U.S. patent number 3,668,612 [Application Number 05/062,112] was granted by the patent office on 1972-06-06 for cable connector.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Lindsay Specialty Products Limited. Invention is credited to Zdenek Nepovim.
United States Patent |
3,668,612 |
Nepovim |
June 6, 1972 |
CABLE CONNECTOR
Abstract
A connector for attachment to the end of a coaxial cable having
an axial core electrode or conductor and a conductive sheath
electrode or conductor includes a housing having an integral
tubular skirt formed from four rearwardly extending tongues
collectively formed with a rearwardly facing external cam surface.
A tubular cover sleeve formed with a forwardly facing internal cam
surface for engagement with the external cam surface of the tongues
screws onto the housing so that interaction of the cam surfaces
causes the tongues to be flexed radially inwardly into gripping
engagement with a cable disposed within the connector and into
electrical contact with the conductive sheath electrode of that
cable. Usefully, a radially inwardly compressible and electrically
conductive collet sleeve is coaxially disposed within the tongues
between their forward and rearward ends so as to receive an exposed
forward end portion of the core electrode of the cable. An
electrically insulating and radially inwardly compressible bushing
disposed about the collet sleeve serves to transmit radially inward
movement from the tongues to the collet sleeve so as to provide
simultaneous gripping of the core electrode without any torsional
shearing action between the sheath and core electrodes.
Inventors: |
Nepovim; Zdenek (Lindsay,
Ontario, CA) |
Assignee: |
Lindsay Specialty Products
Limited (Lindsay, Ontario, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
22040297 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/062,112 |
Filed: |
August 7, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/584; 174/665;
285/248; 285/322; 439/657; 285/257; 403/195; 285/149.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G
3/065 (20130101); H01R 9/05 (20130101); H02G
15/085 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02G
15/08 (20060101); H02G 3/06 (20060101); H02G
3/02 (20060101); H01R 9/05 (20060101); H01r
013/52 () |
Field of
Search: |
;339/89,94,177,103
;174/65SS,75R,75C,77R ;285/158,248,249,257,322 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: McGlynn; Joseph H.
Claims
1. A connector for securement to the end of coaxial cable having a
core electrode and a conductive sheath electrode and which
connector comprises a hollow housing having integral therewith a
rearwardly extending and peripherally discontinuous electrically
conductive tubular skirt for radially inward compression into
gripping engagement with a coaxial cable extending forwardly into
said skirt and into electrical contact with the conductive sheath
electrode of such a coaxial cable, said tubular skirt being formed
with a rearwardly facing external surface; a hollow tubular cover
sleeve having associated therewith a forwardly facing internal cam
surface for conjoint axial movement with said cover sleeve and for
engagement with said rearwardly facing external surface of said
tubular skirt when said cover sleeve is disposed coaxially around
said tubular skirt and adapted to cause radially inward compression
of said tubular skirt into gripping engagement with the coaxial
cable disposed within said tubular skirt and into electrical
contact with the conductive sheath electrode of that coaxial cable
on forward axial movement of said cover sleeve relative to said
housing; co-operating means on said housing and on said cover
sleeve for retaining said cover sleeve in a fixed forward axial
position on said housing in turn to maintain said tubular skirt
radially inwardly compressed and in gripping engagement with the
coaxial cable disposed within said tubular skirt and in electrical
contact with the conductive sheath electrode of that cable; a
radially inwardly compressible and electrically conductive collet
sleeve mounted generally axially within said tubular skirt of said
housing for receiving an exposed forward end portion of the core
electrode of the coaxial cable inserted into said connector; and a
radially inwardly compressible and electrically insulating bushing
coaxially disposed around said collet sleeve and within said
tubular skirt whereby, on said radially inward compression of said
tubular skirt on forward axial movement of said cover sleeve
relative to said housing, said bushing and said collet sleeve are
radially inwardly compressed to move said collet sleeve into
gripping engagement and
2. A connector as claimed in claim 1 in which said housing is
formed on a forward end thereof with a forwardly extending second
said peripherally discontinuous and electrically conductive tubular
skirt for radially inward compression into gripping engagement with
a second coaxial cable inserted into a forward end of said
connector and into electrical contact with the conductive sheath
electrode of such a second coaxial cable, said second tubular skirt
being formed with a forwardly facing external cam surface, which
connector additionally comprises a second said hollow tubular cover
sleeve having associated therewith a rearwardly facing internal cam
surface for conjoint coaxial movement with said second cover sleeve
