WO1999007041A1 - Self-terminating electrical connector - Google Patents

Self-terminating electrical connector Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999007041A1
WO1999007041A1 PCT/US1998/016242 US9816242W WO9907041A1 WO 1999007041 A1 WO1999007041 A1 WO 1999007041A1 US 9816242 W US9816242 W US 9816242W WO 9907041 A1 WO9907041 A1 WO 9907041A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical connector
resistive element
connector
pieces
external circuit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/016242
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
William K. Preece
Michael T. Jennison
Thomas A. Jennison
Original Assignee
Jennison Holdings Trust
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jennison Holdings Trust filed Critical Jennison Holdings Trust
Priority to AU86894/98A priority Critical patent/AU8689498A/en
Publication of WO1999007041A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999007041A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H01R24/40—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency
    • H01R24/42—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency comprising impedance matching means or electrical components, e.g. filters or switches
    • H01R24/46—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency comprising impedance matching means or electrical components, e.g. filters or switches comprising switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electrical connectors, and in particular to an electrical connector providing a means for establishing an automatic grounded termination point for the connector upon disconnection of the connector from an external signal source or receiving device.
  • the present invention provides a simple and inexpensive connector which can be automatically terminated to ground whenever it is disconnected from a mating connector. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector to eliminate the effects of spurious extraneous signals, undesired signal emissions and signal reflections on the circuitry connected to the connector.
  • the connector of the present invention is preferably comprised of an exterior shell made of a material with sufficiently high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength to permit mounting the connector to various types of mating connectors and other electrical devices as well as to act as a housing for the other components making up the connector.
  • a lining made of an electrically insulating material is inserted into the shell.
  • This lining mechanically secures and electronically isolates the shell from a center conductor located within the connector.
  • the shell also serves as the means by which the electrical connection to ground is established for the self-termination feature of the invention.
  • One end of the exterior shell is preferably configured to be mounted to a circuit board, to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to any other signal carrying device or connector to permit establishing a semi-permanent connection between the connector and the device to which it is mounted.
  • the other end of the exterior shell is preferably configured to establish a removable connection with a male coaxial F connector, BNC connector or any other similarly designed connector.
  • the center conductor is made of an electrically conductive material preferably having a spring characteristic.
  • the center conductor can be made in a one piece or a two-piece fabrication.
  • One end of the conductor is configured to be connected to a circuit board, to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to the signal carrying wire of any other signal carrying device or connector to establish a semi-permanent connection with the device to which the connector is mounted.
  • the other end of the center conductor is configured to accomplish the self-termination feature of the present invention.
  • This self- terminating end of the conductor preferably consists of at least two separable contactor pieces which are configured to have the tendency to be forced together in the absence of an external connection.
  • the contactor pieces preferably contain at least two sets of tabs which are preferably angled such that they are forced together under spring-like pressure to form two wedges.
  • the wedge formed by one of the tab pairs holds a resistive element outward against the inside of the grounded exterior shell to provide an electrical connection between the center conductor and the exterior shell through a resistive element. Insertion of an external conductor element from another electrical device or connector into the wedge formed by the other set of tab pairs forces the contactor pieces
  • Figure 1A is a longitudinal sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention.
  • Figure IB is a longitudinal top plan view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured in a disconnected state.
  • Figure 1C is an axial sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured in a disconnected state.
  • Figure 2A is a longitudinal top plan view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured for connection to an external signal transmission line.
  • Figure 2B is an axial sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured for connection to an external signal transmission line.
  • Figure 3A is a sectional view of the grounded resistive element of the present
  • Figure 3B is a top plan view of the grounded resistive element of the present
  • Figure 4A is a longitudinal sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention configured with an alternate design for the resistive element.
  • Figure 4B is an axial sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention with an alternate design for the resistive element, as configured in a disconnected state.
  • the connector 1 is preferably comprised of a one piece exterior shell 2 consisting of two sections 2a and 2b which couple the connector 1 to external circuitry and which also act as a protective shield for the components housed within the connector 1.
  • the first section of the shell 2a has an exterior which is preferably configured for mounting the connector 1 to an electrical circuit board, or to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to any other signal carrying device or connector to permit establishing a semi-permanent connection between the connector and the device to which it is mounted (not shown), and contains an interior chamber 3 for housing the contacts of a conductor 4 that establishes the semi-permanent connection.
  • the second section of the shell 2b has an exterior surface 5 adapted for establishing a removable connection with an external signal coupling, such as a male coaxial F connector, BNC connector or any other similarly designed connector, such as by threaded or push-on connection to the male end of a coaxial connector (not shown).
