U.S. patent number 3,761,870 [Application Number 05/275,424] was granted by the patent office on 1973-09-25 for co-axial connector including positive clamping features for providing reliable electrical connections to the center and outer conductors of a co-axial cable.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Tidal Sales Corporation. Invention is credited to Gary D. Drezin, Alfred E. Ericson, Edward C. Quackenbush.
United States Patent |
3,761,870 |
Drezin , et al. |
September 25, 1973 |
CO-AXIAL CONNECTOR INCLUDING POSITIVE CLAMPING FEATURES FOR
PROVIDING RELIABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS TO THE CENTER AND OUTER
CONDUCTORS OF A CO-AXIAL CABLE
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a co-axial connector assembly
especially adapted to provide electrical contact to both the center
and outer conductors of a co-axial cable. The connector assembly
employs a clamping arrangement for both the outer and center
conductors of the co-axial cable which utilizes spring tension in
order to follow "cold flow" changes and maintain good electrical
connection to both the outer and center conductors of the co-axial
cable.
Inventors: |
Drezin; Gary D. (Pleasant
Valley, NY), Quackenbush; Edward C. (Staatsburg, NY),
Ericson; Alfred E. (Pleasant Valley, NY) |
Assignee: |
Tidal Sales Corporation
(Poughkeepsie, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
23052234 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/275,424 |
Filed: |
July 26, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/584 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
9/0503 (20130101); H01R 9/0521 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
9/05 (20060101); H01r 017/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;339/177,273
;174/75C,88C,89 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
185,621 |
|
Oct 1963 |
|
SW |
|
1,242,731 |
|
Jun 1967 |
|
DT |
|
Primary Examiner: Champion; Marvin A.
Assistant Examiner: Staab; Lawrence J.
Claims
We claim:
1. A co-axial connector assembly especially adapted to provide
electrical contact to both the center and outer conductor of a
co-axial cable comprising, in combination,
center conductor gripping means for applying continuous, positive
gripping action to the center conductor of a co-axial cable;
dielectric spring means including gripping means for transmitting
an inward force to the center conductor gripping means in response
to axial movement and a radially extending, flexible flange for
axially biasing said camming portion into engagement with said
center conductor gripping means despite cold flow effects exhibited
by said center conductor;
outer conductor gripping means for both applying continuous,
positive gripping action to the outer conductor of a co-axial cable
and for deforming said radially extending flexible flange to
thereby actuate said center conductor gripping means into gripping
said center conductor, said outer conductor gripping means
comprising a hollow, tubular shaped member having flexible first
end means for contracting inwardly into engagement with the outer
conductor of said co-axial cable, and
actuating means for causing said flexible first end means of said
outer conductor gripping means to apply a continuous inward,
spring-loaded force on said outer conductor to maintain continuous
electrical contact with said outer conductor despite cold flow
effects exhibited by said outer conductor.
2. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said dielectric spring means comprising a dielectric
mushroom-shaped member.
3. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said flexible first end means of said outer conductor gripping
means comprising a slotted, annular ring.
4. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein
said flexible first end means of said outer conductor gripping
means comprising a slotted, annular ring.
5. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said center conductor gripping means having means for preventing
said center conductor from being pulled out of said co-axial
connector and for increasing the gripping action on said center
conductor during extraction of said center conductor from said
co-axial connector assembly, said flexible first end means of said
outer conductor gripping means having means located thereon for
causing said flexible first end means to contract inwardly into
engagement with the outer conductor of said co-axial cable if a
force is applied to extract said outer conductor from said co-axial
conductor assembly.
6. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 4 wherein
said center conductor gripping means having means for preventing
said center conductor from being pulled out of said co-axial
connector and for increasing the gripping action on said center
conductor during extraction of said center conductor from said
co-axial connector assemblies, said flexible first end means of
said outer conductor gripping means having means located thereon
for causing said flexible first end means to contract inwardly into
engagement with the outer conductors of said co-axial cable if a
force is applied to extract said outer conductor from said co-axial
conductor assembly.