and for engagement with said forwardly facing external cam surface
of said second tubular skirt when said second cover sleeve is
disposed coaxially around said second tubular skirt and adapted to
cause radially inward compression of said second tubular skirt into
gripping engagement with said second coaxial cable and into
electrical contact with the conductive sheath electrode of that
second coaxial cable on rearward axial movement of said second
cover sleeve relative to said housing, in which said collet sleeve
is adapted to receive an exposed rearward end portion of the core
electrode of the second coaxial cable inserted into said connector,
which connector additionally comprises a second said radially
inwardly compressible and electrically insulating bushing coaxially
disposed around said collet sleeve within said second tubular skirt
whereby, on radially inward compression of said second tubular
skirt on rearward axial movement of said second cover sleeve
relative to said housing, said second bushing and said collet
sleeve are radially inwardly compressed to move said collet sleeve
into gripping engagement and electrical contact with said exposed
rearward end portion of the core electrode of the second coaxial
cable, and which connector additionally comprises cooperating means
on said housing and on said second cover sleeve for retaining said
second cover sleeve in a fixed rearward axial position on said
housing in turn to maintain said second tubular skirt radially
inwardly compressed and in engagement with the outer conductive
3. A connector as claimed in claim 1, in which said tubular skirt
is formed with a rearwardly facing external cam surface adapted to
be engaged by the forwardly facing internal cam surface of the
hollow tubular cover sleeve.
4. A connector as claimed in claim 1 in which said tubular skirt is
peripherally divided into a plurality of peripherally spaced apart
and rearwardly extending, radially inwardly and resiliently
compressible tongues having said rearwardly facing external cam
surface formed collectively thereon and in which said bushing is
disposed axially between
5. A connector as claimed in claim 4 in which said tongues are
internally serrated for gripping engagement with the coaxial cable
disposed
6. A connector as claimed in claim 5 in which said tubular skirt is
externally threaded for engagement with a mating internal thread
formed within said cover sleeve whereby said cover sleeve is
advanced forwardly on rotation of said cover sleeve relative to
said housing to cause engagement of said external and internal cam
surfaces and radially inward compression of said tongues of said
tubular skirt and in turn radially
7. A connector as claimed in claim 6 in which said cover sleeve has
an annular flange integrally formed therewith rearwardly of said
internal thread and which said connector additionally includes an
axially resiliently compressible and radially outwardly and
resiliently expansible seal adapted to be compressed between
rearward end surfaces of said tongues and a forwardly facing
surface of said annular flange on forward movement of said cover
sleeve relative to said housing to provide a seal between said
cover sleeve and a peripheral outer surface of the coaxial
8. A connector as claimed in claim 7 which additionally includes an
electrically conductive axially forward extension of said collet
sleeve and an annular electrically insulating spacer disposed
around said forward extension of said collet sleeve to maintain
said forward extension of said collet sleeve in a generally axial
position within said housing and a rearward tubular extension
integrally formed with said spacer and adapted to abut said bushing
to maintain said bushing in correct axial position within said
tongues of said housing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrical connectors and more
particularly to connectors intended for securement to coaxial
cables of the type used in CATV distribution systems.
Many different types of electrical connectors for the
aforementioned purpose are presently available but the practical
requirements for a connector of this type have proved to be
difficult to attain.
From a commercial point of view, it is desirable that such a
connector should have the minimum possible number of component
parts consistent with effective operation and that the manufacture
and assembly of such a connector should involve as few
manufacturing steps as possible. In this way, the cost of such a
connector can be reduced to the lowest possible level. Such a
connector must also present the desired electrical characteristics
with particular reference to the loss of signal strength which can
occur due to reflection of signals back along the coaxial cable to
which such a connector is secured.
Yet another important requirement of such a connector is that it
provides a positive grip on the cable as well as effective
electrical connection to one or both of the core electrode and the
conductive sheath electrode of the cable. In the case where the
connector is designed to engage both such electrodes, failure to
provide positive connection to both electrodes may, as a result of
the different thermal expansion rates of the two electrodes, lead
to the core electrode being pulled loose from the connector,
particularly when the cable is exposed to large temperature
variations.
