Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
COMPRESSION CONNECTOR FOR COAXIAL CABLE WITH STAGGERED
SEIZURE OF OUTER AND CENTER CONDUCTOR AND CENTER CONDUCTOR
SEIZING MECHANISM
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to USSN 12/421,855, entitled
COMPRESSION
CONNECTOR FOR COAXIAL CABLE WITH STAGGERED SEIZURE OF OUTER AND
CENTER CONDUCTOR, filed April 10, 2009, and USSN 12/421,894, entitled
COMPRESSION COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR WITH CENTER INSULATOR SEIZING
MECHANISM, filed April 10, 2009, pursuant to applicable sections of 35 U.S.C.
119, wherein
the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application generally relates to the field of coaxial cable
connectors and more
specifically to a compression connector for various types of coaxial cable,
the connector
including a mechanism for reliably seizing each of the center and outer
conductors of an inserted
prepared coaxial cable end in a sequential fashion as well as a seizing
mechanism for seizing at
least one inner conductor of a coaxial cable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Coaxial cables are well known as a transmission medium that are
installed on a
widespread basis for purposes of carrying signals for modern communication
networks, such as
cable television (CATV) and computer networks, among others. It is also
conventionally known
to use various types of connectors in order to terminate a coaxial cable in
order to connect the
cable to various electronic devices such as televisions, radios, sound
producing equipment and
the like each having corresponding network connector ports. Typical coaxial
cables are defined,
such as 75 ohm and 50 ohm cables, by a center conductor, an outer conductor
and an
intermediate foam dielectric layer disposed therebetween, the outer conductor
being covered by a
protective sheath. The center conductor can be solid in terms of its
construction or hollow as to
various applications, thereby reducing material usage and stiffness. Coaxial
cables can include
1
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
smooth-walled and corrugated (spiral and annular) versions, depending on the
application and
signals to be carried.
[0004] When affixing a cable connector to a corrugated or other coaxial cable
for termination
thereof, it is necessary to provide both good electrical and mechanical
contact between the cable
connector and the center and outer conductors of the prepared coaxial cable
end. Each of these
types of coaxial cables face particular difficulties as to both mechanical and
electrical
interconnectivity, such as impedance matching, noise reduction and the like.
It is also desirable
to connect each of the center and outer conductors without having to
reposition the cable
connector during the connection operation. With regard to this, it may be
required to seat the
inner conductor first or alternatively seize the outer conductor first as
opposed to attempting to
seize each contemporaneously.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect, there is described a compression connector for
a coaxial
cable, said coaxial cable comprising a center conductor, an outer conductor
and a dielectric layer
disposed therebetween, said connector comprising: a connector body having
opposing first and
second ends and a center passageway defined therethrough; an insulator
disposed within said
center passageway adjacent said first end of said connector; a compression
sleeve movably
connected to the second end of said connector body; first means disposed in
the center
passageway for seizing said outer conductor; and second means disposed in the
center
passageway for seizing said center conductor. The compression sleeve is
axially movable from
the second end to the first end of the connector body to cause the first and
second means to
sequentially engage the cable such that seizure of the outer conductor of the
cable occurs either
before or after seizure of the center conductor.
[0006] In one version, the outer conductor of the prepared coaxial cable is
seized prior to the
center conductor. In another version of the herein described compression
connector, the center
conductor is seized prior to the outer conductor.
[0007] In one version, a clamp is provided to seize the outer conductor, the
clamp including
an outer portion in contact with an interior surface of the connector body.
The clamp is caused
to translate axially with the compression sleeve wherein the interior surface
of the connector
body includes a first diameter and a narrower second diameter separated by a
transitional area.
2
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
When the clamp is axially translated and traverses the transitional area, the
clamp is caused to
compress inwardly thereby seizing the outer conductor of the coaxial cable.
[0008] The insulator retains a hollow conductive pin within an axial opening.
According to
one version, the conductive pin includes a collet portion extending outside
the insulator that
receives the center conductor of a prepared coaxial cable. The axial movement
of the
compression sleeve causes engagement between a drive member and the collet
portion, causing
the collet portion to be advanced into the opening of the insulator, the
latter being in fixed
relation relative to the connector body. As the collet portion is axially
advanced by the drive
member, the collet portion seizes the center conductor.
