion 344A includes an inner annular protrusion 350 to engage and mount the second conductor dielectric cylinder 340 to the second conductor housing 336. In addition, the first portion 344A includes an outer groove 351 proximate the first opening 346A to frictionally engage the second conductor boss 338.

The second conductor sleeve 338 defines a first opening 352A at a first end (toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a second opening 352B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), and a generally cylindrical interior 352C therebetween. The second conductor boss 338 further includes an inner shoulder 353 adjacent the first opening 352A. The second conductor boss 338 further includes an outer annular flange 354 proximate the first opening 352A, the outer annular flange 354 extending past the outer surface of the second conductor housing 336 to interact with the intermediate boss 304. The outer annular flange 354 attaches the second conductor housing 336 to the intermediate boss 304 (and prevents the first conductor subassembly 300 from being disengaged from the housing assembly 120).

The outer groove 351 of the first portion 344A of the second conductor housing 336 is inserted into and frictionally engages the second opening 352B of the second conductor sleeve 338. The outer groove 351 provides an outer surface of the second conductor housing 336 that is generally aligned with or parallel to an outer surface of the second conductor sleeve 338. When assembled, the second conductor housing 336 and the second conductor boss 338 define an inner groove 355 between the first end of the second conductor housing 336 (proximate the first opening 346A) and the inner shoulder 353 of the second conductor boss 338 to provide clearance for the fingers of the ground tube 307 to pivot outward (explained in more detail below). The second conductor housing 336 and the second conductor boss 338 are shown as two separate pieces to facilitate machining of the inner recess 355. However, in some embodiments, the second conductor housing 336 and the second conductor sleeve 338 are integrally connected (such that the second conductor sleeve 338 is part of the second conductor housing 336).

The second conductor dielectric cylinder 340 mounts the second conductor 342 within the second conductor housing 336 and electrically insulates the second conductor 342 from the second conductor housing 336 (when the ground tube 307 is disconnected from the first conductor 130). The second conductor dielectric cylinder 340 is substantially cylindrical and defines a first opening 356A at a first end (toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a second opening 356B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), and a substantially cylindrical interior 356C therebetween. The second conductor dielectric cylinder 340 further includes an outer annular groove 358 that receives the second conductor housing inner annular protrusion 350 therein to fixedly attach the second conductor dielectric cylinder 340 to the second conductor housing 336. As shown, the second conductor dielectric cylinder 340 mounts a second conductor 342 therein and electrically insulates the second conductor 342 from the second conductor housing 336.

The second conductor 342 includes a female receptacle contact 360 at a first end (toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a male contact 362 at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), and an outer mounting recess 364 therebetween. The second conductor 342 is axially aligned with the first conductor 130. The female socket contact 360 is configured to mate with and receive the first conductor second male cylindrical contact 332 therein when the first conductor 130 is moved (e.g., axially translated) toward the second conductor 342. Further, the female socket contact 360 may include tapered inner sidewalls to provide a tight fit with the first conductor second male cylindrical contact 332. The second conductor male contact 362 is configured to contact and mate with the second mating connector 106. The second conductor mounting recess 364 is configured to be positioned within the second conductor dielectric cylinder interior 356 to fixedly attach the second conductor 342 relative to the second conductor dielectric cylinder 340.

As described above, the first conductor subassembly 300 is attached to the second conductor subassembly 302 by the intermediate sleeve 304. The intermediate sleeve 304 defines a first opening 366A at a first end (toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a second opening 366B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), and a generally cylindrical interior 366C therebetween. Intermediate sleeve 304 includes a first outer annular flange 368A proximate first opening 366A at a first end and a second outer annular flange 368B proximate second opening 366B at a second end. The first and second outer annular flanges 368A, 368B reduce surface area contact between the intermediate hub 304 and the inner surface of the connector housing 124. This reduces resistance to movement (e.g., axial translation) of the first conductor subassembly 300 relative to the connector housing 124. The intermediate sleeve 304 further includes an inner annular flange 370 proximate the second opening 366B at the second end that interacts with the second conductor sleeve 338 to attach the first conductor subassembly 300 to the second conductor subassembly 302 and prevent the first conductor subassembly 300 from being removed from the connector housing 124.