Another important feature required in an electrical connector
particularly intended for use in a CATV system is that such a
connector should incorporate an adequate seal against the ingress
of moisture and dirt into the connector and consequently ultimately
into the electrical insulation provided between the core electrode
and the outer sheath of such a coaxial cable.
A particularly serious problem which has arisen with many of the
connectors heretofore known and intended for securement to both the
core electrode and the sheath electrode of a coaxial cable is that
the action of tightening the connector on the cable frequently
causes a torsional shearing action on the insulation between the
two cable electrodes with possible damage to such insulation.
It is a principal object of this invention to provide an electrical
connector intended for securement to a coaxial cable and especially
suited for use in CATV distribution systems.
Another object of this invention, in accordance with a particular
feature thereof, is to provide a connector intended to provide
mechanical gripping of both the core electrode and the sheath
electrode of a coaxial cable and the use of which connector is free
from all risk of applying a torsional shearing action on the
insulation between the electrodes.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide connectors for
the purpose specified and which connectors are of relatively simple
construction and which can, consequently, be manufactured at a
relatively low cost while still providing the necessary positive
engagement with and electrical connection to one or both electrodes
as required, of a coaxial cable.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the
description herein proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In its broadest scope, the present invention provides a connector
for securement to the end of a coaxial cable having a core
electrode and a conductive sheath electrode and which connector
comprises a hollow housing having integral therewith a rearwardly
extending and peripherally discontinuous electrically conductive
tubular skirt for radially inward compression into gripping
engagement with a coaxial cable extending forwardly into said skirt
and into electrical contact with the conductive sheath electrode of
such a coaxial cable said tubular skirt being formed with a
rearwardly facing external cam surface; a hollow tubular cover
sleeve having associated therewith a forwardly facing internal cam
surface for conjoint axial movement with said cover sleeve and for
engagement with said rearwardly facing external cam surface of said
tubular skirt when said cover sleeve is disposed coaxially around
said tubular skirt and adapted to cause radially inward compression
of said tubular skirt into gripping engagement with the coaxial
cable disposed within said tubular skirt and into electrical
contact with the conductive sheath electrode of that coaxial cable
on forward axial movement of said cover sleeve relative to said
housing; and cooperating means on said housing and on said cover
sleeve for retaining said cover sleeve in a fixed forward axial
position on said housing in turn to maintain said tubular skirt
radially inwardly compressed and in gripping engagement with the
coaxial cable disposed within said tubular skirt and in electrical
contact with the conductive sheath electrode of that cable.
A connector in accordance with this invention can be constructed to
grip a coaxial cable to provide electrical connection to only the
conductive sheath electrode of that cable but such a connector can
readily be constructed, in accordance with a particularly useful
feature of the invention, so as to provide connection to both the
cable electrodes. In such a construction of a connector in
accordance with the invention, a radially inwardly compressible and
electrically conductive collet sleeve is disposed coaxially within
the tubular skirt for receiving therewithin an exposed forward end
portion of the coaxial cable. An electrically insulating and
radially inwardly compressible bushing coaxially disposed about
such a collet sleeve and within said tubular skirt then serves to
transmit radially inward movement from the skirt to the collet
sleeve to cause the latter to be compressed into gripping
engagement and electrical contact with the exposed end portion of
the core electrode, as the cover sleeve of the connector is
advanced forwardly on the housing.