7. A co-axial connector assembly especially adapted to provide
electrical contact to both the center and outer conductors of two
co-axial cables comprising, in combination,
a first center conductor gripping means for applying continuous,
positive gripping action to a first center conductor of a first
co-axial cable, first dielectric spring means including a first
camming portion contacting said first center conductor gripping
means for transmitting an inward force to the first center
conductor gripping means in response to axial movement and a first
radially extending, flexible flange for axially biasing said first
camming portion into engagement with said first center conductor
gripping means despite cold flow effects exhibited by said first
center conductor; a first outer conductor gripping means for
applying continuous, positive gripping action to a first outer
conductor of said first co-axial cable and for deforming said first
radially extending flange to thereby actuate said first center
conductor gripping means into gripping said first center conductor,
said first outer conductor gripping means comprising a hollow,
tubular shaped member having flexible first end means for
contracting inwardly into engagement with said first outer
conductor of said first co-axial cable, first actuating means for
causing said flexible first end means of said first outer conductor
gripping means to apply a continuous inward, spring-loaded force on
said first outer conductor to maintain continuous electrical
contact with said first outer conductor despite cold flow effects
exhibited by said first outer conductor,
a second center conductor gripping means for applying continuous,
positive gripping action to a second center conductor of a second
co-axial cable, second dielectric spring means including a second
camming portion contacting said second center conductor gripping
means for transmitting an inward force to the second center
conductor gripping means in response to axial movement and a second
radially extending, flexible flange for axially biasing said second
camming portion into engagement with said second center conductor
gripping means despite cold flow effects exhibited by said second
center conductor; a second outer conductor gripping means for
applying continuous, positive gripping action to a second outer
conductor of said second co-axial cable for deforming said second
radially extending flange to thereby actuate said second center
conductor gripping means into gripping said second center
conductor, said second outer conductor gripping means comprising a
hollow, tubular shaped member having flexible first end means for
contracting inwardly into engagement with said second outer
conductor of said second co-axial cable, second actuating means for
causing said flexible first end means of said second outer
conductor gripping means to apply a continuous inward,
spring-loaded force on said second outer conductor to maintain
continuous electrical contact with said second outer conductor
despite cold flow effects exhibited by said second outer
conductor.
8. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein
said first and second dielectric spring means comprising a
dielectric mushroom-shaped member.
9. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein
said flexible first end means of said first and second outer
conductor gripping means comprising a slotted, annular ring.
10. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 8
wherein said flexible first end means of said first and second
outer conductor gripping means comprising a slotted, annular
ring.
11. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 7
wherein said first and second center conductor gripping means
having means for preventing said center conductors from being
pulled out of said co-axial connector assembly and for increasing
the gripping action on said center conductors during extraction of
said center conductors from said co-axial connector assembly, said
flexible first end means of said first and second outer conductor
gripping means having means located thereon for causing said
flexible first end means to contract inwardly into engagement with
the outer conductors of said co-axial cables if a force is applied
to extract said outer conductors from said co-axial conductor
assembly.
12. A co-axial connector assembly in accordance with claim 10
wherein said first and second flexible dielectric spring means
having means cooperatively associated with said center conductor
gripping means for preventing said center conductors from being
pulled out of said co-axial connector and for increasing the
gripping action on said center conductors during extraction of said
center conductors from said co-axial connector assemblies, said
flexible first end means of said outer conductor gripping means
having means located at one end thereof for causing said flexible
first end means to contract inwardly into engagement with the outer
conductors of said co-axial cable if a force is applied to extract
said outer conductors from said co-axial conductor assemblies.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to electrical connectors and, more
particularly, to co-axial connector assemblies for use in providing
good electrical contact to both the center and outer conductors of
a co-axial cable.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various types of co-axial connector assemblies have been developed
in the past to provide electrical contact to both the center and
outer conductors of a co-axial cable. With the advent of the use of
aluminum as a replacement for copper for the center and outer
conductors of a co-axial cable, significant advantages were
realized due to the lightness and non-oxidizing qualities of the
aluminum material relative to the heavier weight and higher rate of
oxidation exhibited by copper. Other inherent advantages were also
provided by the substitution of aluminum for copper as the center
and outer conductors of co-axial cables.
A problem that is associated with the use of aluminum is the fact
that this material exhibits "cold flow" properties which are deemed
undesirable because of the difficulties in achieving a good
electrical contact thereto.