The first conductor housing first portion 314A is positioned within the intermediate sleeve first opening 366A, thereby frictionally and fixedly attaching the first conductor subassembly 300 to the intermediate sleeve 304. Second conductor sleeve outer annular flange 354 is positioned within intermediate sleeve interior 366C. The outer diameter of the second conductor sleeve outer annular flange 354 is less than the inner diameter of the intermediate sleeve 304 but greater than the intermediate sleeve inner annular flange 370. Additionally, the second conductor housing first portion 344A is positioned within the middle sleeve second opening 366B (e.g., the diameter of the middle sleeve inner annular flange 370 is greater than the diameter of the middle sleeve second opening 366B). In this manner, the second conductor subassembly 302 is attached to the intermediate sleeve 304, but the second conductor subassembly 302 is allowed to move (e.g., axially translate) relative to the intermediate sleeve 304 and the first conductor subassembly 300.

The inner spring 306 biases the first conductor subassembly 300 toward the coaxial connector first end 110A. The inner spring 306 includes a first flat end surface 372A at a first end and a second flat end surface 372B at a second end (opposite the first end). The internal spring 306 is located within a gap 374 defined between the outer surface of the second conductor housing first portion 344A and the inner surface of the connector housing 124. The inner spring 306 is axially aligned with the outer spring 200, but has a smaller diameter such that the springs may overlap (e.g., a portion of the inner spring 306 may nest within a portion of the outer spring 200), which may reduce the length of the coaxial connector 102. First flat end surface 372A contacts the second end of medial sleeve 304 proximate second opening 366B. The second flat end surface 372B contacts the second conductor housing outer shoulder 348. In this manner, the inner spring 306 biases the first conductor subassembly 300 toward the coaxial connector first end 110A, but the inner spring 306 is compressible such that the first conductor subassembly 300 moves (e.g., axially translates) within the gap 374 (toward the coaxial connector second end 110B). In addition, the inner spring 306 provides a continuous ground contact between the intermediate hub 304 and the second conductor housing outer shoulder 348. The first and second flat end surfaces 372A and 372B help promote more uniform contact between the middle hub 304 and the second conductor housing outer shoulder 348, minimize the length of the inner spring 306, provide a lower solid height of the outer spring 200, and distribute the biasing force.

In this manner, the first conductor 130 and the ground collar 128 are independently biased (e.g., spring biased) toward the coaxial connector first end 110A to establish a ground path (explained in more detail below) prior to the electrical path and to compensate for tolerance stack-up variability in the coaxial connector 102. Specifically, during manufacturing, each component of the coaxial connector 102 has certain tolerances (e.g., variability), despite being made in the same manner and manufactured. Thus, the coaxial connector 102 as a whole includes tolerance stack-up variability, where each of these component tolerances is compounded. Due to the IC, one end of the first conductor 130 (e.g., the first male hemispherical contact 330) may be variable relative to one end of the ground collar 128 for coaxial connectors 102 having the same manner of fabrication and manufacture. Movement (e.g., axial translation) of the first conductor 130 allows the coaxial connector 102 to compensate for this variability when making a connection between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104. As described above, if an ESD surge is generated before grounding collar 128 establishes a grounding path, grounding tube 307 will short-circuit the surge, thereby protecting the electrically connected equipment.

Referring to fig. 3A-3C, the ground tube 307 defines a first opening 376A at a first end (toward the coaxial connector first end 110A), a second opening 376B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the coaxial connector second end 110B), and an interior 376C therebetween. The grounding tube 307 includes a generally cylindrical body 378, a plurality of outer bosses 380 positioned circumferentially adjacent to the first opening 376A at a first end (also referred to as a grounding tube first end, a tube first end, etc.), a plurality of fingers 382 (also referred to as spring fingers, spring contacts, circuit-enabling contacts, etc.) at a second end (also referred to as a grounding tube second end, a tube second end, etc.), and a plurality of channels 384 defined between the plurality of fingers 382. The plurality of fingers 382 include linear portions 386 that form a substantially cylindrical shape to receive the first conductor housing 308 therein. The plurality of fingers further include an angled portion 288, the angled portion 288 forming a substantially conical shape (when in the closed position) and defining a second opening 376B. In addition, the plurality of fingers 382 are inwardly biased and resiliently deformable (as explained in more detail below).

