US3474391A - Coaxial connector - Google Patents

Description

UCL 2l 1969 D. G. GARTZKE ETAL.

coAxIAL CONNECTOR Filed Aug, 22, 1966 4 mw @www MMI, y., x mmm :I @MPH Om. im lili \.m.

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gawmmmw United States Patent O U.S. Cl. 339-103 8 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE Connector for radio frequency transmission lines adapted to be secured to the lines either by crimping of a. sleeve or by tightening a threaded clamping nut.

This invention relates to coaxial connectors and more particularly to the means for connecting coaxial transmission lines thereto.

In general present coaxial connectors are designed so that a coaxial transmission line may be attached thereto in only one predetermined manner. For the connector to accept a coaxial transmission line in another manner of attachment, it is often necessary to redesign the connector resulting in changed electrical characteristics therefor. Thus, where a coaxial connector is being used in prototype construction, the same connector may not be used in production construction wherein a different manner of connection i-s required thereby giving rise to design problems in the possible differing electrical characteristics of the two connectors. The requirement that only a like connector m-ay .be substituted for another connector also gives rise to problems in iield usage. In production construction, crirnping of the cable to the connector is generally used since it provides significant cost savings. However, when a breakdown occurs in eld usage requiring replacement of the connector, specialized crimping tools must be used to connect the new connector. Such tools are not always available.

Accordingly it is one object of the present invention to provide a coaxial connector wherein connection of a coaxial transmission line may be made thereto in more than one manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a coaxial connector wherein connection of a coaxial line may be made thereto either by crimping or by clamping.

It is another object of the present invention to -provide a coaxial connector wherein a coaxial transmission line may be connected thereto either by crimping or by clamping.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a coaxial connector wherein the stripping dimensions of the coaxial transmission line utilized for attaching the transmission line to the connector may be identical, whether the connector is to be attached by crimping or by clamping.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a coaxial connector wherein a coaxial transmission line is clamped thereto by members acting in circumferential inclined plane relationship.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a coaxial connector having improved means for attaching a coaxial transmission line thereto.

Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent as the detailed description proceeds.

These objects are attained by providing on the rearward end of the coaxial connector body a reduced portion adapted to extend between the outer conductor and the insulation surrounding the inner conductor of a coaxial cable, with a sleeve adapted to be compressed thereover. The sleeve may be crimped to form the connection. Adjacent the reduced portion of the body is a reduced,

shouldered portion adapted to peripherally receive the end of a threaded sleeve. A nut is threaded therein and has means which bears against a sleeve to tighten it around the conductor. The threaded sleeve and related structure is employed in lieu of the crimped sleeve.

Further understanding of the present invention may best be obtained from consideration of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE l is a cross sectional diagram of the female half of a coaxial connector with an embodiment of the present invention contained therein prior to assembly.

FIGURE 2 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIGURE l in assembled form.

FIGURE 3 is a cross section of the apparatus of FIG- URE 2 taken along lines 3-3 thereof.

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional diagram of the female half of a coaxial connector with another embodiment of the present invention assembled therewith.

In FIGURE l a coaxial transmission line 10 is shown stripped so that the central conductor 12 thereof projects beyond the dielectric material 14 which in turn projects beyond the outer conductor 16. The central conductor 12 of the coaxial transmission line 10 is shown attached by conventional means to a conventional contact 18 which in turn is insertable within the coaxial connector 20 where it is held by resilient dielectric member 22. The coaxial transmission line 10 is shown in FIGURE 1 prior to its insertion in and connection to the coaxial connector 20.

The embodiment shown in FIGURE l is adapted for clamping of the coaxial transmission line 10 to the coaxial connector 20. The body or Ishell 24 of coaxial connector 20 is provided with a rearwardly extending portion 26 forming a shoulder with the body 24 and a rearwardly extending tubular sleeve 28 forming a shoulder with the reduced portion 26. The sleeve 28 of member 24 has circumferential grooves 30 cut in its outer surface, and has a passage therethrough internally sized to accept the central conductor 12 and dielectric material 14 therearound of coaxial line 10.

To effect clamping of the coaxial transmission line 10 to the coaxial connector 20, an outer sleeve 32 is mounted on the reduced portion 26 of member 24 in lixed relationship with respect thereto. This may be accomplished by any suitable means such ,as threading, brazing, welding or the like. The sleeve 32 is internally threaded at the end 34 thereof. A deformable clamping ferrule 36 is disposed about the outer conductor 16 of coaxial transmission line 10 and is internally sized to accept the outer conductor 16 when it is disposed about the sleeve 28. The clamping ferrule 36, as shown in FIGURE 3, is of split-ring form comprised of a forward portion 37 which is essentially coaxial with the transmission line 10 and split through only at 35, and a tapered rearward portion which tapers inwardly therefrom and is partially split at 38 to form separate jaws 39. A cam ring 40 of external diameter to permit the passage thereof within sleeve 32 has internally tapered end portions 42, either of which is engageable with the tapered jaws 39 of sleeve 34. A hollow clamping nut 44 is disposed about transmission line 10 and is externally sized and threaded so as to be engageable with the threaded portion 34 of sleeve 32.