As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the connectors
of this invention can also be constructed so that they can be used
for providing electrical interconnection between the core and
sheath electrodes respectively of two coaxial cables.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent
as the description herein proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described merely by way of illustration
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded sectional view of one previously known type
of coaxial cable connector and fragmentarily also showing a coaxial
cable to which such a connector is intended to be connected and a
connector box to which the connector can itself be secured;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal, axial and vertical sectional view through
the connector box and cable shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating the
manner in which that connector functions, FIGS. 1 and 2 being
included herein merely for purposes of comparison;
FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional view similar to that of FIG. 1 but
showing one useful embodiment of a connector in accordance with
this invention;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal, axial and vertical sectional view similar
to that of FIG. 2 but of the connector in accordance with the
invention as shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is an exploded sectional view similar to that of FIG. 3 but
showing a different embodiment of a connector in accordance with
the invention;
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal, axial and vertical sectional view through
the connector of FIG. 5 and showing that connector in its assembled
form;
FIG. 7 is a vertical end elevation of a radially inwardly
compressible and electrically insulating bushing forming an
important component of the connector shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 when
viewed as indicated by the arrows 7 -- 7 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal, axial and vertical sectional view through
a further embodiment of a connector in accordance with the
invention and illustrating the use of this particular connector for
interconnecting the electrodes or conductors of two coaxial
cables;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, longitudinal, axial and vertical sectional
view through yet another embodiment of a connector in accordance
with this invention and having many features in common with the
connector shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 but showing the connector coupled
to a coaxial cable in which the sheath electrode thereof is
disposed within an electrically insulating outer cover sheath;
and
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an adaptor utilized
with the connector of FIG. 9 for ensuring positive gripping of the
cable and effective electrical connection to the sheath electrode
of that cable.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention and
of the advance in the art provided thereby, the previously known
connector shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings and
the manner in which that connector functions will first be
described herein.
For convenience the left-hand ends of all the connectors shown in
the accompanying drawings will be referred to herein as the forward
ends of those connectors while the right-hand ends will be referred
to as the rearward ends. Similarly, the direction from the rearward
end to the forward end of each such connector as indicated by the
arrow "A" in FIG. 2 will be considered as being the forward
direction. Identical components of the various connectors will be
indicated on all the figures of the accompanying drawings by the
same legends.
Referring first, therefore, to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying
drawings, it will be seen that the known connector generally
indicated therein at 10 is shown in FIG. 2 as being secured to the
forward end of a coaxial cable generably indicated at 11. The cable
11 comprises an outer electrically conductive sheath 12 generally
formed of relatively pure aluminum and an axial core wire electrode
13 generally formed of copper. A closed cell foamed plastic
insulation 14 serves to maintain the core electrode 13 correctly
axially positioned as well as to insulate the core electrode 13
from the outer sheath electrode 12. Although the invention will
primarily be described herein with reference to the use of the
connectors in accordance therewith together with cables having such
outer sheath electrodes, the connectors of this invention can
equally be utilized with cables in which the sheath electrodes are
disposed within electrically insulating outer sheaths of such
cables. An adaptor for use with the last-mentioned type of cable
will be described in greater detail hereinafter with particular
reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.
Referring now in greater detail to the known connector 10 of FIGS.
1 and 2, it will be seen that that connector includes a hollow
housing generally indicated at 16 and formed at its forward end
with a male threaded portion 17 by means of which the connector 10
can be secured within an internally threaded opening 18 in a
connector box generally indicated at 19 and within which electrical
connection can be made to an exposed forward end portion 20 of the
core electrode 13 of the cable 11, for example, by a short metal
sleeve 21 provided with a set screw 22 for clamping the core
electrode end portion 20 within the sleeve 21. A wire 23 is shown
as being connected to the sleeve 21 within the box 19. A
resiliently compressible O-ring 24 is shown as being provided
around the housing 16 at the rearward end of the threaded portion
17 to provide a water-tight and dust-proof seal between the
connector 10 and the wall of the box 19.
It will further be noted that the known connector 10 includes an
electrically insulating spacer generally indicated at 26 and
disposed within the forward end of the housing 16 for the purpose
of maintaining the forward end portion 20 of the core electrode 13
of the cable 11 in its correct axial position. The spacer 26
comprises a peripheral wall 27 and an annular end wall 28 having an
axial opening 29 through which the core electrode 13 extends as
will readily be understood by reference to FIG. 2. An annular
flange 30 formed on the forward end of the threaded portion 17 of
the housing 16 serves to retain the spacer 26 in position
therein.
At its rearward end, the housing 16 is formed with a tubular
portion 31 provided with an external thread 32 and a rearward edge
surface 33. An O-ring 34 is provided at the forward end of the
threaded portion 31 to ensure a seal between the housing 16 and a
tubular cover sleeve generally indicated at 35 and formed with an
internal thread 36 for engaging the aforementioned thread 32 of the
housing 16. The cover sleeve 35 has a rearwardly open rearward end
portion 38 with an O-ring 39 mounted within an internal peripheral
recess 40 for the purpose of providing a seal with the outer
conductive sheath 12 of the cable 11. The tubular portion 38 of the
cover sleeve 35 terminates forwardly in a forwardly facing annular
shoulder 41.