  • an external signal coupling such as a male coaxial F connector, BNC connector or any other similarly designed connector, such as by threaded or push-on connection to the male end of a coaxial connector (not shown).
  • the exterior shell 2 is made of a material, preferably metal, with sufficiently high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength to permit mounting the connector to various types of mating connectors and other electrical devices as well as to act as a housing for the other components making up the connector, including copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel and other similar materials.
  • Shell sections 2a and 2b are preferably manufactured as a single piece, although a multiple piece construction is also possible.
  • the exterior shell 2 is grounded in operation. Either section 2a or 2b can be configured for attaching the connector 1 to any type of commonly used external coupling, including threaded couplings, coaxial couplings and socket-type couplings.
  • a lining 9 made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic, phenolic or rubber is inserted into the shell 2 to mechanically secure and electrically isolate the center conductor 4 from the exterior of the shell.
  • This lining can either be fabricated in a single piece construction or it can be fabricated in multiple pieces for ease of installation.
  • the center conductor 4 is made of an electrically conductive material such as
  • One end of the conductor 4 is configured to be connected to a circuit board, to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to the signal carrying wire of any other signal carrying device or connector to establish a semipermanent connection with the device to which the connector is mounted.
  • the center conductor 4 extends into the interior of the connector 1 and terminates in a multi-piece contactor 6 which is configured to accomplish the self-termination feature of the present invention by automatically establishing electrical contact with a grounded resistive element 7 when the conductor 6 is not coupled to an external connector 8.
  • This self -terminating end of the conductor 6 preferably consists of at least two separable contactor pieces 6a and 6b which are configured to have the tendency to be forced together in the absence of an external connection 8.
  • the contactor pieces 6a and 6b preferably contain at least two sets of tabs lOa-lOb and lOc-lOd which are preferably angled such that they are forced together under spring-like pressure to form two wedges.
  • the wedge formed by one of the tab pairs lOc-lOd holds a resistive element outward against the inside of the grounded exterior shell 2 to provide an electrical connection between the center conductor 4 and the exterior shell 2 through a resistive element 7.
  • Insertion of an external conductor element 8 from another electrical device or connector into the wedge formed by the other set of tab pairs lOa-lOb forces the contactor pieces 6a and 6b to spread, thereby causing the center conductor 4 to become ungrounded by breaking either the electrical connection between the resistive element 7 and the center conductor 4 or the connection between the resistive element 7 and the exterior shell 2.
  • the breaking of this ground connection allows a normal electrical connection to be established between the inserted external conductor element 8 and the device to which the connector 1 is mounted.
  • one embodiment utilizes a multi-piece conductor 6 with angled tabs forced together under spring-like pressure to form a wedge for contacting resistive element 7, it is understood that other configurations within the level of ordinary skill in the art for establishing a disconnectible contact between the conductor 6 and the resistive element 7 and/or between the resistive element 7 and the exterior shell 2 could be used.
  • the resistive element 7 can either be attached to the exterior shell 2 such that removable contact is made with at least one of the conductor elements 6a or 6b, or resistive element 7 can be permanently attached to one of the contactor elements 6a or 6b such as by crimping, soldering or encapsulation.
  • the resistive element 7 will establish a ground connection with the exterior shell 2 when the conductor elements 6a and 6b are forced together in the absence of an external conductor element 8.
  • an external conductor element 8 is
  • the conductor elements 6a and 6b spread in such a manner as to disconnect from the resistive element 7 to disestablish the ground connection.
  • the resistive element 7 will again establish a ground connection with the exterior shell 2 when the conductor elements 6a and 6b are forced together in the absence of an external conductor element 8.
  • the conductor elements 6a and 6b spread in such a manner as to disconnect the resistive element 7 from the exterior shell 2 to disestablish the ground connection.
  • the desired movement of the conductor elements 6a and 6b can be achieved by configuring the insulator 9 with a protrusion 9a and a groove or indentation 9b to respectively limit and expand the travel of the associated conductive element 6a or 6b in such a manner as to cause the ground connection to be broken when the external conductor element 8 forces conductor elements
  • Groove or indentation 9b can also act to restrict rotation of center conductor element(s) 6a and/or 6b.
  • conductor element 6b pulls resistive element 7 away from the exterior shell 2 through the combined effect of protrusion 9a limiting the travel of conductor element 6a and groove 9b expanding the travel of conductor element 6b, which together causes enough deflection of resistive element 7 to accomplish disconnection from exterior shell 2.
