JP3893041B2

JP3893041B2 - Quick connect connector

Info

Publication number: JP3893041B2
Application number: JP2001321454A
Authority: JP
Inventors: エフ．ロドリゲスフリオ
Original assignee: Thomas and Betts International LLC
Current assignee: ABB Installation Products International LLC
Priority date: 2000-11-20
Filing date: 2001-10-19
Publication date: 2007-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-19
Also published as: JP2002170639A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は電気的コネクタに関し、特に、ハードラインまたは半硬質同軸ケーブル用の軸方向押縮可能なコネクタに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
同軸ケーブルは、ケーブルテレビジョン業界でケーブルテレビ信号を家庭、事業所、その他の箇所のテレビジョンセットに搬送するために一般に使用される。ハードライン同軸ケーブルは、信号をそれらの箇所の外部の配信システムに搬送するために使用することができ、フレキシブル同軸ケーブルは、それらの箇所の内部での信号搬送に使用されることが多い。ハードラインまたは半硬質同軸ケーブルは、高度のＲＦシールドが要求される場合にも使用される。
【０００３】
ハードラインケーブルは、一般的に銅製もしくは銅覆アルミニウム製の、一体管状外部導体に囲繞された一体ワイヤコアまたは内部導体を含む。外部導体は通常は銅製もしくはアルミニウム製である。誘電性材料または絶縁体により内外導体を分離する。外部導体は、プラスチック製ケーブルジャケットもしくはシースで被覆することによって耐食および耐候防護する。
【０００４】
半硬質同軸ケーブル用コネクタの１つのタイプは、コネクタをケーブルの外部導体に直接はんだ付けする。たとえば、米国特許第４９２１４４７号および５２３２３７７号参照。はんだ付けによって、一部には、コネクタを外部導体に機械的に取り付けることができる。しかし、このような直接はんだ付けは、複雑な装置が要求され、かつ複雑な装置の操作が困難なために生産性が問題となることが多かった。
【０００５】
別のタイプのハードラインケーブル用ケーブルコネクタでは、半径方向押縮圧着法を用いてコネクタの一部をケーブルに電気的かつ機械的に接続する。一般に、コネクタ内のスリーブは圧着工具により押縮される。スリーブには、スロット、溝、ねじ等を設けてスリーブとケーブルの外部導体の間の機械的接続に役立てることができる。たとえば、米国特許第４４０８８２１号、４４６９３９０号、５１２０２６０号および６０４２４２２号参照。しかし、半径方向圧着では、押縮力が外部導体もしくは外部コネクタの外部管状ジャケットに均一に掛からないことが多い。そのような不均一な押縮によって溝が形成され、同軸ケーブル接続部に水分が滲入し、その結果、ケーブルによって搬送される信号の劣化を招く可能性がある。
【０００６】
コネクタをより均一に押縮するため、ねじ付きケーブルコネクタが従来から使用されている。たとえば、米国特許第５３５２１３４号および６０１９６３６号参照。しかし、ねじ付きコネクタは、ねじによる接続に要する回転運動のために装着に一層時間が掛かることが多い。さらに、ねじ接続の接続工は様々なサイズのケーブルコネクタに対応するために様々なサイズの工具を多数携行しなければならず、これもまた装着工程を煩雑化した。
【０００７】
圧着コネクタおよびねじ付きコネクタの難点を克服するため、軸方向押縮可能なコネクタが様々に設計されてきた。米国特許第４４０８８２１号および４４５２５０３号は、コネクタの軸方向押縮によりグリップリングを半径方向押縮する溝付き管状スリーブを備えるコネクタを開示している。グリップリングは外部導体に進んでいくスプラインフィンガおよび外部導体と噛合する長手方向溝を有する。しかし、そのような構成では外部導体が機械的変形を受け、信号損失を招来する可能性がある。さらに、この設計では、外部コネクタの周囲面が必ずしも全体にグリップリングと係合するのではないため、水分のコネクタへの入来に対する防護が十分でない。関連する応用でシーリング法を向上する試みとして、米国特許第４５４０２３１号は接着剤を使用してシールとした。しかし、接着剤を使用することによって、そのようなコネクタの装着および構造が一層複雑化した。
【０００８】
米国特許第４５９６４３４号および４６６８０４３号は、コネクタの軸方向押縮によりブシュによって半径方向に押縮され、接続ナットがブシュに押し付けられる内歯付き管状ハウジングを開示している。この歯が外部導体に進んでいき、機械的かつ電気的接続が得られる。このブシュは、ブシュと外部導体の間のシールの役をするＯリングを内蔵することもできる。しかし、そのような設計でも外部導体の機械的変形が著しく、これもまた信号損失を招く可能性がある。
【０００９】
米国特許第４８３４６７６号は、内部突刺および長手方向スロットを備えるフェルールを開示している。コネクタを軸方向押縮する工具でフェルールを押縮すると、突刺により外部導体が変形する。この設計は、フェルールの押縮後に長手方向スロットが実質的に閉じてコネクタが封止されることに依存する。しかし、この設計は水分の滲入に対して有効でない。
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
このように、接続が一層簡単で、適切な機械的かつ電気的接続が得られるハードラインケーブル用の接続し易いコネクタが必要とされている。さらに、同軸ケーブルの外部導体を甚だしく変形することなく外部環境からの水分の滲入を有効に封止するハードラインケーブル用コネクタが必要とされている。
【００１１】
【目的】
本発明は、ハードラインまたは半硬質同軸ケーブル用の迅速接続耐環境封止されたコネクタを提供する。このコネクタは、封入装置を備えたシールリングおよびスリーブを含む。コネクタを軸方向押縮してコネクタを閉じ同軸ケーブルに固定することにより、シールリングおよびスリーブが摺動係合し、封止装置が同軸ケーブルの外部ケーブルジャケットに押し付けられ、それによって耐環境封止部分が得られる。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の１つの態様においては、スリーブの遠位端に周囲に亘るスロットを含み、その遠位端をシールリングの近位端とする。コネクタの軸方向押縮により、スリーブおよびシールリングが摺動係合し、スリーブ遠位端の内部がケーブルジャケットに押し付けられ、それによってコネクタの耐環境シールとする。
【００１３】
本発明の別の態様においては、スリーブがその遠位端に切込みおよび切込み内に位置決めされたＯリングを含む。コネクタの軸方向押縮により、スリーブおよびシールリングが摺動係合し、Ｏリングがケーブルジャケットに押し付けられて耐環境シールが形成される。
【００１４】
コネクタの軸方向押縮により、スリーブの近位端、すなわち遠位端の対向側が分岐フィンガを有するフェルールに摺動係合する。フェルールフィンガが半径方向内向きに押縮され、それによってフェルールが同軸ケーブルの外部導体に固定される。コネクタには、フェルールの押縮時に外部導体の潰れを防止するポストも含まれる。
【００１５】
ポスト、フェルールおよびスリーブは概ねコネクタのカラー内に収容される。軸方向押縮によりコネクタを閉じることによって、耐環境シールがスリーブとカラーの間に形成され、その箇所での水分の移動が防止される。
【００１６】
本発明のさらに別の態様においては、ハードラインまたは半硬質同軸ケーブル用の耐環境封止されたコネクタが提供される。コネクタはＯリングを含み、コネクタを同軸ケーブルに固定することにより、Ｏリングによる耐環境シールが得られる。１つのＯリングは、円筒状スリーブの切込み内に置かれる。このＯリングは同軸ケーブルのケーブルジャケットに係合して耐環境シールを形成する。コネクタを同軸ケーブルに固定することにより、スリーブが分岐したフェルールに係合する。分岐フェルールは半径方向内向きに押縮され、それによってフェルールが同軸ケーブルの外部導体に固定される。コネクタは、フェルールの押縮時に外部導体の潰れを防止するポストをも含む。コネクタを同軸ケーブルに固定することにより、耐環境シールが円筒状シールとカラーの間にも形成され、そこでの水分の移動が防止される。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明は、ハードラインまたは半硬質同軸ケーブル用のコネクタに関する。このコネクタは、ハードライン同軸ケーブル周囲に軸方向押縮可能に形状構成され、同軸ケーブルを機械的かつ電気的に接続する。さらに、軸方向押縮により、コネクタは同軸ケーブルを耐環境封止し、それによって同軸ケーブルの性能に悪影響をおよぼす可能性のある水分の滲入に対し防護する。
【００１８】
図１は、本発明のコネクタ１０の一部切欠斜視図である。コネクタ１０は、シールナット１２、カラー１４、ポスト１６、フェルール１８、スリーブ２０およびシールリング２２を含み、これらが図示のように相互関係にある。コネクタ１０は、ハードライン同軸ケーブル２４用の、軸方向押縮により閉じる迅速接続ＲＦコネクタである。
【００１９】
同軸ケーブル２４は、電気信号を通すことができる細長のケーブル中心導体２６を含む。中心導体２６は、一般的に銅、銅覆アルミニウム、銅覆鋼等の導電性金属から形成される。ケーブル中心導体２６はケーブル誘電体２８によって囲繞され、この誘電体によりケーブル中心導体２６を絶縁して信号損失を最小限化する。ケーブル誘電体２８はまた、ケーブル中心導体２６とケーブル外部導体３０の間の間隔を維持する。ケーブル誘電体２８は、ポリエチレン等のプラスチック材料、ポリエチレン等のフッ素化プラスチック材料、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン等のフッ素化プラスチック材料、ファイバグラスブレード等であることが多い。ケーブル外部導体３０は、一般的にアルミニウムまたはスチール等の金属であることが多く、かつ押出成形による外面の滑らかな一体壁を備える中空管状構造であることが多い。ケーブルジャケット３２は、ケーブル外部導体３０を囲繞し、同軸ケーブル２４をさらに封止し、一般的にポリ塩化ビニル、ポリエチレン、ポリウレタン、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン等のプラスチックである。