Disposed between the housing 16 and the cover sleeve 35 within the
connector 10, there is provided a metal ferrule 43 which is
peripherally discontinuous at an axially extending slot 44 to
permit resilient and radially inward compression of the ferrule 43
in a manner yet to be explained. On its internal surface, the
ferrule 43 is formed with serrations 45 for gripping engagement
with the outer conductive sheath 12 of the cable 11. The ferrule 43
has a rearwardly facing rear radial edge 46 and a forwardly facing
external cam surface 47 adapted to be engaged externally by the
rear edge surface 33 of the tubular portion 31 of the housing
16.
In the use of the known connector 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the
accompanying drawings, the outer sheath 12 and the insulation 14 of
the cable 11 are first cut away to expose the forward end portion
20 of the core electrode 13. The cable 11 is then inserted into the
connector in the forward direction until the forward end surface of
the sheath 12 abuts the rearward edge of the peripheral wall 27 of
the spacer 26, the exposed forward end portion 20 of the core
electrode 13 then projecting into the box 19 as actually shown in
FIG. 2. The cover sleeve 35 is then tightened onto the housing 16
and, during such tightening operation, the rear edge 46 of the
ferrule 43 is abutted by the shoulder 41 of the cover sleeve 35 to
cause the ferrule 43 to move forwardly. During such forward
movement of the ferrule 43, abutment of the rear edge surface 33 of
the housing 16 against the cam surface 47 of the ferrule 43 causes
the latter to be radially inwardly compressed until the internal
serrations 45 thereof firmly grip the outer conductive sheath 12 of
the cable 11 disposed therewithin. In this way, electrical
continuity is obtained between the outer conductive sheath 12 and
the metal box 19 through the ferrule 43 and the housing 16.
Having described the previously known connector shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, one particularly useful embodiment of a connector in
accordance with this invention and as generally indicated at 50 in
FIG. 4 of the accompanying drawings will now be described. The
connector 50 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as being used for the same
purpose as the connector 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e. for connecting a
coaxial cable 11 to a connector box 19 within which an exposed
forward end portion 20 of the core electrode 13 of the cable 11 is
connected in a short sleeve 21 by a set screw 22 while the outer
conductive sheath 12 of the cable 11 is electrically connected to
the metal of the box 19 through the connector 50.
Referring now in greater detail to the structure of the connector
50, it will be seen that it comprises an electrically conductive
hollow housing generally indicated at 51 and a hollow tubular cover
sleeve generally indicated at 52. The housing 51 has a forward end
portion 53 externally threaded at 54 for engagement with the
internal thread 18 provided in the opening of the end wall of the
connector box 19, an O-ring 24 being provided as in the connector
10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. A rearward tubular end portion 55 of the
housing 51 has an external male thread 56 formed on its forward
end. The tubular end portion 55 is peripherally divided by four
axially extending slots 57 into four rearwardly projecting
resiliently and radially inwardly compressible tongues 58, 59, 60
and 61 which are collectively formed with a rearwardly facing
external frusto-conical cam surface 62. Internally, the tongues 58,
59, 60 and 61 are threaded at 63 or formed with serrations for
gripping the outer surface of the outer conductive sheath 12 of the
coaxial cable disposed within the connector 50 as actually shown in
FIG. 4.
Referring now to the hollow tubular cover sleeve 52, it will be
seen that that cover sleeve 52 includes a forwardly disposed
internal thread 65 for engagement with the external thread 56 of
the housing 51. Rearwardly of the thread 65, the cover sleeve 52 is
formed with a forwardly facing internal frusto-conical cam surface
66 which engages the rearwardly facing external cam surface 62 of
the tongues 58, 59, 60 and 61 when the cover sleeve 52 is screwed
onto the housing 51 as actually shown in FIG. 4.
Rearwardly of the cam surface 66, an axially and resiliently
compressible and radially and resiliently expansible, generally
cylindrical sealing member 67 is retained within the cover sleeve
52 by a radially inwardly extending annular flange 68 integrally
formed in the cover sleeve 52 at the rearward end thereof.
The connector 50 also includes an annular spacer 70 of electrically
insulating material and which functions in the same manner as the
spacer 26 of the connector 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 for maintaining the
exposed forward end portion 20 of the core electrode 13 in its
correct axial position. The rearward end of the spacer 70 abuts a
forwardly facing annular shoulder 71 formed in the housing 51 while
a rearwardly facing annular shoulder 72 also formed in the housing
51 provides a seating for the forward end of the outer conductive
sheath 12 of the cable 11. An axial bore 73 in the spacer 70 is
usefully flared as at 74 to guide the forward end of the core
electrode 13 of the cable 11 thereinto.
In the use of the connector 50 as shown in FIG. 4, the outer
conductive sheath 12 and the insulation 14 of the cable 11 are
first cut back in the manner already explained herein with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings and the
cable 11 is then inserted into the connector 50 so that the exposed
forward end portion 20 of the core electrode 13 projects into the
connector box 19 while the forward edge of the outer conductive
sheath 12 seats against the shoulder 72. The cover sleeve 52 is
then screwed onto the housing 51 until abutment of the internal cam
surface 66 of the cover sleeve 52 against the external cam surface
62 of the tongues 58, 59, 60 and 61 causes those tongues to be
flexed radially inwardly into mechanical gripping engagement and
electrical contact with the outer conductive sheath 12 of the cable
11, thereby providing electrical connection between the box 19 and
the sheath 12 of the cable 11 through the housing 51. During such
tightening movement, the sealing member 67 is axially compressed
between the flange 68 and the rearward edge surfaces of the tongues
58, 59, 60 and 61 and is consequently radially expanded to provide
a seal between the sheath 12 and the cover sleeve 52 as will
readily be understood by reference to FIG. 4.
It should particularly be noted that, during the tightening of the
tongues 58, 59, 60 and 61 onto the sheath 12 of the cable 11, there
is no way in which such tongues can rotate relative to that sheath
and thereby possibly damage the cable.
Referring now to the alternative embodiment of a connector in
accordance with the invention as generally indicated at 80 in FIG.
6 and as also shown in FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings, it will
be noted that that connector 80 is generally similar to the
connector 50 already described herein with reference to FIGS. 3 and
4. Although the dimensions and configurations of the various
component parts of the two connectors 50 and 80 are somewhat
different, for convenience, however, essentially identical
components have been indicated by the same legends.
The connector 80 differs from the connector 50 shown in FIGS. 3 and
4 in that it incorporates means for mechanical and electrical
engagement with the exposed forward end portion 20 of the core
electrode 13 of the cable 11.
For such a purpose, the connector 80 includes a slotted and
electrically conductive collet sleeve generally indicated at 81 and
having two peripherally spaced apart and rearwardly extending
generally semi-cylindrical fingers 82 defining an elongated axial
bore 84 within which the forward end portion 20 of the core
electrode 13 is received. The inner surfaces of the fingers 82 are
usefully serrated for a reason which will readily be understood as
the description herein proceeds. Integrally formed with the collet
sleeve 81, there is provided an axial connector electrode 85 which
extends forwardly out of the connector 80 for the electrical
connection thereto, for example, within a connector box (not shown)
to which the connector 80 is secured by screwing in the manner
already described herein. A shoulder 86 is provided at the forward
end of the fingers 82 for a purpose yet to be explained.
The connector 80 of FIGS. 5 and 6 also differs from the connector
50 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that the spacer generally indicated at 88
and provided for supporting the forwardly extending electrode 85
differs from the spacer 70 provided in the connector 50 in that it
is integrally formed with a rearwardly extending axially bored
axial stem 89 which abuts the aforementioned shoulder 86 of the
collet sleeve 81 to retain that collet sleeve 81 in its correct
position along the axis of the connector 80. The spacer 88 is
retained in position within a housing generally indicated at 83 by
an internal annular flange 90 integrally formed with the housing 83
at the forward end thereof.
Coaxially disposed around the collet sleeve 81, there is provided
an electrically insulating and radially inwardly and resiliently
compressible bushing generally indicated at 92 and which, when the
connector is assembled as shown in FIG. 6, is disposed between the
forward and rearward ends of the aforementioned tongues 58, 59, 60
and 61 so as to be inwardly compressed on radially inward movement
of such tongues. Such inward compression of the bushing 92 in turn
causes radially inward movement of the collet sleeve fingers 82
into gripping engagement and electrical contact with the exposed
forward end portion 20 of the core electrode 13 of the cable 11. In
order to facilitate the compression of the bushing 92, the latter
is usefully formed with a cutaway segment 93 as is well known in
cable connectors of the type considered herein and as is
particularly shown in FIG. 7 of the accompanying drawings. The
axial bore 94 provided in the bushing 92 for receiving the collet
sleeve 81 is usefully flared at its rearward end as indicated at 95
to facilitate the entry of the forward end of the core electrode 13
thereinto.
The manner in which the connector 80 is used should be readily
apparent from the foregoing description. During tightening of the
cover sleeve 52 onto the housing 83, the mutual engagement of the
cam surfaces 62 and 66 causes radially inward movement of the
tongues 58, 59, 60 and 61 into gripping engagement and electrical
contact with the outer sheath 12 of the cable 11. Such radially
inward movement of the tongues 58, 59, 60 and 61 in turn causes
radially inward compression of the bushing 92 which in turn leads
to radially inward compression of the fingers 82 of the collet
sleeve 81 into gripping engagement and electrical contact with the
exposed forward end portion 20 of the core electrode 13.
Referring now to the further embodiment of a cable connector in
accordance with the invention as generally indicated at 100 in FIG.
8 of the accompanying drawings, it will be noted that that
connector 100 differs from those already described herein in that
it is intended for interconnecting the sheath electrodes and the
core electrodes of two coaxial cables 11 and 111 instead of being
intended for providing electrical connection to one or both
electrodes of a single such cable. Nevertheless, the connector 100
has numerous features in common with the connector 80 shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 and, for the purpose of avoiding undue repetition in
the description herein, the same legends are used in FIG. 8 as were
used in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 for indicating identical component
parts of the various connectors.
It will further be noted that the connector 100 has a generally
symmetrical structure including two hollow cover sleeves 52 and 152
which are screwed onto opposite ends of an intermediate housing
generally indicated at 96. The components on the left-hand side of
the connector 100 are identified by the same legends as those used
for the corresponding components on the right-hand side of the
connector except that the legends for all such left-hand components
are preceded by the numeral "1."
The connector 100 of FIG. 8 differs from the connector 80 of FIGS.
5 and 6 in that the former is provided with right-hand and
left-hand collet sleeves 81 and 181 respectively for receiving the
exposed end portions 20 and 120 of the core electrodes of the two
cables 11 and 111 respectively and in that these collet sleeves 81
and 181 are carried on opposite axial ends of a center electrode 97
supported axially within the housing 96.
The housing 96 of the connector 100 is provided with right-hand and
left-hand tubular skirts, each of which is formed from four
peripherally separated and internally serrated tongues, tongues 60,
61 and 160, 161 being shown in FIG. 8. Bushings 92 and 192 are
similarly provided around respective ones of the collet sleeves 81
and 181 for the same purpose as the bushing 92 was provided in the
connector 80 of FIGS. 5 and 6. The bushings 92 and 192 also serve
to support the center electrode 97 and to retain that electrode in
its correct position within the housing 96.
In the use of the connector 100, the two cables 11 and 111 are
prepared in the manner already described and, after such cables
have been inserted into the connector 100 so as to be disposed in
the positions shown in FIG. 8, the cover sleeves 52 and 152 are
tightened on the housing 96 to cause the respective tongues to be
radially inwardly compressed into gripping engagement and
electrical contact with the outer conductive sheaths of respective
ones of the cables 11 and 111.
Such compression of the tongues causes compression of the bushings
92 and 192 which in turn causes compression of the collet sleeves
81 and 181 respectively into gripping engagement and electrical
contact with the exposed end portions 20 and 120 respectively of
the core electrodes of the cables 11 and 111 respectively. In this
way, electrical interconnection is effected between the core
electrodes of the two cables 11 and 111 through the central
electrode 97 as well as between the outer conductive sheath
electrodes of the two cables 11 and 111 through the housing 96.
It should particularly be noted that, for the connector 80 of FIGS.
5 and 6 and for the connector 100 of FIG. 8, the tongues which
serve to grip the outer conductive sheath of the cables are
integrally formed with a housing which will normally be held
stationary while the cover sleeves 52 and 152 are rotated relative
thereto to tighten the connectors. Accordingly, there is no
rotational shearing action of such tongues on the sheath
electrodes. Furthermore, the collet sleeves which serve to grip the
core electrodes are completely stationary since they are disposed
within the stationary tongues and there is, therefore, no
rotational shearing action on the core electrodes. There is in
distinction to many known connectors in which the outer conductive
sheath of a coaxial cable is gripped by a separate ferrule provided
within the connector so as to be radially inwardly compressed into
contact with the sheath of the cable when the connector is
tightened. The use of such separate ferrules frequently causes
slight rotation of the outer conductive sheath of the cable and, in
the event that the connector is of the type that firmly clamps the
core electrode of the cable against rotation, there is a dangerous
risk that the sheath will be twisted relative to the core
electrode. It will now be understood how this danger is completely
avoided in the connectors of the present invention.
Reference will now be made to FIG. 9 which illustrates the use of
the connector 80 of FIG. 6 in conjunction with a coaxial cable
generally indicated at 211. The connector 80 shown in FIG. 9 is
identical to the connector 80 shown in FIG. 5 and 6, except that a
washer 87 is disposed within the connector forwardly of the sealing
member 67 for the purpose of reducing frictional forces during the
tightening of the connector. The cable 211 differs from the cables
11 and 111 already described herein in that the conductive sheath
electrode 212 of the cable 211 is in the form of a strip of
aluminum wound around the foamed plastic insulation 214 in which
the core electrode 213 is axially positioned. The aluminum foil
sheath electrode 212 is retained in position and protected by an
electrically insulating outer sheath 215.
It will be understood that, if the connector 80 were to be used
with the cable 211 in the same manner as that already described
herein with reference to FIG. 6 of the accompanying drawings, the
tongues 58, 59, 60 and 61 would be flexed radially inwardly into
mechanical gripping engagement with the electrically insulating
outer sheath 215 of the cable 211. Such procedure would not,
however, provide electrical connection to the conductive foil
sheath electrode 212.
In order to provide such electrical connection between the
connector 80 and the sheath electrode 212 of the cable 211, the
cable is first prepared by removing the electrically insulating
sheath 215 for a short distance rearwardly from the end of the
internal insulation 214 so as to reveal the foil 212 as actually
shown in FIG. 10. An electrically conductive metal adaptor
generally indicated at 216 and including a thin sleeve 217 and an
annular head 218 is then utilized to ensure electrical connection
to the foil electrode 212. The internal diameter of the sleeve 217
and that of the head 218 are substantially equal to the external
diameter of the foil electrode 212, while the external diameter of
the head 218 equals the external diameter of the outer insulating
sheath 215 of the cable 211. For use, the adaptor 216 is pushed
over the prepared end of the cable 211 to force the sleeve 217
between the foil electrode 212 and the insulating outer sheath 215
until the rearward edge 219 of the head 218 abuts the forward edge
220 of the insulating outer sheath 215 of the cable 211. At such
time, the forward edge 221 of the head 218 of the adaptor 216 will
be generally coplanar with the forward edge surface of the
insulating core 214 of the cable 211. When positioned on the cable,
the outer peripheral surface of the head 218 forms a forward
extension of the outer peripheral surface of the insulating outer
sheath 215 of the cable 211, the core electrode 213 projecting
forwardly as already described.
The cable 211 with the adaptor 216 so positioned thereon is then
inserted into the connector 80 in exactly the same manner as
already described herein with reference to FIG. 6 and the cover
sleeve 52 of the connector 80 is then screwed onto the housing 83
thereof to cause radially inward flexing of the tongues 58, 59, 60
and 61. The rearward ends of such tongues are consequently moved
into gripping engagement with the insulating outer sheath 215 of
the cable 211 and so cause the sleeve 217 of the adaptor 216 to be
pressed into positive electrical contact with the foil sheath
electrode 212 disposed therewithin. At the same time, the forward
ends of the tongues 58, 59, 60 and 61 are moved into positive
gripping engagement and electrical contact with the head 218 of the
adaptor 216. As a result, the cable 211 is firmly secured in the
connector 80 while effective electrical connection is provided
between the housing 83 of the connector 80 and the foil sheath
electrode 212 of the cable 211.
* * * * *