  • the resistive element 7 is preferably made as a two-piece assembly 7a and 7b using an electrically conductive material such as copper and a standard electrical resistor material.
  • an electrically conductive material such as copper and a standard electrical resistor material.
  • Connectors could be manufactured with various resistive elements to provide any resistance that would be required so as to match the designed impedance of the system in which it is being used
  • the resistive element 7 has a resistance value of approximately 75
  • top contact 7a makes contact with the exterior shell 2 to establish a connection to ground
  • bottom contact 7b has an end configured to form an electrical connection with the wedge formed by the angled tabs of contactor pieces 10c and lOd.
  • a design variation could utilize a spring to force the resistive element 7 against the center conductor 4 in the absence of an external connector 8.
  • An alternate design variation could utilize a configuration which ensures that the resistive element 1 remains in contact with the exterior shell 2 at all times.
  • connector 1 In the absence of an external electrical connection 8, connector 1 will be configured as shown in Figure IB, thereby establishing an automatic grounded termination point for the connector 1.
  • a grounded termination is desirable upon disconnection of the connector 1 from an external signal coupling in order to eliminate the effects of spurious extraneous signals, undesired signal emissions and signal reflections on the circuitry connected to conductor 4.
  • the contactor sections 6a and 6b are forced apart as shown in Figures 2 A and 2B, causing the electrical contact between tabs 10c and lOd and the resistive element 7 to be broken, thereby disconnecting conductor 4 from ground and establishing a signal path between the external connector 8 and the circuitry connected to conductor 4.

Abstract

The present invention relates to electrical connectors, and in particular to an electrical connector providing a means for establishing an automatic grounded termination point for the connector upon disconnection of the connector from an external signal source or receiving device. In the absence of an external electrical connection, the connector will be configured to establishing an automatic grounded termination point to eliminate the effects of stray capacitances, spurious extraneous signals and signal reflections on the circuitry connected to conductor. When coupled to an external connector, the connector ground connection will be broken to permit establishing a signal path for external circuitry.

Description

TITLE
SELF-TERMINATING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
CROSS-REFERENCE
This application is a continuation- in-part (CIP) of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/905,177, filed August 4, 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrical connectors, and in particular to an electrical connector providing a means for establishing an automatic grounded termination point for the connector upon disconnection of the connector from an external signal source or receiving device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals, it is undesirable to have unterminated or open connectors when the electrical connection to an external signal source or receiving device is broken, due to the potential that spurious extraneous signals, undesired signal emissions and signal reflections have for causing interference when circuitry termination points are left exposed and ungrounded. Because they are ungrounded, unterminated or open connectors allow the emission of such stray signals and
cause unwanted signal reflection within the system. To eliminate this problem, the present invention provides a simple and inexpensive connector which can be automatically terminated to ground whenever it is disconnected from a mating connector. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector to eliminate the effects of spurious extraneous signals, undesired signal emissions and signal reflections on the circuitry connected to the connector.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive connector which can be automatically terminated whenever it is disconnected from a mating connector.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide electrical connector having means for establishing an automatic grounded termination point for the connector upon disconnection of the connector from an external signal source or receiving device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The connector of the present invention is preferably comprised of an exterior shell made of a material with sufficiently high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength to permit mounting the connector to various types of mating connectors and other electrical devices as well as to act as a housing for the other components making up the connector. A lining made of an electrically insulating material is inserted into the shell.
This lining mechanically secures and electronically isolates the shell from a center conductor located within the connector. The shell also serves as the means by which the electrical connection to ground is established for the self-termination feature of the invention.
One end of the exterior shell is preferably configured to be mounted to a circuit board, to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to any other signal carrying device or connector to permit establishing a semi-permanent connection between the connector and the device to which it is mounted. The other end of the exterior shell is preferably configured to establish a removable connection with a male coaxial F connector, BNC connector or any other similarly designed connector.