[0009] According to another aspect, there is provided a compression connector
for a coaxial
cable end, said coaxial cable end comprising an exposed center conductor
extending from a
distal end, an exposed outer conductor extending over an axial portion
adjacent said exposed
center conductor and a dielectric layer disposed therebetween, said connector
comprising a
connector body having opposing first and second ends and a center passageway
defined
therethrough, said center passageway having a first diameter and a different
second diameter
linked by a transitional section. An insulator is disposed within the center
passageway adjacent
said first end of said connector, as well as a compression sleeve that is
movably connected to the
second end of the connector body. A clamp disposed in relation to said
compression sleeve is
mounted for axial movement within the center passageway, said clamp having an
external
surface in contact with the interior surface of said center passageway and an
internal surface that
is configured for engagement with the center conductor of an engaged cable
end. The connector
also includes a conductive member disposed in an axial opening of said
insulator, said
conductive member having means for seizing said center conductor, said
compression sleeve
being axially movable from said second end to said first end to cause said
clamp and said
conductive member to sequentially engage the outer and center conductors of
said cable and in
which seizure of said outer conductor occurs either before or after seizure of
said center
conductor.
[0010] In one version, the means for seizing the center conductor includes a
collet portion
provided at one end of the conductive member. The collet portion is made up of
a plurality of
flexible fingers, the collet portion being disposed outside of the insulator.
According to one
embodiment, the collet portion is defined by a transition diameter that is
tapered, this diameter
3
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
being greater than that of the insulator opening. A drive element disposed in
relation to the
clamp engages and causes the collet portion to be driven into the insulator
opening, closing the
collet portion and thereby seizing the center conductor.
[0011] In yet another version, the means for seizing the center conductor
includes a plurality
of spring contacts that are disposed within the hollow interior of the
conductive member. The
conductive member is disposed within the insulator opening such that the
center conductor is
seized when the cable end is advanced a predetermined distance therein. In the
instance of
coaxial cables having more than one center conductor, a plurality of
conductive pins are
provided, each having the seizing means.
[0012] The positioning of the transitional surface and the drive element are
arranged within
the connector body so as to stagger or sequentially permit seizure of either
the center conductor
or the outer conductors of a prepared coaxial cable end. For example, the
insulator can be
fixedly attached in one version in which the clamp engages the outer conductor
first and then the
inner conductor. In another version, the insulator is movably disposed to
permit seizure of the
inner conductor by the insulator and then permit the clamp to engage the outer
conductor.
[0013] The above compression connector design is applicable for use with
various types of
coaxial cable, including but not limited to spiral corrugated, corrugated and
smooth-walled
coaxial cables.
[0014] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a connector for a
coaxial cable end,
said coaxial cable end comprising an exposed center conductor extending from a
distal end, an
exposed outer conductor extending over an axial portion adjacent said exposed
center conductor
and a dielectric layer disposed therebetween, said connector comprising a
connector body having
opposing first and second ends and a center passageway defined therethrough,
said center
passageway having a first inner diameter and a different second inner diameter
linked by a
transitional section; an insulator disposed within said center passageway
adjacent said first end
of said connector; a compression sleeve movably connected to the second end of
said connector
body; a clamp disposed in relation to said compression sleeve and mounted for
axial movement
within said center passageway, said clamp having an external surface in
contact with the interior
surface of said center passageway and an internal surface that is configured
for engagement with
the center conductor of an engaged cable end; and a conductive member disposed
in an axial
opening of said insulator, said conductive member having means for seizing
said center
4
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
conductor, said compression sleeve being axially movable from said second end
to said first end
to cause said clamp and said conductive member to sequentially engage the
outer and center
conductors of said cable and in which seizure of said outer conductor occurs
either before or
after seizure of said center conductor; a conductive member disposed in an
axial opening of said
insulator, said conductive member including at least one seizing element for
seizing said center
conductor, said compression sleeve being axially movable from said second end
toward said first
end to cause said clamp and said at least one seizing element to sequentially
engage the outer
conductor and inner conductors of said coaxial cable.
[0015] According to yet another aspect, a coaxial cable connector for
terminating a prepared
coaxial cable end is provided, the connector comprising a connector body
having a center
passageway, a compression sleeve mounted for axial movement at one end of said
connector
body and an insulator disposed in said center passageway, said insulator being
disposed at an end
of said body opposite from said compression sleeve. Means are provided for
seizing an outer
conductor of said prepared cable end as well as means for seizing a center
conductor of said
prepared cable end, said means for seizing a center conductor including a
plurality of spring
contacts radially disposed within a conductive member, said conductive member
being disposed
within an opening of said insulator, said center conductor engaging said
spring contacts when
advanced a predetermined distance into said conductive member.
[0016] The spring contacts can include, for example, a series of leaf springs
equi-spaced
from one another and extending into the confines of the hollow conductive
member. In one
version, the conductive member is a conductive pin secured within an opening
of an insulator
that is fixedly mounted within one end of the center passageway.
[0017] In one version, one or more conductive pins can be provided, each
having spring
contacts thereby enabling a coaxial cable having multiple center conductors to
be seized.