【００２０】
図１に示すように、ケーブルジャケット３２、ケーブル外部導体３０およびケーブル誘電体２８の各一部分が同軸ケーブル２４の近位端から取り除かれる。ここで、近位とはピン端子４０寄りの長手方向一般を指し、遠位とはピン端子４０から離れる長手方向一般を指す。コネクタ１０の軸方向押縮により、ケーブル中心導体２６の露出部分２７がピン端子４０に摺動係合する。ピン端子４０は、ピン支持体５０およびステム５２によりシールナット１２内に固定され、閉鎖カラー５４によりカラー１４内に固定される。Ｏリング１３がシールナット１２とカラー１４の間の耐環境シールとなる。さらに、ケーブルジャケット３２およびケーブル誘電体２８の各一部分が同軸ケーブル２４の近位端からさらに取り除かれ、ケーブル外部導体３０の露出部分３１ができる。
【００２１】
ポスト１６は、ケーブル外部導体３０の露出部分３１の内壁に係合するのに適した長目の管状部分５６を有する。ポスト１６はその近位端にフランジ５８を有し、長目の管状部分５６の近位端に隆条６０を有する。ポスト１６は、アルミニウムまたは黄銅等の導電性金属により構成される。図２Ａはコネクタ１０の開いた状態の断面図であるが、これに示すようにフランジ５８および隆条６０はフェルール１８をカラー１４内に固定するように形状構成される。
【００２２】
図３Ａおよび３Ｂは、フェルール１８の斜視図である。フェルール１８は、その近位端に中空の管状フランジ６２を有する。フランジ６２の内部６３は、ポスト１６の隆条６０に当接係合するように形状構成される。フランジ６２の外部６４は、カラー１４の内部に当接係合するように形状構成される。
【００２３】
フェルール１８は、複数の分岐フィンガ６６を有する。分岐フィンガ６６は、内部７０から周囲方向に延在する複数の内向きに突出する隆条６８を有する。隆条６８は内向きに突出する螺条とすることが望ましい。この後図２Ｂに関してさらに詳細に記載するように、隆条６８はケーブル外部導体３０の露出部分３１に固定可能に係合するように形状構成される。さらに、分岐フィンガ６６の傾斜面７２により分岐フィンガ６６は遠位側が先細となっている。フェルール１８は、アルミニウムまたは黄銅等の導電性金属により構成される。
【００２４】
スリーブ２０は、プラスチック材料等の変形可能な材料製による長目の中空管状円筒である。有用なプラスチック材料にはアセタール樹脂が含まれ、ＤｕＰｏｎｔｄｅＮｅｍｏｕｒｓａｎｄＣｏ．から入手可能なＤｅｒｌｉｎ（登録商標）等のポリオキシメチレンタイプのアセタール樹脂もその１つである。スリーブ２０の遠位部分３４の環状スロット３６は遠位部分３４の壁内に長手方向に延在する。スロット３６は、シールリング２２の近位端３８を受けるように形状構成され、以下図２Ａおよび２Ｂに関してさらに記載する。
【００２５】
図２Ａおよび２Ｂに示すように、スリーブ２０の遠位部分３４に隣接する窪み３５が周囲方向に延在し、この窪みはＯリング７４を保持するのに適している。Ｏリング７４は、合成ゴム、エラストマーの重合体または変形可能なプラスチックなどの弾性材料により構成される。窪み３５に隣接し外向きに突出する凸条７６があり、この凸条はコネクタ１０の閉鎖時にスリーブ２０をカラー１４内に固定するのに適している。スリーブ２０の近位端はスリーブ２０の内外両面から先細となっている。スリーブ２０の先細内面７８は、フェルール１８の分岐フィンガ６６の傾斜面７２に摺動係合するように設計される。
【００２６】
図４Ａおよび４Ｂは、貫通中空ボアを有するシールリング２２の斜視図である。シールリング２２の遠位端４４にはフランジ４２がある。シールリング２２の近位部分３８には周囲方向に延在するリブ４６があり、外壁４８から外向きに延在する。リブ４６は、外向きに突出する螺条とすることが望ましい。シールリング２２はアルミニウムまたは黄銅等の金属製とすることが望ましい。シールリング２２はスリーブ２０のキャビティに嵌合し、リブ４６によってシールリング２２がキャビティに固定される。
【００２７】
コネクタ１０の開いた状態の断面を示す図２Ａにあるように、同軸ケーブル２４はコネクタ１０内に置かれる。露出したケーブル導体２７はピン端子４０内に置かれる。ケーブル外部導体３０の露出部分３１は、ポスト１６とフェルール１８の間に位置決めされる。ポスト１６はケーブル外部導体３０の露出部分３１を支持し、それによってコネクタ１０を閉じた時のケーブル外部導体３０の大きな変形が阻止される。スリーブ２０の近位端はカラー１４の遠位端内に位置決めされる。
【００２８】
コネクタ１０を軸方向押縮してコネクタ１０を閉じかつ封止するには、工具（図示せず）を使用することができる。図２Ｂに示すように、コネクタ１０のベクトルＡ−Ａの軸方向押縮により、スリーブ２０の先細内面７６がフェルール１８の傾斜面７２に摺動係合する。摺動係合によってフェルール１８の分岐フィンガ６６が内向き押縮され、それによって隆条６８がケーブル外部導体２６の露出部２７に当接し、ケーブル外部導体２６がポスト１６とフェルール１８の間に固定される。
【００２９】
さらに、コネクタ１０の軸方向押縮により、カラー１４の遠位部分がスリーブ２０の遠位部分３４に摺動係合し、それによってＯリング７４が押縮され、コネクタ１０が耐環境封止される。スリーブ２０の凸条７６がカラー１４の遠位部分の内部沿いに周囲方向に延在する切込み８０に摺動係合する。凸条７６および切込み８０の摺動係合により、スリーブ２０がカラー１４に固着される。
【００３０】
さらに、コネクタ１０の軸方向押縮により、シールリング２２の近位端３８がスリーブ２０の環状スロット３６内に摺動挿入され、次いでスリーブ２０の遠位部分３４がシールリング２２の遠位端４４のフランジ４２に当接係合する。フランジ４２は、シールリング２２のスリーブ２０内への移動を制限するストッパの役をする。シールリング２２のスリーブ２０内への係合により、スリーブ２０の遠位部分３４の内側部分８２が周囲方向にケーブルジャケット３２に押し付けられ、コネクタ１０の耐環境シールとなる。シールリング２２のリブ４６がスリーブ２０の環状スロット３６の内面８４に係合し、それによってシールリング２２がスリーブ２０内に固定される。
【００３１】
本発明は、コネクタのスリーブの一部を押縮することによりケーブルジャケットに耐環境シールを施すことのみに限定されない。本発明の別の態様においては、図５Ａおよび５Ｂに示すように、Ｏリング１８６をケーブルジャケット１３２で使用してコネクタ１００の耐環境シールとする。Ｏリング１８６は、合成ゴム、エラストマーの重合体または変形可能なプラスチック等の弾性材料により構成される。図５Ａおよび５Ｂは、コネクタ１００の開いた状態および閉じた状態それぞれの断面図である。図５Ａおよび５Ｂでは、同様の構成部品には前述と同様の番号を付す。
【００３２】
スリーブ１２０は、その遠位部分１３４に切込み１３６を有する。コネクタ１００の軸方向押縮により、シールリング１２２の近位端１３８がＯリング１８６を係合押縮する。押縮により、Ｏリング１８６がケーブルジャケット１３２に係合して、コネクタ１００の耐環境シールとなる。
【００３３】
本発明のまた別の態様においては、スリーブ１２０およびシールリング１２２の配置の詳細を示すコネクタ１００の一部断面図である図６に示すように、シールリング１２２のフランジ１４２近傍に隆条部１８８がある。隆条部１８８は、シールリング１２２およびスリーブ１２０の摺動係合に要する力を制御する干渉部である。しかし、本発明は隆条部１８８を使用して係合力を制御することのみに制限されない。切込み１３６のサイズ、リブ１４６の高さ、Ｏリング１８６のサイズ等の他のパラメータを使用することによって、係合力を制御することも可能である。フランジ１４２は、Ｏリング１８６の過剰押縮を防止する確実なストッパの役をする。
【００３４】
以上に説明した構造およびそれに対応する方法の様々な変形は、当分野の技術者にとって明白であろう。したがって、以上の説明および添付図面において定義された事項は例示的に提示するにずぎず、何ら本発明を制限するものではない。よって、本発明の特に開示した範囲は請求項に定義されている。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のコネクタの一部切欠斜視図である。
【図２Ａ】図１のコネクタの開いた状態の断面図である。
【図２Ｂ】図１のコネクタの閉じた状態の断面図である。
【図３Ａ】図１のコネクタのフェルールの斜視図である。
【図３Ｂ】図１のコネクタのフェルールの別の斜視図である。
【図４Ａ】図１のコネクタのシーリングリングの斜視図である。
【図４Ｂ】図１のコネクタのシーリングリングの別の斜視図である。
【図５Ａ】本発明の第２実施形態のコネクタの開いた状態の断面図である。
【図５Ｂ】図５Ａのコネクタの閉じた状態の断面図である。
【図６】図５Ａのコネクタのスリーブ、Ｏリングおよびシールリングの配置を示す部分断面図である。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to axially compressible connectors for hardline or semi-rigid coaxial cables.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Coaxial cables are commonly used in the cable television industry to carry cable television signals to television sets at homes, offices, and elsewhere. Hard line coaxial cables can be used to carry signals to distribution systems external to those locations, and flexible coaxial cables are often used to carry signals within those locations. Hardline or semi-rigid coaxial cables are also used when a high degree of RF shielding is required.
[0003]