The center conductor is made of an electrically conductive material preferably having a spring characteristic. The center conductor can be made in a one piece or a two-piece fabrication. One end of the conductor is configured to be connected to a circuit board, to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to the signal carrying wire of any other signal carrying device or connector to establish a semi-permanent connection with the device to which the connector is mounted. The other end of the center conductor is configured to accomplish the self-termination feature of the present invention. This self- terminating end of the conductor preferably consists of at least two separable contactor pieces which are configured to have the tendency to be forced together in the absence of an external connection. The contactor pieces preferably contain at least two sets of tabs which are preferably angled such that they are forced together under spring-like pressure to form two wedges. In the absence of an external conductor element from another electrical device or connector, the wedge formed by one of the tab pairs holds a resistive element outward against the inside of the grounded exterior shell to provide an electrical connection between the center conductor and the exterior shell through a resistive element. Insertion of an external conductor element from another electrical device or connector into the wedge formed by the other set of tab pairs forces the contactor pieces
to spread, thereby causing the center conductor to become ungrounded by breaking either the electrical connection between the resistive element and the center conductor or the
connection between the resistive element and the exterior shell. The breaking of this ground connection allows a normal electrical connection to be established between the inserted external conductor element and the device to which the connector is mounted. Other details, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of the presently preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1A is a longitudinal sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention.
Figure IB is a longitudinal top plan view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured in a disconnected state.
Figure 1C is an axial sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured in a disconnected state.
Figure 2A is a longitudinal top plan view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured for connection to an external signal transmission line.
Figure 2B is an axial sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention, as configured for connection to an external signal transmission line.
Figure 3A is a sectional view of the grounded resistive element of the present
invention.
Figure 3B is a top plan view of the grounded resistive element of the present
invention.
Figure 4A is a longitudinal sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention configured with an alternate design for the resistive element.
Figure 4B is an axial sectional view of the electrical connector of the present invention with an alternate design for the resistive element, as configured in a disconnected state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiment of the self-terminating electrical connector of the present invention is shown in Figures 1A through 1C. The connector 1 is preferably comprised of a one piece exterior shell 2 consisting of two sections 2a and 2b which couple the connector 1 to external circuitry and which also act as a protective shield for the components housed within the connector 1. The first section of the shell 2a has an exterior which is preferably configured for mounting the connector 1 to an electrical circuit board, or to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to any other signal carrying device or connector to permit establishing a semi-permanent connection between the connector and the device to which it is mounted (not shown), and contains an interior chamber 3 for housing the contacts of a conductor 4 that establishes the semi-permanent connection. The second section of the shell 2b has an exterior surface 5 adapted for establishing a removable connection with an external signal coupling, such as a male coaxial F connector, BNC connector or any other similarly designed connector, such as by threaded or push-on connection to the male end of a coaxial connector (not shown).
The exterior shell 2 is made of a material, preferably metal, with sufficiently high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength to permit mounting the connector to various types of mating connectors and other electrical devices as well as to act as a housing for the other components making up the connector, including copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel and other similar materials. Shell sections 2a and 2b are preferably manufactured as a single piece, although a multiple piece construction is also possible. The exterior shell 2 is grounded in operation. Either section 2a or 2b can be configured for attaching the connector 1 to any type of commonly used external coupling, including threaded couplings, coaxial couplings and socket-type couplings. A lining 9 made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic, phenolic or rubber is inserted into the shell 2 to mechanically secure and electrically isolate the center conductor 4 from the exterior of the shell. This lining can either be fabricated in a single piece construction or it can be fabricated in multiple pieces for ease of installation.
The center conductor 4 is made of an electrically conductive material such as
copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel, and can be fabricated in either a one piece or a two-piece soldered configuration which preferably provides a spring characteristic. One end of the conductor 4 is configured to be connected to a circuit board, to a male or female coaxial F connector, or to the signal carrying wire of any other signal carrying device or connector to establish a semipermanent connection with the device to which the connector is mounted. The center conductor 4 extends into the interior of the connector 1 and terminates in a multi-piece contactor 6 which is configured to accomplish the self-termination feature of the present invention by automatically establishing electrical contact with a grounded resistive element 7 when the conductor 6 is not coupled to an external connector 8. This self -terminating end of the conductor 6 preferably consists of at least two separable contactor pieces 6a and 6b which are configured to have the tendency to be forced together in the absence of an external connection 8. As shown in Figures IB and 1C, the contactor pieces 6a and 6b preferably contain at least two sets of tabs lOa-lOb and lOc-lOd which are preferably angled such that they are forced together under spring-like pressure to form two wedges.
In the absence of an external conductor element 8 from another electrical device or connector, the wedge formed by one of the tab pairs lOc-lOd holds a resistive element outward against the inside of the grounded exterior shell 2 to provide an electrical connection between the center conductor 4 and the exterior shell 2 through a resistive element 7. Insertion of an external conductor element 8 from another electrical device or connector into the wedge formed by the other set of tab pairs lOa-lOb forces the contactor pieces 6a and 6b to spread, thereby causing the center conductor 4 to become ungrounded by breaking either the electrical connection between the resistive element 7 and the center conductor 4 or the connection between the resistive element 7 and the exterior shell 2. The breaking of this ground connection allows a normal electrical connection to be established between the inserted external conductor element 8 and the device to which the connector 1 is mounted.