[0018] In one version, the means for seizing the outer conductor includes a
clamp having
respective interior and exterior surfaces. The interior surface is annular and
configured to
engage the outer conductor layer of an engaged coaxial end, while the exterior
surface is
configured to engage the interior surface of the center passageway of the
connector body. The
center passageway is defined, according to this version, by adjacent axial
sections having
different internal diameters; namely, a first diameter adjacent a first end of
the body and a second
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
diameter which is smaller than the first diameter. The two internal diameters
are linked by a
transitional surface section, which is ramped or otherwise configured.
[0019] The clamp is caused to move axially based on corresponding axial
movement of the
compression sleeve toward the insulator. As the clamp encounters the
transitional surface
section, the clamp begins to compress, this compression being completed when
the clamp axially
traverses the second axial section. Preferably, the clamp includes a series of
slots enabling the
clamp to be compressed under the application of an inwardly applied radial
force, as caused by
the change in the center passageway diameters of the connector body.
[0020] The center conductor advances into the conductive pin as the cable end
is advanced
due to axial movement of the compression sleeve. The center conductor is
seized once advanced
a predetermined distance into the conductive pin, having encountered the
spring contacts.
[0021] As noted, the seizing engagement of each of the center and outer
conductors of an
engaged cable end can occur simultaneously or sequentially, wherein various
types of coaxial
cable can be utilized, including but not limited to spiral corrugated, annular
or otherwise
corrugated and smooth-walled coaxial cables.
[0022] According to yet another aspect, there is provided a coaxial cable
connector for
terminating a prepared coaxial cable end, said connector comprising a
connector body having a
center passageway, a compression sleeve mounted for axial movement at one end
of said
connector body, an insulator disposed in said center passageway, said
insulator being disposed at
an end of said body opposite from said compression sleeve; a clamp for seizing
an outer
conductor of said prepared cable end, a conductive member inserted into an
axial opening of said
insulator, said conductive member including a plurality of spring contacts
radially disposed in
relation to a conductive member wherein said center conductor engages said
contacts when
advanced a predetermined distance into said conductive member, thereby seizing
the center
conductor.
[0023] One advantage of the described coaxial connector is ease in manufacture
and cost.
Another advantage is that various coaxial cables can be used reliably.
6
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
[0024] Another advantage is that a compression connector has been developed in
which the
center conductor can be secured out of sequence with that of the ground, which
may be desirable
in some attachment situations. For example, in the instance the coaxial cable
were "live" at the
time of connection, such sequencing would be preferable.
[0025] Yet another advantage is that a drive element is no longer necessary,
such as those
required in the above-noted compression connector design having a collet
section that is driven
into the body of an insulator. As a result, the former drive element portion
can be integrated into
the insulator design.
[0026] A still further advantage realized by the herein described connector is
reduced
insertion (compression) force that is required relative to the center
conductor.
[0027] These and other features and advantages will become readily apparent
from the
following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Fig. 1(A) is a perspective view of a spiral corrugated coaxial cable
having an end
prepared for engagement with coaxial cable connector;
[0029] Fig. 1(B) is a perspective view of the spiral corrugated coaxial cable
of Fig. 1(A) with
a portion of the dielectric layer removed;
[0030] Fig. 1(C) is a perspective view of an annular corrugated coaxial cable
having an end
prepared for engagement with a coaxial cable connector;
[0031] Fig. 1(D) is a perspective view of a smooth-walled coaxial cable having
an end
prepared for engagement with a coaxial cable connector;
[0032] Fig. 1(E) is a perspective view of the smooth-walled coaxial cable of
Fig. 1(D) with a
portion of the dielectric layer removed;
[0033] Fig. 2 is a sectioned side perspective view of a coaxial cable
connector in accordance
with one exemplary embodiment, illustrating a coaxial cable of Fig. 1(B), the
connector being
shown in an initially compressed position;
[0034] Fig. 3 is a sectioned side perspective view of the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 1(B),
as shown in an intermediate engagement position;
7
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
[0035] Fig. 4 is the sectioned side perspective view of the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 2,
illustrating the connector in a fully engaged position;
[0036] Fig. 5 is an exploded assembly view of the coaxial cable connector of
Figs. 2-4;
[0037] Fig. 6 is a sectioned side perspective view of a coaxial cable
connector made in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the connector having a coaxial
cable end
installed as shown in Fig. 1(B), the conductor being shown in a partially
engaged position;
[0038] Fig. 7 is the side sectioned perspective view of the coaxial cable
connector of Fig. 6,
illustrated in an intermediate engaged position; and
[0039] Fig. 8 is the side sectioned perspective view of the coaxial cable
connector of Figs. 6
and 7, shown in a fully engaged portion;
[0040] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a coaxial cable connector made in
accordance with
another exemplary embodiment, the connector being shown prior to full
installation of the
coaxial cable; and
[0041] Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the coaxial cable connector of
Fig. 9,
illustrating the connector in a fully engaged position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The following description relates to certain exemplary embodiments of a
compression
conductor for use with various types of coaxial cable, including corrugated,
spiral corrugated and
smooth-walled coaxial cables. Throughout the course of this description,
various terms are used
in order to provide a suitable frame of reference with regard to the
accompanying drawings.