The term "cold flow" is a term of the art that is used to indicate
that a material such as aluminum will change its configuration
after exposure to heat, cold, pressure and other environmental
conditions, which make it difficult to obtain a good electrical
contact to the material. One example of this is the fact that an
aluminum conductor that is gripped by an electrical connector will,
after a period of time, exhibit a compression or "cold flow" in the
region of the pressure of the electrical connector on the aluminum
conductor, which causes the aluminum material to flow away from the
contact with the connector and thus results in a poor electrical
contact between the connector and the aluminum conductor.
With the recognition of this problem, a number of different
technical solutions have been proposed to provide a reliable
clamping action on the center and outer aluminum conductors of a
co-axial cable. However, the prior art solutions to this problem
did not result in the production of a reliable electrical connector
that could continue to make good electrical contact to the center
and outer conductors of a co-axial cable regardless of the "cold
flow" phenomena.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an
improved electrical connector.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved
electrical connector for use in making electrical contact to both
the center and outer conductors of a co-axial cable.
It is still another object of this invention to provide an
electrical connector which has clamping features that can result in
reliable and continuous electrical contact between the electrical
connector and the center and outer conductors of a co-axial
cable.
It is a still further object of this invention to provide an
electrical connector which has clamping features to overcome the
"cold flow" characteristics of aluminum conductors.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, a co-axial
connector assembly is provided which is especially adapted to
achieve electrical contact to both the center and outer conductors
of a co-axial cable. The co-axial connector assembly contains
center conductor gripping means applying continuous, positive
gripping action to the center conductor of the co-axial cable.
Outer conductor gripping means are provided as part of the co-axial
cable assembly for both applying continuous, positive gripping
action to the outer conductor of a co-axial cable and actuating the
center conductor gripping means into gripping the center conductor.
The co-axial connector assembly also includes actuating means for
causing the outer conductor gripping means to perform the
operations of gripping the outer conductor and actuating the center
conductor gripping means into gripping the center conductor.
In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, a
combination co-axial connector assembly and co-axial cable is
provided. The co-axial cable contains both a center conductor and
an outer conductor, which is preferably tubular in configuration.
The co-axial assembly comprises center conductor gripping means for
applying continuous, positive gripping action to the center
conductor of the co-axial cable. Outer conductor gripping means are
provided as part of the co-axial cable assembly for both applying
continuous, positive gripping action to the outer conductor of a
co-axial cable and actuating the center conductor gripping means
into gripping the center conductor. The co-axial connector assembly
also includes actuating means for causing the outer conductor
gripping means to perform the operations of gripping the outer
conductor and actuating the center conductor gripping means into
gripping the center conductor.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following, more particular,
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, in cross-section, showing the
open position of the co-axial connector assembly of this invention
prior to clamping action on the center and outer conductors of a
co-axial cable.
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the co-axial connector
assembly in a closed position which results in the clamping of the
outer conductor and center conductor of a co-axial cable.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing an electrical connector
assembly in an open position prior to clamping only the outer
conductor of a co-axial cable. However, no clamping action and the
features therefor for clamping the center conductor are shown.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the co-axial connector
assembly shown in the closed or clamping position.
FIG. 5 is an elevational, cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1
showing two connector assemblies located within a single connector
housing for splicing together two co-axial cables, both of the
connector assemblies are in clamping positions wherein the two
connectors are connected up together to permit the center and outer
conductors of one co-axial cable to be electrically connected to
the center and outer conductors of another co-axial cable.
Referring to FIG. 1, a co-axial connector assembly is generally
shown by reference numeral 10. The connector assembly comprises
preferably a hexagonal shaped nut 12 threadably connected by means
of threads 14 to threads 16 of a connector body 18. The hexagonal
nut 12 contains an annular groove 20 within which is located an
0-ring 22, which is preferably made of a flexible material such as
rubber. The threads 14 and 16 of the hexagonal nut 12 and the
connector body 18 serve to permit the hexagonal nut 12 to move to
the left or right, as desired. The hexagonal nut 12 is provided
with an annular actuating member 24 which contains a flat surface
portion 26 that serves to contact a flat surface 28 of a ring 30,
thereby causing the ring 30 to move in a direction to the right as
viewed in FIG. 1. An annular rubber gasket 32 is located adjacent
to the ring 30 and serves to resiliently urge the ring 30 to move
to the left as viewed in FIG. 1 when the annular actuating member
24 is out of contact with the ring 30. A metal sealing ring 34 is
provided adjacent to the annular rubber gasket 32 and serves as a
mechanical stop therefor as shown in FIG. 1. The annular rubber
gasket 32 fits within the slot in the metal sealing ring 34 defined
by the surfaces 36 and 38.