Although one embodiment utilizes a multi-piece conductor 6 with angled tabs forced together under spring-like pressure to form a wedge for contacting resistive element 7, it is understood that other configurations within the level of ordinary skill in the art for establishing a disconnectible contact between the conductor 6 and the resistive element 7 and/or between the resistive element 7 and the exterior shell 2 could be used.
For example, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the resistive element 7 can either be attached to the exterior shell 2 such that removable contact is made with at least one of the conductor elements 6a or 6b, or resistive element 7 can be permanently attached to one of the contactor elements 6a or 6b such as by crimping, soldering or encapsulation.
In the former configuration, the resistive element 7 will establish a ground connection with the exterior shell 2 when the conductor elements 6a and 6b are forced together in the absence of an external conductor element 8. When an external conductor element 8 is
inserted into the opening 11 formed by the conductor elements 6a and 6b, the conductor elements 6a and 6b spread in such a manner as to disconnect from the resistive element 7 to disestablish the ground connection. In the latter configuration, the resistive element 7 will again establish a ground connection with the exterior shell 2 when the conductor elements 6a and 6b are forced together in the absence of an external conductor element 8.
However, when an external conductor element 8 is inserted into the opening 11 formed by the conductor elements 6a and 6b, the conductor elements 6a and 6b spread in such a manner as to disconnect the resistive element 7 from the exterior shell 2 to disestablish the ground connection. In either configuration, the desired movement of the conductor elements 6a and 6b can be achieved by configuring the insulator 9 with a protrusion 9a and a groove or indentation 9b to respectively limit and expand the travel of the associated conductive element 6a or 6b in such a manner as to cause the ground connection to be broken when the external conductor element 8 forces conductor elements
6a and 6b apart. Groove or indentation 9b can also act to restrict rotation of center conductor element(s) 6a and/or 6b. For example, in Figure 4A, conductor element 6b pulls resistive element 7 away from the exterior shell 2 through the combined effect of protrusion 9a limiting the travel of conductor element 6a and groove 9b expanding the travel of conductor element 6b, which together causes enough deflection of resistive element 7 to accomplish disconnection from exterior shell 2.
As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the resistive element 7 is preferably made as a two-piece assembly 7a and 7b using an electrically conductive material such as copper and a standard electrical resistor material. An alternative would be to make the resistive element as one piece from a material that provides the desired resistance. Connectors could be manufactured with various resistive elements to provide any resistance that would be required so as to match the designed impedance of the system in which it is being used Preferably the resistive element 7 has a resistance value of approximately 75
Ohms to allow use of the connector 1 with cable television systems. As shown in Figure 1C, top contact 7a makes contact with the exterior shell 2 to establish a connection to ground, and bottom contact 7b has an end configured to form an electrical connection with the wedge formed by the angled tabs of contactor pieces 10c and lOd. A design variation could utilize a spring to force the resistive element 7 against the center conductor 4 in the absence of an external connector 8. An alternate design variation could utilize a configuration which ensures that the resistive element 1 remains in contact with the exterior shell 2 at all times.
In the absence of an external electrical connection 8, connector 1 will be configured as shown in Figure IB, thereby establishing an automatic grounded termination point for the connector 1. A grounded termination is desirable upon disconnection of the connector 1 from an external signal coupling in order to eliminate the effects of spurious extraneous signals, undesired signal emissions and signal reflections on the circuitry connected to conductor 4. When the connector 1 is introduced to the male end of an external connector 8, the contactor sections 6a and 6b are forced apart as shown in Figures 2 A and 2B, causing the electrical contact between tabs 10c and lOd and the resistive element 7 to be broken, thereby disconnecting conductor 4 from ground and establishing a signal path between the external connector 8 and the circuitry connected to conductor 4.
While presently preferred embodiments of practicing the invention has been shown and described with particularity in connection with the accompanying drawings, the invention may otherwise be embodied within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. An electrical connector, comprising:
A. a shell having an interior surrounded by an electrically conductive exterior and having two ends configured to couple said connector to at least two external
circuits; and
B. at least one conductor located within said interior comprising at least a pair of terminals, wherein:
(i) at least one terminal passes through one end of said shell for establishing a connection to at least one said external circuit; and
(ii) at least one other terminal passes through the other end of said shell for establishing a connection to at least one other said external circuit;
C. a resistive element located at least partially within said interior and being configured to establish electrical contact with said exterior and at least one of said terminals when that terminal is disconnected from said external circuit.
2. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said electrical contact between said resistive element and said terminal is broken when said terminal is connected to said external circuit.
3. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said electrical contact between said resistive element and said exterior is broken when said contacted terminal is connected to said external circuit.
4. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said exterior is grounded.
5. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one of said terminals comprises at least two separable pieces which contact said resistive element in the absence of a connection with said external circuit.
6. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein said pieces are disconnected from said resistive element when said pieces are connected to said external circuit.
7. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein said pieces are not disconnected from said resistive element when said pieces are connected to said external
circuit.
8. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein said pieces are configured to create a spring-like force for bringing said pieces together to make said contact with said resistive element.
9. The electrical connector of Claim 8, wherein said pieces are forced apart to discontinue said contact with said resistive element when said pieces are connected to said external circuit.
10. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein said pieces have a plurality of tabs to permit said resistive element to contact said exterior.
11. The electrical connector of Claim 10, wherein at least two of said tabs form a wedge.
12. The electrical connector of Claim 10 wherein said pieces have two pairs of said tabs.
13. The electrical connector of Claim 12, wherein each said pair of tabs forms a wedge.
14. The electrical connector of Claim 13, wherein one said wedge contacts said resistive element in the absence of a connection with said external circuit.
15. The electrical connector of Claim 14, wherein the other said wedge contacts said external circuit to discontinue said contact with said resistive element.
16. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein one end of said shell is configured for mounting said connector to a device selected from the group consisting of an electrical circuit board and a coaxial connector.
17. The electrical connector of Claim 16, wherein the other end of said shell is configured for establishing a removable connection between said connector and at least one of said external circuits.
18. The electrical connector of Claim 17, wherein said removable connection is established by coupling said connector to a device selected from the group consisting of a coaxial connector and a BNC connector.
19. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein at least one said end is configured to mate with a coupling selected from the group consisting of a threaded coupling, a coaxial coupling and a socket coupling.
20. The electrical connector of Claim 1, further comprising a lining located within said interior for securing and isolating said components from said exterior.
21. The electrical connector of Claim 20, wherein said lining is comprised of an electrically insulating material.
22. The electrical connector of Claim 21, wherein said lining material is selected form the group consisting of plastic and rubber.
23. The electrical connector of Claim 20, wherein said lining comprises more than one section.
24. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said resistive element has a resistance of approximately 75 ohms.
25. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein said resistive element is formed in one piece.
26. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said resistive element comprises a two-piece assembly with one of said pieces being formed of an electrically conductive material and with the other of said pieces being formed of an electrically
resistive material.
27. The electrical connector of Claim 26, wherein said conductive material selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel.
28. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said resistive element remains in contact with said exterior at all times.
29. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein a spring forces the resistive element against said exterior in the absence of an external connector.
30. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said exterior is made of metal.
31. The electrical connector of Claim 30, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron,
aluminum and steel.
32. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one of said
conductors is made of metal.
33. The electrical connector of Claim 32, wherein said metal is selected from
the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel.
34. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said connector eliminates the effects of undesired signals on said external circuits.
35. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said connector provides an automatic termination for said conductor through said resistive element.
36. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one of said terminals comprises at least two separable pieces wherein at least one of said pieces contacts said resistive element in the absence of a connection with said external circuit.
37. The electrical connector of Claim 36, wherein at least one said contacting piece is disconnected from said resistive element when said piece is connected to said external circuit.
38. The electrical connector of Claim 36, wherein at least one said contacting piece is not disconnected from said resistive element when said pieces are connected to said external circuit.
39. The electrical connector of Claim 38, wherein said electrical contact between said resistive element and said exterior is broken when at least one said piece is connected to said external circuit.
40. The electrical connector of Claim 36, wherein said pieces are configured to create a spring-like force for bringing said pieces together to make said contact with said resistive element.
41. The electrical connector of Claim 40, wherein said pieces are forced apart to discontinue said contact with said resistive element when at least one said piece is connected to said external circuit.
42. The electrical connector of Claim 36, further comprising a lining located within said interior for securing and isolating said components from said exterior.
43. The electrical connector of Claim 42, wherein said lining includes at least one protrusion for limiting movement of at least one of said pieces when at least one of said terminals is connected to an external circuit.