These terms, however, are not intended to constrict the definition or scope of
the present
invention, unless so specifically noted.
[0043] Turning to Figs. 1(A) - 1(E) and in order to provide a suitable
background, there are
depicted exemplary coaxial cables having cable ends that have been prepared
for installation into
a compression connector. Referring first to Fig. 1(A), an exemplary prepared
spiral corrugated
coaxial cable 10 is defined by a center conductor 18 that is surrounded by an
intermediate
dielectric layer 16. An outer insulative jacket 12 is cut away to expose an
axial section of a
corrugated conductor layer 14 consisting of a plurality of protrusions and
valleys formed in a
spiral configuration. This layer 14 is also known and referred to throughout
as the ground or
outer conductor layer. Both the spiral corrugated conductor layer 14 and a
portion of the
8
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
intermediate dielectric layer 16 are cut away at the distal end of the cable
10, exposing an axial
section of the exposed center conductor 18.
[0044] Another spiral corrugated coaxial cable 10' end is shown for
termination onto a
compression conductor in Fig. 1(B). In addition to the outer insulative jacket
12 being cut away
to expose an axial portion of the spiral corrugated conductor layer 14, the
intermediate dielectric
layer 16 is cored out leaving a hollow 58 extending beneath the outer
conductor layer after both
the corrugated conductor layer 14 and the dielectric layer 16 have been cut
away from the center
conductor 18.
[0045] Referring to Fig. 1(C), a non-spiral corrugated coaxial cable 10" is
shown prepared
for installation onto a compression conductor. This section of cable also
includes an outer
insulative jacket 12 that is cut away to expose an axial section of an outer
corrugated layer 14",
this layer being made up of a plurality of annular corrugations with valleys
or slots therebetween.
As in the preceding, the outer conductor layer 14" and intermediate dielectric
layer 16 are also
cut away to expose a center conductor 18 defining the distal end of the
prepared cable 10".
[0046] Fig. 1(D) illustrates a smooth-walled coaxial cable 10"' also defined
by an outer
insulative jacket 12 that is cut away to expose an outer conductor layer 14"',
the latter being
different than each of the preceding versions in that this layer is defined by
a smooth annular
surface having no corrugations. As in the preceding, the outer conductive
layer 14"' and the
intermediate dielectric layer 16 are each cut away at the distal end of the
cable to expose the
center conductor 18.
[0047] Fig. 1(E) depicts yet another smooth-walled coaxial cable version 10"".
Like the
preceding versions, the coaxial cable 10"" includes an outer insulative jacket
12, an outer
conductive layer 14" like that of Fig. 1(D), and a center conductor 18 in
which the intermediate
dielectric layer 16, Fig. 1(D), is cored to define a hollow 58. Each of the
foregoing cables are
described with a solid center conductor. However and as noted above, the
center conductor pin
can alternatively be hollow. Cables having either form of center conductor can
be used in
conjunction with this application.
[0048] Referring to Figs. 2-5, a compression connector 20 made in accordance
with a first
embodiment is shown in a partially compressed position, the connector being
defined by a body
22 having a nut 24 that is rotatably secured to one end 41 of the body
according to this
embodiment via an annular flange 26. An insulator 28 that is disposed within a
defined center
9
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
cavity or passageway 23 of the compression body 22 adjacent to the distal end
41 positions and
retains a conductive pin 30 within a defined opening 56. The insulator 28 is
fixedly disposed
within the center passageway 23 according to this embodiment wherein an
annular shoulder 47
engages the top surface of a cylindrical retaining section 27 of the connector
body 22, the
retaining section having a defined bore into which a distal portion of the
insulator is snugly
fitted.
[0049] At least a portion of the conductive pin 30 is hollow, the pin being
defined by a pin
portion 32 and a collet portion 34 at opposing ends, the pin extending through
the insulator
opening 56 with the collet portion 34 extending outwardly from the insulator
28. The collet
portion 34 includes a set of electrically conductive contacts surrounded by a
plurality of flexible
finger sections or tines. A drive insulator or mandrel 36 is positioned for
axial movement within
the center passageway 23 between the collet portion 34 and a clamp 38, the
mandrel having a
through opening 37 that is axially aligned with the insulator opening 56.