Hardline cables include an integral wire core or inner conductor surrounded by an integral tubular outer conductor, typically made of copper or copper-clad aluminum. The outer conductor is usually made of copper or aluminum. The inner and outer conductors are separated by a dielectric material or an insulator. The outer conductor is protected against corrosion and weather by covering with a plastic cable jacket or sheath.
[0004]
One type of semi-rigid coaxial cable connector solders the connector directly to the outer conductor of the cable. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,921,447 and 5,232,377. In part, the connector can be mechanically attached to the outer conductor by soldering. However, in such direct soldering, a complicated apparatus is required, and it is difficult to operate the complicated apparatus, so that productivity often becomes a problem.
[0005]
In another type of cable connector for hardline cables, a portion of the connector is electrically and mechanically connected to the cable using a radial crimping technique. Generally, the sleeve in the connector is compressed by a crimping tool. The sleeve can be provided with slots, grooves, screws, etc. to aid in the mechanical connection between the sleeve and the outer conductor of the cable. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,408,821, 4,469,390, 5,120,260 and 6,042,422. However, in the radial crimping, the pressing force is often not uniformly applied to the outer conductor or the outer tubular jacket of the outer connector. Grooves are formed by such non-uniform pressing, and moisture may permeate into the coaxial cable connection, resulting in degradation of the signal carried by the cable.
[0006]
In order to compress the connector more uniformly, threaded cable connectors are conventionally used. See, for example, US Pat. Nos. 5,352,134 and 6019636. However, a threaded connector often takes more time to mount due to the rotational motion required for screw connection. In addition, screw connection workers have to carry many tools of various sizes in order to accommodate cable connectors of various sizes, which also complicates the mounting process.
[0007]
In order to overcome the difficulties of crimp connectors and threaded connectors, various axially compressible connectors have been designed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,408,821 and 4,452,503 disclose connectors with grooved tubular sleeves that radially compress the grip ring by axial compression of the connector. The grip ring has a spline finger that goes to the outer conductor and a longitudinal groove that mates with the outer conductor. However, in such a configuration, the outer conductor is subjected to mechanical deformation, which may lead to signal loss. Furthermore, this design does not provide sufficient protection against the entry of moisture into the connector because the peripheral surface of the external connector does not necessarily engage the grip ring entirely. In an attempt to improve the sealing method in a related application, US Pat. No. 4,540,231 uses an adhesive as a seal. However, the use of adhesives has further complicated the mounting and structure of such connectors.
[0008]
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,596,434 and 4,668,043 disclose internally toothed tubular housings in which a connector is pressed radially by a bush by axial compression and a connection nut is pressed against the bush. This tooth advances to the outer conductor and a mechanical and electrical connection is obtained. The bushing can also incorporate an O-ring that serves as a seal between the bushing and the outer conductor. However, even with such a design, mechanical deformation of the outer conductor is significant, which can also lead to signal loss.
[0009]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,676 discloses a ferrule with an internal piercing and a longitudinal slot. When the ferrule is compressed with a tool that axially compresses the connector, the external conductor is deformed by the piercing. This design relies on the longitudinal slot being substantially closed and the connector sealed after the ferrule is compressed. However, this design is not effective against moisture ingress.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Thus, there is a need for an easy-to-connect connector for hardline cables that is simpler to connect and that provides adequate mechanical and electrical connections. Furthermore, there is a need for a hardline cable connector that effectively seals the ingress of moisture from the external environment without significantly deforming the outer conductor of the coaxial cable.
[0011]
【the purpose】