44. The electrical connector of Claim 42, wherein said lining includes at least one indentation or groove for expanding movement or restricting rotation of at least one of said pieces when at least one of said terminals is connected to said an external circuit.
45. The electrical connector of Claim 43, wherein said lining includes at least one indentation or groove for expanding movement or restricting rotation of at least one other of said pieces when at least one of said terminals is connected to an external circuit.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 15 January 1999 (15.01.99); original claims 1-3, 5-10, 12-14, 22, 24-29, 34-40 and 44 amended; - remaining claims unchanged ( 6 pages )]
1. An electrical connector, comprising:
A. a shell having an interior surrounded by an electrically conductive exterior v and having two ends configured to couple said connector to at least two external circuits; and
B. at least one conductor located within said interior comprising at least a pair of terminals, wherein:
(i) at least one terminal passes through one end of said shell for establishing a connection to at least one said external circuit; and
(ii) at least one other terminal passes through the other end of said shell for establishing a connection to at least one other said external circuit;
C. at least one resistive element located at least partially within said interior and being configured to establish electrical contact with said exterior and at least one of said terminals when that terminal is disconnected from said external circuit.
2. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said electrical contact between at least one said resistive element and said contacted terminal is broken when said contacted terminal is connected to said external circuit.
3. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said electrical contact between at least one said resistive element and said exterior is broken when said contacted terminal is connected to said external circuit.
4. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said exterior is grounded.
5. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one of said terminals comprises at least two separable pieces which form a contact with at least one said resistive element in the absence of a connection with said external circuit.
6. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein said contact is broken when at least one of said pieces is connected to said external circuit.
7. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein said contact is not broken when at least one of said pieces is connected to said external circuit.
8. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein said pieces are configured to create a spring-like force for bringing said pieces together to make said contact with at least one said resistive element.
9. The electrical connector of Claim 8, wherein said pieces are forced apart to
discontinue said contact with said contacted resistive element when at least one of said pieces is connected to said external circuit.
10. The electrical connector of Claim 5, wherein at least one of said pieces has a plurality of tabs to permit said contacted resistive element to contact said exterior.
11. The electrical connector of Claim 10, wherein at least two of said tabs form a wedge.
12. The electrical connector of Claim 10 wherein at least one of said pieces has at least two pairs of said tabs.
13. The electrical connector of Claim 12, wherein at least two said pairs of tabs each form a wedge.
14. The electrical connector of Claim 13, wherein one said wedge contacts one said resistive element in the absence of a connection with said external circuit.
15. The electrical connector of Claim 14, wherein the other said wedge contacts said
external circuit to discontinue said contact with said resistive element.
16. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein one end of said shell is configured for mounting said connector to a device selected from the group consisting of an electrical circuit board and a coaxial connector.
17. The electrical connector of Claim 16, wherein the other end of said shell is configured for establishing a removable connection between said connector and at least one of
said external circuits.
18. The electrical connector of Claim 17, wherein said removable connection is established by coupling said connector to a device selected from the group consisting of a coaxial connector and a BNC connector.
19. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one said end is configured
to mate with a coupling selected from the group consisting of a threaded coupling, a coaxial coupling and a socket coupling.
20. The electrical connector of Claim 1, further comprising a lining located within
said interior for securing and isolating said components from said exterior.
21. The electrical connector of Claim 20, wherein said lining is comprised of an electrically insulating material.
22. The electrical connector of Claim 21 , wherein said lining material is selected from the group consisting of plastic and rubber.
23. The electrical connector of Claim 20, wherein said lining comprises more than
one section.
24. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one said resistive element
has a resistance of approximately 75 ohms.
25. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein at least one said resistive element
is formed in one piece.
26. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein at least one said resistive element comprises a two-piece assembly with one of said pieces being formed of an electrically conductive material and with the other of said pieces being formed of an electrically resistive
material.
27. The electrical connector of Claim 26, wherein said conductive material is selected
from the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel.
28. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein at least one said resistive element remains in contact with said exterior at all times.
29. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein a spring forces at least one said
resistive element against said exterior in the absence of an external connector.
30. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein said exterior is made of metal.
31. The electrical connector of Claim 30, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel.
32. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one of said conductors is
made of metal.
33. The electrical connector of Claim 32, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, tungsten, graphite, iron, brass, zinc, iron, aluminum and steel.
34. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein said connector eliminates the effects
of undesired signals on at least one said external circuit.
35. The electrical connector of Claim 1 , wherein said connector provides an automatic termination for at least one said conductor through at least one said resistive element.