[0050] In this version, the mandrel 36 includes a surface facing the proximal
body end 42
that is essentially planar such that this surface can engage the dielectric
layer 16 of an inserted
cable end 10, Fig. 1(A), and the clamp 38. In an alternate version, such as
when a cable 10", Fig.
1(B), is used, the surface of the mandrel 36 can include an extending portion
(not shown) that is
sized to extend into the hollow 58 of the cable.
[0051] In terms of assembly, the clamp 38 is positioned proximally from the
drive mandrel
36 and is defined by a body made from a compliant material and having an
interior annular
surface 45 that is geometrically congruent to that of the spiral corrugations
of the outer conductor
layer 14 of the coaxial cable 10. That is, the interior annular surface 45 is
defined by a plurality
of protrusions and notches formed in a spiral configuration matching those of
the outer conductor
layer 14 of the coaxial cable 10. Referring to the exploded view of Fig. 5, a
plurality of slots 39
are formed in an outer annular portion of the clamp, thereby permitting the
clamp 38 to be
compressed or squeezed radially inward under the application of an inwardly
directed radial
force. The clamp 38 is fitted within the center passageway 23 of the body 22
such that the outer
annular surface 43 of the clamp is in intimate contact with the interior
surface of the body 22, but
allowing for axial movement thereof.
[0052] The compression sleeve 40 is defined by an exterior portion formed over
an axial
section of the connector body 22, as well as an extending drive portion 44
that engages into the
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
connector 20 against an annular flange 46 of a drive ring 48, the latter being
fitted between the
clamp 38 and the compression sleeve and including an annular slot sized to
receive the periphery
of the connector body 22. An annular seal element 50 made preferably from an
elastomer fits
snugly against the outer insulative jacket 12 of the prepared coaxial cable 10
during installation
to prevent external environmental influences (i.e., moisture, grit, etc.) from
entering the interior
of the compression connector 10.
[0053] Referring to Fig. 2, the end of the prepared spiral corrugated coaxial
cable 10, Fig.
1(A), is initially inserted into an opening 54 on the proximal end 42 of the
connector 20 and into
the center passageway 23 of the body 22 using a compression tool (not shown).
During this
initial insertion, the spiral corrugated cable 10 is initially twisted as it
is inserted such that the
spirals on the outer conductor layer 14 fit into the spirals in the interior
annular portion of the
clamp 38. At the same time, sufficient axial displacement has occurred in the
direction shown by
arrow a, permitting the center conductor 18 to advance along the central
passageway 23, through
the opening 37 in the mandrel 36 and into the collet portion 34 of the
extending hollow
conductive pin 30.
[0054] It should be noted that the connector 20 is retained in a fixed and
immovable position
while the compression tool is in engagement therewith and during the time
compressive force is
applied in the direction shown by arrow a. Compression tool designs are known
in the field to
accomplish this type of stabilization and do not form an essential part of the
present invention.
[0055] Referring to Fig. 3 and following initial engagement, the clamp 38
advances axially
per the direction shown by arrow a into the transitional surface area 52 of
the connector body 22
and subsequently the smaller interior diameter of the center passageway 23.
Due to the inclusion
of the formed slots 39, Fig. 5, and by also manufacturing the clamp 38 from a
relatively
compliant material, the clamp is able to maintain contact with the interior
surface of the
connector body 22 and to elastically inwardly (radially) compress with respect
to the primary
axis of the body. This compression causes the interior annular surface 45 of
the clamp 38 to
engage directly or seize against the spirals of the outer conductor layer 14.
[0056] As shown in Fig. 4, further movement of the compression sleeve 40 and
clamp 38
causes the drive mandrel 36 to axially advance in the direction shown by arrow
a. This
movement engages the distal surface of the mandrel 36 directly against the end
of the collet
section 34, causing the collet portion of the hollow conductive pin 30 to also
axially advance into
11
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
the defined opening 56 of the fixedly mounted insulator 38. Because the
diameter of the
insulator opening 56 is smaller than the outer diameter of the ramped exterior
surface 35 of the
collet portion 34, this axial movement causes the electrical contacts disposed
within the flexible
finger sections of the collet portion 34 to radially squeeze onto and
permanently seize the center
conductor 18 as shown in Fig. 4. Because the exposed center conductor 18 of
the prepared cable
end 10, Fig. 1(A), has already advanced into the conductive pin 30, the
conductor does not move
axially relative to the pin during this phase of the clamping or seizing
process.
[0057] Figs. 6-8 depict an alternative embodiment of a compact compression
connector 220
made in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the center
conductor 18 of a
prepared cable end 10, Fig. 1(A), is seized in advance of the outer conductive
layer 14.