In operation, the apparatus of FIGURE l operates to clamp the coaxial transmission line 10 to the coaxial connector 20 as shown in FIGURE 2. To effect such clamping, nut 44 is screwed inwardly to engage the cam ring 40 and compress the tapering jaws 39 of ferrule 36. Cam ring 40 will impart a radial compression force on ferrule 36 which in turn imparts a radially compressive force on the outer conductor 16 of coaxial transmission line 10. Since at this time the outer conductor 16 of coaxial transmission line is disposed about the sleeve portion 28 of rearwardly extending member 24, the radially inward pressure will cause the outer conductor 16 to be held in gripping relationship with the circumferential grooves 30 cut therein.

If a waterproof seal of the coaxial connection is desired, a soft sealing gasket 46 is inserted about the coaxial transmission line 10` between the nut 44 and the rearward end of cam ring 40. It is preferred that the soft sealing gasket 46 have a groove 48 molded therein. Thus, upon forceful engagement, the cam ring 40 will penetrate the gasket 46 to effect an outer compressive seal between the cam ring 40, nut 44 and the inner walls of sleeve 32, and an inner seal between caxn ring 40, nut 44, and the outer insulation 52 of coaxial line 10.

The aforedescribed apparatus has been for the clamping of a coaxial transmission line 10 to the connector 20. To effect a crimped connection of coaxial line 10 to the coaxial connector 20, the apparatus shown in FIG- URE 4 is used therewith. The stripping dimensions of the coaxial transmission line 10 remain the same for the apparatus of FIGURE 4 as for the apparatus of FIGURES 1 through 3. The central conductor 12 of coaxial transmission line 10 is mounted in the same manner as shown for FIGURE l. The stripped outer conductor 16 of the coaxial transmission line 10, as in FIGURE 1, is expanded and axially advanced so that it is disposed about the sleeve 28 of the rearwardly extending member 24. A deformable ferrule 54 is disposed about the outer conductor 16 and is crimped using a conventional crimping tool so that the outer conductor 16 is brought into gripping relationship with the circumferential grooves 30 cut in the sleeve 28 of rearwardly extending member 24. A soft sealing gasket 56 is disposed about the ferrule 52 so as to effect a waterproof seal.

The threaded end 23 of member 24 secures a mating connector thereto.

Thus, using the same connector body, it is apparent that both a clamp type connection and a crimp type connection may be effected therewith according to the present invention without changing the electrical characteristics of the coaxial connector.

Persons skilled in the art will, of course, readily adapt the teachings of the present invention to embodiments far different than those described and illustrated above.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In a coaxial connector for joining coaxial transmission lines, a rearwardly extending hollow body member comprising a first reduced portion forming a shoulder with said body member and integral therewith and a second reduced portion forming a shoulder with said first reduced portion, said second reduced portion being integral with said first reduced portion and sized to accept therearound the external conductor of said transmission line in crimpable relation therewith, said rearwardly extending member being internally sized to accept the central conductor and dielectric material therearound of said transmission line, means for compressing the outer conductor of said transmission line into gripping relation with said second reduced portion and means spaced forwardly of said reduced portions shaped to secure a mating connector to said body member, said first reduced shoulderforming portion being sized and shaped to receive a sleeve means for accommodation of a thr-eaded tightening means forming said compressing means when it is desired to employ this form of compressing means in lieu of crimping.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein said compressing means comprise a sleeve crimped over the outer conductor of said transmission line to hold said outer conductor in gripping relation with said second reduced portion.

3. In a coaxial connector for joining coaxial transmission lines, a rearwardly extending hollow member integral with said connector and comprising a first reduced portion forming a shoulder with said connector and a second reduced portion forming a shoulder with said first reduced portion, said second reduced portion being sized to accept therearound the external conductor of said transmission line, said rearwardly extending member being internally sized to accept the central conductor and dielectric material therearound of said transmission line, and means for compressing the outer conductor of said transmission line into gripping relation with said second reduced portion, said compressing means comprising a deformable first sleeve coaxially disposed about the outer conductor of said transmission line, a second sleeve coaxial with said first sleeve, said first and second sleeves being externally and internally sized respectively to permit inclined surface engagement therebetween upon relative axial motion thereof to force said first sleeve in radial pressure contact with said outer conductor of said transmission line, a third sleeve coaxially mounted on said first reduced portion and extending therefrom about said second sleeve, and means engageable with said third sleeve for imparting axial motion to said second sleeve whereby said outer conductor is held by said first sleeve in gripping relationship with said first reduced portion.

4. In a coaxial connector for joining coaxial transmission lines, a rearwardly extending hollow body member having an integral reduced portion forming a shoulder about said hollow body member and a mounting surface portion about said hollow body member sized and shaped to receive gripping means including a sleeve member spaced about said reduced portion for accommodation of a threaded tightening menas to compress a sleeve against the outer conductor of said transmission line into gripping relation with said reduced portion, said reduced portion .being sized to accept therearound the external conductor of said transmission line for reception therearound of a crimpable sleeve if desired as an alternative gripping means, said rearwardly -extending member being internally sized to accept the central conductor and dielectric material therearound of said transmission line, said gripping means including at least one deformable ferrule for compressing the outer conductor of said transmission line into gripping relation with said reduced portion and means spaced forwardly of said reduced portion and said mounting surface shaped to secure a mating connector to said body member.