The metal sealing ring 34 contains a groove 40 within which is
located a O-type sealing ring 42 preferably made of rubber or some
other suitable flexible material. The metal sealing ring 34
contains a beveled actuating portion 44 which serves to actuate
clamping member 46. The clamping member 46 contains an extended
annular stop 48 which functions to contact a stop 50 located within
the connector body 18. Thus, the clamping member 46 can only be
moved to the right as viewed in the Figure to the extent permitted
before contact is made between the stops 48 and 50. The clamping
member 46 is moved to the right by means of contact with the metal
sealing ring 34.
The clamping member 46 contains internal threads 52 and an arm
portion 54. The clamping member 46 also contains a beveled
actuating portion 56 which is used to actuate and compress a
dielectric, mushroom-shaped member 58. The dielectric member 58 is
caused to compress because of the contact between the beveled
actuating portion 56 and top surface 60 of the dielectric
mushroom-shaped member 58. The dielectric mushroom-shaped member 58
contains a hollowed out annular portion 62 which surrounds a
portion of clamping member 64. The clamping member 64 is used for
the purpose of clamping a center conductor of a co-axial cable. The
dielectric mushroom-shaped member 58 contains a beveled surface
portion 66 which serves to engage a corresponding beveled surface
portion 68 of the clamping member 64. Thus, when the dielectric
mushroom-shaped member 58 is moved to the right, as viewed in FIG.
1, the beveled surface portion 66 of the dielectric mushroom-shaped
member 58 contacts the beveled surface portion 68 of the clamping
member 64 and serves to compress the clamping member 64 into
clamping action on a center conductor of a co-axial cable.
The clamping member 64 is shown located within a dielectric plug
70. The dielectric plug 70 is located within an end portion 72 of
the connector body 18. The end portion 72 of the connector body 18
contains threads 74 which serve to provide the connection to
another connector or other type of device, as desired. 0-ring 76 is
mounted about the end portion 72 between the threads 74 and a
surface 78.
Referring to FIG. 2, all of the reference numerals used in FIG. 1
are repeated in FIG. 2 which illustrates the co-axial connector
assembly in a closed or clamping position. A co-axial cable is
shown both in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is generally designated by
reference numeral 80. The co-axial cable 80 contains an outer
dielectric casing 82 and an outer metal conductor 84. The outer
dielectric casing 82 is shown stripped away from the outer metal
conductor 84 within the portion of the connector assembly 10 that
contains the ring 30, the annular rubber gasket 32, the metal
sealing ring 34, and the clamping member 46. The clamping member 46
contains slots, one of which is shown by the dotted line outline
86. These slots permit the arm portion 54 of the clamping member 46
to be compressed inwardly as shown in FIG. 2 when the beveled
actuating portion 44 of the metal sealing ring 34 engages the
beveled surface of the arm portion 54 as shown in FIG. 2.
Similarly, the clamping member 64 is also provided with slots, one
of which is shown by a dotted outline 88 in order to permit the
clamping member 64 to be compressed into firm clamping action about
center conductor 90 of the co-axial cable 80. The center conductor
90 of the co-axial cable 80 penetrates through the dielectric
mushroom-shaped member 58 and into the bore provided within the
clamping member 64.