[0058] The compression connector 220 according to this embodiment is defined
by a body
222 that includes a center cavity or passageway 223, the body having adjacent
axial sections with
different interior diameters that are separated by a transitional section or
area 252. This
transitional area 252 can be defined by a ramped, convex, concave or other
shaped configuration
that provides gradual demarcation. The connector 220 further includes a nut
224 rotatably
secured to a distal end 241 of the body 222 by means of an annular flange 226.
It should be
noted that the nut is used on the end 241 of the connector, though it will be
readily apparent that
other means could be provided for securing same (not shown). An insulator 228
disposed within
the center passageway 223 of the connector body 222 positions and holds a
hollow conductive
pin 230 within a defined opening 256. In this version, the insulator 228 is
movably supported
within the center passageway 223, wherein an annular shoulder 247 of the
insulator is in spaced
axial relation to a cylindrical retaining section 227 of the connector body
222, the retaining
section having a defined bore that is sized snugly to receive a distal portion
of the insulator.
[0059] The hollow conductive pin 230 includes a pin portion 232 and a collet
portion 234 at
opposing ends, the collet portion being made up of a set of electrical
contacts disposed within a
plurality of flexible finger sections or tines extending outwardly through the
insulator opening
256. A drive insulator or mandrel 236 is positioned within the center
passageway 223 between
an end of the collet portion 234 and a clamp 238, the mandrel having a through
opening 237 that
is axially aligned with the insulator opening 256. The mandrel 236 can include
a proximal
surface that includes an extending portion sized to engage a hollow 58, Fig.
1(B), of a cored
12
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
cable end or as per this embodiment, the mandrel includes a substantial planar
distal surface that
engages the intermediate dielectric layer 16, Fig. 1(A), and clamp 238, as
described below.
[0060] The clamp 238 is defined by an interior annular surface 245 that is
geometrically
congruent to the spiral corrugations of the outer conductor layer 14 of the
coaxial cable 10, Fig.
1(A). As in the preceding, the clamp 238 also preferably includes a plurality
of slots (not shown)
that are formed in an outer annular portion of the clamp, such that the clamp
238 can be
compressed or squeezed radially inward, the outer annular portion being
initially fitted in
intimate contact with the interior surface of the body 222. A compression
sleeve 240 is attached
to the opposite end 242 of the body 222, the sleeve being configured for axial
movement along
with the clamp 238 and an annular elastomeric seal element 250.
[0061] The compression sleeve 240 includes a drive portion 244 that fits
against an annular
flange 246 of a drive ring 248 fitted between the clamp 238 and the
compression sleeve. As in
the previous version, the annular elastomeric seal element 250 fits snugly
against the outer
insulative jacket 12 of the corrugated coaxial cable 10 during installation
thereof in order to
prevent external environmental influences (i.e., moisture, grit, etc.) from
entering the interior of
the compression connector 10.
[0062] Referring to Fig. 6 and in operation, the prepared end of a coaxial
cable 10, Fig. 1(B),
is inserted initially by means of a compression tool (not shown) into the
opening 254 of the
compression connector 220 but prior to full installation of the cable 10
within the connector. As
in the preceding, the engaged spiral corrugated cable 10, Fig. 1(A), must
initially be twisted in
order to align the outer conductor layer 14 with the features of the interior
annular surface 245 of
the clamp 238. However and in this embodiment and due to the spacing of the
components, the
exposed center conductor 18 extends through the opening 237 of the drive
insulator 236 and fits
within the collet portion 234 of the conductive pin 230 at this stage. The
collet portion 234
surrounds the center conductor 18, but does not yet seize the center conductor
18 while in this
position.
[0063] Referring to Fig. 7, a compression tool (not shown) then axially
advances the
compression sleeve 240 by known means along the body 222 in the direction
shown by arrow a,
such that clamp 236 and drive mandrel 236 each translate toward the distal end
241 of the
connector body 222, causing the drive mandrel to impinge against the collet
portion 234 and
forcing the collet portion into the insulator opening 256. Due to the tapered
transition surface
13
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
235 of the flexible collet portion 234, the conductive electrical contacts
within the collet portion
are caused to close as the flexible fingers are acted upon by the insulator
opening, permanently
engaging the contacts with the exposed center insulator 18 and seizing same.
In this
embodiment, the clamp 238 has not yet reached the transitional area 252 of the
connector body
222, and therefore the clamp 238 has not yet seized the outer conductor layer
14. Referring to
Fig. 8, and as the clamp 238 reaches the transitional area 252, the clamp is
caused to compress
based on the slots and the compliant nature of the connector body, wherein the
interior annular
surface 245 engages or seizes the outer corrugated conductor layer 14 of the
prepared cable end.