36. The electrical connector of Claim 1, wherein at least one of said terminals comprises at least two separable pieces wherein at least one of said pieces contacts at least one
said resistive element in the absence of a connection with said external circuit.
37. The electrical connector of Claim 36, wherein said contacting piece is disconnected from said contacted resistive element when said contacting piece is connected to said external circuit.
38. The electrical connector of Claim 36, wherein said contacting piece is not disconnected from said contacted resistive element when said contacting piece is connected to said external circuit.
39. The electrical connector of Claim 38, wherein said electrical contact between said
contacted resistive element and said exterior is broken when said contacting piece is connected to said external circuit.
40. The electrical connector of Claim 36, wherein said pieces are configured to create a spring-like force for bringing said pieces together to make said contact with at least one said
resistive element.
41. The electrical connector of Claim 40, wherein said pieces are forced apart to discontinue said contact with said resistive element when at least one said piece is connected to said external circuit.
42. The electrical connector of Claim 36. further comprising a lining located within said interior for securing and isolating said components from said exterior.
43. The electrical connector of Claim 42, wherein said lining includes at least one
protrusion for limiting movement of at least one of said pieces when at least one of said terminals is connected to an external circuit.
44. The electrical connector of Claim 42, wherein said lining includes at least one indentation or groove for expanding movement or restricting rotation of at least one of said
pieces when at least one of said terminals is connected to an external circuit.
45. The electrical connector of Claim 43 , wherein said lining includes at least one indentation or groove for expanding movement or restricting rotation of at least one other of said pieces when at least one of said terminals is connected to an external circuit.
PCT/US1998/016242 1997-08-04 1998-08-04 Self-terminating electrical connector WO1999007041A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU86894/98A AU8689498A (en) 1997-08-04 1998-08-04 Self-terminating electrical connector

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US90517797A 1997-08-04 1997-08-04
US08/905,177 1997-08-04
US6328398A 1998-04-20 1998-04-20
US09/063,283 1998-04-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999007041A1 true WO1999007041A1 (en) 1999-02-11

Family

ID=26743243

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/016242 WO1999007041A1 (en) 1997-08-04 1998-08-04 Self-terminating electrical connector

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU8689498A (en)
WO (1) WO1999007041A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3784950A (en) * 1972-10-26 1974-01-08 R Coffman Coaxial connector with integral switched terminating resistor
EP0393670A2 (en) * 1989-04-20 1990-10-24 The Whitaker Corporation Self terminating connector and cable assembly
US5413502A (en) * 1994-02-01 1995-05-09 Wang; Tsan-Chi Auto termination type electrical connector

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3784950A (en) * 1972-10-26 1974-01-08 R Coffman Coaxial connector with integral switched terminating resistor
EP0393670A2 (en) * 1989-04-20 1990-10-24 The Whitaker Corporation Self terminating connector and cable assembly
US5413502A (en) * 1994-02-01 1995-05-09 Wang; Tsan-Chi Auto termination type electrical connector

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU8689498A (en) 1999-02-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4339166A (en) Connector
US4971569A (en) Self-terminating coaxial tap connector
US5490033A (en) Electrostatic discharge protection device
US6674343B2 (en) Electronic filter assembly
JP3012116B2 (en) Coaxial connector assembly
US4660921A (en) Self-terminating coaxial connector
US5713765A (en) High-current audio connector
US7341459B1 (en) Multi-signal single pin connector
EP0915536B1 (en) Coaxial connector
EP0080845A1 (en) Coaxial connector assembly
US6808395B2 (en) Coaxial cable termination connector for connecting to a printed circuit board
EP0855093B1 (en) Printed circuit board to housing interconnect system
US5137469A (en) Hybrid connector for standard coaxial cable and other wiring systems
US5073123A (en) Self terminating tap connector
US6712647B2 (en) Terminated coaxial connector
US5580261A (en) Coaxial electrical connector also performing a switching function
US3020365A (en) Self-normalling video jack
US5730623A (en) Matched impedance triax contact with grounded connector
US5462445A (en) Switching connector
US6398568B1 (en) Self-terminating electrical connector
US5219297A (en) Self-bypass twin coaxial network connector
WO1996031925A1 (en) Right angled coaxial connector
WO1999007041A1 (en) Self-terminating electrical connector
JP3164801B1 (en) Coaxial connector
JP2780247B2 (en) Coaxial cable terminal

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU BR CA CN JP MX NZ SG

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA