1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of electrical connectors. More particularly, this invention relates to an electrical connector commonly used for audio and video applications which is commonly referred to as an audio jack connector, RCA connector or phono connector.
2. Background of the Invention
The term "audio jack connectors", "phono connectors", "RCA connectors" and the like are used synonymously herein. These terms are intended to generically embrace coaxial connectors which are commonly referred to by these names in the electronics industry as well as other coaxial connector devices which operate in a similar manner. These terms are not intended to restrict the usage of the connector to audio or phonograph applications since they are commonly used for other purposes including video, radio frequency (RF) and intermediate frequency (IF) applications.
Connectors such as those described above are commonly used for many electrical and electronic applications. These connectors are particularly popular in consumer electronics devices. As such, large quantities of these connectors are in use. In addition, there is a great deal of demand for such devices to be produced and installed in electronic systems at low cost to the manufacturer. Similar coaxial connection devices are also commonly used in radio frequency applications and the like which can benefit from decreased cost.
Traditionally, such connectors are installed manually by either soldering a pair of solder tabs to wires or cables which are connected to other electrical circuitry. Mechanical support is obtained by either a solder connection or by passing the connector through a hole in an electrical enclosure and securing the connector with a threaded nut and washer or similar connection procedures.
Obviously, such manufacturing techniques are labor intensive and result in higher product cost and lower reliability. It is thus desirable to provide a system for producing such connectors in a manner which is more conducive to automation in the manufacture of the end user product. In addition, existing connectors are made of several metal parts and insulators which are assembled together. It is also desirable to reduce the number of parts in the assembly to simplify the design and reduce or eliminate the possibility of assembly errors.
These and other drawbacks of the prior art connectors are ameliorated by the improved coaxial connector of the present invention.