The present invention provides a quick connect, environmentally sealed connector for hardline or semi-rigid coaxial cables. The connector includes a seal ring with a sealing device and a sleeve. By axially compressing the connector to close the connector and secure it to the coaxial cable, the seal ring and sleeve are slidingly engaged, and the sealing device is pressed against the external cable jacket of the coaxial cable, thereby providing an environmentally resistant seal Part is obtained.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In one aspect of the invention, the distal end of the sleeve includes a circumferential slot that is the proximal end of the seal ring. The axial compression of the connector causes the sleeve and seal ring to slide into engagement and the interior of the sleeve distal end is pressed against the cable jacket, thereby providing an environmental seal for the connector.
[0013]
In another aspect of the invention, the sleeve includes an incision at the distal end thereof and an O-ring positioned within the incision. Due to axial compression of the connector, the sleeve and the seal ring are slidably engaged, and the O-ring is pressed against the cable jacket to form an environmental seal.
[0014]
The axial compression of the connector causes the proximal end of the sleeve, i.e., the opposite end of the distal end, to slidingly engage a ferrule having a branching finger. The ferrule finger is compressed radially inward, thereby securing the ferrule to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The connector also includes a post that prevents the outer conductor from being crushed when the ferrule is compressed.
[0015]
The post, ferrule and sleeve are generally contained within the collar of the connector. By closing the connector by axial compression, an environmental seal is formed between the sleeve and the collar, preventing moisture movement at that location.
[0016]
In yet another aspect of the invention, an environmentally sealed connector for a hardline or semi-rigid coaxial cable is provided. The connector includes an O-ring. By fixing the connector to the coaxial cable, an environment-resistant seal by the O-ring can be obtained. One O-ring is placed in the cut of the cylindrical sleeve. This O-ring engages with the cable jacket of the coaxial cable to form an environmental seal. By fixing the connector to the coaxial cable, the sleeve is engaged with the branched ferrule. The branch ferrule is compressed radially inward, thereby fixing the ferrule to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The connector also includes a post that prevents the outer conductor from collapsing when the ferrule is compressed. By securing the connector to the coaxial cable, an environmental seal is also formed between the cylindrical seal and the collar, preventing moisture migration there.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector for a hard line or semi-rigid coaxial cable. This connector is configured to be axially compressible around the hard line coaxial cable, and mechanically and electrically connects the coaxial cable. In addition, due to axial compression, the connector provides an environmental seal to the coaxial cable, thereby protecting against moisture ingress that can adversely affect the performance of the coaxial cable.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a connector 10 of the present invention. The connector 10 includes a seal nut 12, a collar 14, a post 16, a ferrule 18, a sleeve 20, and a seal ring 22, which are interrelated as shown. The connector 10 is a quick connect RF connector for hard line coaxial cable 24 that is closed by axial compression.
[0019]
The coaxial cable 24 includes an elongated cable center conductor 26 that is capable of passing electrical signals. The center conductor 26 is generally formed of a conductive metal such as copper, copper-clad aluminum, or copper-clad steel. The cable center conductor 26 is surrounded by a cable dielectric 28 which insulates the cable center conductor 26 to minimize signal loss. Cable dielectric 28 also maintains the spacing between cable center conductor 26 and cable outer conductor 30. The cable dielectric 28 is often a plastic material such as polyethylene, a fluorinated plastic material such as polyethylene, a fluorinated plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene, a fiberglass blade, or the like. The cable outer conductor 30 is typically a metal such as aluminum or steel, and is often a hollow tubular structure with a smooth integral wall on the outer surface by extrusion. The cable jacket 32 surrounds the cable outer conductor 30 and further seals the coaxial cable 24, and is generally a plastic such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, portions of cable jacket 32, cable outer conductor 30, and cable dielectric 28 are removed from the proximal end of coaxial cable 24. Here, the proximal refers to the general longitudinal direction near the pin terminal 40, and the distal refers to the general longitudinal direction away from the pin terminal 40. The exposed portion 27 of the cable center conductor 26 is slidably engaged with the pin terminal 40 by the axial compression of the connector 10. Pin terminal 40 is secured within seal nut 12 by pin support 50 and stem 52 and secured within collar 14 by closure collar 54. The O-ring 13 serves as an environmental seal between the seal nut 12 and the collar 14. In addition, portions of the cable jacket 32 and cable dielectric 28 are further removed from the proximal end of the coaxial cable 24 to form an exposed portion 31 of the cable outer conductor 30.
[0021]
The post 16 has a long tubular portion 56 suitable for engaging the inner wall of the exposed portion 31 of the cable outer conductor 30. The post 16 has a flange 58 at its proximal end and a ridge 60 at the proximal end of the elongated tubular portion 56. The post 16 is made of a conductive metal such as aluminum or brass. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the connector 10 in an open state, as shown, the flange 58 and ridge 60 are configured to secure the ferrule 18 within the collar 14.
[0022]
3A and 3B are perspective views of the ferrule 18. Ferrule 18 has a hollow tubular flange 62 at its proximal end. The interior 63 of the flange 62 is shaped and configured to abut and engage the ridge 60 of the post 16. The exterior 64 of the flange 62 is shaped and configured to abut and engage the interior of the collar 14.
[0023]
The ferrule 18 has a plurality of branch fingers 66. The branch finger 66 has a plurality of inwardly projecting ridges 68 extending circumferentially from the interior 70. The ridge 68 is preferably a thread protruding inward. After this, as will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2B, the ridge 68 is configured to be fixedly engaged with the exposed portion 31 of the cable outer conductor 30. Further, the branch finger 66 is tapered on the distal side by the inclined surface 72 of the branch finger 66. The ferrule 18 is made of a conductive metal such as aluminum or brass.
[0024]
The sleeve 20 is a long hollow tubular cylinder made of a deformable material such as a plastic material. Useful plastic materials include acetal resins and are available from DuPont de Nemours and Co. Polyoxymethylene type acetal resins such as Derlin (registered trademark) available from An annular slot 36 of the distal portion 34 of the sleeve 20 extends longitudinally within the wall of the distal portion 34. The slot 36 is configured to receive the proximal end 38 of the seal ring 22 and will be further described below with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a recess 35 adjacent the distal portion 34 of the sleeve 20 extends in the circumferential direction and is suitable for holding an O-ring 74. The O-ring 74 is made of an elastic material such as a synthetic rubber, an elastomer polymer, or a deformable plastic. There are ridges 76 adjacent to the recesses 35 and projecting outwardly, which are suitable for securing the sleeve 20 in the collar 14 when the connector 10 is closed. The proximal end of the sleeve 20 is tapered from both the inside and outside of the sleeve 20. The tapered inner surface 78 of the sleeve 20 is designed to slidingly engage the inclined surface 72 of the branching finger 66 of the ferrule 18.
[0026]
4A and 4B are perspective views of a seal ring 22 having a through hollow bore. There is a flange 42 at the distal end 44 of the seal ring 22. The proximal portion 38 of the seal ring 22 has a circumferentially extending rib 46 that extends outwardly from the outer wall 48. The rib 46 is preferably a screw thread protruding outward. The seal ring 22 is preferably made of a metal such as aluminum or brass. The seal ring 22 is fitted into the cavity of the sleeve 20, and the seal ring 22 is fixed to the cavity by the rib 46.
[0027]
The coaxial cable 24 is placed in the connector 10 as in FIG. The exposed cable conductor 27 is placed in the pin terminal 40. The exposed portion 31 of the cable outer conductor 30 is positioned between the post 16 and the ferrule 18. The post 16 supports the exposed portion 31 of the cable outer conductor 30, thereby preventing large deformation of the cable outer conductor 30 when the connector 10 is closed. The proximal end of the sleeve 20 is positioned within the distal end of the collar 14.
[0028]