5. In a coaxial connector for joining coaxial transmission lines, a hollow member forming a connector body having a portion reduced in size rearwardly extending therefrom and being coaxial therewith and connected integrally thereto, said member being internally sized to accept the inner conductor and dielectric material therearound of said transmission line and externally sized to accept therearound the external conductor of said transmission line, a deformable first sleeve coaxially disposed about the outer conductor of said transmission line, a second sleeve coaxial with said first sleeve, said first and second sleeves being externally and internally sized respectively to permit inclined surface engagement therebetween upon relative axial motion thereof to deform said first sleeve in radial pressure contact with said outer conductor of said transmission line, and means for imparting axial motion to said second sleeve whereby said outer conductor is held by said first sleeve in gripping relationship with said hollow member.

6. 'In a coaxial connector for joining coaxial transmission lines, a hollow member forming a connector body having la portion of reduced size rearwardly extending therefrom and being coaxial therewith and connected integrally thereto, said member being internally sized to accept the inner conductor and dielectric lmaterial therearound of said transmission line and externally sized to accept therearound the external conductor of said transmission line, a first sleeve coaxially disposed about the outer conductor of said transmission line and having externally and internally a tapering end portion, a second sleeve coaxial with said first sleeve and internally having .a tapered end portion engageable with said external tapered end portion of said first sleeve, said second sleeve being internally `sized to deform upon engagement therewith with said first sleeve in radial pressure contact with said outer conductor of said transmission line, and means for imparting axial motion to said second -sleeve to engage said first sleeve and hold said outer conductor in gripping relationship with said hollow member.

7. In a coaxial connector for joining coaxial transmission lines, a first hollow member forming a connector body having la portion reduced in size rearwardly extending therefrom and being coaxial therewith and connected integrally thereto, said first member being internally sized to accept the inner conductor and dielectric material therearound the external `conductor of said transmission line, said first member further having circumferential grooves externally cut therein, a deformable first sleeve coaxially disposed about the outer conductor of said transmission line and tapering externally and internally at the end portion thereof remote from said connector, said first sleeve further having a longitudinal slot cut therein, a second sleeve coaxial with said first sleeve and internally having a tapered end portion engageable with said external tapered end portion of said first sleeve, said second sleeve being internally sized to deform upon engagement therewith said first sleeve in radial pressure contact with said outer conductor of said transmission line, a third sleeve coaxially mounted on said connector rearwardly extending therefrom and having internal threads cut therein, a second hollow member coaxially disposed about said transmission line and having external threads thereon engageable with said threaded portion of said third sleeve, said second member engageable with said second sleeve to transmit axial motion thereto upon rotation of said second member whereby said second sleeve engages said first sleeve and said outer conductor is held in gripping relationship with said hollow member about the grooves therein.

8. In a coaxial connector for joining coaxial tran-smission lines, a, rearwardly extending first hollow member integral with said connector and comprising a first reduced portion forming a shoulder with said connector and a second reduced portion forming a shoulder with said first reduced portion, said second reduced portion having circumferential grooves cut therein and sized to accept therearound the external conductor of said transmission line, said rearwardly extending portion being internally sized to accept the central conductor and dielectric material therearound of said transmission line, a deformable first sleeve coaxially disposed about the outer conductor of said transmission line and tapering externally and internally at the end portion thereof remote from said connector, said fir-st sleeve further having a slot cut therethrough along the length thereof and three slots cut therethrough along the length of the tapering portion thereof, each of said slots being circumferentially equipositioned with respect to each other, a second sleeve coaxial with said first sleeve and internally having a tapered end portion engageable with said external tapered end portion of said first sleeve, said second sleeve being internally sized to force upon relative axial motion thereof said rst sleeve in radial pressure contact with said outer conductor of said transmission line, a third sleeve coaxially mounted on said first reduced portion and extending therefrom with internal threads cut therein, a second hollow member coaxially disposed about said transmission line and having external threads thereon engageable with said threaded portion of said third sleeve, said second member being engageable with said second sleeve to transmit axial motion thereto upon rotation of said second member, said second sleeve engaging said first sleeve to hold said outer conductor in gripping relationship with said hollow member about the grooves therein.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,425,834 8/ 1947 Salisbury 339-89 X 2,449,983 9/1948 Devol 339-89 X 3,074,045 1/ 1963 Overholser 339-177 3,107,135 10/1963 Keil 339-94 X 3,192,308 6/1965 Van Horssen et al. 339-177 X 3,292,136 12/1966 Somerset 339-177 3,297,979 1/ 1967 OKeefe et al 339-89 X RICHARD E. MOORE, Primary Examiner U.S. C1. XR.

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