The body 378 is positioned within the first opening 352A of the second conductor sleeve 338 such that the plurality of outer bosses 380 are positioned outside of the first opening 352A of the second conductor sleeve 338. The body 378 frictionally engages the inner shoulder 353 of the second conductor boss 338. The outer periphery of the plurality of outer tabs 380 is larger than the first opening 352A of the second conductor boss 338 to prevent the grounding tube 307 from moving (e.g., axially translating) toward the coaxial connector second end 110B, such as when the first conductor housing 308 moves (e.g., axially translates) toward the coaxial connector second end 110B. In the uncompressed position, at least a portion of the second portion 314B of the first conductor housing 308 is located within the body 378 of the ground tube 307, but is not in contact with the plurality of fingers 382. Further, in the uncompressed position, the stem 334 of the first conductor 130 is in electrical contact with the plurality of fingers 382 of the ground tube 307, and at least a portion of the stem 334 of the first conductor 130 is located within the first opening 376A and extends through the first opening 376A, the second opening 376B, and the interior 376C of the ground tube 307. Thus, in the uncompressed position, a ground path is formed between the first conductor 130, the ground tube 307, and the housing 124. More specifically, a ground path is formed between the first conductor 130, the ground tube 307, the second conductor boss 338, the second conductor housing 336, the outer shell 124, the outer shell 126, and the ground collar 128. In the event of an ESD, the surge will be shorted through the grounding tube 307 to the enclosure 124. As explained in more detail below, in the compressed position, the second portion 314B of the first conductor housing 308 forces the plurality of fingers 382 (the ramped portion 388) to pivot outward because the outer perimeter of the second portion 314B is larger than the second opening 376B defined by the plurality of fingers 382.

Fig. 4A-4D are views of the coaxial connector 102 mated with the first mating connector 104 to form the assembled connector assembly 100 and establishing a ground path and an electrical path from the first mating connector 104 to the second mating connector 106 through the coaxial connector 102. The alignment and mating of this particular first mating connector 104 with the coaxial connector 102 may be a result of environmental structures. For example, the coaxial connector 102 may be positioned in a first half of a clamshell device and the first mating connector 104 may be positioned in a second half of the clamshell device such that its positioning within the clamshell device aligns the coaxial connector 102 with the first mating connector 104. Thus, closing the clamshell device will mate the coaxial connector 102 with the first mating connector 104.

The first mating connector 104 includes a housing 132, a dielectric 400 positioned within the housing 132, a first conductor 130 positioned within the dielectric 400, and an insulator 402. The housing 132 includes a first opening 404A at a first end (toward the first mating interface 112A), a second opening 404B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the second mating interface 112B), and an interior 404C therebetween. The dielectric 400 includes a first opening 406A at a first end (toward the first mating interface 112A), a second opening 406B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the second mating interface 112B), and an interior 406C therebetween. Further, the dielectric 400 includes a groove 408 at a second end (proximate to the second opening 406B). The conductor 134 includes a first male contact 410A at a first end (toward the first mating interface 112A) and a second male contact 410B at a second end (opposite the first end and toward the second mating interface 112B). The second male contact 410B is positioned within the recess 408 such that an end surface of the second male contact 410B is substantially flush with an end surface of the first mating connector housing 132. Of course, other configurations may be used, and the relative positioning of the ground collar 128 and the first conductor 130 may be changed accordingly. The insulator 402 is positioned toward the first mating interface 112A, partially within the dielectric 400, and the conductor 134 extends through the insulator 402.

In fig. 4A, the coaxial connector second mating interface 108B is engaged with the second mating connector 106 and the coaxial connector first mating interface 108A is disengaged from the first mating connector 104. In an unmated orientation (e.g., uncompressed orientation), an end surface of the grounding collar 128 of the coaxial connector 102 extends past an end surface of the first conductor first male hemispherical contact 330. The coaxial connector 102 is configured to minimize the distance that the end surface of the ground collar 128 extends past the first conductor first male hemispherical contact 330 in an uncompressed orientation. This reduces the distance required for the grounding collar 128 to move (e.g., axially translate) in order for the first conductor 130 to contact the first mating connector 104. This therefore reduces the risk of the outer spring 200 setting (and not rebounding), and it reduces the spring compression and associated stresses on the outer spring 200. Further, in the uncompressed orientation, the first conductor second male cylindrical contact 332 is inserted into and mated with the second conductor female socket contact 360.

The ground tube 307 engages the first conductor 130 of the coaxial connector 102, thereby establishing a ground path between the first conductor 130 and the outer shell 124 of the coaxial connector 102. More specifically, the plurality of fingers 382 are in the closed position and engage the first conductor 130 to form a ground path between the first conductor 130 and all other components of the coaxial connector 102, including the second conductor 342.