A tool (not shown) can be used to axially crimp the connector 10 to close and seal the connector 10. As shown in FIG. 2B, the tapered inner surface 76 of the sleeve 20 is slidably engaged with the inclined surface 72 of the ferrule 18 by axial compression of the vector AA of the connector 10. Due to the sliding engagement, the branching finger 66 of the ferrule 18 is compressed inward, whereby the ridge 68 contacts the exposed portion 27 of the cable outer conductor 26, and the cable outer conductor 26 is fixed between the post 16 and the ferrule 18. Is done.
[0029]
Further, axial crimping of the connector 10 causes the distal portion of the collar 14 to slide into engagement with the distal portion 34 of the sleeve 20, thereby crimping the O-ring 74 and sealing the connector 10. The The ridge 76 of the sleeve 20 is in sliding engagement with a notch 80 extending circumferentially along the interior of the distal portion of the collar 14. The sleeve 20 is fixed to the collar 14 by the sliding engagement of the ridges 76 and the notches 80.
[0030]
Further, axial compression of the connector 10 causes the proximal end 38 of the seal ring 22 to slide into the annular slot 36 of the sleeve 20, and then the distal portion 34 of the sleeve 20 is moved to the distal end 44 of the seal ring 22. Abuttingly engages with the flange 42. The flange 42 serves as a stopper that restricts the movement of the seal ring 22 into the sleeve 20. Engagement of the seal ring 22 into the sleeve 20 forces the inner portion 82 of the distal portion 34 of the sleeve 20 circumferentially against the cable jacket 32 and provides an environmental seal for the connector 10. The ribs 46 of the seal ring 22 engage the inner surface 84 of the annular slot 36 of the sleeve 20, thereby securing the seal ring 22 within the sleeve 20.
[0031]
The present invention is not limited to only providing an environmental seal on the cable jacket by pressing and compressing part of the connector sleeve. In another aspect of the invention, an O-ring 186 is used in the cable jacket 132 to provide an environmental seal for the connector 100, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The O-ring 186 is made of an elastic material such as a synthetic rubber, an elastomer polymer, or a deformable plastic. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of the connector 100 in an open state and a closed state, respectively. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, similar components are numbered as described above.
[0032]
The sleeve 120 has a notch 136 in its distal portion 134. Due to the axial compression of the connector 100, the proximal end 138 of the seal ring 122 engages and compresses the O-ring 186. Due to the compression, the O-ring 186 engages with the cable jacket 132 to provide an environmental seal for the connector 100.
[0033]
In yet another aspect of the invention, a ridge 188 near the flange 142 of the seal ring 122 as shown in FIG. 6 which is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 100 showing details of the arrangement of the sleeve 120 and seal ring 122. There is. The ridge portion 188 is an interference portion that controls the force required for sliding engagement between the seal ring 122 and the sleeve 120. However, the present invention is not limited to using the ridge 188 to control the engagement force. It is also possible to control the engagement force by using other parameters such as the size of the notches 136, the height of the ribs 146, the size of the O-ring 186, and the like. The flange 142 serves as a reliable stopper that prevents excessive compression of the O-ring 186.
[0034]
Various modifications to the structures described above and their corresponding methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the matters defined in the above description and the accompanying drawings are not limited to the examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Accordingly, the particularly disclosed scope of the invention is defined in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a connector of the present invention.
2A is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 in an open state.
2B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 in a closed state.
3A is a perspective view of the ferrule of the connector of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3B is another perspective view of the ferrule of the connector of FIG.
4A is a perspective view of a sealing ring of the connector of FIG. 1. FIG.
4B is another perspective view of the sealing ring of the connector of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention in an open state.
5B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 5A in a closed state.
6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an arrangement of a sleeve, an O-ring and a seal ring of the connector of FIG. 5A.