In the meantime, the insulator 228 is caused to axially translate along with
the drive element 236
and clamp 238 until the annular shoulder 247 engages the top surface of the
cylindrical retaining
section 227, fixing the insulator in place.
[0064] Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, there is shown a coaxial cable connector
made in
accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment.
[0065] The compression connector 320 according to this specific embodiment is
defined
by a connector body 322 having a nut 324 rotatably attached to a distal end
341 of the body by
means of an exterior annular flange 326. For purposes of this discussion and
for the sake of
convenience, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are used in connection with
opposing ends of the
connector body 322. All components used in conjunction with this connector 320
therefore refer
to distal or proximal aspects based on the preceding usage. The connector body
322 according to
this version is defined by a center cavity or passageway 323 that retains an
insulator 328, the
latter being fixedly mounted within a distal body end 341 adjacent the annular
flange 326. The
insulator 328 in this specific version is fixedly secured to the connector
body 322 by means of an
annular shoulder 347 that engages the top surface of a cylindrical retaining
section 327 of the
connector body. According to this embodiment, the insulator 328 is further
defined by a center
opening 356 that positions and retains a hollow conductive pin 330 having a
pin portion 332 at
one end and a hollow portion 333 at an opposite or proximal end. The hollow
portion 333
includes at least one seizing element 334. According to this specific
embodiment, a plurality of
seizing elements 334, such as leaf springs, each radially inwardly extending
into the opening
defined by the conductive pin 330, the spring contacts being circumferentially
disposed. Three
or more spring contacts are preferably provided.
14
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
[0066] A drive insulator or mandrel 336 having an axial through opening 337 is
also
positioned within the center passageway 323 of the conductor body 322 between
the insulator
328 and a clamp 338 initially disposed in relation to a proximal end 342 of
the connector body
322. The clamp 338 according to this embodiment is defined by a cylindrical
member having an
interior annular surface 345 including a spirally wound configuration,
matching that of the spiral
corrugated outer conductor layer 14 of a prepared coaxial cable 10. The clamp
338 includes a
plurality of protrusions sized to engage the spiral slots formed in the outer
cable conductor layer
14. The clamp 338 includes a plurality of slots (not shown) formed on an outer
annular portion
343, enabling the clamp to be radially compressed.
[0067] The connector body 322 is defined by a transitional surface section
352, the
section being ramped or otherwise configured and linking the first interior
diameter of the central
passageway 323 with the second smaller diameter. A compression sleeve 340 is
attached over
the end 342 of the body 322 wherein a drive portion 344 of the sleeve fits
against an annular
flange 346 of a drive ring 348 for engagement therewith. The compression
sleeve 340 further
includes an annular slot that is sized to fit the periphery of the connector
body 322. An annular
elastomeric seal element 350 fits against the insulative outer jacket 14 of
the prepared spiral
corrugated coaxial cable 10 during termination of the cable. This seal element
350 prevents
ingress of moisture or particulate matter into the interior of the connector
320 while further
providing strain relief for the cable and increased cable retention in the
connector, the seal
element being axially movable, a proximal edge of the seal element being in
abutting relation
with an annular edge surface of the compression sleeve 340.
[0068] When the prepared spiral corrugated coaxial cable 10 is inserted into
an opening
354 of the exemplary connector 320, the cable 10 is initially twisted such
that the protrusions of
the clamp 338 are fitted within the spirally wound slots of the outer
conductor layer 14, as in the
preceding prior art version. In the meantime, the exposed center conductor 18
is axially
advanced through the center passageway 323 and through the opening 337 formed
in the drive
mandrel 336, which is sized to accommodate same. As the compression sleeve 340
is advanced
in the axial direction shown by arrow a by a tool (not shown), the outer
annular surface 343 of
the clamp 338 initially moves also the first internal diameter of the
connector body 322 and
engages the transitional surface section 352. This engagement causes the clamp
338 to begin to
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
compress radially inward based on the reduction in diameter and the slots
provided in the clamp
wherein this compression continues until the clamp advances to the second
inner diameter, and
in which inward compressive forces are caused to act upon the outer conductive
layer 14, Fig.
10, of the cable end, seizing same The continued axial movement, shown by
arrow a in Fig. 10,
advances the mandrel 336 toward the insulator 328 wherein the center conductor
18 is advanced
into the confines of the hollow conductive pin 330. Unlike the previous
version, the conductive
pin 330 according to this embodiment is fixedly attached within the insulator
opening 356.
Therefore, the center conductor 18 continues to axially advance until the
spring contacts 334 are
encountered. When the center conductor 18 has been advanced a predetermined
axial distance,
the spring contacts 334 directly engage and seize the center conductor 18. No
additional
compression or movement relative to the insulator 328 is required. As a result
of the foregoing
and since a drive element is not necessary in this design, the insulator 328
and the mandrel 336
can be made from a single component (not shown) as opposed to requiring
individual
components.
[0069] Seizure of the center conductor 18 and the outer conductor layer 14 of
the coaxial
cable 10 can be done nearly simultaneously based on the spacing of the
transitional surface
section 352 and the entrance end of the conductive pin 330 and incoming cable
end or the
relative spacings between the center conductor 18 and the spiral corrugated
outer layer 14 can be
suitably configured to provide simultaneous or delayed seizure (i.e., seizure
of either the outer
conductor 14 or the inner conductor 18 first relative to the outer conductor).
It should be noted
in passing, however, that the insulator 328 can be movably attached to the
connector body 322
and offset axially (proximally) from the cylindrical retaining section 327
and/or the transitional
surface section 352 can be located such that the above seizure can occur
sequentially or in a
staggered or delayed fashion.
[0070] Other versions can be contemplated embodying the herein described
concept. For
example, prepared ends of other types of coaxial cable having center and outer
conductors can be
terminated by means of the herein described connector design, including other
corrugated (non-
spiral) and smooth-walled cable ends. Twisting would not be required using
either of these types
of cables requiring direct axial movement alone in which a radially acting
clamp seizes the outer
conductor and the center conductor is seized by means of the spring contacts.
Moreover, other
16
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
means could be contemplated in which the outer conductor could be seized. For
example, a two-
part or two-stage connector could embody seizing contacts, such as those
described in U.S.
Patent No. 7,458,851, by way of example.
[0071] As noted, other forms of coaxial cable can be utilized for use with the
compression
connector described herein. That is, smooth-walled and/or other corrugated
coaxial cables can
be used with clamp designs configured for seizing the outer conductor layer 14
of the cable 10.
[0072] In addition to the foregoing and also in combination therewith, the
herein described
compression connector can be used with still other coaxial cable
configurations. For example,
the fixed insulator and drive mandrel can each include multiple axial aligned
openings in order to
accommodate a prepared coaxial cable end having multiple center conductors.
According to this
version, annular and other forms of corrugated and smooth-walled coaxial
cables can also have
each of their outer and respective center conductors seized sequentially.
17
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
Parts List for Figs. 1-10
coaxial cable
10' coaxial cable
10" coaxial cable
10"' coaxial cable
10"" coaxial cable
12 outer jacket
14 spiral corrugated conductor layer
16 dielectric layer
18 outer conductor
compression conductor
24 body
26 annular flange
27 cylindrical retaining section
28 insulator
conductive pin
32 pin portion
34 collet portion
36 drive insulator or mandrel
37 opening, mandrel
38 clamp
39 slots
compression sleeve
41 end, distal
42 end, proximal
43 external surface, clamp
44 drive portion
internal surface, clamp
46 annular flange
47 annular shoulder
48 drive ring
elastomeric seal element
52 transitional surface
54 opening
56 opening, insulator
58 hollow
320 compression connector
324 body, connector
326 annular flange
327 cylindrical retaining section
328 insulator
330 conductive pin
332 pin portion
334 collet portion
336 drive insulator or mandrel
18
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
337 opening, mandrel
338 clamp
339 slots
340 compression sleeve
341 end, distal
342 end, proximal
343 external surface, clamp
344 drive portion
345 internal surface, clamp
346 annular flange
347 annular shoulder
348 drive ring
350 elastomeric seal element
352 transitional surface
354 opening
356 opening, insulator
320 connector, coaxial cable, compression
322 body, connector
323 center passageway, body
324 nut
326 annular flange
327 cylindrical retaining section
328 insulator
330 conductive pin
332 pin portion
334 seizing element(s)
336 drive insulator or mandrel
337 opening, mandrel
338 clamp
339 slots
340 sleeve, compression
341 end, body
342 end, body
343 outer annular portion, clamp
344 drive portion
345 interior surface, clamp
346 annular flange
347 annular shoulder
348 drive ring
350 elastomeric seal element
352 transitional surface section
354 opening, body
356 opening, insulator
a direction of axial movement
19
CA 02762138 2011-11-16
WO 2010/117890 PCT/US2010/029725
[0073] It will be readily apparent that still other variations and
modifications are possible
within the intended ambits of the present invention. For example, coaxial
cables having a
plurality of center or inner conductors could have these conductors
effectively seized using a
corresponding number of seizing elements disposed within the insulator 228
using a plurality of
conductive pins. Other variations will become readily apparent from the
following claims.