OPERATION OF CONNECTOR
The connector assembly 10 is shown in the open position in FIG. 1
and in the closed or gripping position in FIG. 2. In the open
position shown in FIG. 1, the hexagonal nut 12 is in a raised
position with respect to the connector body 18. Upon the turning of
the nut 12 in a clockwise direction, the hexagonal nut 12 is moved
to the right until annular flange 92 of the hexagonal nut 12
contacts annular stop 94 of the connector body 18. This position is
shown in FIG. 2. As a result of this movement of the hexagonal nut
12, the annular actuating member 24 thereof contacts and urges the
ring 30 to move to the right as viewed in FIGS. 1 or 2. This serves
to compress the annular rubber gasket 32 which causes the metal
sealing ring 34 to also move to the right thereby contacting the
arm portion 54 of the clamping member 46. Because of the beveled
actuating portion 44 of the metal sealing ring 34, the arm portion
54 of the clamping member 46 is compressed inwardly towards contact
with the outer metal conductor 84. The internal threads 52 of the
clamping member 46 provide positive gripping action of the outer
metal conductor 84 and this gripping action is maintained even
under "cold flow" conditions of the metal conductor. Hence, the
gripping or clamping action of the clamping member 46 is continuous
and provides a good electrical contact to the outer metal conductor
84 of the co-axial cable 80. The beveled actuating portion 56 of
the clamping member 46 contacts and compresses the dielectric
mushroom-shaped member 58 when the hexagonal nut 12 is in its
closed or contact position with the connector body 18. Since the
clamping member 46 is moved to the right, as viewed in FIGS. 1 or
2, the dielectric mushroom-shaped member 58 is also urged to the
right besides being compressed by the beveled actuating portion 56
of the clamping member 46. This results in having the beveled
surface portion 66 of the dielectric mushroom-shaped member 58
engaging the beveled surface portion 68 of the clamping member 64.
As a result, the clamping member 64 is compressed and provides a
good electrical contact to the center conductor 90 of the co-axial
cable 80.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, these Figures illustrate a connector
assembly similar to the connector assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, with
the exception that the connector assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 is
directed to making electrical contact to only the outer conductor
of a co-axial cable. Accordingly, the same reference numerals used
in FIGS. 1 and 2 are repeated in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 represents
the connector assembly in an open position where clamping or
gripping action is not made of the outer conductor. FIG. 4
represents the connector assembly in a closed position where
clamping action is made to the outer conductor of the co-axial
cable. The center conductor 90 is not gripped in this Figure and
penetrates through a dielectric plug 70A having an aperture 71 for
the passage of the center conductor 90 therethrough.
Referring to FIG. 5, the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 and 2
are repeated again in FIG. 5 to show the same elements. In FIG. 5,
two co-axial cables 80A and 80B are shown electrically connected
together in the manner described with respect to FIG. 1. In this
embodiment, two dielectric mushroom-shaped members 58A and 58B are
utilized in a manner described with respect to the dielectric
mushroom-shaped member 58 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, clamping action
is achieved at both ends of the single clamping member 64 to the
center conductors 90A and 90B of the co-axial cables 80A and 80B
respectively.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. The co-axial connector of this
invention is particularly useful in providing means for achieving a
spring loading effect on both the center and outer conductors to
permit continuous electrical contact to be made despite the "cold
flow" aspects of the metal conductors. This spring loading effect
on the center conductor is achieved by the compression of the
mushroom-shaped dielectric member 58 because of the force exerted
thereon by the beveled actuating portion 56 of the clamping member
46. The hollow, annular, inner portion of the mushroom-shaped
dielectric member 58 exerts a radial force on the metal clamping
member 64 which serves to follow and maintain physical and
electrical contact to the center conductor 90 despite "cold flow"
effects. A spring loading effect is achieved on the metal outer
conductor 84 by the clamping member 46. This spring loading effect
is achieved by the bowing of the arm portion 54 due to the action
of the beveled actuating portion 44 of the metal sealing ring 34.
This bowing causes the internal threads 52 of the clamping member
to continuously grip the outer conductor 84 despite any "cold flow"
characteristics exhibited by the metal of the outer conductor 84.
Additionally, another major advantage of the design of the
connector of this invention is that both the center and outer
conductors of a co-axial cable can be securely gripped despite any
forces accidental or otherwise tending to extract or remove the
co-axial cable from the connector. For example, a force on the
center conductor 90 which would tend to pull this conductor to the
left (as viewed while looking at FIG. 1) does not succeed in
extracting this conductor from this connector due to the immediate
contact and engagement of the tapered portions 66 and 68 of the
mushroom-shaped member 58 and the clamping member 64, respectively
which causes even greater gripping action to occur on the center
conductor 90. The tapered surface 44 and the corresponding tapered
surface on the clamping member 46 work in the same way as the
previously described tapered surfaces with respect to the center
conductor and thus, the outer conductor 84 is even more firmly
gripped due to greater contact by the threads 52 when an extraction
force is applied to the outer conductor 84.
* * * * *