Claims

Environment-sealed quick connection connector used for hard line coaxial cable, insertion end for inserting hard line coaxial cable, and connection end located on the opposite side of the connector axial direction with respect to the insertion end And
An elongate post having a cylindrical wall with a proximal portion near the connection end and a distal portion away from the connection end, abuttingly engaging the inner surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable at the distal portion A post with an outer surface suitable for
A cylindrical ferrule having a proximal portion near the connecting end and a distal portion away from the connecting end, the distal portion having a plurality of fingers that are circumferentially separated from each other and extending in the axial direction; A ferrule comprising a plurality of fingers having an inner surface suitable for abutting engagement with the outer surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable and an inclined outer surface;
An elongated cylindrical collar with a proximal end near the connection end that holds the post and ferrule securely, and a distal open end away from the connection end;
It has a proximal part near the connection end and a distal part away from the connection end, and it is slidably engaged with the inclined outer surface of the ferrule at the proximal part and formed circumferentially at the end on the distal part side A cylindrical sleeve having a slot;
A seal ring suitable for sliding insertion into the slot of the sleeve,
As the seal ring is slid into the sleeve and into the open end of the collar, the ferrule fingers are pressed radially inwardly at the proximal portion of the sleeve so that the inner surface of the finger is the outer surface of the conductor. And a quick-connect connector that is sealed to the environment and seals the distal portion of the sleeve radially inward against the outer surface of the cable jacket surrounding the outer conductor of the coaxial cable by means of a seal ring.

The connector of claim 1, further comprising an O-ring at a distal portion of the sleeve, which provides an environmental seal for the sleeve and collar during sliding engagement of the sleeve and collar.

The connector according to claim 1, wherein the inclined inner surface formed in the proximal portion of the sleeve is in sliding engagement with the inclined outer surface of the ferrule.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a ridge extending inwardly is formed on the inner surface of the plurality of fingers of the ferrule, and thereby fixedly engaged with the outer conductor.

A nut provided on a connection end side and an O-ring provided on a portion near the connection end of the nut are provided, whereby the nut and the collar are sealed in an environment-resistant manner when the nut and the collar are in sliding engagement. The connector according to 1.

2. A connector according to claim 1, comprising raised teeth extending radially outward from the seal ring, whereby the seal ring is fixedly held in the slot of the sleeve upon sliding insertion of the seal ring into the sleeve. .

The collar has an incision at the open end and a ridge at the distal end of the sleeve, the incision and the ridge engage each other during the sliding engagement of the sleeve and collar, thereby collaring the sleeve The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is fixed to the connector.

The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is an RF connector.

Environment-sealed quick connection connector used for hard line coaxial cable, insertion end for inserting hard line coaxial cable, and connection end located on the opposite side of the connector axial direction with respect to the insertion end And
An elongate post having a cylindrical wall with a proximal portion near the connection end and a distal portion away from the connection end, abuttingly engaging the inner surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable at the distal portion A post with an outer surface suitable for
A cylindrical ferrule having a proximal portion near the connecting end and a distal portion away from the connecting end, the distal portion having a plurality of fingers that are circumferentially separated from each other and extending in the axial direction; A ferrule comprising a plurality of fingers having an inner surface suitable for abutting engagement with the outer surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable and an inclined outer surface;
An elongated cylindrical collar with a proximal end near the connection end that holds the post and ferrule securely, and a distal open end away from the connection end;
It has a proximal part near the connection end and a distal part away from the connection end, and it is slidably engaged with the inclined outer surface of the ferrule at the proximal part and formed circumferentially at the end on the distal part side A cylindrical sleeve having a notch;
An O-ring placed in the notch of the sleeve;
With a seal ring suitable for sliding insertion into the notch of the sleeve,
When sliding the seal ring into the sleeve at the open end of the collar, the inner surface of the finger is fixed to the outer surface of the conductor by pressing and compressing the plurality of ferrule fingers radially inward at the proximal portion of the sleeve; In addition, a quick connection connector that provides an environmental seal by pressing the O-ring to the outer surface of the cable jacket surrounding the outer conductor of the coaxial cable by means of a seal ring.

The connector of claim 9, further comprising a second O-ring at a distal portion of the sleeve, which provides an environmental seal to the sleeve and collar upon sliding engagement of the sleeve and collar.

The connector of claim 9, wherein the inclined inner surface formed in the proximal portion of the sleeve slidingly engages the inclined outer surface of the ferrule.

The connector according to claim 9, wherein a ridge extending inwardly is formed on the inner surface of the plurality of fingers of the ferrule, and thereby fixedly engaged with the outer conductor.

Provided with a nut provided on the connection end side and a third O-ring provided near the connection end of the nut , so that the nut and the collar are sealed in an environment-resistant manner when the nut and the collar are in sliding engagement. The connector according to claim 10 .