In fig. 4B, the coaxial connector grounding collar 128 initially contacts the first mating connector housing 132, thereby establishing a ground path between the first mating connector 104 and the coaxial connector 102. When initially mated in this manner, the grounding collar 128 remains in an uncompressed orientation (e.g., not moved or axially translated) and the end surface of the grounding collar 128 of the coaxial connector 102 continues to extend beyond the end surface of the first conductor first male hemispherical contact 330. In other words, the first conductors 130 do not contact the first mating connector conductors 134. Thus, a ground path between the coaxial connector 102 and the first mating connector 104 is established before the electrical path. However, if an electrical charge (e.g., an arc) crosses the air gap from the first mating connector conductor 134 to the coaxial connector first conductor 130 before the grounding collar 128 contacts the first mating connector 104 and establishes a grounding path, the grounding tube 307 shorts the electrical surge, thereby ensuring that the electrical surge does not extend beyond the first conductor 130. This protects any electronics in electrical communication with the coaxial connector 102 from electrical surges and potential damage.

In fig. 4C, the coaxial connector grounding collar 128 remains in contact with the first mating connector housing 132 and moves (e.g., axially translates) relative to the connector housing 124. The first conductors 130 are then brought into initial contact with the first mating connector conductors 134, thereby establishing an electrical path from the first mating connector 104 to the first conductors 130. However, the first conductor 130 remains in contact with the ground tube 307, and thus the electrical path does not extend to the second conductor 342.

In fig. 4D, as the first mating connector 104 continues to move (e.g., axially translate) toward the coaxial connector 102, the grounding collar 128 moves (e.g., axially translates) with the first conductor 130. In other words, once the grounding collar 128 and the first conductor 130 are in contact with the first mating connector 104, they move (e.g., axially translate) together toward the second end 110B of the coaxial connector (shown in fig. 4A-4B). As shown, the first mating connector 104 is in a mated orientation (e.g., a compressed orientation). As the first conductor 130 and the first conductor housing 308 move (e.g., axially translate) toward the second end 110B of the coaxial connector, the second portion 314B of the first conductor housing 308 moves relative to the grounding tube 307 and moves (e.g., pivots outward) the plurality of fingers 382 (the ramped portion 388) of the grounding tube 307 from the closed position to the open position. This is because the second portion 314B of the first conductor housing 308 has an outer diameter that is larger than the second opening 376B of the ground tube 307 (where the second opening 376B is defined by the plurality of fingers 382 of the ground tube 307). The plurality of outer tabs 380 of the ground tube 307 prevent the ground tube 307 from translating axially, such as by any frictional forces applied by the first conductor housing 308. Further, in the open position, the ramped portions 388 of the plurality of fingers 382 of the ground tube 307 pivot into the inner groove 355. The inner recess 355 provides clearance for the plurality of fingers 382 to pivot and also keeps the inner diameter of the second conductor housing 336 and/or the inner diameter of the second conductor boss 338 small. In some embodiments, this may require that certain electrical performance requirements and characteristics be maintained.

When the plurality of fingers 382 of the ground tube 307 are moved (e.g., pivoted outward) to the open position, the plurality of fingers 382 disengage the first conductor 130 and the ground path between the first conductor 130 and the ground tube 307 or the housing 124 is broken. Accordingly, an electrical path is established from the first mating connector conductor 134 to the coaxial connector first conductor 130, to the coaxial connector second conductor 342, and to the second mating connector 106. In addition, a ground path is established and maintained from the first mating connector housing 132 to the coaxial connector ground collar 128, to the coaxial connector housing 124 (e.g., via the outer spring 200), to the coaxial connector second conductor housing 336, and to the second mating connector 106. More specifically, when fully mated, the grounding components of the coaxial connector 102 include the housing assembly 120 (e.g., the housing 124, the outer shell 126, the grounding collar 128, and the outer spring 200), the first conductor housing 308, the intermediate sleeve 304, the inner spring 306, and the second conductor housing 336.

As the first conductor 130 moves (e.g., axially translates) toward the coaxial connector second end 110B, the first conductor second male cylindrical contact 332 moves within the second conductor female receptacle contact 360. However, at maximum compression of the coaxial connector 102, the first conductor housing 308 contacts the plurality of outer nibs 380 of the ground tube 307, preventing any further movement (e.g., axial translation) of the first conductor subassembly 300 toward the second conductor subassembly 302. This prevents the first conductor 130 from canceling out (and possibly damaging) the second conductor 342.

It should be noted that although an axially translatable grounding collar 128 is shown and described above, in certain embodiments, the grounding collar 128 may be omitted or modified. For example, in certain embodiments, the grounding collar 128 may not translate axially. This is possible because the grounding tube 307 shorts any current prior to forming the grounding path, such that the grounding path need not be formed prior to electrical communication (e.g., electrical connection and coupling, etc.) of the first conductor 130 of the coaxial connector 102 with the first mating connector conductor 134.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Thus, if a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

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