10. A connector according to claim 9, comprising raised teeth extending radially outward from the seal ring, whereby the seal ring is fixedly held within the sleeve notch during sliding insertion of the seal ring into the sleeve. .

A second notch at the open end of the collar and a ridge at the distal end of the sleeve, the second notch and the ridge engage each other during sliding engagement of the sleeve and the collar; The connector of claim 9, thereby securing the sleeve to the collar.

The connector according to claim 9, wherein the connector is an RF connector.

An electrical connection body having a hardline coaxial cable and a connector, comprising: an elongated center conductor; a dielectric surrounding the center conductor; a tubular outer conductor surrounding the dielectric; and a cable jacket covering the outer conductor. The connector includes an insertion end for inserting the hard line coaxial cable, and a connection end located on the opposite side of the connector axial direction with respect to the insertion end.
An elongate post having a cylindrical wall with a proximal portion near the connection end and a distal portion away from the connection end, abuttingly engaging the inner surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable at the distal portion A post with an outer surface suitable for
A cylindrical ferrule having a proximal portion near the connecting end and a distal portion away from the connecting end, the distal portion having a plurality of fingers that are circumferentially separated from each other and extending in the axial direction; A ferrule comprising a plurality of fingers having an inner surface suitable for abutting engagement with the outer surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable and an inclined outer surface;
An elongated cylindrical collar with a proximal end near the connection end that holds the post and ferrule securely, and a distal open end away from the connection end;
A cylindrical shape having a proximal portion near the connecting end and a distal portion away from the connecting end, slidingly engaging the inclined outer surface of the ferrule at the proximal portion, and having a sealing device at the end on the distal portion side Sleeves and
A seal ring suitable for sliding insertion into the slot of the sleeve,
When the seal ring is slid into the sleeve at the open end of the collar, the inner surface of the finger is fixed to the outer surface of the conductor by pressing the plurality of ferrule fingers radially inward at the proximal portion of the sleeve; In addition, an electrical connector that provides an environment-resistant seal by compressing the sealing device to the outer surface of the cable jacket of the coaxial cable with a seal ring.

The electrical connector of claim 17, comprising an O-ring at a distal portion of the sleeve, whereby the sleeve and collar are environmentally sealed during sliding engagement of the sleeve and collar.

The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein an inclined inner surface formed in a proximal portion of the sleeve is slidably engaged with an inclined outer surface of the ferrule.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein a ridge extending inwardly is formed on the inner surface of the plurality of fingers of the ferrule, and thereby fixedly engaged with the outer conductor.

The electrical connection body according to claim 17, wherein a notch portion is formed in a distal portion of the sleeve, and an O-ring accommodated in the notch portion is used as a sealing device.

A circumferential slot in the distal portion of the sleeve forms the inner portion of the sleeve and the sealing device is compressed radially inward upon sliding insertion of the sleeve into the seal ring. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein the electrical connector is formed by an inner portion.

18. The electrical device of claim 17, comprising raised teeth extending radially outward from the seal ring, whereby the seal ring is securely held within the sleeve slot upon sliding insertion of the seal ring into the sleeve. Connected body.

The collar has an incision at the open end and a ridge at the distal end of the sleeve, the incision and the ridge engage each other during the sliding engagement of the sleeve and collar, thereby collaring the sleeve The electrical connection body according to claim 17, wherein the electrical connection body is fixed to the body.

The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein the connector is an RF connector.

The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein the cable jacket is formed of a deformable material.

A connector used for a coaxial cable, comprising an insertion end for inserting the coaxial cable, and a connection end located on the opposite side of the connector axial direction with respect to the insertion end,
An elongate post having a cylindrical wall with a proximal portion near the connection end and a distal portion away from the connection end, abuttingly engaging the inner surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable at the distal portion A post with an outer surface suitable for
A cylindrical ferrule having a proximal portion near the connecting end and a distal portion away from the connecting end, the distal portion having a plurality of fingers that are circumferentially separated from each other and extending in the axial direction; A ferrule comprising a plurality of fingers having an inner surface suitable for abutting engagement with the outer surface of the outer conductor of the hardline coaxial cable and an inclined outer surface;
An elongate cylindrical collar with a proximal end near the connecting end that securely holds the proximal portion of the post and the proximal portion of the ferrule, and a distal open end away from the connecting end;
Has a proximal portion near the connection end and a distal portion away from the connection end, engages the inclined outer surface of the ferrule at the proximal portion, has an open end at the distal portion, and a circumferentially formed cut A cylindrical sleeve;
A hollow cylindrical seal ring suitable for fixing within the notch of the sleeve;
With an O-ring arranged in the notch of the sleeve,
When the sleeve is fixedly engaged at the open end of the collar, the fingers of the ferrule are radially compressed inwardly at the proximal portion of the sleeve to fix the inner surface of the finger to the outer surface of the conductor, and the O-ring A connector that provides an environmental seal by pressing on the outer surface of the cable jacket that surrounds the outer conductor of the coaxial cable.

28. The connector of claim 27, further comprising a second O-ring that provides an environmental seal between the collar and the sleeve during fixed engagement of the collar and the sleeve.

28. The connector according to claim 27, wherein a ridge extending inwardly is formed on the inner surface of the plurality of fingers of the ferrule, thereby fixedly engaging the outer conductor.

A nut provided on the connection end side and a third O-ring provided on a portion near the connection end of the nut are provided, whereby the nut and the collar are sealed in an environment-resistant manner when the nut and the collar are fixedly engaged. The connector according to claim 28 .

28. The connector of claim 27, wherein the inclined inner surface formed in the proximal portion of the sleeve engages the inclined outer surface of the ferrule.